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693. Children of Inheritance – Not Slaves Under the Law

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Continuing on our current thread that "the law is not of faith." The Apostle Paul continues to explain and reveal the significant differences between law and faith in Galatians Chapter 4. Those who had formerly been under the law of Moses were described as slaves held in bondage. Jesus was born of a woman under that same system of law in order to redeem those who were under the law. This would result in the slaves becoming children... heirs of the promise. Paul would continue to show that most people who want to live by the law have no idea what the law says and requires (they had the impossible task of doing all of it). The child of slavery came through Hagar, symbolizing the Old Covenant at Mt. Sinai where the law was given - it gave birth to spiritual bondage. But the child of promise came through Sarah, symbolizing the freedom of grace and faith found in the New Covenant. Both Jew and Gentile believers are now children of the free woman.



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692. A Life of Faith Apart from the Law

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Faith. Grace. Righteousness. Forgiveness. Life. Salvation. These are gifts we’ve been delivered into since God established a New Covenant where both Jew and Gentile have been invited into the covenant - Christ Jesus is that covenant that has been given and established after the cross. These things were not attainable for those Jews living under the religious system of the Mosaic law from the Old Covenant. Their efforts at trying to abide by the many commandments fell far short of the requirement. The new way came by an oath or a promise. The premise of most Christian church doctrines tragically resembles a train-wreck where law and faith have crashed head-on, leaving people in a state of anxiety, pain, fear and bondage. Our program this week covers many of the differences between the law of works compared to the ministry of faith and grace… and why we should avoid the mixture.



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Jesus: The Eternal, Living Word of God

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In this teaching, we must start with agreement concerning what we value and hold dear about the Holy Scriptures. Anytime our view contradicts the biblical view, serious problems arise.

It’s why people have so many varied views of God and the Gospel, and why there are over 45,000 different denominations!

There are many who suggest that the Bible is not trustworthy and reliable!

I wholeheartedly believe that it is the holy and inspired Word of God, given to us through the Holy Spirit.

The Bible is absolutely reliable and totally trustworthy!

The Integrity of the Scriptures

Paul told Timothy, in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, that Scripture is holy (sacred, set apart or consecrated to God), containing the wisdom, understanding and instruction concerning salvation, through faith in the finished work of Jesus. And all Scripture is inspired (breathed out of God) and profitable (helpful, advantageous) for…

  • Doctrine – learning, teaching, and instruction
  • Reproof – evidence or proof, having conviction
  • Correction – to straighten up again, to rectify and reform
  • Instruction – to tutor, educate and train; nurture
  • In righteousness – specifically speaks of (Christian) justification.

The Scriptures are undoubtedly inspired by God to teach and instruct us with the evidence and proof necessary to reform our thinking, educate us in the truth of our right-standing with God and make us proficient in the message of the Gospel—thoroughly equipped to do “good works.”

The Bible is absolutely reliable and totally trustworthy!

The Inerrancy of Scripture

There is no conflict in God! God’s not the one who is con- fused. The only contradictions and conflicts that exist are because of our interpretation of God.

2 Peter 1:20-21 clears it up by saying that Holy men, moved by the Holy Spirit, accurately recorded biblical history, events, encounters, genealogy, conversations and prophetic utterances!

The Bible inerrantly records the contradictions, errors and lies, and it makes no mistakes in reporting the events, proclaiming the truth, and recording the revelation of God’s will.

The Real Benefit of Scripture

We can learn a very valuable lesson from Jesus’ conversation with the Pharisees in John 5!

“You search and investigate and pore over the SCRIPTURES diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. AND THESE [VERY SCRIPTURES] TESTIFY

ABOUT ME! And still you are not willing [but refuse] TO COME TO ME, so that you might have LIFE.” —John 5:39-40 (KJV) [emphasis mine]

Jesus said that one of the main purposes of Scripture is to be a witness that declares and reveals the true Word of God, Jesus Christ, to us!

It’s how we connect to the Living Word of God (Jesus) and the power of God (the Gospel).

That’s why the authority, reliability and integrity of Scripture is so important. Only in Jesus can we have and enjoy (Zoe) life— not just in the Scriptures!

God has fully and perfectly revealed Himself in and through Jesus Christ.

If Scripture is read and studied correctly, it will always point us to Jesus, “The True, Eternal and Inerrant Word of God!”

691. “The Law Is Not of Faith” (Galatians 3:12)

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We frequently find them blended into the doctrines and sermons of Church Incorporated… selected portions of commandments from the law which came by way of Moses. Not the entire law, mind you. Each religious brand will pick and choose what they think should be applied and what should be left off the list. The problem? There shouldn’t be a list. The entire written code of the letter from the Old Covenant was wiped out and came to an end. It was replaced with a better option that arrived when Jesus was manifested - it’s called faith. Paul was explaining to the Galatians they needed to make one of two choices… attempting to follow and live by the works of the law (the flesh) or to live by faith in Jesus Christ.

Before faith came, the Jews were held as prisoners under the law. The Mosaic law was a tutor or guardian which was meant to eventually lead them to the custody of Jesus Christ. When faith (Christ) came, there was no longer the need for the guardian because us who are in Christ Jesus became children of God by faith. The law and commandments are not based upon the faith that was provided for us within a new and better covenant.



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Fear Factor

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Today, fear seems to be a normal part of life. Every day, people face fears of every kind. It’s as if fear has become man’s ever-present companion.

Words that describe our society today are:

  • fearful
  • anxious
  • dreadful
  • fretful
  • apprehensive.

We are continually anxious about the soaring crime rate, the failing economy, wars and rumors of wars, and social, political and racial tensions.

These fears leave us feeling out of control, and our hearts fail us because of fear.

Fear—the First Fruits of Sin

The first recorded words of man in the Bible were by Adam to God, “I was afraid.”

…and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord …. And the Lord God… said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. —Gen 3:8-10

Sin brought fear into their lives that man was never supposed to feel. We weren’t created to live with fear and dread.

Fear Distorts Our Realities

When we believe the devil’s lies, we allow fear in.

Self-righteousness is a distorted reality. Fear keeps us in bondage to it, so we cannot see life the way it really is. For many, fear has been a constant companion and motivates their every action.

  1. Many are distrusting in their relationships, tormented by thoughts of betrayal and infidelity.
  2. Others worry about everything.

Worry means to choke, to strangle. It’s a feeling of suffocation or to be pressed tightly. We worry about money. We worry about our children.

3. Many are distressed—in fear of losing their jobs or of getting one.
4. Many are anxious and arm themselves and live only aware of violence and crime.
5. Many are angry with the world and themselves and take it out on the ones they love the most.

In most cases, we have lost the sense of normalcy—having our fulfillment in God alone.

The Fear of God

What about the fear of God? The Bible is filled with statements about fearing God.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…. — Proverbs 9:10

For many, fear has been a constant companion and motivates their every action.

In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence…. —Proverbs 14:26

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. —Proverbs 14:27

The fear of the LORD tendeth to life…. —Proverbs 19:23

What does the Bible mean by the fear the Lord?

Worshiping God

It means to respond to God with reverence, honor, respect, and awe—to worship God in obedience.

Jesus understood this truth well:

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. — Luke 4:8

God intended for us to be constantly aware of His love and presence.

The Answer to Fear—the Gospel of Peace.

Isaiah said, “Who has believed our report?” The same can be said today.

Fear has been passed from generation to generation, even in the Church, because people find it difficult to believe the report of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Promise of Peace

Every religion in the world today has a promise of peace and the illusion of freedom from fear. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ can deliver this reality.

Ending the Reign of Terror.

The first recorded words of the Gospel: “Do not be afraid.”

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. … Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. —Luke 2: 10-14

From the beginning it has been God’s intent to end the devil’s reign of terror and the fear of death.

Jesus has destroyed him who had the power to enslave you to fear and terror.

Light is Featured in Darkness

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Boy With a Lantern

As I backed out of my driveway early this morning, I noticed that the carriage lights outside the garage were still on, though it was daylight. They had done their job during the night of dispelling the darkness around our house. But, they were still shinning, hardly noticeable.

"I'll bet they are sad," I thought as I decided I would not reopen the garage to turn them off. My sweet wife will notice soon and hit the switch. They aren't very that effective in the daylight. Hardly noticeable. They do their best work in the dark. If they were animated, they would probably tell with delight that the darkness is their chance to shine.

Moral blindness is not our friend. If offers cover for all kinds of wickedness, which destroys everything beautiful in our culture. Darkness has always been a metaphor for decay, deception, and destruction. Only in the light where truth reigns can we live as humans are designed to live. We don't actively invite darkness. Neither do we despair when darkness has crept in.

Jesus is the light that enlightens all people without distinction.

In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5

When he came to earth, it was during a dark night in history. He was a brightness greater than the world had ever seen. He didn't just tell the truth. He is the truth; living truth. His own people did not receive him gladly, but those, both Jews and Gentiles, who received him became reflections of his light. Wherever these lights have gone, darkness has been pushed back. Ignorance, fear, superstition, tyranny, and wickedness has receded. Without such light, civilizations stumble in darkness.

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We have always done our best work in darkness. We have confidence that light can't be extinguished by darkness -- ever. We dare not shrink back just because darkness has increased in intensity and influence. The light of truth and grace has shown in our hearts, so we shine in our world. We are not selling a product for profit. Nor are we competing with various forms of human opinion. Light exposes all forms of darkness. We don't even have to be experts in analyzing the darkness. Light chases all darkness.

Sadly, many who have believed in Jesus have concluded that the daylight will last forever. They have kept their light hidden. It is getting dark. It is time to turn on the light. We don't have to fight the darkness with anger and revenge. We just act in accordance with who we are. The love in our hearts is stronger than the hatred in the hearts of those captured by evil. The truth we share is stronger than all the arguments made against the truth. The wisdom that is ours by virtue of sharing life with Jesus can overcome any complexity darkness has created.

There is a sound from heaven to the people of God. I think it says, "It's getting dark. Turn on the light. It is time to brighten up." We do our best work in the darkness.   

It’s So Easy, Even You Can Do It

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I was talking to a lady that helped me at our bank. When she heard that I was a preacher, she started talking about how difficult Christian life is! Her whole emphasis was on how only a few of the best Christians will one day make it to heaven!

Many people today still think that relationship with God and the Christian life is something that is hard and reserved for only a handful of special people!

Christian life has been viewed as hard because for so long, we’ve believed that God is angry, distant, and intolerant of people and because we’ve made Christian life all about rules, regulations, qualifications, and standards!!

There is also that deep down belief that everything worthwhile only happens through hard work and sacrifice. There are a great many things that are difficult, but not when it comes to our spiritual lives and our relationship with God.

Jesus promised us that our spiritual lives, our relationship with God and experiencing the good life is so easy, even you can do it.

Jesus Made It Easy

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good – not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne. —Matt. 11:28- 30 (AMP)

Here Jesus says that through Him, a relationship with God and the blessings of Christian life are easy, restful and pleasant!

Jesus Made It Easy for Everyone!

In 2 Peter 3:8-9, Peter says that God is holding back the end, for “He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance!”

The gospel according to Paul goes even further to announce that a relationship with God is going to be easy, and it is easy for everyone!

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. —1 Tim. 2:1-4 (KJV)

There are a great many things that are difficult, but not when it comes to our spiritual lives and our relationship with God.

God wants everyone to be saved!

That means that no man has to be excluded from this relationship with God! He wouldn’t make it obtainable for some and not for others!

  • There is no man too weak!
  • There is no man too strong!
  • There is no man too sinful!
  • There is no man too poor!
  • There is no man too rich!
  • There is no man too foolish!
  • There is no man too wise!
  • There is no man too far away!

Paul says that God wants all men to come unto the knowledge of the truth! The truth about what? The truth of how easy it really is because of the finished work of Jesus!

Jesus did everything necessary to produce the results needed for every man to have and experience the benefits of relationship with God.

There is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people and make the blessings of the kingdom available to every man who will simply believe and trust in Him! (1 Tim 2:5-6 NLT)

It is so easy, even you can do it!

669. Paul’s Testimony: I Stopped Trying to Keep the Law of Commandments

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The title of this week’s program is an obvious paraphrase, but it isn’t far off from what Paul explained when it came to being freed and delivered from the Mosaic Law with its burdensome commandments. He found out that what he thought would give life had actually proven to bring death and despair, while causing sin to increase. Today many believers will get up in front of the church and talk about how they used to do bad things and now they work on doing good things. To be clear, pursuing sin will never be a profitable venture - less sin is a good thing. But this was not Paul’s testimony. He didn’t boast about how he used to murder and then stopped after he was saved. He emphasized that we’ve been made a new creation, and the value of getting to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection. God’s life in us, has caused us to pass from death into life in a New Covenant that isn’t based upon our ability to a meet certain standard of rules and regulations. Instead, we live by the righteousness of faith with the power of Jesus Christ abiding in us.



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659. Walking in God’s Grace in Our Daily Lives

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We hear a lot about grace and may talk about the grace of God quite often, but what does it mean when going about our normal everyday lives on planet earth? Ultimately it may begin with realizing grace isn’t just a sermon topic, but its roots are tracked back to the Person of Jesus Christ. Grace doesn’t revolve around various religious practices, but it’s about abiding in an intimate relationship which God has extended to you. As Christ is revealed to us and in us, we can set our minds on Him and what He has done, instead of focusing on self-efforts to change our behavior. The walk becomes much easier in all facets of our lives when we relax and keep our eyes on the One who is the author and finisher of faith.



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Satan Has Been Disarmed and Humiliated

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I went to my doctor yesterday for several bouts of sudden blurred vision within the past 7 weeks. I don’t know what’s going on, but there is one thing I do know – the devil has zero authority in my life. As a result of believing this truth and meditating on it often, when my […]

The post Satan Has Been Disarmed and Humiliated appeared first on Sandra McCollom.

649. Does “Hyper-Grace” Give People a License to Sin? (Part 2)

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Many of us have viewed grace as something that we fall back on whenever we sin or make a mistake. Grace is often seen as something we call upon when we need forgiveness. But the Bible declares the finished work of Jesus Christ removed sin and that it was taken away. The good news has revealed that forgiveness is a finished work and is received by all who believe. We can now begin to see grace as something more than a trigger we pull when we need to have sin covered or forgiven, since Jesus has already dealt with that issue once and for all. After all, Jesus never sinned but Scripture states He was filled with grace and truth. Grace isn’t just for sinners, but for us who have been gifted with righteousness and holiness in Christ Jesus. Grace empowers us to live in a way that abides in the supernatural life of God Himself, and causes us to realize truth. Grace is the Person of Jesus - He is our purpose and destination, and this free grace was given to us in Christ before time began. Beware of modern-day Pharisees who will sound a false alarm at the dangers of having too much grace, or you may both end up heading down a dead end street, where the ditch will become your destination.



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648. Does “Hyper-Grace” Give People a License to Sin? (Part 1)

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The wolves who dress as sheep have issued a warning to their flock: Grace can become a dangerous doctrine and lead people into more sin. The red flags should be flying high whenever a believer hears such misguided teaching that would suggest grace encourages people to sin unless balanced with portions of the law and commandments. It’s a myth and a fable to think that grace will encourage sin, while a modernized version of the Mosaic law will decrease sin. Those who make such proclamations are providing church folks with teaching for their “itching ears.” The gospel teaches us quite the opposite… the law and commandments brought an increase in sin - and sin ABOUNDED under a system of works. But grace ABOUNDED all the more and it’s through grace that we reign through righteousness. The word "abounded" in the Greek is where we get our English word for hyper and it means to overflow beyond measure, exceeding what is needed. Jesus was grace manifested. He never encourages people to sin. Grace teaches and trains us to live godly in Christ Jesus - it empowers us to live in righteousness. Can we have too much of Jesus? Of course not. But this is what hyper-legalists are implying, and that’s the dangerous teaching we should be running from.



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