• 2017 Vacation Bible School
  • Aitken Bible Project
  • Knowing you are saved
  • Lander News Journal Articles
    • Meeism Series – but what about me?
  • About Our Ministries
  • Doctrinal Statement
  • Weekly Schedule and Upcoming Events
  • How to Find Us
  • Meet the Senters
    • Chris’s Testimony
  • Missions
    • Missions Spotlight
  • Phone and Contact Information
  • Our Nation’s Foundations
    • Our Nation, the Constitution, and Its Founders
      • Letter to the Editor
      • Patrick Henry
      • John Adams
      • John Jay
      • James Madison
      • Noah Webster
      • John Witherspoon
      • Richard Henry Lee
  • Topical Studies
    • God and His Rights
    • What is Biblical Death?
    • Religion and God
    • Faith and Works
  • Cowboy Bible Conference

Grace Bible Church

~ But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

Tag Archives: John 14:6

Everyone worships the same God?

20 Monday Mar 2017

Posted by GBC in From the Pastor

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 John 2:23, John 14:6, John 14:7, Knowing you are saved, me, No one comes to the father but by me, One God, unitarianism

One god is not about God. One god is all about self. This belief actually admits limited intellectual and spiritual abilities. It says I may not be right, so I better be inclusive. In other words, “I” don’t know what “I” believe or why “I” believe it therefore, “I” have to be inclusive.

John 14:7 has always been a challenging verse for man to submit too. Man realizes that if he truly believes, especially Jesus final phrase, then he must be somewhat dogmatic. Man does not like being dogmatic, unless he likes the dogma. Resting in the truth of God incarnate is difficult mostly because it makes us aware that God may  have standards, He may limit access to His kingdom, He may have requirements, He may not be interested in our defining Him, He may not be as open to allowing everyone before Him because of what they think individually, He may not respect our thoughts on what He might do, worst of all we might not be able to define God’s design for ourselves.

The statement, “no one comes unto the Father but by me” is definitive, final, dogmatic, absolute, unwavering, without ability to alternatively analyze or contemplate. There is only one path to God the Father, that is through the Son. There are more scriptures that tell how zealous the Father himself is about this truth.

In my book “Knowing You Are Saved,” I wrote about this verse on pages 175-186,

You can think what you want, but God is God and your thoughts about who He should be and how He should act do not change Him (Is 55:8-9). Just as we can deny truth in our lives, denying eternal truths will not affect the truth itself. This denial will however affect our lives eternally.

The fact is that God the Father wants us to focus upon His Son. Neither the Father, nor the Holy Spirit went through the trials and challenges, neither were tempted in all ways like we are, neither suffered the cross, neither left their heavenly abode to live here and experience man’s challenges. Both the Father and the Holy Spirit have great respect for the Son’s personal sacrifice from the moment He left Heaven. I also wrote about this in an article titled, “A Story.” Where people are uncomfortable with truth, they insult those whom may have to live, or have lived, through those truths. They also insult anyone honored and even saved by those truths. Where politicians take credit for the heroism of first responders is simply reprehensible. This is the same thing people do when they deny Christ to say they are God and they individually determine their entrance into Heaven or the entrance of others. (1 John 2:23)

Ultimately, man is afraid to commit because he knows he does not have all the answers. But the answers are available to us in the scriptures. They reveal God to us. God is clear, He alone makes rules for Him. Just follow them, and trust Christ to help you do so. (Matt 19:26)

The Direct Address of Christ

08 Saturday Nov 2014

Posted by GBC in From the Pastor

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

challenges to personal faith, Christ, direct address, Jesus, Jesus teaching, John 14:6, John 6:66, political correctness, pride in faith, public testimony, religion, self-serving faith, self-serving sermons, uncommitted christians

Jesus was very direct in His gospel. Why then, if we pastors are supposed to be Christlike, are we relegated to suggestion and innuendo. People today want to hear less and less direct challenge to their personal belief. More and more today people have those itching ears wanting to hear only confirmation of their personal faith. Is this the self-serving attitude Jesus teaches we should have in the bible? If a ministry is feeding that in you, RUN!!!!

Jesus was very direct in His gospel. Why then, if we pastors are supposed to be Christlike, are we relegated to suggestion and innuendo. People today want to hear less and less direct challenge to their personal belief. More and more today people have those itching ears wanting to hear only confirmation of their personal faith. Is this the self-serving attitude Jesus teaches we should have in the bible? If a ministry is feeding that in you, RUN!!!!

The world says to keep our Christ in church, but Jesus taught in houses, synagogues, in towns and on hill tops (Mark 2:1; John 4:5; 6:1, 59). The world says what they believe is as acceptable to God as what Christ taught but Jesus repeatedly confronted leadership, individuals and families concerning their understandings. Teachers in mega churches and neo-evangelicals advise personally appealing gospel approaches. We must ask, is this the pattern we see from Jesus at any point in His ministry? Do people leave in droves because He is not friendly enough in His gospel approach (John 6:66)?

Alternatively, do people leave because they do not believe (John 6:64). They do not want to believe, they do not want to hear the truth, they choose not to believe? Therefore, they leave because they do not belong in the church (1 John 2:19). Jesus does not teach some confusing gospel, He is very direct and specific. Salvation is provided and access to the Father is through Him and His vicarious atonement.

Paul was not “touchy feely” in his challenges to people either. We all know the scripture s that call out sin in mankind (Romans 1:28;  6:15; 2 Timothy 3:8). We all see the hatred of sin in many of the New Testament writings. Any denial of Christ  was met with direct confrontation (Acts 2:14-47). Should we ignore the cries of Stephen in Acts 7? We try to say our gospel should be acceptable. The truth is that salvation was wrought through the flesh and blood of the sacrificed Godman. The Romans beat, scourged and crucified our Lord. The world is not kind to Christ. The world will not be kind to us (Luke 21:12).

Yet, Christ still died for them, Christ still asked the Father to forgive them, Christ gave Himself for them regardless. We must speak truth, but speak the truth in love. It means we are confrontational, but our confrontation should be careful and concerned for the lost soul (Matthew 5:4). That means we also recognize the times when confrontation must be bold and “in your face” forsaking ourselves for His gospel.

Tell people the truth in a loving tone, especially when that truth is that they are destined for destruction without Christ, will always cause a reaction. It may be positive. It may be negative. Regardless, something will happen. It is not up to you to manage what God’s word does, only to faithfully and lovingly tell others (Isaiah 55:11).

Baptism

30 Saturday Aug 2014

Posted by GBC in From the Pastor

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Acts 8:36, Baptism, Infant baptism, Jesus Christ, John 11:25, John 11:26, John 14:6, peado baptism, remission of sin, vicarious atonement of sin, Water baptism, works righteousness

The word Baptize has never meant anything less than immersion.

The word Baptize has never meant anything less than immersion.

Some baptize infants into their church or religion. Some baptize to enter a local ministry. Others claim salvation is incomplete without baptism. Some believe baptism provides salvation. Some teach that children will not enter Heaven without baptism. Others call baptism a form of washing away sin. Finally, some believe it is simply a testimony of identification with Christ, repentance (turning from worldliness to godliness) a dedication to Christ. Some of these positions have no scripture to support them. Others seem to have some scriptural support. So, what is the truth? A little truth mixed with lots of error is powerful poison. Religions are born this way.

If your belief strains the scripture, it is questionable. If it alienates any scripture, it is untenable. The only truth has to take into account and harmonize all scriptural passages, every illustration and historic representation must be accounted for. The question is, which belief is the truth. The challenge is to look at passages that do not necessarily discuss baptism.

The only explanation of baptism that harmonizes the scriptures is as an individual public identification to follow Jesus Christ by identifying with and confession of faith in His death, burial and resurrection for the vicarious atonement of sin. This first sees Christ as the way, the truth and the life, He provides salvation (John 11:25, 26; 14:6). Second, it identifies personal commitment through scriptural understanding, only possible in adults such as the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:36-37). Third, it clears the thief on the cross for entrance into heaven without baptism (Luke 23:43). Fourth, it leans on Christ’s blood to wash away sin instead of man’s work (Matthew 26:28).

Work only comes AFTER salvation. Works prove salvation. You do because Christ did. Righteousness comes from Christ, not works of righteousness which provide no profit (Isaiah 57:12).

Change

06 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by GBC in Local Paper Articles

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 11:29, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Change, Hebrews 9:27, Isaiah 53:6, John 14:6, John 8:43-45, Matthew 20:28, Oxymoron, simpleton

What a word. It was instrumental in the election of our first African-American president. Change is responsible for moving our country progressively forward. Some claim that change moves society to greater civility. Change seems to do many things. On the other hand, does it. We could continue talking about change without discussing specifics and everyone would be content, happy, and assuaged in their faith that change is good. Is change good? Isn’t “change” often just a straw man for our imagination? The truth is that change is never comfortable but always necessary.

Oxymoronic? Cliche'? Reality? Or just some campaign slogan that worked.

Oxymoronic? Cliche’? Reality? Or just some silly campaign slogan that worked.

Yes, the right change is certainly a good thing. When we discuss “change” in an open fashion, everyone is able to envision their own idea of change. That is very personal, very inviting, very individual and very “tolerant.” The open idea of change leaves each individual to his own devices. Isaiah warned Israel about that failing in 53:6. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” If going our own way in life is a bad thing then anyone encouraging that thought process is encouraging us to stray from the things that are good for us.

I guess it all boils down to life’s limits. Everyone who works in the economy knows they have to do what their boss says to do. To go against that gets one fired. To stay employed we choose to subject ourselves to the boss. Everyone makes a choice to submit. What we choose to submit too is the issue at hand. Maybe we should change. Change is good in employment sometimes. Change is good in other things too.

Maybe change is good concerning our allegiance. Maybe we need to change that allegiance to something and someone far more advantageous to our life on earth, and our eternal life in heaven. One way or another, change is inevitable. The question is when will we change and will it be voluntary.

A proposed change in allegiance. The bible says that we are naturally allied with Satan in our lives. I know that one is hard to take. Nevertheless, look at it for a second. John 8:43-45 tells us we do not understand what Jesus promises and cannot hear Him speak to us because our lusts lie with our father, the Devil. We are naturally bent toward that going our own way thing in Isaiah. We could banter about the fine line between having to work for our needs, and having to work as our Lord commands and how those two things cross paths. We could banter about necessities in the world and how Jesus tells us to serve our earthly masters. The bottom line is who is the focus of everything you do. Is it your benefit, your happiness, your desires, your lusts, your ideas, your philosophy of life? Alternatively, is it the Lord for His glory and you seek Him to guide you to and through life (1 Corinthians 10:31). The first develops everything for self-including a moralistic existence. We say, “We’re good people, pay our bills, rear good children, successful in society…we’ll be okay.” That’s going your own way. I propose an allegiance with Jesus. Your life will be free of the worldly pressures as you rest in His eternal grace (Matthew 11:29-30). You’re whole focus changes.

A proposed change for advantage. Again, we could banter about how this idea crosses into the necessities of life, but the ultimate issue is not this life, but the next. Do you believe in an afterlife? Can you say emphatically that you know your belief is true? If you were to wrap everything up that you know about the world materially, spiritually and emotionally, would you say it’s about 50%, how about 25%, how about even 99% (our nuclear engineers are in this category). When you decide ask this question, couldn’t God and the afterlife be in that 1-75% that you don’t know about? Don’t you think you should do something about that in your favor? If for nothing else, I propose a change that seeks Jesus for eternal life in heaven over the alternative eternal existence in torment.

An inevitable change. The Bible says that it is appointed to man to die only once then the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Most people believe there is some sort of judgment after this life. That is why they want to live a good life and help others. Like the spider and the web, there is a part of us that knows we are supposed to do good things in our life because we will be held accountable by someone afterward. We know (or at least suspect) this change is inevitable whether we choose to admit it or not. I propose embracing this inevitable change with zeal. This sounds morbid, but look at death as an exciting event where you are transferred from this material life to a spiritual life.

Whether for allegiance, advantage or as a matter of inevitability, change will come about on an eternal plane. The best change is one made by choice. It is the most comfortable. The only way to achieve change that makes eternal difference is to accept Jesus as your personal savior (John 14:6). Jesus gave His life to ransom your soul (Matthew 20:28). John 5:25 tells us that those who hear Jesus will live. Listen, hear Him, change your life to live for eternity and you shall have His peace (2 Corinthians 13:11).

I Must Decrease

09 Saturday Feb 2013

Posted by GBC in From the Pastor

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Christ, humble, humility, Jesus, John 14:6, John 3:30, John 3:31, John the Baptist, master, Messiah, Servant

In our world today man is savagely vying for supremacy. From legal organizations fighting to have the base truths of the 10 commandments removed from public places, to modern sociology claiming some inherent humanity. The problem with all of man’s systems is that man is at the center. John the Baptist knew that and taught of the dangers inherent in it over 2000 years ago.

The servant points to the Master.

The servant points to the Master.

When He said, “I must decrease” (John 3:30) John the Baptist was making things very clear. It would not be him who led many to glory, but the Savior, the Christ. Jesus was the one who needed to increase. In John 3:31 we read:

“He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.”

John the Baptist knew his position, a servant. He knew that above all it was the Master, the Teacher, the Christ who having come from Heaven is the one that is “above all.” Many claim to serve Christ however, their true motivation and faith is for and in self.

Just as they do today, men in John’s day thought they had all the answers. They did not know if Greek philosophy had value, or was it simply obeying all the rules? Self-proclaimed intellectuals thought philosophy had the answers. Legalists thought the rules were important.  All were wrong. A humble, simply clothed, plane spoken, wilderness dwelling man was more in touch with God than any one around him. This simple man who attracted thousands to repent and be baptized said, “I must decrease.”

Man must decrease, God must increase. The Son of God died for your sins, not some law. The Messiah gave himself willingly and vicariously on the cross, not a philosopher. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).

Knowing You Are Saved

Pastor Tim's new book describes great assurances of salvation in 1 John. Every Christian wonders at some point if they are saved. John writes in vibrant, personal and intimate terms exactly how we can know we are saved.

Blogroll

  • Abundant Grace Family Center, LLC Come find out how fun Day Care can really be!

Links

  • Aitken Bible Project America’s first literary statment of freedom.
  • “BACK TO HOME PAGE” Grace Bible Church home page
  • “From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man” Sermons and resources regarding the reliability of the Word of God, and the translation debate. Unfortunately, you may not find these sermons online today.
  • Bible Gateway Searchable online Bible in over 100 languages
  • Blue Letter Bible Bible text with study tools, maps, and more
  • Bob Jones University Bob Jones University web site.
  • Maranatha Baptist Bible College The Mission of Maranatha is to develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world “To the Praise of His Glory.”
  • Moving to Lander? Site for Lander Chamber of Commerce
  • Northland Baptist Bible College
  • Sermon Audio The largest library of over 319000 free MP3 audio sermons and podcasts from conservative Christian churches on the web.

Pages

  • 2017 Vacation Bible School
  • About Our Ministries
  • Aitken Bible Project
  • Cowboy Bible Conference
  • Doctrinal Statement
  • How to Find Us
  • Knowing you are saved
  • Lander News Journal Articles
    • Meeism Series – but what about me?
  • Meet the Senters
    • Chris’s Testimony
  • Missions
    • Missions Spotlight
  • Our Nation’s Foundations
    • Our Nation, the Constitution, and Its Founders
      • James Madison
      • John Adams
      • John Jay
      • John Witherspoon
      • Letter to the Editor
      • Noah Webster
      • Patrick Henry
      • Richard Henry Lee
  • Phone and Contact Information
  • Topical Studies
    • Faith and Works
    • God and His Rights
    • Religion and God
    • What is Biblical Death?
  • Weekly Schedule and Upcoming Events

Post Topics

Comments

Pamela Hunt on Just lost until enlighten…
Tim on Fellowship With One Another (1…
Suzan Toureau on Fellowship With One Another (1…
Gelatya desta on God’s salvation unto…
Maranatha Baptist Bi… on What Light Do You Absorb? (Mat…

Search this site

Recent Sermons and Posts

  • I and my Father are one
  • Jesus Chose You
  • Separation
  • The Greatest Father
  • God’s perfect love
  • Our Vine
  • I Pray you have listened
  • A Picture of Heaven
  • Love makes the Father manifest
  • National Day of Prayer
  • My life for yours
  • Spirit of Truth – John 14:17
  • Jesus Exaltation
  • Loving Obedience
  • Do you dwell in Christ as Christ dwelt in the Father?

Start here

  • 2017 Vacation Bible School
  • Aitken Bible Project
  • Knowing you are saved
  • Lander News Journal Articles
    • Meeism Series – but what about me?
  • About Our Ministries
  • Doctrinal Statement
  • Weekly Schedule and Upcoming Events
  • How to Find Us
  • Meet the Senters
    • Chris’s Testimony
  • Missions
    • Missions Spotlight
  • Phone and Contact Information
  • Our Nation’s Foundations
    • Our Nation, the Constitution, and Its Founders
      • Letter to the Editor
      • Patrick Henry
      • John Adams
      • John Jay
      • James Madison
      • Noah Webster
      • John Witherspoon
      • Richard Henry Lee
  • Topical Studies
    • God and His Rights
    • What is Biblical Death?
    • Religion and God
    • Faith and Works
  • Cowboy Bible Conference

Blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy