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Lessons From The father
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 Devotions and Lessons
Building Relationships Through God's Love

We welcome July with a repentant heart. There are things happening in this world that are changing the way we see normal. Places are opening with restrictions. Some people are realizing what foolishness is happening.  God is winning battles. Even though it looks like we have certain major losses, God is winning. We are in an amazing time and the world will never be the same again.  
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​Scripture of the Week: Job 38:4-18   
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
    Tell me, if you have understanding.
5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
    Or who stretched the line upon it?
6 On what were its bases sunk,
    or who laid its cornerstone,
7 when the morning stars sang together
    and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

8 “Or who shut in the sea with doors
    when it burst out from the womb,
9 when I made clouds its garment
    and thick darkness its swaddling band,
10 and prescribed limits for it
    and set bars and doors,
11 and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther,
    and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?

12 “Have you commanded the morning since your days began,
    and caused the dawn to know its place,
13 that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth,
    and the wicked be shaken out of it?
14 It is changed like clay under the seal,
    and its features stand out like a garment.
15 From the wicked their light is withheld,
    and their uplifted arm is broken.

16 “Have you entered into the springs of the sea,
    or walked in the recesses of the deep?
17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you,
    or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?
18 Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?
    Declare, if you know all this.














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    Blog Disclaimer:
    The messages on the blogs written on this page are within biblical adherence. Though the Scriptures listed in the blogs are directly from the Bible and other related religious writings the explanations and interpretations are in line with Biblical thinking as it relates to today’s world. The use of historical facts are to assist in the validity of the writings. The main writer of this blog site is an Ordained minister in one denomination though the views are related to all denominations so if something is said that does not fall in line with your denominational background, pray for personal discernment and understanding.

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Being Religious Versus Being In Christ

11/8/2016

 
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We have all heard the phrases, “Judge not lest ye be judged” and, “throwing stones”. You know, things that Jesus said. Sometimes, but unnecessarily, we need to hear what Paul says. Why is this? We should ask ourselves if we have religious beliefs or are we straight up no nonsense Children of God. Religious thought comes from the Words of Christ with the verifications of Paul. Did you know that Paul’s teachings are actually more well-known and understood than Jesus’ teachings? There is something very wrong with that. The reason is partially this: Paul broke down the teachings of Jesus into a language (verbiage) that was more easily understood. He gave it to the masses in a way that they would be more apt to repent and join the flock rather than continue in their old ways. In many ways this was how the religious practice of Christianity started in the Roman world. Notice it is a religious practice built by man in order to please the eternal deity we know as God. God Himself said that we just need to trust and obey Him and He freely gives through His Grace and Mercy. Religion is the practice of understanding and ensuring His Word reaches the world. So the question is: Are you Christian (in Christ) or religious? Do you believe and follow every day or just Sunday, Wednesday, and Holidays when it is convenient for you? Are you In Christ or do you just believe in Christ (there is a difference). Do your heart strings feel the tug every day or just when you participate in worship and praise.

Did you know that you can learn more from one parable spoken by Jesus than one whole chapter of Romans? The simpler the story and speech, the easier it is to learn when you listen with an open mind and heart.
I am not saying we should forget Paul’s teachings but we need to seek Jesus in those words. We need to cut through the chatter and get right to the point. Take Romans 2:1-5 for instance:
  2 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
In that very first sentence, Paul is restating what Jesus spoke of. Now Paul could have left it there but had to add the legalisms for everyone to comprehend. He is basically saying that we cannot throw a stone on another when we ourselves have committed the same or worse sins from which we have not repented. One who listens to Jesus closely would hear all what Paul said without the need for explanation.
Paul does have some very unique views on things and these can be broken down into all the sayings of Jesus if we just listen with our hearts.  

Jesus never asked for our money only, that belongs to Caesar. Jesus wants us all in, 100% with Him, Heart, Soul, Mind, and Body. God gave us gifts to use to share His Glory in the world, use them.

Who do you follow? Jesus, Peter, Paul, Apollos? Is there a modern preacher whose every word spoken is law to your heart? Renew your faith in Jesus and never let that go. Be In Christ not just a believer in a religious practice.
 
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