The Ole Ball and Chain.

Forgiveness is one of the many things we have a hard time dealing with. Some often say, "It is easier to ask forgiveness, than it is to get permission." which is a quote from Rear Admiral Grace Hopper. 

We ask for forgiveness in situations that we have placed ourselves in but it is usually proceeded by our disregard for the situation. We knowingly choose to do something and then ask for forgiveness. 

However, when it comes to our sins we think that we can not possibly be forgiven for those. We feel like we must do something to atone for those, even though they are the same as the previous example. (That could be an entirely different discussion.) 

The wonderful thing we learn about who we are in Christ is the positional truths that we have based solely on our identification with Jesus Christ. However, this truth is most usually veiled in a series of do's and don'ts. The reality of our position in Christ is in plain sight to the reader of scripture, but it is hidden to those that simply "attend" church. 

Based on the authority of the scriptures, we can know that we have ALL of our sins forgiven the moment we trust in Christ's faithfulness which was put on display in the death, burial, and resurrection. We know that when we place our faith in what Christ did we are completely and totally identified with Him. 

His death is now our death. 

His burial is now our burial.

His resurrection is now our resurrection. 

        Romans 6:3, 4

        Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his             death? 

        Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up             from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 

Christ died and rose again that He might live unto God. The same is now true of those who have trusted in the cross work of Christ. 

We have been forgiven of ALL trespasses. 

        Ephesians 1:7

        In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the                riches of his grace; 

        Ephesians 4:32

        And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for                     Christ's sake hath forgiven you. 

        Colossians 2:13

        And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened             together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Those of us which have come to that understanding REJOICE! 

Yet, even some that come to understand that truth do not understand the guilt of those sins should be gone as well. 

How? 

Through the exact same relationship that we have the forgiveness.

If we are justified, which we are, then we are declared righteous. God has declared us righteous because we are in Christ. Righteousness is God's standard of perfection. God imputes unto us His righteousness by the faith of Jesus Christ. 

Therefore, when we trust in the faithfulness of Christ, God gives us His righteousness, which is His standard of perfection. That means that we are perfect, IN CHRIST. Because of our identification with Christ, we are given the gift of righteousness. 

All we have to do is believe the Word of God that tells us these truths. 

Saved individuals are walking around with a ball and chain strapped to their ankles, yet they hold the key to loose themselves from it. 

Trust the Word of God today. 

Grace and Peace

Greg Resor

Complete in Him

Do You Really Believe the Entire Bible?

Many people proclaim to believe the entire Bible was written to them and they live every word of it.  However, there are some things in the Bible you can not do and should not do today.  So what we want to do is to take a look at Gods word, rightly divided.  In so doing, we will find out what Gods will is for our life today.

1) If we read Genesis 6:14, may we take this verse and apply it to our loves today?

Genesis 6:14, Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. KJV

How many people ran out to find gopher wood to build an ark after you read that? 

None?  Why not?

Is not Genesis 6:14 part of the word of God?  Yes!  Why do you not build an ark?

2) Mark 16:14-18, 

14  Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 

15  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 

16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

17  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 

18  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. KJV

Have you trusted/believed? Yes.

Have you been baptized? Yes.

Have you cast out devils? No!

Have you spoken in new tongues? No!

Have you taken up serpents? No!

Have you drank deadly things? No!

Have you laid you hands on the sick? Yes.

Did they recover? No!

Why have some of those things not taken place? God says is shall happen. That means it will happen if you have actually believed and have been baptized. 

Is God a liar?  GOD FORBID!  God cannot lie. Titus 1:2

Since God is not a liar and all of those things have not taken place, then it would stand to reason that God is not doing those things today.

We can look at those two examples and see that God, in His essence and being has not changed, but how He deals with man has changed. 

Do You Really Believe the Entire Bible?

Romans 15:4  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

This verse tells us that everything that we read in scripture was written for our learning. We know that all scripture is for our learning, but not all scripture is written specifically to you or about you. 

I believe you will agree that Genesis 6:14 is not written specifically to you. We can; however, learn about God's faithfulness to His word. God did exactly what He promised He would do. From this account, we can learn that God will accomplish what He promised. Therefore, we know that when God makes a promise to us, the Church the Body of Christ, we can trust He will perform.

That is a wonderful thought. This is where we get our confidence. 

Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 

Philippians 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 

Philippians 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

God is doing something today in you and we can trust that He will perform it. The way God does this is through a proper understanding of God's word. 

1 Thessalonians 2:13  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 

If we think all of the Bible is written to us and about us, then why don't we build an ark?

Knowing what God is doing is where we need to begin. That is why knowing how to rightly divide the word of God is so important.  

You can believe the entire Bible and know what is written directly to you and about you. 

Grace and Peace,

Greg Resor

Complete in Him

True Repentance and True Godliness

2 Corinthians 7:9-11 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 

If you read this passage, one thing must jump out to us very quickly.  Paul talks about the fact that they sorrowed to repentance.,  That means the word repentance does not mean to be sorry about your sin, but rather repentance comes from sorrow.  However, not just sorrow, but Godly sorrow.  Godly sorrow produces true repentance, which produces true Godliness.  Many today are sorry more often than not because they have been caught in some sin or transgression.  That is not true sorrow, Godly sorrow.  The purpose of Godly sorrow is that we might not receive damage, that your testimony might not be destroyed.  

Scott Baio was just recently railroaded on a morning television show by two things he posted on social media outlets.  He says he wrote a speech while he was at church and then the interviewer showed him the two social media posts and asked him if he had thought about those posts while he was in church.  Many may say, that he is a man and that no one is perfect.  I am sorry folks, but that is a cop out.  The posts were something he should have thought about before he posted them, asking himself; Is this post something that shows the world the life of Jesus Christ?  Is this how a saint of the Most High God should act?  This is something, if he has trusted in the cross work of Jesus Christ and actually is saved (but that is another issue), he should have thought about beforehand. Since he did not think of this beforehand, then the way he should have dealt with the posts was to acknowledge his sin on live television by saying, "Yes. This type of sin is what Jesus Christ died for that I should learn from and have true Godly sorrow work in my life based on the grace God has shown all of us by the work on the cross.  

This Godly sorrow is what leads us to repentance, the changing of our mind based on the knowledge and information we have stored up in our soul, that is sound doctrine.  The thing someone may come along and point out the fact that the Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation.  They may say that this is initial salvation.  Rather, Paul is dealing with saved individuals.  He is talking to them about salvation from that particular lifestyle, sin, or wrongful desire.  He is telling them that they can choose to no longer live that way.  They should know that grace teaches that we are to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts that we should walk soberly, righteously, and  godly in this present evil world. Titus 2:11, 12.  The wrong kind of sorrow, the sorrow of the world, works death.  That is dealing with saved individuals as well.  There are many today who listen to the likes of James Dobson and others who just peddle worldly sorrow rather than true Godly sorrow.  What this does is lead to a Christian who is functionally dead.  One who cannot function based on the word of God, rightly divided.  They find themselves performing step after step and never getting to true sorrow, true repentance, and find themselves out of the will of God.

What is true Godly sorrow?

"... that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter."

Sorrow after the Godly sort includes:

Carefulness – looking for a sin in your life to fix. 

Clearing of yourself – removing the sin. 

Indignation – anger is given to motivate ourselves to deal with the sin. 

Fear – the alarm for us seeing the need to get rid of the sin.  

Vehement desire – wanting to get rid of the sin. 

Zeal – the concern to do what is right.  

Revenge – readiness to avenge the wrong and see justice done.  

As we understand who we are in Christ, then we are able to see how we are to live by grace.

This all leads to us being approved and cleared in the matter.  We know that we have a place to send our sins to, the cross.  We have already had our sins paid for by the cross, we already know that our sins are forgiven by the cross, and then we have the ability to look the cross.  We can then say that this sin has already been paid for and forgiven, so I am free to get rid of it and replace it with the proper response,  We know that we have been cleared in the manner and we need our walk to correspond to our position in Christ.  

Grace and Peace

Greg Resor

Complete in Him

crossworkministries.org

Δεν ξέρεις ελληνικά.

Why would someone need to know Greek or Hebrew to translate or understand an English Bible?
The answer is, you do not.

Why do some pastors insist on teaching/translating the Bible for you?
So that they become your final authority, rather than allowing the scripture.

If you speak English and you have a Bible written in English, why do you need to know the Greek or Hebrew?
The answer is, you do not.

This issue actually comes down to, what is your final authority?  

Are you your own final authority? Do you believe the men who translated the Bible into English to produce the 1611 KJB were not as equipped as you to do the work?

Once we come to the realization that scripture is our final authority, then we will understand that we have been given everything we need to understand scripture.  That being said, we DO NOT need to know or understand Greek or Hebrew to fully understand scripture.  

The problem we have is that it takes time and effort to understand scripture properly.  We have to study God's word and we are told how to study.  The only verse in the Bible that tells us to study also tells us how to study the word is :

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

[15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The purpose of our studying is not to boast about our knowledge, but rather to be workman.  The manner in which we are to study is by rightly dividing the word of truth.  That in and of itself is a completely different study.  

The next thing we need to get a grasp on is that we have been given everything we need in order to understand scripture once we study it properly.  That is found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Verse 17 starts with the word "that".  Which tells us the purpose of verse 16.  Why was scripture spoken out of the mouth of God?  Why did God put His spirit in His word? Why is scripture profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness?  So that we are perfect.  What does perfect mean?  According the verse, perfect means to be throughly furnished unto all good works.  That means we are completely and totally equipped to live the life God expects us to live.  That is to say that we do good things because of who God made in what Christ did for us on the cross.  We no longer do good works to gain favor with God, but because we have favor with God, we now do good works.  No that does not mean we do good to keep our salvation.  It is by grace through faith we are saved and it is be grace through faith we are to live.

Colossians 2:6-10 KJV

[6] As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [7] Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. [8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. [9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. [10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

We are compete in Christ and we must live that way and study that way.

Therefore, we must move forward in our walk with Him.  

The last question I have for you or your pastor is, what is the title of this post?

Grace and Peace.

Greg Resor

Complete in Him

Out With the Old, In With the New

Who Are We... Really?

That Old Man

Philemon

The Servant

The Workman

The Model Servant

Misconceptions - Service

Where are we missing the mark?

I have been doing some studying lately on a particular doctrine and have come across some amazing truths that some folks just do not want to believe.  The question came to mind, “What will happen to those who have accepted Christ, properly, yet do not live their lives based upon the proper doctrine?” 

I know of a man who decided to build a deck using rocks as the main support for the four-by-four posts which would hold the deck off of the ground.  This is something he would do quite often because that is the way he was taught to build.  Today, that deck is falling to pieces; it is uneven, and unsafe for anyone to walk across.  He was building based upon the knowledge that he had.  Yet, if an inspector came along to inspect the work, he would not pass the deck when it was originally constructed.  If the builder really believes that he built the deck properly, does that mean the inspector will accept the work he is shown?  Absolutely not!  Neither how vehemently the builder feels about the work, nor how strong his convictions are about the deck; his work will not pass inspection.  However, had the builder built the deck using the proper foundation and the proper building materials, then his work would be accepted by the inspector? 

What if the same builder built a deck using the proper foundation, but he used pipe cleaners to build the deck.  Would the work be accepted by the inspector?  Absolutely not!  Once again, the strong feelings, or the strong convictions do not make the work acceptable. 

In Act 18:24-28, we read of a certain Jew, whose name is Apollos.  This man was eloquent and mighty in the scriptures.  He was instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in the spirit.  This man spake and taught diligently.  Is this certain Jew passionate about what he is teaching?  Does he feel as though he has gotten everything he needs to understand God’s word?  The answer, of course, is yes!  Yet we find out that there is much he needs to know.

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” KJV

Aquila and Priscilla, hears this man speaking boldly in the synagogue.  Yet, they know something that he does not know.  Their response is to take that man aside and expound unto him the way of God, more perfectly.  They had some information that would change the way this man thinks.  Do you think he told them that he had an experience that only he could understand and that he just knows he is right?  I am sure he did. 

This is what is going on in many churches today.  Some people have the wrong foundation while others have the proper foundation.  Some of those who have the proper foundation, which is Christ, are building with the wrong material.  Therefore, the inspector will not approve your work.  Once again, it does not matter how much you think you are building correctly, or how sure you are using the proper materials.  If you are not using the proper material, it will not be accepted. 

Of course, this automatically brings to mind 1^st Corinthians 3:9-15.

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” KJV
“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” KJV

Paul makes a statement that we must make mention of, “…I have laid the foundation…which is Jesus Christ…”. 

Questions – Has anyone in scripture ever preached about Jesus Christ?  Absolutely!  How can Paul make such a bold statement?  There is something in this message, given to Paul, which is unique to him and him alone.  How are we then built up?  By the gospel revealed to the Apostle Paul. 

Colossians 2:6-10 states:

You received Christ by trusting God’s word by faith.  You believed the verses where it says you are saved by grace through faith.  You agreed with God when He said you are saved by trusting that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose the third day.  (Romans 10:17; Ephesians 2:8, 9; I Corinthians 15:1-4)  That is how you are to walk in Him.  You trust the words on the pages of scripture; rightly dividing the word of truth.  Your faith should not be found in any other books.  Your faith should not be blindly trusting in an experience. Your faith should not be found in some ceremony. Your faith should solely rest in the word of God to you.  Build, with the proper materials, upon the only foundation.  This foundation is Jesus Christ.  The building material is found in the books of Romans through Philemon.

Grace and Peace,

Greg Resor
Complete in Him

I Would Not Have You to be Ignorant, Bretheren.

Ignorance is bliss.  How true is this statement?  There are many today who go about establishing their own religion in the cloak of Christianity and I am personally shocked how easily people fall in line with these doctrines.  However, when I study scripture, I find out that this is exactly how Satan works.  Paul speaks about the course of this world in Ephesians chapter 2, which we understand to be the teaching of doctrine just as a course in school.  

Ephesians 2:2,3 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Of course, Paul is speaking to saved individuals who used to live according to the doctrine Satan created.  The problem is, some "Christians" are still under that doctrine but have no idea. They take scripture and twist them to mean what they want them to mean, just to prove their doctrine. They are in good company though.  In Isaiah chapter 56, we see how Israel's religious leaders were falling for the course of the world and were ignorant of this fact as well.

Isaiah 56:9-12 All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest. His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.

Notice Isaiah says the watchmen are blind.  They have one job and they can not perform that job because they are blind.  He does not stop there letting the religious leaders know how far they are from the truth.  The question is, did they learn their lesson?  Absolutely not!  They did not understand their redeemer was in their midst when they reject Jesus Christ.  

Paul does not want the bretheren to be ignorant, so he gives them a warning in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. 

1 Corinthians 14:36-38 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Paul says to the church in Corinth to learn what he wrote them.  He does not stress to them that they should read the red letters of the Bible, because he understood the entire Bible was the word of God.  He understood that Jesus was the word.  He understood that he was given a revelation that contained information that was never before revealed.  He knew that his gospel was not taught by anyone before him.  He KNEW, because he was not ignorant.

Grace and peace,

Greg Resor

Complete in Him

Marriage, According to the Bible

Many today want to redefine marriage in our society. The problem may actually be the original definition we have for marriage is wrong. When we think of marriage, we think of the ceremony that do many of us have participated, attended, or planned.  However, let us take a few minutes to see what scripture says about marriage. 

1 Corinthians  6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

This verse is very self explanatory; however, let us look at what marriage is according to God.  When someone participates in the physical act of sex, they become one body, one flesh.  This is the biblical definition of marriage. How do we know, let us look at some more verses.

Genesis  16:3 And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.  16:4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

When Sarai, Abram's wife, gave Hagar to Abram she gave her to be his wife.  How did Hagar become the wife of Abram?  Through a ceremony? No. Through the physical act that only one male and one female can partake. They became one body, one flesh during the physical act. Let us look at another passage to confirm this.

Isaiah  54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

This is speaking of the wife being barren and another wife having more "children of the desolate".  How about that name for your illegitimate children? 

Let us look at Jacob.  Jacob is wanting to marry Rachel at this time. He asks Laban for Rachel; however, Laban brings his daughter Leah.

Genesis  29:21 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.  29:22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.  29:23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.  29:24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.  29:25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?  29:26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.  29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.  29:28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.

Jacob wanted to marry Rachel. Laban brings in Leah instead. Jacob and Leah engage in the physical act of sex. When Jacob wakes up in the morning, he finds Leah there instead. Notice the last verse, "he have him Rachel his daughter to wife ALSO". This means they are both his wife.

The more we know about what God calls marriage, the easier we can look around us to see that what is going on today can not be marriage. Marriage is not a license,marriage is not the ceremony, marriage is not a price cut on insurance, and marriage is not a tax break. Marriage is the union of one man and one woman when they become one body, one flesh. Two men can not accomplish the one body, one flesh.  Two women can not accomplish one body, one flesh.

Grace and peace,
Greg Resor
Complete in Him

Pauline Repentance

We must begin with the Biblical understanding of what does repentance mean.  Repentance is changing your mind.  Paul creates a pattern in the life of a believer to put away some things and to put on some things.  This is true replacement theology.  We must change our actions by changing our thinking.  Paul gives us a glimpse of this doctrine on Ephesians chapter four.

Ephesians 4:21-32  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

This is an easy topic to talk about, but how are supposed to do this?  Grace allows us the opportunity to change by understanding, not by doing.  Paul explains this in Romans chapter 12.

Romans 12:1-2  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

It is only through renewing our mind.  We hve to change what we think and how we think.  This can only be accomplished through the word of God.  We must allow the word of God to dwell in us and let it do its job of working in us.

1Thesslonians 2:9-13 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:  As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

The word of God will not return void.  The word will accomplish its goal by working effectively in the life of the believer.  Only then can we understand that just because we are grace and not law does not mean we may partake in anything we want.  We must think of other breatheren as well.  

1Corinthians 10:23-24  All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

The godly edification of fellow believers must be forefront in our thinking.  Are we saved by our actions? No!  Are we saved by our speech? No! Does God care about those things? Absolutely! Without question.  How we act and how we speak matters to weaker breatheren.  Lest we forget, we are ambassadors. Wouldn't you want the best show for American Ambassadors?  How much more, for the Creator of the universe.

So, follow after Pauline repentance. Change things that need changing. Remember t this time of year the sacrifice Christ made and 

Grace and Peace,

Greg Resor

Complete in Him

Minister Grace

There are many today who do understand how to rightly divide the word of truth, yet they find themselves not following their pattern in all ways.  Paul gives us a tremendous look at how we are to apply our understanding in Ephesians 4.  We put this together along with his own commentary to Ephesians in Colossians, where he says, as we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.  We have Paul as a pattern, so we should see how he suggests we live.

Ephesians  4:20-32

But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:  That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  Neither give place to the devil.  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

There are many who treat folks outside of dispensationalism as though they are completely stupid, forgetting they used to be there themselves.  Sometimes they go so far as to call them stupid or idiots.  I find this sickening.  We are to edify; or build up, not tear down.  We should be the light for those in darkness.  We should be helpers of their joy. 

As we continue to preach God's word, rightly divided, we should remember our commission as ambassadors.  We are to be a living epistle written in the fleshy tables of our hearts to be read of all men. 

Something to consider.

Grace and peace,
Greg Resor
Complete in Him

Confess What Has Been Confessed

DO WE HAVE TO CONFESS CHRIST?

Matthew 10:32, 33
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.  But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Everyone knows this passage of scripture, but many misuse it and its content.  When Christ spoke these words, it was prior to His going to the cross.  He was speaking to the nation of Israel to prepare them for the upcoming tribulation period.  Since these words were spoken, many things have taken place and God interrupted His kingdom program to usher in the Dispensation of His Grace.  On this side of the cross we understand a hidden purpose behind the cross work of Christ. 

CHRIST DIED FOR US

Romans  5:6-10
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

CHRIST DID IT PUBLICLY

Colossians  2:10-15
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Jesus Christ, with His death, confessed you before God, Satan, the angels, and all of creation. Now, agree with Gods Word and what it says about you. You do not have to confess Christ for Him to confess you.

WE HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO CONFESS HIM

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Paul, begs us to show God's grace by storing up doctrine in our soul.  So much so, that our lives confess Christ living in us and through us as we walk day by day.

Grace and peace,

Greg Resor

Complete in Him

What Does it Take to Become a Saint?

The following is how one becomes a saint according to the "Church" (Catholic Church)  

This is an excerpt from http://www.catholic.org/saints/faq.php.

"How does the Church choose saints?

Canonization, the process the Church uses to name a saint, has only been used since the tenth century. For hundreds of years, starting with the first martyrs of the early Church, saints were chosen by public acclaim. Though this was a more democratic way to recognize saints, some saints' stories were distorted by legend and some never existed. Gradually, the bishops and finally the Vatican took over authority for approving saints.

In 1983, Pope John Paul II made sweeping changes in the canonization procedure. The process begins after the death of a Catholic whom people regard as holy. Often, the process starts many years after death in order give perspective on the candidate. The local bishop investigates the candidate's life and writings for heroic virtue (or martyrdom) and orthodoxy of doctrine. Then a panel of theologians at the Vatican evaluates the candidate. After approval by the panel and cardinals of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the pope proclaims the candidate "venerable."

The next step, beatification, requires evidence of one miracle (except in the case of martyrs). Since miracles are considered proof that the person is in heaven and can intercede for us, the miracle must take place after the candidate's death and as a result of a specific petition to the candidate. When the pope proclaims the candidate beatified or "blessed," the person can be venerated by a particular region or group of people with whom the person holds special importance.

Only after one more miracle will the pope canonize the saint (this includes martyrs as well). The title of saint tells us that the person lived a holy life, is in heaven, and is to be honored by the universal Church. Canonization does not "make" a person a saint; it recognizes what God has already done.

Though canonization is infallible and irrevocable, it takes a long time and a lot of effort. So while every person who is canonized is a saint, not every holy person has been canonized. You have probably known many "saints" in your life, and you are called by God to be one yourself."

We find out that this is a false teaching propagated by the Catholic Church.  

Here is what the Bible says it takes to become a saint.

1 Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

How does God call people today?

God calls people today by the gospel.

1 Corinthians Chapter 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Once you have trusted in that gospel, you become a saint of the Most High God.  There is no need of confirmed miracles, no evidence of clean living, or anything else.  This is a spiritual transaction that takes place.  The Spirit of God is there and that is all of the evidence God needs.  When He looks at you now, all He sees is you have been placed into Christ.  That is what it takes to be saint. Grace and Peace, Greg Resor Complete in Him

Sorry, You Cannot Fulfill the "Great" Commission

Many churches today speak of the great commission as their purpose statement.  

Mark 16:15 KJV

[15] And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

This is a great goal to have, but Peter and the 11 were not going to be able to fulfill that commission during their time until Jesus Christ comes back after the seven year tribulation period.  The bad news is, you cannot fulfill that commission either.

Matthew 10:22-23 KJV

[22] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. [23] But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. …

Notice that Christ tells them that they will not have gone over all of the cities of Israel before He comes back; therefore, they could not preach their gospel to the whole world until after Christ comes back to set up His earthly kingdom.

That means you need to go preach the gospel of the kingdom in the cities of Israel and you cannot preach it to the world until Christ comes back, which means you have to go through the tribulation period.  Notice, Christ also tells them that they who endureth to the end shall be saved.  What is the end He is speaking about?  The end of the tribulation period of course.

What if you do not want to go live in Israel?  How about some good news?  

You have a new gospel to preach.  One you can preach to the whole world before Christ comes back. One you learn about not having to going through the tribulation period. 

Did you know that Christ gave a new gospel and a new commission?

New Gospel:  1 Corinthians 15:1-4

New Commission:  2 Corinthians 5:16-21

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV

[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 KJV

[16] Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. [17] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. [21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Grace and Peace

Greg Resor

What Do Want to Be When You Go Up.

Many people often ask children what they want to be when they grow up.  Often when children are younger they may say things such as policeman, fireman, or astronaut.  As they grow up, they may change those dreams to football player, basketball player, or music artist.  Their priorities change as they grow up which is why their dreams differ.  They start out looking up to people with character and then move to characters who make money.

We start our Christian lives in such the same manner; however, our expectations change as we learn more from scripture.  In the beginning of our "Christian life" we are just happy to be saved from Hell.  We look at those Old Testament saints such as Abraham, Noah, or David and say, "I want to live like (fill in the blank)."  The Bible student which puts in time to properly study scripture will find that they can live a life much greater than those who lived before us.  

1 Corinthians 13:11, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." KJV

What does it take to become a man?  We must change the way we speak, understand and think. That is how we become a man, which is what will prepare us for what we want to be when we go up.

Understanding

This is the basis upon which we must build. Understanding will change the way we think, which in turn will change the way we speak.  

2 Timothy 2:1-3,7, "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." KJV

We are to learn what the Apostle Paul wrote, in order for us to change our understanding. In the previous passage he states, "Consider what I say..." He does not tell us to look to the Psalms, neither does he tell us to read the four gospels.  He, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, tells us to consider what he says.  He wants us to read his epistles.  In doing so, The Lord will give us understanding in ALL things.  Not just one or two things, but rather in all things.  This knowledge will revolutionize your life once you grasp the truth of rightly dividing the word of truth.

Thinking

The next thing that changes in the life of the believer is our thinking. We have learned some amazing truths, once we learn to rightly divide, and those truths will change the way in which we think about our lives.  

Philippians 4:7-9, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." KJV

Once we have the proper basis of understanding, then we are to change the way we think by continually renewing our minds through proper studying of Gods word.  We are directed by our apostle, once again as the Spirit works through him, to think on the proper things.  The list is given to us in the previous passage. These are things that we have learned and received, as we study Gods word, and we have heard and seen in the life of Paul, as we study Gods word.  Once again, we should notice that our example to look to is the Apostle Paul.  

Speaking

The last part of becoming a man, based on this study alone, is how we change the way in which we speak.  If we have come to a better understanding of what God has done for us and we know who we are "in Christ" then we will change our thinking pattern to align with who God has made us.  Once we have that established, we should also change the way in which we speak.  If we are in Christ, then we should constantly be aware of the things we say.  

Ephesians 4:11-15, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" KJV

Notice the theme continues in this passage as well.  In order for us to be no more children, we need to speak in truth in order for us to grow up.

What we are going to be when we go up has a lot to do with how we grow up right now.  If we understand some truths and then do not change the way in which we think, speak, and live; then we will not be want we want to be in the future.  Would we still be saved?  Absolutely!  

1 Corinthians 3:10-15, "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." KJV

What do you want to be when you go up?  You must first learn what it means to grow in grace.

2 Peter 3:18, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." KJV

Grace and Peace,

Greg Resor