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698. Is it “Biblical”? (Part 2)

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Is it biblical? When we hear this question, usually someone is asking if it’s in the Bible. Another motivation may be to find out if it’s a principle based upon the truth of the Bible. Since anyone can quote Bible verses and appear to be fitting them into a jigsaw puzzle in order to create a picture which fits their own belief system, this question may be overemphasized. It’s also interesting to see how many things found within the Mosaic law are sometimes considered as a part of Christianity, while other things within the very same pages are completely ignored. For example, in Deuteronomy 22, there are instructions on what to do if you come across a bird’s nest in a tree or on the ground. Following the instructions to the letter would mean… “that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days.” It’s as “biblical” as any other of the 613 commandments and statutes but it's hardly a mantra of the church today. So while the church continues to pick and choose old covenant commands to be considered “biblical” from a doctrinal perspective, they fail to realize you either have to follow the entire law or it all had to come to an end. Christ became the end of the law.



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Just Say “Here I Am, Lord…Send Me!”

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Here I Am, Lord…Send Me! What a great thing to tell Jesus! There are so many ways God can send you into other people’s lives, working in and through you to help them. That’s why I often talk about how important it is that we don’t limit God or put Him in a box! Even […]

697. Is it “Biblical”? (Part 1)

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The first part of this week’s program wraps up what we’ve been discussing… with a reminder about the legalistic minded who quote certain passages which they think implies our eternal life and inheritance is based upon what we do and how we behave. We’re not dismissing the importance of behavior, but our inheritance is not based on that. The second half of the program starts a new conversation about the “biblical” catch phrase we often find in Christianity. We’re often trying to define and determine what is “biblical” and what is not. Another saying that is commonly heard is whether they are a “Bible believing church.” Just what does it mean when we determine whether something is deemed to be biblical while another version of belief is not? We’ll be laying down some thoughts that may cause people to reconsider how they define what is biblical.



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696. The Spirit Vs. the Flesh (Walking in the Spirit)

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“The law is not of faith.” This word from Paul is a central theme throughout the book of Galatians. It needs to be kept in mind as we look through the letter, including chapter 5 as the apostle compares the Spirit to the flesh. Believers in Christ who had been freed from the law are no longer in the flesh, but in the Spirit (Romans 8:9). Although we can be tempted with the works of the flesh that Paul lists in Galatians 5, it is those who are of the flesh that will not inherit the kingdom of heaven (unbelievers). They are stuck in “works” mode… which may appear as sinful and at other times it may appear as Godly. This is not a passage on living “good enough” to inherit eternal life. We’ve all continued to struggle with being perfect… we still may have moments of anger, quarrels, jealousy, impure thoughts, etc. Fear not! God is always with you and He desires to be our helper during those times.

The Galatians were earlier accused of having fallen from grace because they were trying to be perfected by the law of works (Galatians 3:3 & 5:4). As children of God, we receive an inheritance as a gift because we are an heir, not because we are living in a way that is going to be considered morally acceptable. This is not to diminish or disregard the importance of behavior - Paul’s exhortation is for us who are in Christ to behave in a way that reflects the true righteous nature of who we’ve been born to be in Christ. This is not accomplished by our empty efforts of trying to produce our own fruit, but by the Holy Spirit within us. Now we can bear His fruit, apart from the law of works.



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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!”

Relax – It. Is. All. About. Jesus.

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Do you know what one of the coolest things about the grace-life is? It’s that you come to realize it’s not about you. You suddenly see it as clear as day – oh my goodness, This Is All About Jesus! And when you see it, glorious results follow. As you may know, the Branson Women […]

690. Christian Catch Phrase Alert: Identifying Ourselves as Followers of Jesus

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One of the things that we often focus on here at Growing in Grace is built around helping believers in Christ to understand the identity we now have in Him as a new creation. Sadly, people are seldom taught they are righteous, holy, complete, forgiven, perfected, saints, etc.

But a catch phrase that is often used to identify us as believers: We are “followers of Jesus.” Just exactly what is a follower of Jesus today? Get ready for a wide variety of different answers because it’s one of those talking points within Christianity which people don’t think too much about. Typically, we might think it has to do with following the teachings of Jesus. But as previous programs have revealed, Jesus often taught things related to the Old Covenant which targeted Jewish people who were under the law - impossible demands - now made obsolete since the cross.

Almost all references to those who were followers of Jesus are found in the four books of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)… people who literally and physically followed Jesus from one place to the next. But their following ceased at the cross as they were relocated to a New Covenant where they would be led by God’s Spirit. You’re not merely a follower, you are a child of God, living in union with Him.



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689. Guaranteed to Fail: Working at Becoming More Like Jesus

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Anyone who has spent much time in the church world has probably heard that the primary goal for the Christian is to work at becoming more like Jesus. It sounds logical, doesn’t it? Sermons tend to shine from such a message with a typical backdrop of people shouting “Amen!” But seldom will you find a consistent model on exactly what it means to become more like Jesus through what we do, although most will have their preconceived ideas or assumptions. The general idea religion presents is that we gradually and progressively improve by our works and lifestyle choices. We’re told that improved morality will make us more like Christ. This approach has believers turning the gospel inside out as we work to achieve the impossible. It will benefit us to realize we’ve been born of God and have received an inheritance that has already made us like Jesus - completely righteous and holy just as He is - even while we’re in this world. These qualities we have inherited as children are gifts provided by grace, not our attempts to improve the flesh through human effort.



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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.   

The Holy Spirit is Trying to Save You From Living a Complicated Life!

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Believe me when I say “Complicated” used to be my middle name. Sandra Complicated McCollom. I spent the first 34 years of my Christian life over-riding the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This made for one frustrated existence. Because of the way I used to live, I can’t even express how much I enjoy the […]

688. Jesus Often Taught a Ministry of Death and Condemnation

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Jesus always had a reason for His methods during His earthly ministry. But much of what He taught was not meant to be considered or received as New Covenant Christianity - yet we can still look back on it and benefit when considered in the proper context. As the Apostle Paul explained to the Galatians, Jesus was born of a woman under the Mosaic law so that He might redeem those who were under that law - the Jews needed to be delivered from that religious system which could only bring death and condemnation. To assume Jesus was usually teaching a new doctrine meant for future Christians has resulted in countless misinterpretations as to how the gospel is defined. Empty religious doctrines of men will scream that we should do our best to keep some of the commandments from that old law which is now obsolete. What’s the problem with this? “The law is not of faith!” Faith in Christ has no relationship with a law of works which can’t bring life.



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Where’s The Love?

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Do you ever wonder where the love is, among Christians? Sometimes we get caught acting Impatient….Judgmental… Critical….Jealous…..Opinionated…..Negative…. Arrogant….Rude….. and Unforgiving We’ve all done it, but why? Now that I’m living under grace myself I love to deal in real answers when I’m writing or ministering. I don’t want to tell others, “your doing this and […]

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