GRACE BLOGS COLLECTION
Editor’s Note: It’s with heavy hearts we report that Dudley’s beloved wife Betsy was escorted to her eternal home yesterday. We extend our deepest sympathies to our brother and adviser, and pray God’s peace on the entire Hall family.
Lincoln Steffens went to Russia after the Russian Revolution and saw the new collective form of government, known as communism, being tried. Things looked so good in the early days that he reported back home, "I have seen the future and it works." Of course, by 1989 the country was in big trouble, having witnessed millions of people dead in the tragic experiment.
However, the scriptures testify that we can see the future and it really does work.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. -- Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
In the real world described here, the spiritual and natural intertwine. When Jesus appeared, the eternal invaded the temporal. Or speaking from a linear perspective, the future broke into the present. Jesus announced, "The kingdom of God is at hand." A new era was beginning. A new age was dawning. Though the willfully blind can't see beyond the temporal and thus live based on observation and intuition, those born of the Spirit can see through the temporal to the eternal.
In the mystery of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, believers share the very life of Jesus the Christ -- called "eternal life." They share his past, present and future. Because they are "in him," they are wherever and whenever he is. The apostle Paul is not talking nonsense when he says, "Your life is hidden with Christ in God."
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This is confusing to those so focused on trying to get there by some form of merit, that they can't see the finished work of Christ. Many are afraid they will be left behind at his next coming. But, you can't be left behind if you are already there. We are so united with him that we sit with him now and will appear with him when comes. In the present, we are being trained by Jesus to live as "there" people while we are here.
Originally published on KerygmaVentures.com. Reprinted with permission.
The post We Are Here and There appeared first on The Stream.
Lincoln Steffens went to Russia after the Russian Revolution and saw the new collective form of government, known as communism, being tried. Things looked so good in the early days that he reported back home, "I have seen the future and it works." Of course, by 1989 the country was in big trouble, having witnessed millions of people dead in the tragic experiment.
However, the scriptures testify that we can see the future and it really does work.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. -- Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
In the real world described here, the spiritual and natural intertwine. When Jesus appeared, the eternal invaded the temporal. Or speaking from a linear perspective, the future broke into the present. Jesus announced, "The kingdom of God is at hand." A new era was beginning. A new age was dawning. Though the willfully blind can't see beyond the temporal and thus live based on observation and intuition, those born of the Spirit can see through the temporal to the eternal.
In the mystery of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, believers share the very life of Jesus the Christ -- called "eternal life." They share his past, present and future. Because they are "in him," they are wherever and whenever he is. The apostle Paul is not talking nonsense when he says, "Your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Help us champion truth, freedom, limited government and human dignity. Support The Stream >>
This is confusing to those so focused on trying to get there by some form of merit, that they can't see the finished work of Christ. Many are afraid they will be left behind at his next coming. But, you can't be left behind if you are already there. We are so united with him that we sit with him now and will appear with him when comes. In the present, we are being trained by Jesus to live as "there" people while we are here.
Originally published on KerygmaVentures.com. Reprinted with permission.
I’ve been in one of the most exciting seasons of my life this past month, spiritually speaking. This is really starting to sink in for me which proves that we are all always growing in grace. I wrote this out recently and have now attached scripture references to it for you because I like you! […]
The post Growing in Grace… Everyday appeared first on Sandra McCollom.
As believers, our theology (study and view of God) and our doctrines (principles) must be consistent with our heartfelt beliefs.
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant PEACE (Shalom) whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. —Isaiah 26:3 (AMP)
Our lives are dependent on what we believe because we can’t go where our hearts won’t lead us! The heart is the driving force of life.
Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. — Proverbs 4:23 (AMP)
The inconsistencies between what we believe in our hearts and what we see around us many times paralyze us in our walk with God.
The Mercy of God
Our beliefs about God may be deeply influenced by legalism and the concept of an angry, judgmental God. So many misunderstand the wonderful truth of the mercy of God. What we believe about God’s mercy will either assist or sabotage our faith.
Being Treated Better than We Deserve
Jesus told the Pharisees to learn what it means for God to desire mercy and not sacrifice.
Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy [that is, readiness to help those in trouble] and not sacrifice and sacrificial victims. —Matthew 9:13 (AMP)
If the Gospel says anything today, it’s that people are way more important to God than any religious regulations!
What Does Mercy Mean?
People have many different definitions for the mercy of God. The Old Testament concept of mercy comes from the Hebrew word kapporet, describing the mercy seat of God where the high priest sprinkled the blood of the sin offering.
Treating People Better than They Deserve
A simplified view of the mercy seat is: It was the place where God treated people better than they deserved.
Every time we hear or see the word mercy, referring to God, His willingness, ability, and passion to give us better than we deserve should enter our minds.
Our lives are dependent on what we believe because we can’t go where our hearts won’t lead us! The heart is the driving force of life.
Everlasting Mercy
The mercy of God is an everlasting mercy!
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting …. —Psalms 103:17
The mercy of God endures forever.
To endure is the ability to withstand prolonged use or strain. So the mercy of God is eternal and endures prolonged use and strain!
Unfortunately, many Christians can’t just relax and enjoy life because they’re afraid of God’s wrath. They live life on the edge, toeing the line with no room for error.
Yet, Paul tells us not to fear the wrath of God.
…The proof of God’s amazing love is this: … while we were sinners Christ died for us. … what reason have we to fear the wrath of God? … We may hold our heads high in the light of God’s love because of the reconciliation which Christ has made. —Romans 5:7-11 (Phillips)
God’s mercy sets us free to live without fear. It liberates us to tackle life head-on and expect only good things.
Mercy Over All His Works
God’s mercy is over all His works!
The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created]. —Psalms 145:9 (AMP)
Now, if we connect that with Ephesians 2:10, it gives us a beautiful picture of His mercy in our lives.
For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus…. — Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)
Every thought that God has of us and every decision He makes about us is always bathed in His mercy, goodness, and loving kindness.
Fully Persuaded
When we become absolutely confident in the love and mercy of God is when we will start to live victoriously, peacefully, and productively.
Blessings,
Arthur Meintjes
