GRACE AND HOLINESS. Introduction
|
|
- Felix Parsons
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 GRACE AND HOLINESS Introduction The original brief for this study came from Dave Holden. He expressed concern that while we as a movement were strong on the grace message there was evidence that we were weak on the area of holiness. Philip Yancey s book What s So Amazing About Grace had been mentioned as worth interacting with around this subject. In addition I suggested that we looked at the first epistle of John to help our study of the issue of sin and the Christian. I am conscious that this is not a new subject for us to study and that many of the leaders of NFI could preach effective sermons on the subject of grace and holiness. Nevertheless I agree with Dave Holden that the subject is worth reexamining, particularly as many of our people (perhaps not only young people!) seem to be in danger of misunderstanding grace to mean an easy tolerance of sin and worldliness. I propose to review Yancey s book in the light of the subject of grace and holiness and in doing so to draw a few conclusions as to its part, if any, in an underplaying of holiness in the modern Christian thinking. Then I want to explore what it is to be a Christian and while doing this I will briefly address some of the issues David Pawson raised in his discussion on once saved, always saved; I will also look at the evidence of real faith and the New Testament approach to the problem of bad conduct amongst Christians. I will look at the grace faith holiness link and the life complicating factors known as the world, the flesh and the devil. Finally, I will endeavour to point us to some practical conclusions with regard to individual pastoral challenges and possible solution to weaknesses in our churches with regard to grace and holiness. 1. Philip Yancey s book What Is So Amazing About Grace Philip Yancey s book was first published in 1997 and has been popular for a number of years. From the outset I must state that I do not think Yancey s book is responsible for undermining holiness or popularising cheap grace thinking. However, there has been a problem of Christians superficially talking about grace, banding the word about without full understanding of what it means and even developing a sort of popular misconception of its meaning. It often seems that such people put their own interpretations on the word grace and those interpretations are usually along the lines of; another word for
2 tolerance ; a freedom to enjoy worldly pleasures with no serious consequences; once I am saved I am always saved and it doesn t matter what I do; a light treatment of sin because I can always ask for forgiveness afterwards! The spread of these erroneous views of grace has been accelerated by the frequent use of the word and, therefore, Yancey s book along with other paperbacks with grace in the title have made a contribution to the overuse of the word grace. This is particularly true for people who may have only read part of the book or have just responded to the title and their own ideas of what it might be about! In the early part of his book Yancey complains about the fact that the church often appears legalistic and ungracious to the unbeliever. I would agree with Yancey s basic point that on the wide front of church there is an under emphasis on grace in terms of our gospel and our approach to the world in general. Grace is the radical, outrageous, revolutionary aspect of the gospel. It is the unique and startling message of God s grace that divides the real Christian faith from all other religions. We would all agree with this and would also support Yancey s appeal to be more like Jesus in our attitude to unbelieving sinners. Yancey rightly cites examples from the gospels such as the forgiving of the dying thief, the parables of Luke 15, the wedding banquet, the forgiven debtor, and many others to support his case for the grace emphasis in much of Jesus teaching. The New Testament emphasis is very clear, we cannot earn our salvation, it is a gift from God. Yancey rightly reminds us that God s grace is not a niceness of a grandfather. Someone had to pay for our salvation. The law had to be satisfied. God s wrath had to be appeased. Grace is about Jesus Christ being our substitute and bearing our sins in his own body on the cross. Therefore, we are legally and fully justified before a holy God. Yancey mentions this but my passing comment would be that this aspect of grace must always be emphasised fully in the battle for holiness. A proper understanding that Jesus Christ had to be judged and died for my sins can be sobering! Yancey emphasises that there is nothing I can do to make God love me more and nothing I can do to make Him love me less. This is true and is a thought reflected in some recent worship songs! However, stated without qualification or further explanation it can fuel a sort of passivity and a carelessness about how we live. Philip Yancey himself quite clearly mentions the life changing effect of grace on a believer. He particularly dwells on the fact that if we are forgiven much we will love much. Therefore one of the evidences of receiving grace is a change in our attitude to others, an ability to forgive and to love. This sobering challenge is put starkly in several places in the gospels with the implication that if we deny forgiveness to others then we have not received it ourselves.
3 Philip Yancey clearly believes, what I trust we believe, that the bible teaches that grace is more powerful to change us and make us righteous than law is. Both scripture and experience support this. So it is vital that we never downplay grace in our concern for holiness. It is only by living in the stream of God s grace that I will find the strength to respond in grace to others Philip Yancey. Yancey addresses the subject of the loopholes in grace. This is similar to what Terry describes as dangerous grace. Here we touch on some of the issues that Dave Holden is concerned about. This is about people living carelessly because of grace teaching. Obviously, this is not a new problem and apart from many examples in history there were clearly those around in the time of the New Testament who were saying Let us continue in sin that grace may abound. Philip Yancey cites examples of people he knows who calculate when sinning that they will be able to ask for forgiveness afterwards. Many of us will have come across people like this in our own pastoral experience. C. S. Lewis makes a very good point when he observes that grace abuse stems from a confusion of condoning and forgiving. To condone an evil is simply to ignore it, to treat it as if it were good. But forgiveness needs to be accepted as well as offered if it is to be complete and a man who admits no guilt can accept no forgiveness. C. S. Lewis. The fact is grace is only received by the humble and repentant. True repentance means a serious reaction to our sin and a fervent desire to be forgiven and changed. See 2 Corinthians 7 v The calculation of sinning and then asking for forgiveness later does not fit the profile of a true penitent. The question must always remain: if someone wants to abuse grace have they really experienced it? This is a question that we will keep coming back to and is the reason why I wanted us to have read the first epistle of John when we were engaged in this study. The fact is the New Testament motivation for holiness is grace! The real receiving of grace leads to gratitude and love towards the grace giver. So calculated abuse of grace and the giver of grace means you have not received it! This is all linked to the motivation issue. Philip Yancey gives the example of the tedium of learning German for a graduate degree, after explaining the tedium of his studies he says What would inspire me to learn German? I can think of one powerful incentive. If my wife, the woman I fell in love with, spoke only German, I would have learned the language in record time. He is touching on the subject of grace motivating us towards holiness. And of course it really does. Grace motivates us from the inside, from an inner affection and is much more powerful than law. But this truth does again leave us with serious questions over those who appear to be able to abuse grace and treat it so lightly. The alternative motivation to grace is of course law. Philip Yancey does address the subject of legalism to some degree. He acknowledges that in a
4 time of licence legalism has certain advantages and helps us to restrict the excesses of destructive sin. In a world of ungrace, structured shame has considerable power. Philip Yancey. This is true and we know that the law has a benefit in curtailing some of the excesses of evil. It can hinder the spread of the most corrosive aspects of sin, or at least hinder them for a season. However, law has severe limitations: it doesn t change the inside of a person. It provokes secret sin and hypocrisy. It encourages pride and judgmentalism. Worst of all it does not work on the basis of a relationship with God. We cannot relate to God on the basis of law and in some ways we do not need to as we can make laws and live by them in a legalistic way without a relationship with God. Evidence for this abounds as we look at the hundreds of false religions and the many examples of dead, legalistic Christianity! It is a sobering fact that Jesus got most angry at the legalistic Pharisees and teachers of the law. So we can confidently say that whatever our battles with sin and our desire for holiness, law and legalism is not the answer! Legalism has the subtle danger of making me blind to my sin, I keep the law of my religion or my group and so I consider myself righteous. In such a position I cannot receive grace because awareness of my own impurity is what opens the door to grace. The solution to sin is not to impose an even stricter code of behaviour. It is to know God. Philip Yancey. Most of us will agree with much of what Yancey says in his book. However, the fact is that Yancey appears to have a particular target in mind when writing this book and the final sections of the book make that clear. He is obviously writing from a USA standpoint and is gravely concerned at the public face of evangelical Christianity in the United States. He is particularly troubled by the politicised Moral Right and politically motivated fundamentalist Christians. He feels that these people give an ungracious, judgmental, legalistic impression of what Christians are and, worse still, they make the church and the gospel unattractive to the sinner. The gospel of grace is lost in the harsh political rhetoric. I am inclined to agree with Yancey when he makes the point that our message is not political. He cites one US spiritual leader The only way to have a genuine spiritual revival is to have legislative reform. I would agree with Yancey s comment that this is exactly the wrong way around! Although I can sympathise with Yancey s point of view I do not feel he is addressing our particular battle ground. We must learn lessons from what has happened to the USA but these are not the sort of issues we are tussling with and the sort of things that Dave Holden is concerned about. Where Yancey s concerns are not irrelevant to our subject is in the general point. He is worried about a church that talks a lot about grace but doesn t
5 understand it and of a church that doesn t look very different from the world. Yancey attributes this to a lack of seeing and understanding grace and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I would agree with that so I want us to explore more on that subject in a few moments. I found Philip Yancey to be a good writer who emphasised well the unique beauty and power of the Gospel of grace and showed the radical impact grace filled Christians can have on the world. However, there is no fear of God involved in Philip Yancey s understanding of grace. The phrase unconditional love can be an awkward one and I sometimes wonder how accurate it is in describing God s love. The problem is that it can often be equated to like i.e. God likes you however you behave! And this of course is not true. Or it can be misunderstood as God tolerates whatever you do. And again this is not true. Jesus is gracious but He is not simply inclusive! The writers of the New Testament got angry at sinners and false teachers! Philip Yancey does not give any attention to these above facts. Nor is there much on the internal work of grace that leads to holiness. Obviously, Philip Yancey did not set out to write a book on the subject of holiness but the above omissions do lead to an imbalance in the view of grace that comes from reading the book. We must explore some of these if we are to find keys to the problems we face. 2. The Grace Issue Dangers of over familiarity with the word grace Grace is the unmerited, undeserved favour of God towards men and women. Something for nothing to those who don t deserve anything. Grace is the radical, outrageous, revolutionary aspect of the Christian gospel. It is a unique feature of our message that distinguishes the Christian faith (the New Testament gospel) from all other religions. The danger that the Church often appears legalistic and ungracious to the sinner and unbeliever. Jesus radical examples e.g. the woman at the well in John 4; forgiving the dying thief; the atrocious mathematics of some of the parables; the parable of the wedding banquet, etc. These parables and teachings by Jesus correct our notions of who God is and who He loves. As Philip Yancey says in the realm of grace, deserved doesn t apply. The New Testament is full of the glorious truth that you
6 cannot earn your salvation. We don t get saved on the basis of merit or, frankly, no one would be saved. Grace is tough and real grace is about Jesus Christ being our substitute and bearing our sins in His own body on the cross (2 Corinthians 5 v.21). Grace is more powerful to change us and make us righteous than law is! C. S. Lewis pointed out that grace is only received by the humble and repentant i.e. it is only someone with a true desire to be forgiven and changed who will receive grace properly. A true experience of grace will inevitably mean a softened heart. The only alternative to motivation by grace is motivation by law! Law can hinder the spread of corrupting aspects of sin but it has very severe limits: - law doesn t change the inside - law provokes secret sin and hypocrisy - law encourages pride and judgmentalism - law doesn t work on the basis of relationship with God The solution to sin is not to impose and even stricter code of behaviour. It is to know God (Philip Yancey). There are loopholes in grace. Or what Terry Virgo describes as dangerous grace. It is logically true that the truth of the gospel of God s grace can lead to the conclusion that I can live however I like and still be saved. However the searching question remains if someone wants to abuse grace have they really experienced it? 3. The Holiness Issue What does it mean to be a Christian? Total forgiveness of our sins. I John 1 v.9, Hebrews 10 v We are justified freely. Romans 3 v We are made righteous. Romans 3 v.21-22, 2 Corinthians 5 v.21 We have peace with God. Romans 5 v.1 We are free from condemnation. Romans 8 v.1 We are children of God. 1 John 3 v.1, John 1 v We are born again of the Holy Spirit. John 3 v.3-8 We have received the spirit of sonship. Romans 8 v We are in Christ and share all He has and all He is. Ephesians 1 v.3-8 We have been chosen and quickened by the living God. Ephesians 2 v.4-7 We have become the covenant people of God. Ephesians 2 v.13 We have free access to God our heavenly Father. Ephesians 2 v.18, Hebrews 10 v We have been given the Holy Spirit. 1 John 4 v.13 We can go on being filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5 v.18 We are a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5 v.17 We have eternal life. John 3 v.16, 36
7 This is all of GRACE. A free gift from God motivated by His love! The question to pose is this: Is it possible to receive all this (listed above) and NOT to be changed? To not move towards holiness at all? To not be renewed? The answer the first epistle of John gives is a resounding NO! The man who says I know him, but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him 1 John 2 v.4 The New Testament does not teach sinless perfection. I John does not teach sinless perfection, see I John 1 v. 8 + I John 2 v.1 The fundamental difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant is law as opposed to spirit. An external force for righteousness as opposed to an internal one. The Spirit achieves what the law working with human flesh could never achieve. The Spirit gives life and works internally, in our hearts. The Holy Spirit transforms us into His likeness ; from one degree of glory to another The identity mark of the New Covenant is the Spirit. Indeed the covenant mark is the circumcision of the heart through the Holy Spirit. This is a life changing experience. It is an evidence that you are one of God s New Covenant people. The glorification caused by the New Covenant is much greater than that seen under the Old Covenant (2 Cor 3). Lets pick our way carefully through some basic truths: i. The New Testament is not interested in teaching good conduct to people who aren t Christians. ii. The New Testament s ethical teaching is to Christians and it always follows the pattern: This is what you are in Christ. Therefore.. e.g. 1John 3 v iii. The New Testament sees our failure in practice as a failure in belief. iv. Conduct does not determine relationship but relationship will affect conduct. v. You are either a child of God or you are not. What indications can I have that I am a child of God? Using 1John as a background we could summarise as follows:
8 a) you are aware of a new life, a new nature within you. b) you are aware of sin with a new sensitivity to it. c) you have a desire for God and the things of God. d) you have a love for other Christians vi. Christians are a sanctified people. Christians are saints. Sanctification is the act or process by which people or things are cleansed and dedicated to God, ritually and morally. For Christians this is first of all a saving event in the past, we were chosen and called and thus set apart for God and then, secondly, this is also seen as an ongoing and future work of God (1Thessalonians 4 v.3 and 1Thessalonians 5 v.23). The ongoing work of sanctification requires human co-operation (1Thessalonians 4 v. 7-8). Christians must live holy lives in correspondence to their imputed holiness (Ephesians 5 v.3 and v. 8,9). So sanctification is seen as a one time event and a process, the believers BEING and BECOMING holy! Christians are called to sanctification. This is God s main purpose for us! This is where grace is taking us! God is most concerned about our character and our sanctification. For Him it is character before career! Maturity before ministry! We are called to walk as Jesus walked (1John 2 v.6). Grace is a power to change us and to teach us to say no to ungodliness. vii. There are three major complications for the Christian this side of the age to come. a) the flesh my humanness apart from God b) the world the whole system of humanity (institutions, structures and values) as organised without God c) the devil a strong, real, spiritual enemy. We live in enemy territory (1John 5 v.19 and Ephesians 6 v.10-18). Christians can be affected, influenced, oppressed by demons; 1 Corinthians 10 v.18-22; Galatians 4 v.8-11; Ephesians 4 v , 2 Corinthians 2 v ; 1 Corinthians 5 v. 4-5; 1Timothy 1 v.20; Ephesians 6 v. 16.
9 viii. Christians will be judged at the last day and rewarded or denied reward according to how they have behaved on earth and responded to the grace of God in their lives. 1 Corinthians 3 v This is an important New Testament incentive on how we live our lives. We are expected to be seriously interested in the rewards, which do mean something! ix. The vital importance of Walking in The Spirit. x. The corporate aspect of sanctification: What makes a healthy convert is being added to a healthy Church. 4. So where does all this leave us with regard to pastoral, practical realities in individual Christians lives? I believe some major issues need to be explored and taught to our people; i. You are saved by grace alone ii. The New Covenant is a covenant of the Spirit
10 iii. Real saving faith will be evidenced by fruit iv. Grace can be seen in people v. Christians can suffer loss or be rewarded at the judgement seat of Christ vi. People must be taught thoroughly and frequently who they are in Christ vii. We need practical teaching on the dangers of the demonic and deliverance of the devil s influence in our lives viii. It is quite possible for people to make a false profession of faith, to be joined to the Church and not joined to Jesus (Matthew 7 v and 1 John 2 v.19) The fact is GRACE FAITH HOLINESS are an unbroken and interdependent chain in scripture. There is no sense of one or the other, it is all three in living organic link. We are saved by grace through faith and we are God s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION 1. What does Holiness look like? In Acts 11 v.23 what do we think Barnabas saw when he saw the evidence of the grace of God? 2. In what ways was Jesus Holy in a recognisable way? What did Holiness look like in Jesus?
11 3. Who are the people we ve met in our lives who we d recognise as having the most clear characteristics of Holiness? 4. It s important that we don t define Holiness merely by what we don t do but also by what we do do! What are the positives about Holiness i.e. what we put on 5. What are the works that accompany faith? 6. What is unacceptable behaviour for the Christian? How much does it change with culture? BIBLIOGRAPHY What s So Amazing About Grace? Philip Yancey, Zondervan God s Power at Work in You Studies in 1 John (5 vols) Holiness How To Live A Godly Life The Grace Awakening The Discipline of Grace Neil Anderson and Robert Saucy, Monarch Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Crossways John White, Eagle Michael Eaton, Sovereign World Charles Swindoll, Word Jerry Bridges, Navigators Press
12
GOD'S AMAZING GRACE. Today I will be sharing on the God s amazing grace. I will begin by looking at three passages of Scripture.
GOD'S AMAZING GRACE Today I will be sharing on the God s amazing grace. I will begin by looking at three passages of Scripture. The Apostle Paul wrote, And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses
More informationSalvation. What do the following verses say about salvation? 1. Colossians 1:13
What do the following verses say about salvation? 1. Colossians 1:13 Salvation means to be saved or rescued. Other words that describe the Biblical use of the word salvation include cure, remedy, recovery,
More informationWeek One January 6, 2019 Revealing the Gospel with Our Character
CHARACTER MATTERS Week One January 6, 2019 Revealing the Gospel with Our Character GETTING READY Before your group meets next time, spend some time alone in God s Word reading through this week s text,
More information1 Corinthians 11: (Revised ) Stanly Community Church
The Lord s Supper is the most special and solemn time of worship that Christians experience together. Also known as the communion, this ordinance reflects what true believers have in common: a sincere
More informationMastering the Basics Lesson 9. The Doctrine of Christ: Saved by Grace
Mastering the Basics Lesson 9 The Doctrine of Christ: Saved by Grace For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17). As stated in a previous lesson, It was expected
More informationFoundation Study 8: Salvation
Foundation Study 8: Salvation What do the following verses say about salvation? 1. Colossians 1:13 Salvation means to be saved or rescued. Other words that describe salvation include cure, remedy, recovery,
More informationThere are two important practices that you should begin to develop immediately to secure your new faith.
1 WELCOME! Welcome to the family of God! By committing your life to Jesus Christ, you have embarked on the most exciting, rewarding, fulfilling and challenging life you could ever imagine! This booklet
More informationGrace Expectations! Grace Greater Than My Sin 1/6/19 Pastor Randy
Romans 5:15-17 But there is a great difference between Adam s sin and God s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God s wonderful grace and his gift
More informationAll Scripture are from the NASB 95 Update unless noted. 1
NT Survey 1, 2, and 3 John Valley Bible Church Adult Sunday School www.valleybible.net Introduction to 1 John Author Leaders in the early church assumed that John the Apostle, author of The Gospel of John,
More informationCHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE THE ARTICLES OF FAITH (Global English Version) This is an easy to read version of the Articles of Faith of the Church of the Nazarene. The official articles are elaborated in the
More informationSeries 1988, SE Edition 2011 Lesson 27 Law and Grace Faith and Works
GREAT DOCTRINES OF THE BIBLE (Special English Edition) Prepared by William S.H. Piper, D.D. For Rogma International, Inc. (All Scripture quotations from the KJV of the Bible) Copyright 1989 by Rogma International,
More informationChapter 2: Assurance. Foundations: Bible Truths For Christian Growth
Foundations: Bible Truths For Christian Growth Chapter 2: Assurance FOUNDATIONS: BIBLE TRUTHS FOR CHRISTIAN GROWTH. Chapter 2: Assurance, 2011 Grace Church of Mentor. All rights reserved. For information
More informationMy Story Union with Christ and Eternity Past. God s Story: The Umbrella we find our story within the umbrella, grand story/narrative of God
My Story Union with Christ and Eternity Past Andrew Hancock Elements of personal salvation The elements of my salvation from eternity past, to conversion, to the present (sanctification), and looking forward
More informationStatement of Doctrine
Statement of Doctrine Key Biblical and Theological Convictions of Village Table of Contents Sec. A. The Scriptures... 3 Sec. B. God... 4 Father Son Holy Spirit Sec. C. Humanity... 5 Sec. D. Salvation...
More informationWeek 1: Grace What Is It? Who Needs It?
Week 1: Grace What Is It? Who Needs It? Course Goal: To better understand the vast riches of God s grace available to us through Christ so we can fully embrace His grace and emulate it for the joy of God,
More informationCHRISTIAN DOCTRINE LESSON 8: SAVED BY GRACE NOT BY WORKS
Essentials for Spiritual Leadership Study Guide CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE LESSON 8: SAVED BY GRACE NOT BY WORKS INTRODUCTION This lesson is part of a Discipleship Essentials module titled. This series of lessons
More informationPaul has made the point as clearly as he can: God justifies the wicked through faith in Jesus Christ.
Count Yourselves Dead to Sin, But Alive to God Sermons on Romans # 13 Texts: Romans 6:1-14; Ezekiel 11:16-21 Paul has made the point as clearly as he can: God justifies the wicked through faith in Jesus
More informationSeries 1988, SE Edition 2001 Lesson 32 The Believer s Standing and State
GREAT DOCTRINES OF THE BIBLE (Special English Edition) Prepared by William S.H. Piper, D.D. For Rogma International, Inc. Copyright 1989 by Rogma International, Inc. All rights reserved. THE BELIEVER S
More informationWe Believe in the Holy Spirit
1 We Believe in the Holy Spirit Study Guide LESSON FOUR IN THE BELIEVER For videos, manuscripts, and other resources, Lesson 4: visit In the Third Believer Millennium Ministries at thirdmill.org. 1 CONTENTS
More informationThe Big Ten Never Occasionally Have I made something in my life more important than loving and obeying God?
21 st Century Edition Memory Verse: Matthew 4:4 Lesson Verses: 1 John 5:11,12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life;
More informationARTICLES OF FAITH. I. The Triune God. II. Jesus Christ. III. The Holy Spirit
ARTICLES OF FAITH NOTE: Scripture references are supportive of the Articles of Faith and were placed here by action of the 1976 General Assembly but are not to be considered part of the Constitutional
More informationDO YOU KNOW HOW Perfectly Forgiven You Are?
1 DO YOU KNOW HOW Perfectly Forgiven You Are? Our hope in this study is to give you a solid understanding of your complete and final forgiveness of sins and to address multiple misunderstandings. I. Forgiveness
More informationATTACHMENT TWO THE SIMPLE GOSPEL MESSAGE. The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23b)
ATTACHMENT TWO THE SIMPLE GOSPEL MESSAGE THE GOSPEL OF GRACE ETERNAL LIFE IS A FREE GIFT The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23b) For by grace you have been saved through
More informationTHE TRUTH ABOUT SIN A BIBLICAL STUDY ON SIN AND SALVATION
SESSION 3 SIN AND SANCTIFICATION I. REVIEW OF FOUNDATIONAL TRUTHS 1. Sin is destructive and brings death to every area of our life [Rom. 6:23]. 2. Sin is to break God s holy and righteous standards in
More informationMatthias Media (The Briefing #101; Used with permission.
DP2.10 Slogans Reformation By John Woodhouse Matthias Media (The Briefing #101; www.matthiasmedia.com.au/briefing). Used with permission. Slogans are dangerous things. But they are also useful things.
More informationA Study Guide. Forever His
A Study Guide for the book by Marvin Moore Introduction Welcome to this series of study guides for the book by Marvin Moore. We hope you are blessed spiritually as you read the book and reflect on the
More informationSIN AND DEATH AND GRACE 1 JOHN 5:16-17
SIN AND DEATH AND GRACE 1 JOHN 5:16-17 I was listening to a couple of interviews of some pastors and counselors recently and the interviewer asked two different panels a question that I have asked others
More informationFoundation for Christian Service Term 2 Chapter 9 Sermon on the Mount 4. Chapter 9 SERMON ON THE MOUNT 4 MATTHEW 6 - PART 1
Chapter 9 SERMON ON THE MOUNT 4 MATTHEW 6 - PART 1 SECTION 1: MOTIVES (Matthew 6:1-8) Scripture List: Proverbs 4:23; I Corinthians 3:10, 12-14 I. A motive is the inner drive, impulse, or intention that
More informationof our God into lewdness and deny our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 4)
Discerning Truth and Error about God s Grace (Part 3) I. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS TEACHINGS A. The most common area of false teaching is that which perverts biblical understanding of the grace of God. They
More informationA study guide in the doctrine of justification by faith. by Roger Smalling, D.Min
A study guide in the doctrine of justification by faith by Roger Smalling, D.Min and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our
More informationThe new life of a DISCIPLE begins with SALVATION by receiving GRACE through FAITH that leads to REPENTANCE.
We believe that a passionate follower of Jesus is a person who embarks on a lifelong journey with Christ. It s more than any one moment, one class or one decision. We believe it s a lifetime of learning,
More informationThe Gospel. Described. The Gospel is good news. The Gospel relates to salvation
The Gospel Described The Gospel is the proclamation of God s salvation through Jesus Christ to totally undeserving humans. This salvation involves being freed from eternal condemnation, sin, spiritual
More informationTHE ARTICLES OF FAITH
THE ARTICLES OF FAITH Article I The Triune God We believe in one eternally existent, infinite God, Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe; that He only is God, holy in nature, attributes, and
More informationIn Judging Others, We Judge Ourselves (Romans 2)
In Judging Others, We Judge Ourselves (Romans 2) In around A. D. 57, from the city of Corinth in Greece, the apostle Paul wrote the letter to all who are in Rome to both Jewish and non-jewish Christians
More informationARTICLES OF FAITH. I. The Triune God*
ARTICLES OF FAITH I. The Triune God* 1. We believe in one eternally existent, infinite God, Sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe; that He only is God, [creative and administrative,] holy in
More informationCalvin s Institutes, Book Three, The Way in Which We Receive the Grace of Christ [cont d]
Calvin s Institutes, Book Three, The Way in Which We Receive the Grace of Christ [cont d] CHAPTER XI: JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH: ITS DEFINITION, PART 1 1. The Definition of the Double Grace Calvin: I believe
More informationGenesis 1:1,26; Matthew 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 1:1,3; 4:24; 5:26; Romans 1:19,20; 9:5, Ephesians 1:13; 4:5,6; Colossians 2:9
Statement of Faith 1 The Word of God We accept the Bible, including the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament, as the written Word of God. The Bible is an essential and infallible
More informationContents. Course Directions 4. Outline of Romans 7. Outline of Lessons 8. Lessons Recommended Reading 156
Contents Course Directions 4 Outline of Romans 7 Outline of Lessons 8 Lessons 1-12 11 Recommended Reading 156 Questions for Review and Final Test 157 Form for Assignment Record 169 Form for Requesting
More informationChurch of the Nazarene
Church of the Nazarene ARTICLES OF FAITH PREAMBLE In order that we may preserve our God-given heritage, the faith once delivered to the saints, especially the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification
More information1 - Holiness without it I will not see God
1 - Holiness without it I will not see God We have been engaged with the Lord in His Word for a couple of months now seeking to fully understand the message of Isaiah 6:1-8 when he saw the Lord in all
More informationThe Epistle to the ROMANS
a Grace Notes course The Epistle to the ROMANS an expositional Bible study by Dr. Daniel Hill, Pastor Southwood Bible Church Tulsa, Oklahoma Lesson 5 Romans 5:1-21 Grace Notes Web Site: http://www.gracenotes.info
More informationAPPROVED UNTO GOD. God the Father is God the SON is God the Holy Spirit is
DOCTRINE OF SALVATION APPROVED UNTO GOD God the Father is God the SON is God the Holy Spirit is Unchangeable Creator Sustainer Provider Giver of His Son as a sacrifice for us Incarnate: God becoming man
More informationSubject: The Armour of God Pt 1 - Truth
Subject: The Armour of God Pt 1 - Truth Scripture Introduction Commentary In the last newsletter and bible study I wrote about the fact that as Christians we are at war. Anyone who doubts this only needs
More informationSection I Introduction and Overview of this Subject
Section I Introduction and Overview of this Subject The Lord wants the members of His Church to know about, and deal with, the evil forces which are in our world. Satan seeks to deceive and destroy the
More informationSunday, July 24, 2016
Sunday, July 24, 2016 Lesson: Romans 5:1-11; Time of Action: 56 A.D.; Place of Action: Paul writes from Corinth Golden Text: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts
More informationGospel-Driven Sanctification By Jerry Bridges
Gospel-Driven Sanctification By Jerry Bridges Early in my Christian life I heard someone say, "The Bible was not given to increase your knowledge but to guide your conduct." Later I came to realize that
More informationThe Meriting Type Of Legalism
The Meriting Type Of Legalism In 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 shows even from the time of the Apostles, there were false gospels being preached among some churchgoers: But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent
More informationBut when Cephas (which would be Peter) came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. (*NASB, Galatians 2:11)
September 21/22, 2013 Why Did Jesus Die? A Study of the Epistle of Galatians Galatians 2:11-21 Pastor Bryan Clark One of the big problems when we talk about legalism is: it s so easy to see it in others
More informationWhat Every Christian Needs to Know Lesson 13 Salvation From the Power of Sin
What Every Christian Needs to Know Lesson 13 Salvation From the Power of Sin INTRODUCTION You have probably heard the phrase, ignorance is bliss which has been around for years. It basically means that
More informationIf you answered yes to either of these questions, please read on. The Bible presents three aspects of God s work of salvation:
ARE YOU CATHOLIC? 1. Do you believe that the grace of God in your heart is able to make you acceptable to God? Yes No 2. Does God justify a person by putting Christ s righteousness into his heart? Yes
More informationWEEK 3 IMPUTATION OF SIN AND RIGHTEOUSNESS ROMANS 3:21-4:25
1 WEEK 3 IMPUTATION OF SIN AND RIGHTEOUSNESS Justification: a legal sentence or declaration issued by God in which He pronounces the person in question free from any fault or guilt and acceptable in His
More informationSession 8 The Transforming Power of Knowing You are Alive to God
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER MIKE BICKLE THE GOSPEL OF GRACE Session 8 The Transforming Power of Knowing You are Alive to God I. RECKON YOURSELVES ALIVE TO GOD A. Romans 6 tells us how to access, or experience,
More informationWEEK 6: Man s Justification By Faith Romans 4-5
WEEK 6: Man s Justification By Faith Romans 4-5 February 11, 2016 Therefore, since we have been made right in God s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done
More informationWHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE ASSURANCE IN YOUR FAITH?
INTRODUCTION How do you know that you truly love God and are saved? Having assurance of your faith may be something that comes easily; but for many of us, at one time or another, there is doubt. This doubt
More informationLord Teach Us To Pray
Lord, Teach Us To Pray (Lesson 12) 1 Lord Teach Us To Pray "Praying for the Right Things" Lesson 12 INTRODUCTION: I. When you pray, what do you typically pray for? A. If we were to take a survey among
More informationKNOWING JESUS INTRODUCTION PRE-STUDY ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
KNOWING JESUS KNOWING JESUS At Austin Ridge Bible Church, we believe to be a Christian is to be in relationship with God. We want to know Him and be known by Him. Therefore, one of the most important decisions
More informationRomans 3:21-26 is known as the Heart of the Gospel. Key phrases have been highlighted:
6. The Restoration of Man This section focuses on the objective work of Christ. By objective we mean the work that He did for us. It also focuses on the law of God. God s law has been broken. Since His
More informationThe law and grace. THE LAW Romans 13:8
The law and grace A discipleship training to equip Christians for works of service, so that the Body of Christ may be built up (Ephesians 4:11-16) 9 QUIET TIME Theme: The law and grace Try to make a specific
More informationPreamble and Articles of Faith
Preamble and Articles of Faith PREAMBLE In order that we may preserve our God-given heritage, the faith once delivered to the saints, especially the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification as
More informationEXPOSING THE PURE HEART ERROR OF CTMI/ APSOSTLE MIKI HARDY
EXPOSING THE PURE HEART ERROR OF CTMI/ APSOSTLE MIKI HARDY HI EVERYONE! THIS IS NOT A QUICK READ! RATHER A STICK OF BILTONG TO CHEW ON FOR A WHILE. BUT WE BELIEVE ABSOLUTELY VITAL IN UNDERSTANDING CTMI.
More informationA Robust Gospel of Grace Ephesians 2:8-10 2/4/2007 Copyright by Mark Vaughan 2/2007
A Robust Gospel of Grace Ephesians 2:8-10 2/4/2007 Copyright by Mark Vaughan 2/2007 Many of you were expecting today s message to be the next in what has become a series on the lifestyle and process of
More informationBrokenness, Brokenness is what I long for
1 Brokenness, Brokenness is what I long for The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. (Ps. 34:18) For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give
More informationWe are looking at what the Scriptures teach us about coming to the Communion Table to meet with Jesus.
July 7, 2013 Meditation for Communion Matthew 26:26 28 and Matthew 6:14, 15 Introduction: We are looking at what the Scriptures teach us about coming to the Communion Table to meet with Jesus. The Scriptures
More informationStatement of Faith 1
Redeeming Grace Church Statement of Faith 1 Preamble Throughout church history, Christians have summarized the Bible s truths in short statements that have guided them through controversy and also united
More informationHebrews 13: Stanly Community Church
If you really trust Jesus Christ for the righteousness you need to live with God in heaven, then your conduct should reflect a desire for what is right in God s eyes. Anything less betrays a rebellious
More informationFor in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor un-circumcision avails anything, but a new creation. -Galatians 6:15
IN CHRIST I AM CONFESSIONS In Christ I am a new man Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. -2 Corinthians 5:17 For in
More informationBecause of what s on the line.
Because of what s on the line. 40 Introduction Welcome to your Go Fish journal! Go Fish is far more than a program, a class emphasis, or a sermon series. God is calling us to open our lives to those around
More informationA Hunger for Holiness - How
REVIEW: We are in week six of our series on holiness. Over the last five weeks we have looked at our problem with holiness - when push comes to shove, are we really known for obeying all of God s Word;
More informationThe Grace of God is only as sweet to us as the bitterness of our sin.
Cheap grace on the back end of the Gospel Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living, and incarnate. Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves.
More informationFoundations For Your Faith Lesson 2 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV The Imputation of a Divine Righteousness
Foundations For Your Faith Lesson 2 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV The Imputation of a Divine Righteousness Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 carefully, several times, and then answer the following questions from
More informationJustified By Grace Through Faith And Evidenced By
Justified By Grace Through Faith And Evidenced By In this chapter, we will examine the relationships of grace, faith, actions, character, merit, discipleship, obedience and holy living to justification
More information"Walking in the Light"
"Walking in the Light" It s better to light just one little candle than to stumble in the dark. Hello, I m Phil Sanders, and this is a Bible study In Search of the Lord s Way. When we follow the Lord Jesus,
More informationLIFE OUT OF DEATH APPROPRIATING THE BENEFITS OF CHRIST S LIFE Romans 6:1-2 (Part 2) April 8, 2018
LIFE OUT OF DEATH APPROPRIATING THE BENEFITS OF CHRIST S LIFE (Part 2) INTRODUCTION: The writer the Holy Spirit used to pen the letter to the Romans, writes as one who had experienced this truth of our
More informationHoly Spirit THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN
Holy Spirit THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN Lesson 5 When Jesus poured out the Spirit on all flesh on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit started His ministry in the life of the Christians.
More informationPBCCC Bible Reading Plan 1. Week 19
PBCCC Bible Reading Plan 1 Week 19 May 7 Luke 1 Luke 2 * Take time to read carefully the introduction to Luke (1:1-4). Luke emphasizes that this is an historical account of Jesus life. He has carefully
More information2. Mercy holding back a deserved punishment
Pastor Robert Rutta Definitions of Salvation Terms 1. Sin - the transgression of the law I John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. by the
More informationThe Church saints and forgiven sinners
The Church saints and forgiven sinners There are people in the church who have been guilty of every sin known to mankind adultery, fornication, wife abuse, child molestation, robbery, murder, drug addicts,
More informationLessons for New Churches
Lessons for New Churches Lessons for New Churches Copyright 2009 Trinity Mount Barker PO Box 852 Littlehampton South Australia 5250 Australia info@trinitymountbarker.org.au www.trinitymountbarker.org.au
More informationRomans Shall we Sin? Never! - Part 2 March 15, 2015
Romans Shall we Sin? Never! - Part 2 March 15, 2015 I. Introduction A. Romans 6:1-7... What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? [2] May it never be! How shall we who
More informationBase Your Identity On What God Says About You!
Truth to Stand On Base Your Identity On What God Says About You! And you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. John 8:32 To get the most out of this little booklet If you have trusted Jesus
More informationSin And My Relationships
Sin And My Relationships Introduction: (Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 5:8-13) A. Our Relationships When Brethren Choose To Live In Sin: 1. The Problem: Sexual Immorality a. Paul was shocked! Reports
More informationThe Holy Spirit is not personal, it a force of God; or The Christian life is one of perfection and you can reach sinless perfection in this life.
JOURNEY BASICS: LIFE IN THE SPIRIT WHAT DOES PLUM CREEK BELIEVE ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT? The nine fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are the by-product of a Spirit-filled life and evidence of spiritual
More informationFORGIVENESS. PART 1 - What can or cannot be forgiven?
FORGIVENESS PART 1 - What can or cannot be forgiven? ertain things ANNOT be forgiven. 1. ANNOT (not ever): "Blasphemy of the Spirit" (claiming - and truly believing - that the Holy Spirit's power is actually
More informationJOURNEY BASICS: LIFE IN THE SPIRIT
JOURNEY BASICS: LIFE IN THE SPIRIT WHAT DOES PLUM CREEK BELIEVE ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT? The nine fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) are the by-product of a Spirit-filled life and evidence of spiritual
More informationTeachers: We recommend that you use a whiteboard/paperboard for drawing the illustrations out for your group.
The goal of this study is to put the past four studies together in such a way that they create a big picture of what God has done to bring us back to relationship with himself. Teachers: We recommend that
More informationThe Difference between Grace and Law. The Truth As We Know It 11/8/15
The Difference between Grace and Law. The Truth As We Know It 11/8/15 The doctrine of Grace is the most important concept in the Bible, Christianity, and the world. It is most clearly expressed in the
More informationGod wants righteous people.
God wants righteous people. Righteousness is holiness, and sin is folly. W. Pink God wants righteous people. The Lord s Prayer is my favorite for the inward sanctification of our lives, our victory over
More informationTo Be Like Jesus. A Study for Children on Following Jesus. To Be Like Jesus
To Be Like Jesus Intended Use: Sunday School Lessons: 40 ESV To Be Like Jesus A Study for Children on Following Jesus To Be Like Jesus answers important questions about salvation and sanctification by
More informationFirst Calvary Baptist Church Statement of Faith
First Calvary Baptist Church Statement of Faith I. Scripture a. We believe the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine
More informationRomans: The Hope of Righteousness (part 3 of 9) Christ s Triumph Over Adam s (and Our) Trespass
September 21, 2014 College Park Church Romans: The Hope of Righteousness (part 3 of 9) Christ s Triumph Over Adam s (and Our) Trespass Romans 5:12-21 Mark Vroegop 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the
More informationWALKING WITH GOD: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8 (NKJV)
Drawing Closer To The Father Everyday A Twelve Week Series of Lessons Sunday Morning Teen Class GULF SHORES CHURCH OF CHRIST Fall Quarter 2008 Prepared By: Ray Reynolds 1 GULF SHORES CHURCH OF CHRIST WALKING
More informationDynamic Christian Living
Dynamic Christian Living S C O P E & S E Q U E N C E Lesson Target Truths Student s Lesson Life Application 1 The word salvation means deliverance. God provides salvation because He cares about our need
More informationSANCTIFICATION AND PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS Chapter 15 Dr. Danny Forshee
1 SANCTIFICATION AND PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS Chapter 15 Dr. Danny Forshee See Systematic Theology, p. 746-762 and 788-809 and Christian Beliefs, p. 99-107. - We are saved in a moment but we are sanctified
More informationJesus Prays for All Believers May 4, 2014 John 17:20-26
I. Introduction Jesus Prays for All Believers May 4, 2014 John 17:20-26 Today we come to the final section of Jesus high priestly prayer. The prayer He prayed as He was on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane
More informationUNDERSTANDING SALVATION Part 1 Titus 3:3-7 By Andy Manning July 24, 2017
UNDERSTANDING SALVATION Part 1 Titus 3:3-7 By Andy Manning July 24, 2017 The title of this sermon is Understanding Salvation. The Greek word for salvation is soteria. That s where we get our word soteriology,
More information18 So Jesus said to him, Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. Mark 10:18
Discipline of Grace - Week 1 How Good is Good Enough? 18 So Jesus said to him, Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. Mark 10:18 Central idea Contrary to common misconception, we
More informationCHAPTER 3. ALL I HAVE COMMANDED (What Jesus expects of His followers)
All I Have Commanded CHAPTER 3 ALL I HAVE COMMANDED (What Jesus expects of His followers) The conclusion reached in Chapter 2 was that our part in the solution to all the misery, heartache, dissatisfaction
More informationValley Bible Church Sermon Transcript
Introduction to James James 1:1 Part 2 We have just started the study of this great epistle. We are still involved in an overview. We began last week by first identifying the theme of this epistle. I shared
More informationWater Baptism. God commands all believers to be water baptised. Faith, repentance and water baptism
Water Baptism God commands all believers to be water baptised In Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38, God instructs all humans who are believers and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ to be water baptised.
More informationBoast in the Lord! Psalm 34:2 My soul will make its boast in the LORD; the humble will hear it and rejoice.
Boast in the Lord! Psalm 34:2 My soul will make its boast in the LORD; the humble will hear it and rejoice. 8-13-2017 The dictionary describes pride as proper respect for one s own dignity and worth. As
More information