One of the areas that the church has been strong in its teaching is man's need for righteousness, which is definitely needed, but in doing so it tends to lean heavy on ones weaknesses, failures and inability to please God. Even a large majority of hymns tend to speak only of victory, freedom, peace and rest in the after life rather than in this life. Many of the more modern contemporary Christian songs also tend to focus on the struggles of this life; the difficulties of becoming a better Christian; confessing ones lack, which is basically the "woe is me" syndrome. These things have filled many believers with guilt, condemnation as well as having feelings of inferiority. This is what is known as "sin consciousness." Sin consciousness is a product of pastors and teachers who constantly preach and teach that believers will always be sinful. It's a product of song writers whose lyrics, whether old or new, are contrary to scripture and the reality of what believers have and have become through Christ.
The following is one of many facts presented in the Bible concerning what the believer has and has become through their faith in Christ...
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
First we see that the believer is a "New Creation." This means that his spirit which was dead is now made alive with the very nature of God. The apostle Paul tells us that "we were dead in trespasses, but made alive together with Christ." (Ephesians 2:5) In the same way that Jesus was made alive and became a new creation after He satisfied justice by taking all of mans sin upon Himself believers also have become new creations. Next we see that "old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." This means exactly what is says. The old sin nature has passed away. Believers are not dealing with a dual nature.
Unfortunately, many pastors and teachers tell people that they still have the old sin nature within them based on Romans chapter seven. However, the apostle Paul was explaining what a person under the law was dealing with not a born again believer who is a product of God's grace. Remember it was the apostle Paul who said, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:24) Does this sound like a believer who had a dual nature, one of sin and one of righteousness? Not at all! But this is where the problem lies. Teaching believers that they have two natures would mean that they would have God's nature and the devils nature in the same temple. What utter nonsense this teaching is. It is a total contradiction of 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." No wonder so many believers are under guilt, condemnation as well as having feelings of inferiority.
At this point we need to have some clearer understanding of a problem that a new believer faces, but one that has already be solved by God. When one becomes born again, it is their spirit that becomes a new creation not their soul (mind, will and emotions) or their flesh. Until one is born again their soul has been manipulated by and under the desires of the flesh and still wants to follow fleshly impulses. So what did God do to correct this dilemma? He has given us His Word. This is why it is so very important for believers to read, study and meditate on God's Word daily. The apostle Paul tells us, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2) and "be renewed in the spirit of your mind." (Ephesians 4:23) In other words a mind renewed with God's Word becomes subject to the newly created spirit and not the old corrupt flesh. It is just that simple.
The apostle Paul and the writer of Hebrews dealt with believers who confessed Christ but never really did anything more with their new life, "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?"
(1 Corinthians 3:1-3) and "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:12-14) Let's not be naive and prideful, there are far to many believers in the church today who are carnal. I am not only referring to new believers who have not been taught how to live by God's Word, but also those who have been saved for many years who consider themselves mature as well as ordained ministers who stand in pulpits every Sunday. Carnal Christians are those who let their fleshly feelings run their lives, which is due to a lack of a mind renewed by God's Word.
Next, we see in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 that God "has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ..." It has nothing to do we us, that is, how we feel or how low we think ourselves to be. The fact is God took it upon Himself the reconcile humanity to Himself. (Because the focus here is "sin consciousness," I will not take the time to discuss the ministry that believers have to the lost as ambassadors for Christ). We see that God took mans sin issue upon Himself by making Christ to be come sin. He placed all sin with all of its destructive manifestations upon His Son for every man woman and child for an incredible purpose, "that we (believers) might become the righteousness of God in Him. The moment that one confesses and places their faith in Christ, an instantaneous transformation happens. They become a new creation with the righteousness of God filling them.
What this means is that the very moment that one becomes born again they can stand before God without guilt, condemnation or inferiority. It means that believers are truly free from their past. It means that they are new creations NOW and can live in victory right here on planet earth. It means that eternal life is not something that the believer is heading toward where one day they will finally have relief, it means that eternal life is flowing through them NOW.
The apostle Paul inspired by the Holy Spirit goes to great lengths in the first eight chapters of Romans giving the church the revelation of the righteousness of God; the need for God's righteousness; the imputation of God's righteousness, and the demonstration of God's righteousness all for the purpose of the believer walking free from condemnation, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1)
Let us look at some of the other wonderful attributes that God provides for His newly created child...
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11)
"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out,"Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:15-17)
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:31-39)
Honestly, it there one shred of evidence in any of these scriptures that believers stand guilty, condemned or inferior before God? Certainly not! Now is the time to rid ourselves of sin consciousness and place our faith in the integrity of God's Word. It is time to live the resurrected life every day not only on Easter Sunday. When believers truly understand what it means to have the righteousness of God in them, sin, sickness, disease, pains, poverty nor the devil will ever have place in their lives again Guilt will be replaced with innocence, condemnation will be replaced with liberation, inferiority will be replaced with superiority and believers will truly be able to do all things through Christ.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Jesus; Name Above All Names
The incarnate Son of God was manifest to restore humanity to the place that God had originally intended. All that Adam was before he committed treason and forfeited the dominion and authority that God had given him over creation, was God's goal of the restoration of man. The Apostle Paul tells us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. " (Romans 3:23) This means that not one human being could ever satisfy justice for Adam's transgression. So God Himself would be the only candidate that could fulfill such an incredible undertaking.
The Apostle John tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) and "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." (John 1:14) The angel Gabriel announced to Mary, "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:31-33) and so it was, Deity and humanity came together. The Word was conceived in the womb of a woman, became flesh and His name is JESUS.
The Apostle Paul tells us, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)
Because Jesus willingly gave up His sinless, perfect life for every man, woman and child, "God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name." In other words, God the Father has super-eminently exalted Jesus, has given Him the highest position above all else and there is no other name that can be compared with his. It stands alone! Hebrews tells us, "having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:4) These things are very important for all believers to understand because not only is the name of Jesus above every other name, His name carries with it ALL AUTHORITY in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. This means that every created being in those three realms must bow in submission to His name.
We may be quick to say "amen" to this but the possibilities that surround His name are beyond our understanding. Basically, in His name, He has given the church (believers) "carte blanche" to all the resources and promises of God. The good news in this is, all believers have been given the legal use of His name so that, "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This mean the devil and every demon. We see this played out in the ministry of seventy other disciples that Jesus sent out, "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." (Luke 10:17) Let us take note that this was before His resurrection and the exaltation of His name. So think how much power and authority the believer has today in His name. Honestly, it is almost incomprehensible.
God did not do this for Himself. He made this incredible investment for the benefit of the church (all believers). He made this investment so that all who would believe upon the name of Jesus would have the liberty to use His magnificent name to meet their every need and also to enforce what Jesus' death and resurrection has secured, power over the enemy. However, all of these things that the name of Jesus provides for the church do not manifest simply because the Bible reveals these things. Faith must be released through the believer and then the believer must act upon his released faith."But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18)
So let us remember this; God the Father has bestowed upon Jesus honor, glory, power, all authority and has "seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:20-23) Glory be to God!!!
The Apostle John tells us, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1) and "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." (John 1:14) The angel Gabriel announced to Mary, "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:31-33) and so it was, Deity and humanity came together. The Word was conceived in the womb of a woman, became flesh and His name is JESUS.
The Apostle Paul tells us, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11)
Because Jesus willingly gave up His sinless, perfect life for every man, woman and child, "God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name." In other words, God the Father has super-eminently exalted Jesus, has given Him the highest position above all else and there is no other name that can be compared with his. It stands alone! Hebrews tells us, "having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." (Hebrews 1:4) These things are very important for all believers to understand because not only is the name of Jesus above every other name, His name carries with it ALL AUTHORITY in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. This means that every created being in those three realms must bow in submission to His name.
We may be quick to say "amen" to this but the possibilities that surround His name are beyond our understanding. Basically, in His name, He has given the church (believers) "carte blanche" to all the resources and promises of God. The good news in this is, all believers have been given the legal use of His name so that, "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This mean the devil and every demon. We see this played out in the ministry of seventy other disciples that Jesus sent out, "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." (Luke 10:17) Let us take note that this was before His resurrection and the exaltation of His name. So think how much power and authority the believer has today in His name. Honestly, it is almost incomprehensible.
God did not do this for Himself. He made this incredible investment for the benefit of the church (all believers). He made this investment so that all who would believe upon the name of Jesus would have the liberty to use His magnificent name to meet their every need and also to enforce what Jesus' death and resurrection has secured, power over the enemy. However, all of these things that the name of Jesus provides for the church do not manifest simply because the Bible reveals these things. Faith must be released through the believer and then the believer must act upon his released faith."But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18)
So let us remember this; God the Father has bestowed upon Jesus honor, glory, power, all authority and has "seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:20-23) Glory be to God!!!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Bad Things Do Not Come From God - Finale
As we come to the close of this most important series, my prayer is that you have permitted the Spirit of Truth to guide you into all Truth. The Apostle Paul said to the church, "And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26) The fact that an incredible number of Christians have either been inoculated with doubt or have not been taught what true Bible faith is all about by faithless shepherds is evident by the number of Christians that suffer from sickness and premature death. This causes the entire Body of Christ to suffer whether we want to admit it or not.
For one of Gods children to suffer (other than through persecution for the gospel sake) with sickness, disease or destruction going on in their life is abnormal to Him. Christians must at all cost place their faith in the integrity of God's Word. Jesus said to the Father in prayer, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17) Everything that God has said is true and unchanging, but no one can convince another of this fact. It can only be realized through ones faith! I want to share another incident that Jesus experienced in His ministry on earth that hopefully will roll the stone in front of the sepulcher of doubt which questions, "Do bad things come from God?" and seal it shut forever.
"Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity." And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd,"There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day." The Lord then answered him and said, "Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound — think of it — for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?" And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him."
(Luke 13:10-17)
The sad side of this story is that this woman had to suffer being bent over for eighteen years. However, what is even more sad is how the church today would look at this woman. Let's be honest, the chances are that the majority of church leaders today would have her go to an Orthopaedic Surgeon after praying a faithless prayer doubting that God could not heal her. Although ALL sickness is related to Satan, in over 25% of the healing that took place in Jesus' ministry, He had to deal with a specific demon. In the account above Jesus was dealing with a "spirit of infirmity." Today we call it, Osteoporosis caused by Parathyroid Disease. To cure such a disease, proper nutrition may work only if started at the earliest stage of the disease. However, it can be treated with pharmaceuticals. But according to researchers the pharmaceuticals prescribed to offset the disease known as bisphosphonates has certain side effects.
Side effects for all bisphosphonates include gastrointestinal problems, such as difficulty swallowing, inflammation of the esophagus, and gastric ulcer. There have also been rare reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (a condition in which the bone becomes weak and dies) and of visual disturbances. Which one is worse? The disease or the cure?Fortunately for this woman Jesus had no problem revealing the Father's will and loosed her from a spirit of infirmity.
Next we see the typical religious leaders response to Jesus healing on the Sabbath. But look closely at His response to them, "The Lord then answered him and said, "Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound — think of it — for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?" Who had bound this woman and cause this suffering for eighteen years? Satan! Now look at the emphasis that Jesus places on this situation, whom Satan has bound — think of it — for eighteen years. In other words, "you let this child of God suffer for eighteen years at the hands of God's enemy and did nothing about and to make it worse, you get upset because God healed her on the Sabbath which He created?"
A passage like this should cut us to the heart, especially when we know that there are children of God suffering at the hands of the one who causes bad things to happen, Satan and his gang of demon spirits. It is time for church leaders to repent of their wishy washy faithless theology that prevents God's children from knowing the truth and living a victorious life here on planet earth. It is time for the church to rise up and be the triumphant church; a church filled with His glory; a church filled with His presences; a church that replicates His ministry to a lost world; a church that breaks free from fear, doubt and unbelief. Jesus said, "And these signs will follow those who BELIEVE: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:17-18)
Think about this. If God is the one who causes bad things to happen, then why would he give the church this commission? Look close, "And these signs will follow those who BELIEVE..." If you are truly a believer then this applies to you! However, if after seeing God's true will and nature portrayed through this series which we find in His Word, and you still believe that Bad things come from God," then not only do you not know the price that Jesus has paid for you, but you also disagree with God's Word...Selah...
For one of Gods children to suffer (other than through persecution for the gospel sake) with sickness, disease or destruction going on in their life is abnormal to Him. Christians must at all cost place their faith in the integrity of God's Word. Jesus said to the Father in prayer, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." (John 17:17) Everything that God has said is true and unchanging, but no one can convince another of this fact. It can only be realized through ones faith! I want to share another incident that Jesus experienced in His ministry on earth that hopefully will roll the stone in front of the sepulcher of doubt which questions, "Do bad things come from God?" and seal it shut forever.
"Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, "Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity." And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath; and he said to the crowd,"There are six days on which men ought to work; therefore come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day." The Lord then answered him and said, "Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound — think of it — for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?" And when He said these things, all His adversaries were put to shame; and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him."
(Luke 13:10-17)
The sad side of this story is that this woman had to suffer being bent over for eighteen years. However, what is even more sad is how the church today would look at this woman. Let's be honest, the chances are that the majority of church leaders today would have her go to an Orthopaedic Surgeon after praying a faithless prayer doubting that God could not heal her. Although ALL sickness is related to Satan, in over 25% of the healing that took place in Jesus' ministry, He had to deal with a specific demon. In the account above Jesus was dealing with a "spirit of infirmity." Today we call it, Osteoporosis caused by Parathyroid Disease. To cure such a disease, proper nutrition may work only if started at the earliest stage of the disease. However, it can be treated with pharmaceuticals. But according to researchers the pharmaceuticals prescribed to offset the disease known as bisphosphonates has certain side effects.
Side effects for all bisphosphonates include gastrointestinal problems, such as difficulty swallowing, inflammation of the esophagus, and gastric ulcer. There have also been rare reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (a condition in which the bone becomes weak and dies) and of visual disturbances. Which one is worse? The disease or the cure?Fortunately for this woman Jesus had no problem revealing the Father's will and loosed her from a spirit of infirmity.
Next we see the typical religious leaders response to Jesus healing on the Sabbath. But look closely at His response to them, "The Lord then answered him and said, "Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound — think of it — for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?" Who had bound this woman and cause this suffering for eighteen years? Satan! Now look at the emphasis that Jesus places on this situation, whom Satan has bound — think of it — for eighteen years. In other words, "you let this child of God suffer for eighteen years at the hands of God's enemy and did nothing about and to make it worse, you get upset because God healed her on the Sabbath which He created?"
A passage like this should cut us to the heart, especially when we know that there are children of God suffering at the hands of the one who causes bad things to happen, Satan and his gang of demon spirits. It is time for church leaders to repent of their wishy washy faithless theology that prevents God's children from knowing the truth and living a victorious life here on planet earth. It is time for the church to rise up and be the triumphant church; a church filled with His glory; a church filled with His presences; a church that replicates His ministry to a lost world; a church that breaks free from fear, doubt and unbelief. Jesus said, "And these signs will follow those who BELIEVE: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." (Mark 16:17-18)
Think about this. If God is the one who causes bad things to happen, then why would he give the church this commission? Look close, "And these signs will follow those who BELIEVE..." If you are truly a believer then this applies to you! However, if after seeing God's true will and nature portrayed through this series which we find in His Word, and you still believe that Bad things come from God," then not only do you not know the price that Jesus has paid for you, but you also disagree with God's Word...Selah...
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Bad Things Do Not Come From God - Part 20
The Gospels reveal some wonderful things concerning God's will, nature and character. As mention before, Jesus did not come to earth to do His will but the will of the Father (John 6:38) We also saw that to see the actions of Jesus and to know Him, we see and know the Father. (John 14:7-9) So for the final this week of this series, "Bad Things Do Not Come From God" we will look at some of the ministry of Jesus as He reveals the Father's will and true nature.
Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses." (Matthew 8:14-17)
Let's review some key points in this passage. "Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them." If this sickness was caused by God, then what would be the point of Jesus healing her? If the sickness was caused by God, then Jesus should not have stopped what God was doing in her life. Unfortunately, I have had church leaders say that God made her sick so that Jesus could prove that He was the Son of God by healing her. It wasn't the preaching or the supernatural healings that proved Jesus to be the Son of God, but His resurrection from the dead. The way of salvation is not to confess the LORD Jesus with your mouth and believe in your heart that He is the Son of God because of all the miracles that He performed, but to believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, that one is saved. (Romans 10:9-10 No, Peter's mother-in-law was made sick with fever by the devil, not God.
Next we see, "When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick," How many sick were healed? ALL who came to Him. There is no indication at all that there was even one person who was not healed. There is no mention that He turned some away because it was not God's will for them to be healed. There is no mention that God caused anyone to be sick or demonized. Now, we can certainly read something into this passage of scripture that is not mentioned, but this is where we find many of the problems in the church today, adding to or subtracting from God's Word. Unfortunately, many passages of scripture have been rendered powerless and or twisted from their true meaning by the opinions and wisdom of men. This has robbed multitudes of Christians who truly love the LORD from receiving the promises of the Father through Jesus Christ, such as healing.
Finally, we see that Matthew draws us back to an Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses." The Hebrew of Isaiah and the Greek of Matthew bears the same meaning; Messiah (Jesus Christ) removes the diseases of one's body. It is a part of the doctrine of Atonement as spoken by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 52:13-15, 53:1-6)
I would like to conclude this with two more thoughts. First, let's never forget "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) and I might note, without a time limit. God was, is and will always be, until Jesus returns, Jehovah Rapha, The God Who Heals. Secondly, "Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23) Not only was Jesus stating this truth to the the father of a demonized son, but also "to him (anyone) who believers." PTL
Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them. When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses." (Matthew 8:14-17)
Let's review some key points in this passage. "Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them." If this sickness was caused by God, then what would be the point of Jesus healing her? If the sickness was caused by God, then Jesus should not have stopped what God was doing in her life. Unfortunately, I have had church leaders say that God made her sick so that Jesus could prove that He was the Son of God by healing her. It wasn't the preaching or the supernatural healings that proved Jesus to be the Son of God, but His resurrection from the dead. The way of salvation is not to confess the LORD Jesus with your mouth and believe in your heart that He is the Son of God because of all the miracles that He performed, but to believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, that one is saved. (Romans 10:9-10 No, Peter's mother-in-law was made sick with fever by the devil, not God.
Next we see, "When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick," How many sick were healed? ALL who came to Him. There is no indication at all that there was even one person who was not healed. There is no mention that He turned some away because it was not God's will for them to be healed. There is no mention that God caused anyone to be sick or demonized. Now, we can certainly read something into this passage of scripture that is not mentioned, but this is where we find many of the problems in the church today, adding to or subtracting from God's Word. Unfortunately, many passages of scripture have been rendered powerless and or twisted from their true meaning by the opinions and wisdom of men. This has robbed multitudes of Christians who truly love the LORD from receiving the promises of the Father through Jesus Christ, such as healing.
Finally, we see that Matthew draws us back to an Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: "He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses." The Hebrew of Isaiah and the Greek of Matthew bears the same meaning; Messiah (Jesus Christ) removes the diseases of one's body. It is a part of the doctrine of Atonement as spoken by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 52:13-15, 53:1-6)
I would like to conclude this with two more thoughts. First, let's never forget "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38) and I might note, without a time limit. God was, is and will always be, until Jesus returns, Jehovah Rapha, The God Who Heals. Secondly, "Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." (Mark 9:23) Not only was Jesus stating this truth to the the father of a demonized son, but also "to him (anyone) who believers." PTL
Monday, March 12, 2012
Bad Things Do Not Come From God - Part 19
I always find it interesting how so many Christians see God in the Old Testament as having a completely different will, nature and character than He does in the New Testament. Many portray God in the Old Testament as one who has either no mercy or at best was limited in mercy; That He was not very forgiving; That He did not heal or deliver; That He was into cursing more than blessing; and that He was just waiting for someone to step out of line and wham, the hammer came down in the form of sickness, disease and all manner of destruction. Well, let's consider some things from the Old Testament...
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let Israel now say, "His mercy endures forever." Let the house of Aaron now say, "His mercy endures forever." Let those who fear the LORD now say, "His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 118:1-4)
Other than the continuous praise that, "His mercy endures forever," we see something else right at the beginning of this Psalm that describes God's true nature, Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! He does not lack in mercy, in fact His mercy is great...
"For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him"
(Psalm 103:11)
Not only is He good, but His goodness is great...
Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19)
Next we see that God is ready to forgive ALL who call upon Him...
"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You."(Psalm 86:5) and...
"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared." (Psalm 130:3-4)
We also see that God's nature in the Old Testament is healing and deliverance...
"He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." (Psalm 107:20)
There is one Psalm that I believe is a good summation of God's true will, nature and character...
"Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
(Psalm 103:1-5)
WOW, what a wonderful Heavenly Father we have. Notice the word ALL; "Who forgives ALL your iniquities," That is, He is not only able but willing to pardon all of our sin. "Who heals ALL your diseases," That is, all forms of sickness and disease. If that was not enough, "Who redeems your life from destruction," That is, saving one's life from death when exposed to danger, or when attacked by disease. "Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies," That is, God's mercy and compassion is so abundant, it is something of beauty and honor as a royal crown. "Who satisfies your mouth with good things," Not just your physical mouth with food, but your desires, your entire life He brings delight to. "so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." The eagle is an emblem of vigor and as the moulting of an eagles feathers where its plume is renewed, so shall those be, whose God is the LORD, who place faith in His wonderful Word..
When looking at the Old Testament scriptures and meditating on what they say concerning God's true will, nature and character, it becomes very difficult at best to consider that the God of the Old Testament is anything less than loving, caring, nurturing, forgiving and flat out wonderful. However, it takes faith in the integrity of God's Word to come to this conclusion. We always must remember that Satan has not changed his tactic towards humanity. From the Garden of Eden and until Jesus returns, his greatest weapon of deception has been to defame God's nature and character. He wants people to reason in their minds, that is, to consider that there may be another truth. That God is holding back or is not disclosing the whole truth.
The Apostle Paul tells us that that these things are, strongholds, arguments and thoughts that exalt themselves above the knowledge of God and are to be assaulted and destroyed by using God's Word. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) His Word is truth and it is the ONLY gauge that the believer has to determine whether or not renegade reasoning is on the loose in their mind. The more one reads, studies and meditates on God's Word, the less chance there is for one to be deceived with Satan's wiles. Praise the LORD, for He never changes which also means that His faithful, never failing, Word never changes also!!!
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let Israel now say, "His mercy endures forever." Let the house of Aaron now say, "His mercy endures forever." Let those who fear the LORD now say, "His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 118:1-4)
Other than the continuous praise that, "His mercy endures forever," we see something else right at the beginning of this Psalm that describes God's true nature, Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! He does not lack in mercy, in fact His mercy is great...
"For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him"
(Psalm 103:11)
Not only is He good, but His goodness is great...
Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19)
Next we see that God is ready to forgive ALL who call upon Him...
"For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You."(Psalm 86:5) and...
"If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared." (Psalm 130:3-4)
We also see that God's nature in the Old Testament is healing and deliverance...
"He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." (Psalm 107:20)
There is one Psalm that I believe is a good summation of God's true will, nature and character...
"Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
(Psalm 103:1-5)
WOW, what a wonderful Heavenly Father we have. Notice the word ALL; "Who forgives ALL your iniquities," That is, He is not only able but willing to pardon all of our sin. "Who heals ALL your diseases," That is, all forms of sickness and disease. If that was not enough, "Who redeems your life from destruction," That is, saving one's life from death when exposed to danger, or when attacked by disease. "Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies," That is, God's mercy and compassion is so abundant, it is something of beauty and honor as a royal crown. "Who satisfies your mouth with good things," Not just your physical mouth with food, but your desires, your entire life He brings delight to. "so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." The eagle is an emblem of vigor and as the moulting of an eagles feathers where its plume is renewed, so shall those be, whose God is the LORD, who place faith in His wonderful Word..
When looking at the Old Testament scriptures and meditating on what they say concerning God's true will, nature and character, it becomes very difficult at best to consider that the God of the Old Testament is anything less than loving, caring, nurturing, forgiving and flat out wonderful. However, it takes faith in the integrity of God's Word to come to this conclusion. We always must remember that Satan has not changed his tactic towards humanity. From the Garden of Eden and until Jesus returns, his greatest weapon of deception has been to defame God's nature and character. He wants people to reason in their minds, that is, to consider that there may be another truth. That God is holding back or is not disclosing the whole truth.
The Apostle Paul tells us that that these things are, strongholds, arguments and thoughts that exalt themselves above the knowledge of God and are to be assaulted and destroyed by using God's Word. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) His Word is truth and it is the ONLY gauge that the believer has to determine whether or not renegade reasoning is on the loose in their mind. The more one reads, studies and meditates on God's Word, the less chance there is for one to be deceived with Satan's wiles. Praise the LORD, for He never changes which also means that His faithful, never failing, Word never changes also!!!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Bad Things Do Not Come From God - Part 18
We have seen throughout the Gospel of John, our Heavenly Father's will and nature being perfectly fulfilled in and through the ministry of Christ. One of the scriptures that sums up Christ's ministry and the Father's will and nature is...
"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38)
Notice that Jesus "went about doing good", not bring judgment or condemning humanity, but doing good. What was the good that He did? "...healing ALL who were oppressed by the devil..." So take a moment and let this verse of scripture sink into your spirit. Now, if God is the One behind bad things happening, then why would He anoint Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power to do good? If some how one really believes that bad things come from God, then we have to consider the following...
When I think of how many Christians have been taught by church leaders the exact opposite of what scripture reveals concerning God's will and nature, I become grieved. Many have been taught that the bad things that may happen to them is some how God's mysterious way of doing things, but the Apostle Paul tells us...
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself" (Ephesians 1:7-9)
Many have been taught that God causes bad things to happen to bring judgment upon a sinful world and yet Jesus says...
"For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son." (John 5:22) and "You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one." (John 8:15) and "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17)
I have found the biggest reason why so many Christians have been taught that God causes bad things to happen is because "whom the LORD loves He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives." (Hebrews 12:6) However, to chasten means to child train or train a child. Now think about this. Would you as a parent desire to have a debilitating disease come upon your child because he or she disobeyed you? Of course you wouldn't want that to happen. How about if you told your child not to touch the cooking element on an electric stove because he or she could get burned and then one day their curiosity got the best of them and they burned their hand so severely that they needed either a miracle healing or immediately medical attention, would you say, "I told you not to do that" or "That's what you get for disobeying me." Would you do nothing because they disobeyed? Of course not! You would do whatever it took to stop the pain and fix the problem. If you did anything less, you would be considered an abusive neglectful parent.
Well I've got some good news. Our Heavenly Father is not hiding Himself nor is He mysterious (John 14:7-9) He does not judge people in this life by sending bad thing upon them (Hebrews 7:27) and He is not and abusive parent but a loving and caring Father (Matthew 7:7-11) It is time for Christians to abide in God's Word, which will build their faith so they can receive the promise that Jesus gives to all who abide in His word..."And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)
"how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him." (Acts 10:38)
Notice that Jesus "went about doing good", not bring judgment or condemning humanity, but doing good. What was the good that He did? "...healing ALL who were oppressed by the devil..." So take a moment and let this verse of scripture sink into your spirit. Now, if God is the One behind bad things happening, then why would He anoint Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power to do good? If some how one really believes that bad things come from God, then we have to consider the following...
- Jesus lied when He said that He came to do the will of the Father...(John 4:34)
- That Jesus was not a perfect image and reflection of the Father...(Hebrews 1:3)
- That Jesus was doing His own will...(Matthew 26:39)
- That the Father has more than one will...(Romans 12:2)
- That the Father and Son are not united as one...(John 10:30)
- The Father changes His will based on human circumstances or situations...(Malachi 3:6)
When I think of how many Christians have been taught by church leaders the exact opposite of what scripture reveals concerning God's will and nature, I become grieved. Many have been taught that the bad things that may happen to them is some how God's mysterious way of doing things, but the Apostle Paul tells us...
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself" (Ephesians 1:7-9)
Many have been taught that God causes bad things to happen to bring judgment upon a sinful world and yet Jesus says...
"For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son." (John 5:22) and "You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one." (John 8:15) and "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:17)
I have found the biggest reason why so many Christians have been taught that God causes bad things to happen is because "whom the LORD loves He chastens and scourges every son whom He receives." (Hebrews 12:6) However, to chasten means to child train or train a child. Now think about this. Would you as a parent desire to have a debilitating disease come upon your child because he or she disobeyed you? Of course you wouldn't want that to happen. How about if you told your child not to touch the cooking element on an electric stove because he or she could get burned and then one day their curiosity got the best of them and they burned their hand so severely that they needed either a miracle healing or immediately medical attention, would you say, "I told you not to do that" or "That's what you get for disobeying me." Would you do nothing because they disobeyed? Of course not! You would do whatever it took to stop the pain and fix the problem. If you did anything less, you would be considered an abusive neglectful parent.
Well I've got some good news. Our Heavenly Father is not hiding Himself nor is He mysterious (John 14:7-9) He does not judge people in this life by sending bad thing upon them (Hebrews 7:27) and He is not and abusive parent but a loving and caring Father (Matthew 7:7-11) It is time for Christians to abide in God's Word, which will build their faith so they can receive the promise that Jesus gives to all who abide in His word..."And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)
Monday, February 27, 2012
Bad Things Do Not Come From God - Part 17
Recently I attended a large conference consisting mainly of church leaders from across the USA. During one of the main sessions the speaker made a comment concerning Hurricane Katrina. He said that the LORD had warned them (various pastors) two years in advance that a hurricane would hit New Orleans. The hurricane was from the LORD to cleanse the city of its corruption. The speaker went on to say that some ministers mentioned to him that the hurricane was not judgment from God, but he insisted that they were wrong.
They began to warn the churches of this impending storm and told the people to be sure that their home owners insurance would cover their losses in the event of a catastrophe which Katrina turned out to be. Naturally I was somewhat taken by such a claim. Although I have discussed some of this previously, I want to address this particular claim, as to whether God brought judgment on New Orleans to cleanse it from corruption or not.
Remember, it was Adam that was given authority and dominion over the works of God's hands and that the only one in all creation that Adam had to answer to was God Himself, the Creator. Everything else was subordinate to Adam (Psalm 8:5-6) We also saw that Adam freely chose to disobey God and thereby giving his authority and dominion over to God's enemy, Satan, placing himself and all humanity under Satan's rule (Luke 4:5-6) This act of treason by Adam brought a curse on creation (Genesis 3:17-18) So first we see that creation took on the new nature of its new master, Satan. That which was once pure, peaceful, filled with love and harmony had now become a place filled with adversity, affliction, calamity, grief, hurt, harm and trouble, that is, all matter of evil.
Further along in the Bible, we see God disclose to Abraham, His covenant partner, what was about to happen to Sodom and Gomorrah because "their sin was very grave." (Genesis 18:20) If God truly brought Hurricane Katrina upon New Orleans then we have to assume their sin was very grave and it was above the sin of every other city in the USA. If God were bringing judgment upon a wicked city in the USA, then it would be logical that He would bring it upon the most wicked of cities, wouldn't it? However, as we look further into this matter, Abraham pleads with God not to permit the destruction of those cities for the sake of the righteous who may live in them. God's response is the same every time Abraham make a plea, "If I find in Sodom any righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes."
(Genesis 18:16-33)
If God did bring Hurricane Katrina to New Orleans then we have to also assume that there was not one covenant partner, that is, there must not have been one believer in New Orleans. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21) In other words, there must not have been one righteous person in New Orleans. We also have to assume that Abraham was under a better covenant than the New Covenant in Christ, because God would not have permitted the destruction Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of the righteous under His covenant with Abraham. But we know that this is not true. The New Covenant established in Christ is the fulfillment of every other covenant and Hebrews calls it "a better covenant."
Now let's consider the "Ten Plagues" that came upon Egypt when Moses was sent to deliver Israel from the bondage of Pharaoh. (Exodus 4 - 11) There is no record that shows Israel suffering through the ten plagues with the Egyptians. No, these plagues fell upon the Egyptians only. The point, if God brought Hurricane Katrina to New Orleans to bring judgment, then He would have protected His people from judgment as He did with His people Israel. The believers in New Orleans would not have experienced anything destructive that a hurricane would bring, including darkness, the lack of electric, "The Egyptians did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings." (Exodus 10:23) Although electric had not been discovered as we understand it for approximately 3200 more years, point being God protected His people.
Let us now consider the account of Jesus rebuking the wind and the raging water when a windstorm came down on the lake as as He and His disciples were in a boat crossing over to the country of the Gadarenes. His rebuke caused the wind and raging water to cease and there was a great calm. Did
God cause this storm? If He did, then Jesus would have been rebuking
His father. No, let's face it, the god of this age is behind the
destruction not our heavenly Father. Another point that we should consider in this account is that Jesus said to His disciples, "Where is your faith." (Luke 8:22-25) It is apparent that if the disciples exercised faith they would have experienced the same results that Jesus had with the storm. No, let's face it, the god of this age is behind the destruction not our heavenly Father. It seems to me, if God announced that a storm would be coming then He is calling His people to action. Winning souls away from their wicked life styles in an aggressive manner and exercise faith by speaking to the mountain (impending hurricane) before it even manifested would have been a more biblical response.
Finally, if God is bringing judgment upon the world today then it means one of two things. First, Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, ascension and glorification did not fully satisfy justice and therefore man is not fully saved but must continue to suffer judgment from God or secondly, we have entered the Tribulation. Neither of these is true. Humanity has not entered the Great Tribulation and Jesus did in fact satisfy justice. Therefore God is not condemning humanity (John 3:16-17) for its corruption by bringing catastrophe's, yet. (See Revelation)
Although I do not know where his statistics came from, the same speaker reported that sadly enough the city is more corrupt today than before Hurricane Katrina struck. Something else to consider, judgment did not come upon Sodom and Gomorrah to bring them to repentance, but to completely destroy them. However, if we look at Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-20 we will find the primary objective of the church. In short, the church is to bring sinners to repentance. No New Orleans, God did not bring Hurricane Katrina upon you, although after such a disaster one would think that all who have rejected the LORD Jesus Christ and have turned to their own ways would have repented and today be reaping the blessings of the LORD. Hurricane Katrina is the result of a fallen world under the influence of Satan, the god of this age and therefore like every other person who does not see God's true nature as it is revealed in scripture, that of blessings and life, will continue to blame God for bad things happening.
I could have shared many more passages of scripture as proof of God's true nature, but space would not permitted it. But I will say, from the "In the beginning" of Genesis to the "Grace of our LORD Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" of Revelation, God's desire was and is to bless man and have fellowship with him throughout eternity. It has been the destructive nature of sin and Satan since man's fall that has tainted and twisted God's true desire for humanity. However, the good news is, God Himself has pursued man to restore him to his sinless position with Himself. Those who reject His offer to be a part of this will feel the repercussions of the unpardonable sin, separation from God forever in a lake of fire. Those who have accepted His FREE gift of salvation will experience paradise in His presence forever. If you have not received God's FREE gift of life, then please do the following...
"...confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9) In doing so, you can have the calm assurance to what Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." (John 5:24)
If you have confessed Jesus Christ as LORD and have received Him as your Savior, then please seek a Bible believing congregation that will disciple you to grow in faith, "For without faith it is impossible to please God..." (Hebrews 11:6)
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