Disenfranchised By Blurry Grace

L E S S O N O N E Disenfranchised By Blurry Grace Do not fear your enemies. The worst they can do is kill you. Do not fear your friends. At worst, they may betray you. Fear those who do not care; they neither kill nor betray, but betrayal and murder exist because of their silent consent. Bruno Jasienski O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; (Psalms 107:1-2 KJV) Reformation Begins With Faith - (excerpt from Chapter 2) The year was 1517 and an Augustinian monk by the name of Martin Luther had seen enough corruption among the Catholic hierarchy to start an uprising. He was not just a disgruntled theologian who was only looking for fault lines in the so-called church so he could stand on the sidelines in protest. He was a German theologian who was determined that he was going to discredit colossal deficiencies in the Catholic Church. There is a broad consensus among theologians which indicates that Luther loved the Catholic Church and wanted to reform it from within. Yet, his declarations were seen as hostile indictments that birthed a dissent which would grow into an all-out reformation. His first provocation was pointed directly at Rome s top religious official, the Pope himself. The question at hand was whether the Pope, or any man besides Christ, had the power or authority to apply the merits of Jesus Christ and the saints to those in purgatory thereby freeing them from the pains of purgatory. 1 Luther hated the practice, since he believed that indulgences did nothing to save souls and only lined the pockets of the clergy. He believed that because they were thought 1 Reference.com Subject: Martin Luther 1 of 14

to exonerate deeds not yet committed, they also encouraged sin. He had taken a trip to Rome in 1510, and was disgusted at the papacy's greed and corruption. 2 The Reformation began with the ping of a hammer in the grip of Martin Luther s hand as he nailed his infamous 95 Theses to the door of the Sistine Chapel. There it was with his signature at the bottom, written for the world to see 95 direct scriptural violations of truth and doctrine. The crux of the message was The just shall live by faith. He was obviously parroting the words of Paul the apostle in the epistle to the church at Rome a few steps beyond irony when you think about it. The words of Martin Luther were laced with conviction and they stunned the papacy and seemed to rock the very core of its ivory tower. Nevertheless, Luther himself never stuttered and never hesitated. He laid the foundation for change and what followed was a season of renaissance that swelled with a continuum of revelation. Light began to emerge out of the Dark Ages, never to be extinguished again. The tragedy of this story is that many did not ride the wave all the way to shore. When this wave of religious curiosity found its momentum, many people wanted to camp in the land of justification. Since Paul said that the just shall live by faith 3, that must be the acme of all religious ardor, right? Wrong. There is so much more to salvation and our continually growing relationship with God, than mere justification. I. God Moved the Fences In Not Out - There is a very clearcut standard that has been set since creation that stipulates God s expectations of every person. A. Many philosophers, Theologians, and religious zealots have made their attempts at shading areas of black and white into gray and cloudy points of confusion. 2 Reference.com Subject: Martin Luther 3 Rom. 1:17 2 of 14

1. Confusion and delusion have become the predominant forces of our day. B. Notwithstanding, the lines of distinction God has set for us are easily recognized by spiritual minds. 1. In later centuries, there has been a majority of secular and/or religious people who have tried to justify themselves in erasing the lines of separation that God has set. 2. In spite of this fact, God s expectations of us as human beings and, ultimately, His children have not diminished. If anything, they have increased. a) God has moved the fences IN not OUT. C. When you study God s law in the Old Testament you will discover that there is quite a long list of shall s and shall not s. 1. Example: Thou shalt not kill. 2. Example: Thou shalt not steal. 3. Example: Thou shalt not commit adultery. a) These commandments along with the entire book of Leviticus, which includes hundreds of stipulations regarding the ceremonial, dietary and civil laws, are cut-and-dry truths, commandments, precepts and statutes given to provide for Israel s salvation. 3 of 14

(1) The Talmud notes that the Hebrew numerical value (gematria) of the word Torah is 611. -Wikipedia and other sources (2) There are 611 and some say 613 commandments in the Law of Moses. 4. Many have stated that, because of Christ and His sacrifice, that salvation is ONLY by faith and that nothing else matters. 5. We will discover throughout this series, that simply is not true. a) (Hebrews 10:28-31 KJV) He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (This New Testament not Old Testament) D. The tone of God s expectations changes and is more stringent in the New Testament. 1. (Matthew 5:28 KJV) Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. 2. (Matthew 5:22 KJV) Whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. 4 of 14

3. Clearly, God expects more out of a New Testament saint than He ever did of those in the Old Testament. a) Why? (1) In the Old Testament the sins of the people were only rolled forward, but in the New Testament the perfect blood of Jesus brought REMISSION of sins. He has FREED us from sin. (2) In the Old Testament the glory of God rested upon the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies, but now it FILLS our bodies and we become the Temple of the Holy Ghost. (3) In the Old Testament grace was only granted sporadically as God willed, but now grace has been given to all, which provides for us a space of repentance. (4) God has given us more so He expects more. (a) (Luke 12:47-48, 51 KJV) And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (b) 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 5 of 14

II. Cloudy Christianity - This world of cloudy Christianity that we live in, that only seeks to water-down God s potent package of holiness, is only fulfilling the scriptures of old. A. (2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 1. The word endure in verse 3 means: a) g0430. ἀνέχω anechō; or ἀνέχομαι anechomai; Only occurs in middle voice, from 303 and 2192; to hold oneself up against, i. e. (figuratively) put up with: bear with, endure, forbear, suffer (STRONG) 2. The phrase turn away in the Greek means: a) g0654. ἀποστρέφω apostrephō; from 575 and 4762; to turn away or back (literally or figuratively): bring again, pervert, turn away (STRONG) 3. That word fable in the Greek means: a) g3454. μῦθος mythos; perhaps from the same as 3453 (through the idea of tuition); a tale, i. e. fiction ( myth ): fable. AV (5)- fable 5; a speech, word, saying a narrative, story a true narrative a fiction, a fable, an invention, a falsehood (STRONG) 4. In other words, these people would rather have fiction than truth. 6 of 14

B. Many have turned their churches into social clubs and places for launching business ventures. They have turned away from prayer that shakes the powers of darkness and preaching that condemns sin and convicts the sinner. What Must I Do? - (Excerpt from page 33) People commonly validate themselves as Christians by saying, I m saved. Saved from what? Condemnation? Every believer is saved from condemnation through His blood and their own faith. That is what constitutes justification. However, condemnation is not the total issue. We must be saved from our sin and that is something that takes place beyond justification. Over the last several years I have observed the growth of many of the fastest growing churches in America. When I cross paths with a layperson or leader from a successful, forward moving church I always ask them the same question: Can you tell me what it takes to be saved? Without exaggeration, over 90 percent of constituents respond the same way. At first it isn t a verbal response; it s more like the deer in the headlights look of amazement. They appear completely panic-stricken that I would dare ask such a question. What follows is a series of noises and stutters that desperately struggle to form a sentence. From very few individuals that attend some of the most active churches in America have I ever gotten a definitive response, and most of the time it s extremely inaccurate. It s hard to imagine that there are that many people who attend church on a weekly basis and really aren t sure what determines where they spend eternity. Now I know what some are thinking: Be careful Nichols, you re not their judge. I realize that, and you are absolutely right. That s why I haven t used the names of people, the names of churches, or the names of denominations. I m simply saying that a large allotment of religious believers do not know what God requires for salvation, but will definitely tell you that they are going to Heaven. 7 of 14

C. The Bible gives us every reason to avoid the pressure of conforming to the present culture of the world. 1. (Proverbs 23:23 KJV) Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. 2. (2 Corinthians 4:1-4 KJV) Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. a) The Greek meaning of the word craftiness in the above scripture: (1) g3834. πανουργία panourgia; from 3835; adroitness, i. e. (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry: (cunning) craftiness, subtilty. AV (5)- craftiness 3, subtlety 1, cunning craftiness 1; craftiness, cunning a specious or false wisdom, in a good sense, prudence, skill, in undertaking and carrying on affairs (STRONG) (a) Sophistry - False argument. (dictionary.com) (2) When we hold back portions of the scripture deliberately or excuse away authoritative principles to fit modern philosophy or convenient lifestyle issues, we become pulpit magicians. 8 of 14

b) The word deceitfully is from the Greek meaning: (1) g1389. δολόω doloō; from 1388; to ensnare, i. e. (figuratively) adulterate: handle deceitfully. (STRONG) (2) This meaning gives the clearest picture of false doctrine. (a) False doctrine is birthed by an unclean, adulterous spirit that uses seduction to ensnare its victim as would a prostitute. c) The word manifestation is from the Greek meaning: (1) g5321. φανέρωσις phanerōsis; from 5319; exhibition, i. e. (figuratively) expression, (by extension) a bestowment: manifestation. (STRONG) (2) The meaning of the word exhibition according to the New Oxford American Dictionary is; (a) A scholarship awarded to a student at a school or college, usually after a competitive examination. (b) This indicates that we cannot manifest the truth unless it has been carefully examined first. (c) We must desire the truth, speak the truth and live the truth. (Excerpt from 39) Imagine if Tim Cook s personnel department was interviewing you for a position at Apple Incorporated and the conversation went something like this: Now Mr. Smith we appreciate you considering Apple as a career choice. We are going to offer you the job but before we do, we need to inform you of some things. First, we don t care if you drink, smoke, or curse on the job. Second, we aren t too concerned with how you treat your fellow employees. Third, don t be overly concerned if you come in to work only once a 9 of 14

month. And, of course, if you would like to steal from the company we encourage that as well. Finally, we don t care how you dress or if you stink like a sack full of rotten apples. We are very tolerant with regard to anyone s obnoxious behavior and since we have no rules, we certainly wouldn t want to put pressure on you to clean up your act. So if all of that is okay with you, we are prepared to offer you a salary of $300,000 per year. What do you think? III. It Has to Start Somewhere - (Exodus 29:37-39 KJV) Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy. 38 Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually. 39 The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even: A. True holiness begins with prayer. 1. Holiness has been so misconstrued and misunderstood over the years that few people realize what holiness really means. a) Holiness is NOT rules and regulations that you either keep or break. b) Holiness is NOT a blanket of guilt that lords over you so that you won t disobey God. c) Holiness is NOT a dress code. B. Holiness IS the result of an unquenchable desire to please God. 1. Love your neighbor AS YOURSELF. 10 of 14

a) (Romans 13:8-10 KJV) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 2. Love God, fulfill His purpose and conform to the image of Christ. a) (Romans 8:28-29 KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son (holiness - my words), that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. b) Our love for God, or the love of God, which is Shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, will provoke us to be conformed to the image of his Son. (Romans 5:5) c) So if your holiness is not based on a love for God and a love for your neighbor then it isn t holiness, it s just a religious check list, which causes a person to feel secure in self-righteousness. C. Love can only be established through a solid relationship, and a relationship can only be established through communication. 11 of 14

1. Prayer, or communication, is the foundation of our relationship with God. a) This prayer-based relationship must be the ONLY soil that our holiness is rooted in. b) If you don t have a consistent, passionate and intimate prayer life then you don t have much, if any, of a relationship with God. c) When your prayer becomes effective and used for the purpose in which God desires, the holiness of God will begin to flourish in your life. D. There are many different kinds of prayer: 1. Prayer of intercession 2. Traviling prayer 3. Prevailing prayer 4. Prophetic prayer a) Just to name a few. 5. But if you re going to see God s nature and identity formed in you, you are going to need to learn the power of relational prayer. a) (Psalms 51:1-17 KJV) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest 12 of 14

be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Grace is powerful. Grace is meant to turn people from sin not condone them in their sin. Grace affords us the opportunity and space to repent. Grace bridges our inequity, it doesn t leave us in our iniquity. Grace assists us in gaining freedom from all sin. Grace leads us closer to God, it doesn t excuse us for be far away from Him. Don t be disenfranchised by blurry grace and cloudy Christianity. Grace gives you the right to be free from the old nature and identity. 13 of 14

Take advantage of it. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:17-18 KJV) You are dust, but are not meant to be dirty. How little people know, who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing it is irresistible. C. S. Lewis 14 of 14