603. Believers ID’d as Righteous, Apart from Behavior
602. God’s Love: Jesus Became Sin; We Became Righteous
Clash of the Covenants – new book from Mike
The brand new book, Clash of the Covenants - Escaping Religious Bondage Through the Grace Guarantee, from Growing in Grace co-host Mike Kapler is now available for Kindle on Amazon! Remember, you don't need a Kindle in order to read. Download the Kindle app on your computer, tablet or smartphone.
GOD IS NOT YOUR PAROLE OFFICER, HE BROKE YOU OUT OF PRISON!
GOD IS NOT YOUR PAROLE OFFICER, HE BROKE YOU OUT OF PRISON!
Have you been robbed by religion? Have you ever wondered where you really stood with God? For everyone trapped in a mindset of wondering whether God is angry or disappointed with them due to a lack of performance or dedication, help is on the way. In fact, it already arrived more than a couple thousand years ago.
Christian churches are filled with people who have been hearing Bible teaching built upon a foundation of mixing together two very different covenants that are not alike. Frequently embraced in most Christian circles, the practice of combining the old and new covenants has resulted in a diluted version of the gospel. This religious formula has caused many to avoid the institutional church altogether, often puts them in a state of confusion, and leaves them hungering and thirsting for a new identity of righteousness, unaware it has already been provided.
The current reality of unconditional love, peace, freedom, forgiveness, and everything else that is good, has been gifted to us by God's grace through the finished work of Jesus Christ. This is the message most people have been longing to experience, but it may require a complete change of mind from a lifetime of traditional church doctrines that have left many drowning in guilt and feeling as though they are in a state of bondage. God has provided a way of escape from the burdensome religious business—it is through a New Covenant where it is impossible for us to fail, because Jesus is the mediator and guarantee of this better covenant, and it has been established on better promises.
Embracing Our New Life Daily
The central message of the first century church was the resurrection of Jesus and the ramifications for the world. The apostle Paul said, "He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." (Colossians 1:18) Later in history the resurrection became more of an appendage to Christian doctrine and sometimes an embarrassment to those inoculated with false science. As the Enlightenment began to exert its influence, the resurrection of Jesus was pushed to the periphery of gospel preaching with the major benefit being a glimmer of hope of life after death. But it is so much more.
The garden we manage is both undeveloped and infested with weeds and thorns. But, we have the resources to get the job done.
Ever since Eden, God planned for a new creation. It was prefigured in the Flood with Noah and his family pointing toward a future new world with a new race. It would be the day that the promise to woman in the Garden would be fulfilled. You remember that God promised that one day the seed of woman would crush the head of the Serpent. (Genesis 3:15) Adam and Eve lost their kingly role in creation by submitting to Satan, but one of their race, a truly human, was destined to start over.
Embracing Our New Life Daily
Some work had to be done before this climactic event, and the story is fascinating. God became a man in the person of Jesus and participated human history in a way that fulfilled the requirements of eternal justice. He lived a perfect life and, died as a substitute for sinful humans. In his death, he ripped away the awful fear of finality and the dreadful anticipation of judgment. Sin was judged in him and sinners were acquitted. In his resurrection, he eliminated the finality aspect of death.
There is life beyond death, but there is so much more. He is the firstborn from the dead. Those who believe (trust in) him are born again by the Spirit that raised Jesus. They begin living the new life now and will continue it forever. The resurrection is not just our hope for the future after our own death, but hope for the present after Jesus's death–and resurrection.
We celebrate the season of Lent in our churches and in our special religions services, but also by embracing our new life daily. We are a new race on the earth. Like Adam and Eve, we have custodial and managerial duties in creation. We too, walk and talk with God in our gardens. We continually gaze on his face without fear and rejoice in the safety of his presence. The garden we manage is both undeveloped and infested with weeds and thorns. But, we have the resources to get the job done. We have been given the name of Jesus who triumphed in the battle with Satan and his powers. We also have been given the Spirit of God, who is the Spirit of resurrection, and of transformation as our promised helper and advocate.
Therefore, we are not hapless victims in a world-gone-bad. We are God's new people sent to proclaim the good news that the promise has been fulfilled; the head of the Serpent is crushed; the exile of Israel is over; the day of vindication has come! The Son of man has arisen and the kingdom has been given to him and his people.
It is a new day. We honor it by living life to the fullest.
594. The Lord’s Prayer Part 2: Our Father In Heaven
Take Ownership of Your Inheritance in Christ for Blessing and Success
You have an inheritance that is equal to what Jesus received, can you take ownership of that and live in that truth? 3:36 Video Clip
It’s not victory to successfully fight something over and over in your life. The victory is when it’s no longer a challenge for you. 1:35 Video Clip
Your self image and beliefs are self fulfilling prophecies, so you may as well believe the truth about who you are in Jesus. 0:43 Video Clip
Your outward life will reflect your inner beliefs. Life happens to all of us and many things occur that are out of your control but the bigger picture or the general condition of your life is a result of your self-image. You make choices based on who you think you are. Your conscious and subconscious mind work together with your conscience to filter what you’ll do and not do. Your beliefs live in your heart but your conscience will regulate how hard you pursue success or even how comfortable you are with certain levels of sin.
God is not the one determining the general condition of your life, you are.
The good news is you can change the condition and quality of your life. I am not talking about a health and wealth, carnally based message, I’m talking about living in the inheritance that’s available to all children of God. This inheritance predominantly reflects itself as righteousness, peace and joy. The goal is to experience the Kingdom of God and live as his responsible children/ambassadors in this world.
Colossians 1:12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
To do this, he changed you at the deepest part of your being when you believed.
God supplies wisdom and grace to continually shape you. He gave you that same inheritance Jesus received in his Kingdom. All of this is for the purpose of breaking the power of death and sin in your life, to set you free from the curse that’s in the earth AND for the purpose of you enjoying a blessed life.
Since you live out of the beliefs of your heart, the condition of your conscience and the image you have of yourself, you may as well go ahead and believe about yourself what God says about you.
Romans 8:15 for ye did not receive a spirit of bondage again for fear, but ye did receive a spirit of adoption in which we cry, ‘Abba — Father.’ 16 The Spirit himself doth testify with our spirit, that we are children of God; 17and if children, also heirs, heirs, indeed, of God, and heirs together of Christ — if, indeed, we suffer together, that we may also be glorified together. (the suffering statement is a comfort to them because they have been experiencing persecution, suffering is not a prerequisite of being glorified)
God is continually reminding you that you are his child, that you are a joint-heir with Jesus, that he’s given you his authority. He’s placed his spirit in you to lead and guide you. He supplies more grace and wisdom than you’ll ever need. Let all of that work together to radically shift who you see in the mirror so you will allow him to build you outwardly into a blessed child of God, because you already are inwardly.
Message Titles
1. Joint-Heirs with Jesus
2. Our Authority in Jesus Name
3. Betrothed to God
4. God Says Yes to Over 3000 Promises
5. Praying According To His Will
6. Praying in Spirit and Truth
7. Living in the Paradox
8. Following the Holy SpiritHebrews 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
Jesus is the heir of all things and has been given a name above every name. The most astonishing fact about Jesus’ resurrection and ascension is that he chose to share his inheritance and authority with all who believe.
In regard to power and authority there is no difference between you and Jesus. God has made you His child through your faith in Jesus. You’ve been adopted into His family in which he shares everything he has. You will not create another world and rule over people like the Mormons think, but in God’s Kingdom and on this planet, you have the full authority of a child of God within your new creation identity. Embrace your true identity and begin to represent the true God to the world in the power that Jesus died and rose again for you to walk in.
The post Take Ownership of Your Inheritance in Christ for Blessing and Success appeared first on Forward Ministries.
Take Ownership of Your Inheritance in Christ for Blessing and Success
You have an inheritance that is equal to what Jesus received, can you take ownership of that and live in that truth? 3:36 Video Clip
It’s not victory to successfully fight something over and over in your life. The victory is when it’s no longer a challenge for you. 1:35 Video Clip
Your self image and beliefs are self fulfilling prophecies, so you may as well believe the truth about who you are in Jesus. 0:43 Video Clip
Your outward life will reflect your inner beliefs. Life happens to all of us and many things occur that are out of your control but the bigger picture or the general condition of your life is a result of your self-image. You make choices based on who you think you are. Your conscious and subconscious mind work together with your conscience to filter what you’ll do and not do. Your beliefs live in your heart but your conscience will regulate how hard you pursue success or even how comfortable you are with certain levels of sin.
God is not the one determining the general condition of your life, you are.
The good news is you can change the condition and quality of your life. I am not talking about a health and wealth, carnally based message, I’m talking about living in the inheritance that’s available to all children of God. This inheritance predominantly reflects itself as righteousness, peace and joy. The goal is to experience the Kingdom of God and live as his responsible children/ambassadors in this world.
Colossians 1:12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
To do this, he changed you at the deepest part of your being when you believed.
God supplies wisdom and grace to continually shape you. He gave you that same inheritance Jesus received in his Kingdom. All of this is for the purpose of breaking the power of death and sin in your life, to set you free from the curse that’s in the earth AND for the purpose of you enjoying a blessed life.
Since you live out of the beliefs of your heart, the condition of your conscience and the image you have of yourself, you may as well go ahead and believe about yourself what God says about you.
Romans 8:15 for ye did not receive a spirit of bondage again for fear, but ye did receive a spirit of adoption in which we cry, ‘Abba — Father.’ 16 The Spirit himself doth testify with our spirit, that we are children of God; 17and if children, also heirs, heirs, indeed, of God, and heirs together of Christ — if, indeed, we suffer together, that we may also be glorified together. (the suffering statement is a comfort to them because they have been experiencing persecution, suffering is not a prerequisite of being glorified)
God is continually reminding you that you are his child, that you are a joint-heir with Jesus, that he’s given you his authority. He’s placed his spirit in you to lead and guide you. He supplies more grace and wisdom than you’ll ever need. Let all of that work together to radically shift who you see in the mirror so you will allow him to build you outwardly into a blessed child of God, because you already are inwardly.
Message Titles
1. Joint-Heirs with Jesus
2. Our Authority in Jesus Name
3. Betrothed to God
4. God Says Yes to Over 3000 Promises
5. Praying According To His Will
6. Praying in Spirit and Truth
7. Living in the Paradox
8. Following the Holy SpiritHebrews 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
Jesus is the heir of all things and has been given a name above every name. The most astonishing fact about Jesus’ resurrection and ascension is that he chose to share his inheritance and authority with all who believe.
In regard to power and authority there is no difference between you and Jesus. God has made you His child through your faith in Jesus. You’ve been adopted into His family in which he shares everything he has. You will not create another world and rule over people like the Mormons think, but in God’s Kingdom and on this planet, you have the full authority of a child of God within your new creation identity. Embrace your true identity and begin to represent the true God to the world in the power that Jesus died and rose again for you to walk in.
The post Take Ownership of Your Inheritance in Christ for Blessing and Success appeared first on Forward Ministries.
Identity Based vs Performance Based Christianity
A newly created child of God is not defined by their actions, they are defined by what kind of being they are. The believer has been plucked out of death and engrafted into God by Christ. Each and every believer is now alive in Him!
If you were to be judged by God right now, it wouldn’t be sin that he would use to define you, it would be whether or not you’re in Jesus. The difference maker is whetter or not you have the spirit of God in you.
Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
A performance based approach to relationship with God is rooted in self-righteousness. Performance based Christianity keeps you believing that you are going to become a better Christian one day. It never allows you to realize who you are in Christ, now. I want to help you understand and naturally live from the new creation reality that you are righteous because you’re in Jesus
Take a moment to answer these questions…
- When you read the Bible and see passages that address who God is, do you believe them and adapt your perspective of God to match his revealed word?
- When you read the Bible and see passages that address who Jesus is, do you believe them and adapt your perspective of Jesus to match his revealed word?
- When you read the Bible and see passages that address who you are, do you believe them and adapt your perspective of yourself to match his revealed word?
Here’s what I mean by the third question. Read these passages and then ask yourself if you believe you’re righteous.
Romans 4:5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
You can rebuild your self-image from a reality that’s greater than your physical ability. To have a different life you have to do things differently than you’re doing now. You have to see yourself differently, think differently. You can have a completely different future that’s not defined by your past. The best way to do that is continually remind yourself of your inheritance as a child of God and who you now are in Christ. Believe what the Word says about YOU!
CHECK OUT THESE TEACHING SETS
FOR MORE ON ESTABLISHING YOUR IDENTITY
The post Identity Based vs Performance Based Christianity appeared first on Forward Ministries.
589. The Sanctification Proclamation (It Is Finished)
During the podcast, Joel mentioned this blog post of his: Instant and Permanent Sanctification.
587. Jesus Became Sin – You Became Righteous
Who Named You?
Who named you? Pastor Alan Wright, discussing Peter's confession of Jesus at Caesarea (Matt. 16:13-20), makes the point that the power to name a person is huge, for that power belongs to whoever or whatever is most important to you.
Peter recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah of Israel and the Lord of creation. When Jesus named him Peter (he had been "Simon" until then) it was settled. Peter means "rock." Though Peter had to walk through some tough lessons, he was indeed the rock that Jesus said he was. He gave the key address at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-42) and was a recognized leader in the early church. He was most honored by being martyred for his faith.
In our neo-polytheistic culture, it is no wonder that so many are confused as to their identity. With the proliferation of gods giving out names to people, the fog of confused self-identity has settled on the land. Money is a favorite god dispensing names. Those who value it most are named by it and spend their lives running from poverty and trying vainly to accumulate enough of it to be significant. They measure their standing based on the symbols of wealth like houses, land, possessions, and the friends to whom those metrics are important. Many of these people (God called them fools in Luke 12:13-21) are so sad while trying desperately to be happy.
Another popular god is sex. When this god is given the right to rule it names people based on their various lusts and desires. While this is spun to look like freedom of expression, in reality it reduces humans to the level of animals, which are primarily defined biologically. Content or even proud to be identified by sexual preferences and practices, some conclude that they have no option but to be named by this criteria, but they have yet to hear that God has a better name for them.
We could go on identifying the gods of this culture that are eager to name people. For instance, those who value peer approval above all will be named by that cruel tyrant. They will live each day for secondhand pleasure. Not able to enjoy what they are doing because they are concerned what others think of it, they are slaves to approval and affirmation. The list is long and growing as other gods crowd into the mix, but you get the point. Who should name you?
There is only one who has the right to name us. He created us with a gracious plan for our lives. We are His by creation. After Adam and Eve chose to disobey Him, Satan began his long habit of accusing the race and assigning names based on criteria other than God's word. But God's plan was permanent and gracious. He sent His Son to be sin on our behalf so that we could be called the sons of God. We are His by redemption.
So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Gal. 4:7 (ESV)
This identity makes all other roles we play work in harmony. Living in a false identity guarantees disharmony and dissatisfaction. When God is most important to us we listen when He names us. We refuse to allow any of the cultural gods to have that power. They did not create us nor redeem us. They just want to conform us. They don't have that right.
D.L. Moody writes…
While looking through some papers I once read this wonderful description of Christ. I do not know where it originally came from; but it was so fresh to my soul that I should like to give it to you: "Christ is our Way; we walk in Him. He is our Truth; we embrace Him. He… Read More
The post D.L. Moody writes… appeared first on Positive Words.
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