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

What We Believe and Why, Part 1

"A Gospel You Can Believe" Part 1

Romans 1:16,17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." KJV

In order to understand what we believe and why, we are going to look at four main points of doctrine upon which this entire study is based. The four points are:

     1) A Gospel You Can Believe

     2) A Life You Can Live

     3) A Bible Study You Can Understand

     4) A Book You Can Trust

There are three basic topics that will allow us to examine a gospel you can believe:

     1) Are all gospels the same?

     2) Our gospel vs. all other gospels.

     3) How we are saved today?

Differing "Gospels"

Throughout scripture there have been many different gospels, all of which were true.

Gospel of the Kingdom, which takes us back to King David.

Gospel of the Circumcision, which takes us back before David to Abraham.

Gospel of the Uncircumcision, which takes us back before Abraham, when his name was Abram.

Gospel of Reconciliation, which takes us back before Abram, to Adam.

Gospel of the Mystery, which takes us all the way before Adam where the triune Godhead set forth a plan to accomplish the good pleasure of His will.

     Here are some popular concepts of what the gospel is.

     1) Sinner's Prayer - Luke 18:9-14

     2) Ask Jesus into your heart. This is not found in scripture. This is a man made doctrine based upon the popularization of pseudo-psychological, self-help, positive-thinking preaching going on today.

     3) Ask God to forgive your sins. Contrast Matthew 6:9-15, and Ephesians 4:30-32.

     4) Every head bowed, every eye closed. Some teach that you should do this quietly between yourself and God.

     5) Come forward. Some teach you have to make a public profession, citing Matthew 10:33, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him I will also deny before my Father which is in heaven." 

     6) Repentance, confession, and baptism. Some teach that you should repent of all of your sins, confess, and then be baptized in water. Acts 2:38, and 3:19

Let us look at some verses to see what God thinks about His word.  Luke 1:70, Acts 3:21, and Romans 16:25,26. 

Luke 1:70 KJV

[70] As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:

Acts 3:21 KJV

[21] Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Romans 16:25-26 KJV

[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

If you read the verses, you can clearly see that there were some things spoken of since the world began and some things were kept secret since the world began. Now I realize you may want to change the word "world" to "age" and destroy Gods word to prove your point. However, let us just allow the words on the page to speak for themselves. 

Luke wrote both the book of Luke and the book Acts. In the context of both passages they are talking about the same thing. They are talking about the gospel of the kingdom. That gospel of the kingdom has been preached since the world began. 

Have you ever noticed that the opening verse of the Bible states, Genesis 1:1 KJV[1] "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."? 

Have you also noticed from that point on, scripture deals with a kingdom which will set up on the earth? 

Have you noticed that everything that is promised to the Nation of Israel is based in the literal, physical, earthly establishment of the Davidic Kingdom? 

Have you noticed that a period of time in Acts, around chapter 9, that God saved Saul of Taursus, changed his name to Paul and gave him a new doctrine that teaches God is also setting up a kingdom in the heavenlies? 

Have you noticed the title "The Most High God" is always followed by "the possessor of heaven and earth"? 

Have you also noticed that the kingdom of God consists of the earthly and the heavenly? 

Have you ever noticed the establishment of the heavenly kingdom was "kept secret since the world began"? 

Perhaps you should ask your pastor these same questions, and then ask him why you do not know these simple truths.

Grace and Peace

Greg Resor

Complete in Him