One can by no means repent, rue or pray oneself into the book of life. It is solely through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross and his resurrection that one’s name is written in it.
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” ~ Revelation 20:15
ALL religions out there preach (self) righteousness can be obtained by works of the law, whereas the Faith of Christ dispensed to the Apostle Paul, preaches God’s imputed righteousness through faith in Christ’s finished work on the Cross and His resurrection.
“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” ~ Romans 10:3
How to submit to the righteousness of God: Believe the gospel of Christ alone for one’s salvation. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
My grandchildren, Born on 25/8/18. A boy and a girl.
💕Proud granny💕
Soon I am going to be like my “old man” and take up fishing as a hobby and see how much patience I really do have, sitting beside the seaside virtually the entire day waiting for a fish to bite….. wonder if I could manage to sit still for that long……… I know absolutely nothing about fishing, all I know is that I could never chop off a fish’s head and gut it, I’d be too grossed out.
I’d much rather be on a hiking trail though, so much more to see. I have a tendency to walk rather than jog these days, but the wind has put paid to that today – it’s howling at approximately 50km. We’re situated approximately 400km east of the beautiful city of Cape Town, and if the wind blows there, it blows here…… great…… it’s just started to rain too…… but on the bright side of things, tomorrow will be a perfect day again. That’s coastal weather for you – one day absolutely splendid, and the next absolutely rotten and totally unpredictable.
The things I have accomplished and can tick off my bucket list thus far are:
1) Live as close to nature as possible for as long as I want.
One down, and counting…. hahaha.
I am at odds, wondering if I will ever be able to live a normal life once again in suburbia with paved sidewalks and concrete walls…… doing what normal people do – living predictable 9-5 lives. The routine of suburbia bores me, and I often wonder how people can live for years in the same house, in the same suburb, in the same city/town. I admire them because I used to move often when I lived a normal 9-5 life in a city and had a normal job.
It’s windier this year, and we’re getting more rain compared to last year, and it isn’t good for outdoor living. It makes one long for home comforts….
The cliche, “how time flies when one is having fun” is so true, this year flew by and I cannot believe the silly season is yet upon us again so soon, when most will predictably be bringing out their Baal bushes and decorating them and worshipping another baby Jesus instead of the ascended Jesus according to the revelation of the mystery (Romans 16:25).
The solution to boring 9-5 living is to get away quite often to nature and the wild for as long and as frequently as possible. The best of both worlds. It makes me think of those insufferable coffee shops where suburbia congregates on Saturday and Sunday mornings in particular, to watch the world go by. Why watch the world go by when one can watch nature happen in all its glory and splendour? I see whales along the coastline almost every day, I see Seals, I see crabs, all sorts of interesting birds, and I meditate on the beauty of God’s creation.
By the time Starbucks arrived in South Africa, I was thankfully already AWOL from big city life and I do not miss the so-called benefits of living in a city. I’m not a coffee drinker for one reason: it gives me migraines because it is a CNS stimulant. When I smell the aroma of coffee in the air it reminds me of pain and nausea.
I have come to many new conclusions during my hiatus in the wild:
1) Utter refusal to mingle with people who obviously do not want one in their lives for whatever rhyme or reason. Move on.
2) If one is hurt by the spitefulness of others due to their wrong perceptions and the bearing of false witness – let it be. The wheel turns. Move on.
3) If people do not want to change their erroneous beliefs due to pride, and after several warnings, move on, after all, how many times can one flog a dead horse?
4) Playing mind games is futile and a waste of time.
5) What one puts in, one gets out. One reaps what one sows.
6) Be original, there are far too many duplicates out there.
Life isn’t a competition to see who has the best house, job, family, car, and so forth, we weren’t put here for any of those shallow reasons, we were put here to decide our own eternal destiny.
Who and what do you trust to save your eternal soul?
Tyke, aka “ChiChi”, the 2kg Yorkie who so happens to have tons of chutzpah, by the way, had us in dire straits yesterday morning….. there was a ton of blood in his stools… yet ” attitudanly” he seemed fine – still wagging his tail and barking….. ?
It didn’t make any sense……
It’s amazing what truth unfolds and comes to light when one remembers that one’s cherry flavoured and cherry coloured chewing gum which one left on the bedside table one night ceremoniously disappeared into thin air, along with it’s packaging….. that was more than a week ago…..
I had been searching high and low for the stuff…… now we know what happened to it…… the evidence of the crime has come to light as cherry coloured blood in the stools, ha!
Poor blighter, gum, when swallowed causes constipation and a sore stomach as one’s colon is impacted, so he must have suffered, but since he is so cheeky….. one couldn’t tell, he was just very restless at night.
Moral of the story:
If Yorkshire Terriers were bred to sniff out rats in clothing factories, they will sniff out all and any food, and if it’s not put away, a midnight snack will ensue. Yorkies will eat anything – sweets, fruit, veg, chips, popcorn, chicken bones – you name it, they will eat it.
So after a dinner of chicken and rice to settle his stomach, the 2 kilogrammer lives to play and bark another day…..
*Happy*
The Apostle Paul says to WORK OUT one’s OWN salvation with fear and trembling, which does not mean one is left to figure out how one is saved, like a science experiment where people come to many different conclusions and all so happen to be right, meaning one person believes Acts 2:38 is the gospel, another believes 2 Chronicles 7:14 is the gospel and so forth….
God’s salvation isn’t a gamble where one believes and does what one thinks is right and by doing so, takes one’s chances……
If one does not believe dispensational truth, it can be dangerous, not only by way of handling poisonous snakes and drinking poison today, but also by believing the wrong gospel which can damn one’s soul to an eternity of hell in the lake of fire.
Once one is saved, one is told by Paul to work out one’s salvation, aka running the race, aka one’s service to the Lord. There is a huge difference between working out one’s own salvation with fear and trembling, and working for one’s own salvation with fear and trembling….
If one is saved and is under the impression that one need not fear the Lord, think again. How will one fare at the Judgment Seat of Christ knowing one led people astray with one’s very own rendition of wrongly dividing the word of truth as a Saint?
Contrary to popular belief, being in heaven won’t consist of “Let’s Cuddle a Moment” politically correct sessions, nor will there be countless ongoing “Let’s Ask Jesus and Paul ” group sessions. Instead, and to begin with, one will ceremoniously have one’s tail feathers set alight and be ashamed, especially those who turned back to the weak and beggarly elements of the law. (Galatians 4:9).
As a Saint, one can lie, deceive, manipulate, back-stab, gossip, ridicule, reject people for telling the truth and bear false witness, but it will all be laid bare at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” ~ Philippians 2:12-13
One is justified by the Faith which the ascended Christ revealed to the Apostle Paul:
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” ~ Galatians 2:16
One is saved by grace through faith alone:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” ~ Ephesians 2:8-9
We were alienated from God by sin before we were saved:
“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled” ~ Colossians 1:21
“Unto”, as opposed to ” by”:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” ~ Ephesians 2:10.
Saved – not according to our works/works of righteousness:
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” ~ 2 Timothy 1:9
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” ~ Titus 3:5
“© Audrey Henry” is a default setting on my posts. Wherever something has been copied over, credit has been given to the author thereof below the article.
The most amazing statements on salvation by grace without works in the entire Bible are found in Paul’s epistles. What liberation it is for sinners to learn that God offers salvation freely by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ (Eph 2:8-9; Gal 5:1).
There is nothing you do to deserve or earn salvation from God.
Nevertheless, there are a few Pauline passages that repeatedly trouble new believers as to whether their sins can negate what God has given them by grace.
For the religious minded fruit inspectors 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Ephesians 5:5-6, and Galatians 5:21 become tests of salvation, and when you fail the test one of these explanations is given:
“You were never a Christian in the first place.”
“A Christian would never do these things.”
“Faith without works is dead.”
“You need to repent and get right (again) with God.”
Not Tests of Salvations
Let’s be clear. If these three passages are talking about conditions or qualifications for salvation then there will be no one but Christ in the kingdom of God.
A look at the wide scope of sins mentioned in these passages disqualifies all but the self-righteous in their own delusions.
It would also mean that your salvation by grace is not through faith, but through your continuance in doing good works the rest of your life. This described salvation under Israel’s covenant relationship, but not in this dispensation of grace (Mark 13:13; Lev 18:5).
No, these passages are not tests of salvation or membership in the body of Christ.
Not Conditions of Inheritance
To avoid the obvious problem with making them tests of salvation, it is sometimes suggested that these three passages put conditions and qualifications on your inheritance, blessings, or levels of glory in heaven.
While it is true that the work of the saints will be judged by Christ for reward or loss, these passages can not be referring to that either.
1 Cor 6:10 says that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom, it does not say they will not have as many rewards or will “suffer loss” as does 1 Cor 3:15 at the judgment of the saints.
Eph 5:5 makes it clear that those sinners do not have “any inheritance”. It is not lesser inheritance, but any inheritance at all. This would be contrary to Eph 1:3, Eph 1:18, and Eph 3:6 that describe the saved having “all spiritual blessings”, “the riches of the glory of this inheritance”, and as being “fellowheirs” according to the mystery.
While these passages are surely intended to condemn wrong thinking and actions among the saints, they cannot be referring to believers who have been promised an inheritance by grace even if we do suffer loss for poor workmanship at the judgment seat of Christ.
A question remains. Why is Paul warning believers about what happens to unbelievers who are living in their flesh?
Understanding Your Position
Something often overlooked in Paul’s instructions to the saints is the difference between our position and our condition. It has also been referred to as our standing and state, salvation and service.
Your salvation, standing, or position in Christ is received by grace through faith. This new position in the body of Christ has changed your identity, that is, who you are.
You are no longer a sinner, but a saint (Rom 5:19). You are no longer in Adam, but in Christ (Rom 5:17). You are no longer a servant of sin, but a servant of righteousness (Rom 6:17-18).
This new identity is like the job title you are given on the first day of work. You have not done any work, but you have been given a new identity, you sit in a new position.
What would happen if on day two in your new position you were doing your old job and not your new one? No doubt, your boss would remind you that you no longer hold that position, and need to do the work becoming of your new position.
Whether or not you are operating according to the privileges, benefits, or description of your new position is called your condition, service, or walk. It concerns your performance in Christ.
All three troubling passages are trying to correct the performance, walk, or service of believers by reminding them of who they are and who they are not.
“Remember your position. Remember who you are, not who you were. Walk according to who you are now in Christ.”
Knowing your position will put these trouble passages in the proper perspective. Let’s look at each one.
Trouble Passage #1) 1Corinthians 6:9-10
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither … shall inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
This is very clear that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Though you had been in the position of an unrighteous person before you were saved, you have now, after trusting the gospel, been made the righteousness of God in Christ by grace through faith (2 Cor 5:21).
Notice the verse right after the troubling passage which distinguishes what the Corinthians were with what they are now in Christ.
“ And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. “ – 1 Corinthians 6:11
They were unrighteous, but now they arejustified and sanctified. What they were was not what they are now in Christ, and it had nothing to do with their behavior. The reason Paul condemns the unrighteous is that the Corinthians were acting like them as if it were acceptable behavior in their new position.
“Stop doing unrighteous things. That is not who you are anymore! Those things are condemnable.”
Trouble Passage #2) Ephesians 5:5-6
“…hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.“ – Ephesians 5:5-6
What a terrifying verse, and rightly so! Sin deserves all wrath, and the wrath of God is revealed upon all sinners (Rom 1:18).
The question remains are you a child of disobedience or not? Is that your title? Is that your position?
The religious minded would have you believe that if you disobey, then that means you are a child of disobedience. That was the case under the law, but no longer under grace. Now, you can be justified by grace through faith in Christ without works and without the law. This is the mystery of Christ!
Notice the verses immediately following the condemnation of the children of disobedience.
“Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” – Ephesians 5:7
Don’t partake with them? Who are they? Not the saved Ephesians. But why?
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light…” – Ephesians 5:8
They were children of disobedience and darkness, but now they are changed. They have a new position in Christ! Every saved member of the body of Christ is a child of light, and Paul teaches them to walk according to their new job description received and secured by grace without works.
“Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” – Ephesians 4:1
Trouble Passage #3) Galatians 5:21
“…that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:21
Like the previous two passages, knowing your position puts this troubling passage in context as well.
The Galatians had received the Spirit and salvation through faith, but they were being persuaded to walk under the law. There is a difference between living in and walking in. There is a difference between position and condition.
The Galatians thought the only way to avoid the condemnation of sin after salvation was to go back under the law, but the law brought condemnation. Paul exhorts them in the better way, “Walk in the Spirit” (Gal 5:16).
“But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” – Galatians 5:18
If they were truly saved by grace through faith, then they do not live in the flesh, but in the Spirit and not under the law.
If there is one thing we cannot be condemned for under grace, it is the work of our flesh. The power of the law to condemn the flesh was removed when it was crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20; Gal 5:24; Rom 6:6; Rom 7:4).
The admonition Paul gives the Galatians in chapter 5 is found in Gal 5:25:
“ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
But how do you know if you are walking after the Spirit or after the flesh?
They could tell whether their flesh or the Spirit was winning the war for their walk by what comes out of them. The works of the flesh were manifest, and are condemned by God. The fruit of the Spirit is where there is no condemnation (Rom 8:1; Gal 5:23).
If the Galatians received the Spirit by faith, then they lived by the Spirit. They needed to walk after the Spirit in order to bear the fruit of the Spirit. Any attempt to walk under the law would strengthen their condemned flesh, bring condemnation, and manifest the condemnable works of the flesh.
Conclusion
These passages have troubled grace believers for a while and it is time to set them at rest. They may be difficult but not impossible. There is no reason to sacrifice the riches of God’s grace by neglecting to remember who you are in Christ and how you were saved.
Don’t forget who Christ made you, and how that was possible. It is the cross of Christ that did all the work necessary for your salvation, and the power of the resurrection of Christ that guarantees you a heavenly place with Christ.
The response to sin for the believer is to stop living like who you were, and start living according to who you are in Christ by faith.
Now it is our duty to live up to the high calling we have received freely through Him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Copied over from http://www.graceambassadors.com
Being from the part of the world that I am, I have never experienced extreme weather conditions the way some do in other parts of the world.
The worst for me was more or less two weeks ago, when a “massive” cold front moved in with wind speeds as high as 65km and I thought that was the pits, so I cannot begin to imagine what wind speeds of 175km (110mph?) are like, especially in tandem with torrential rain… I cringe at the thought and my heart goes out to those who are currently in the throes of Hurricane Florence.
Did I hear someone say hurricanes have grown in size because of global warming? Hurricanes have their beginnings in the Sahara desert in north Africa, so the hotter the temperatures are there, the bigger the hurricanes will be.
Since the Sahara desert lacks industry and development (for obvious reasons), I find the global warming excuse inane. Deserts are meant to be hot, besides, other factors influencing the size of hurricanes are weather patterns over the Atlantic ocean. It seems “half of the water” in the Atlantic is sucked up and is then ceremoniously poured out with rage when a hurricane makes landfall.
I have often thought about how I would cope in such extreme weather conditions, fact is, I wouldn’t. I cannot handle snow (experienced it in Canada). Long, cold winters would be my nemesis for sure, so I’m not sure how those who emigrate take to shovelling snow and dressing to the extreme in winter, as I found it to be a constant pain in the nether region.
When all is said and done, hurricanes aren’t God’s judgment on America, they are simply a phenomenon of nature. Today God isn’t pouring out His judgment on the world, He is pouring out His unmerited favour instead. His gift for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life is currently on offer, all one has to do is receive it in faith, namely, how that Christ died for one’s sins, was buried and rose again to justify one in the eyes of God (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 4:25; Ephesians 2:8-9).
This is the reason why weather patterns are unpredictable, earthquakes happen and bad things happen to good people:
“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” ~ Romans 8:22
Simply put: We live in sin cursed bodies, in a sin cursed world, so don’t let your spirit be cursed to everlasting destruction too – get saved by believing the gospel of Christ today.
© Audrey Henry – 14 September 2018
This isn’t my definition, please note, but it is a good example of the word ‘peaceably’, which many confuse with ‘peacefully’:
To say that something has been “peacefully enjoyed” means that people have enjoyed it while being peaceful, ie quiet, calm etc. To say that it has been “peaceably enjoyed” means that people have enjoyed it in such a way as to avoid creating any conflict.
In order for Saints to live peaceably in the countries they were born, they are to pray for their leaders, all men and kings, ie., Presidents.
Saints should not create conflict, especially not with those in authority. Our calling isn’t to challenge worldly or social causes or governments, but rather, as we already know, to preach the gospel of Christ and to edify Saints.
I know some see all world leaders as puppets of the NWO, but it’s not our battle or war to fight. We are no longer children of disobedience, nor are we children of wrath who have an ungodly mind, a worldly agenda.
“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” ~ Ephesians 2:2-3
© Audrey Henry – 13 September 2018
When someone claims that the earth being a sphere is a lie, in order to blind the masses to God’s creation….
Truth be told, people who believe in swamp gas and big bangs, have a problem with God and his existence, irrespective of the shape of things, and quite frankly I couldn’t care less whether it’s flat, round, oblong, square or hexagonal as it’s not my home, I’m an Ambassador here, so feel free to make of it what you want.
My home is in heavenly places, so I’m not going to spend valuable time arguing about this stuff, nor am I going to push it down people’s throats.
It don’t matter therefore I ain’t gonna propagate the agenda, kapeesh?
“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” ~ Ephesians 3:5-7
© Audrey Henry – 13 September 2018
Sometimes…. at times… one cannot see the wood for the trees although the truth is staring at one from the pages of the King James Bible…..
What is the answer to political turmoil and unrest in this present evil world?
The answer of course, is prayer.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” ~1 Timothy 2:1-2
Please note: there are no exclusions, therefore, it includes liberals…. and those leaders one doesn’t like very much…..
© Audrey Henry – 13 September 2018
Whilst some are eeee-moo-aieouing, otherwise known as Bible Greeking themselves through a Bible written in middle English, others are wrapping or tying themselves up in tin foil…… some even theorise (is there such a word?) about love, as well as spreading it in order for one to live one’s best life now a la Joel Osteen style “as there is absolutely no love in doctrine, schmoctrine”….. (a lot find Pauline truth “too harsh” for their “miracle every moment” spiritual mindsets, because there are no spiritual blessings in earthly places, miracles, signs, nor any wonders today).
And while all of this is happening…. people are going to hell for eternity.
Saint, where do your priorities lie?
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” ~ Philippians 3:10-11
© Audrey Henry – 13 September 2018
The banning of straws and running shoes, not to mention the burning of flags and how two tall buildings and another small building imploded 17 years ago are none of our business as Christians in this world……
On the contrary, our business is to see souls saved and Saints edified. If we were doing our jobs, or that which we are called to do less people would land up in hell. Food for thought.
I do not apologise for being totally unconvinced by “research” which poses as a Facebook meme and has a questionable source, besides, what would be the point of arguing “who, when, what, how” in hindsight? What’s done is done. I don’t believe in regurgitating the past from a worldly point of view because it gets one absolutely no where.
I don’t care much either whether the Pope wears a dragon emblem, holds a satanic stick or chants 40 hail Mary’s every day. It’s of no consequence to me, so I’m not going to waste my time researching it. I already know this world is evil, and lost people do the devils work, that much is evident. The question remains: How do we change this? The answer is evident from the word of truth rightly divided.
What concerns me a lot are those who call themselves Christians who are more concerned with the buildings, shoes, flags and straws of a dying world than the lost souls in that dying world.
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” ~ Ephesians 5:15-16
© Audrey Henry – 13 September 2018
9/11 conspiracy theories…….. a snooze a minute. It’s amazing what people can come up with…… When I read conspiracy theories, I am always left wanting….. because I always get the sneaky feeling some people have a propensity for very tall and convincing stories.
Does it matter why the buildings came down? What matters is: how many of the victims were saved? Some people went to work like it was just another day, others boarded aeroplanes like it was just another trip…. only to find themselves eternally in a place they never wanted to be….. a place they cannot escape from.
I was a lost person at the time, my belief was, that if any of them believed in God, they had entered heaven on that day.
Don’t ignore death. Get saved before you enter into eternity.
© Audrey Henry – 12 September 2018
If you can supply me with scripture where Paul says the following, I will have a change of mind concerning my beliefs:
We are sheep.
We are justified by faith plus works.
We must endure to the end.
We can lose our salvation.
We are spiritual Israel.
We are blessed with all spiritual blessings in earthly places.
We must do good works and repent of our sins to obtain salvation.
We must do good works and confess our sins to maintain our salvation.
© Audrey Henry – 12 August 2018
We do not do good works in order to be saved, we do good works because we are saved.
The Saint’s ultimate goal concerning his/her work on this planet apart from getting people saved by preaching the gospel:
“Let all your things be done with charity.” ~ 1 Corinthians 16:14
© Audrey Henry – 12 Sep 2018
Doesn’t anyone else out there besides yours truly find it odd how LOVE always seems to be the convenient trump card of those who want to manipulate others into submission to their skewed doctrinal beliefs? This type of LOVE is also known as AGREEING TO DISAGREE.
So who and what are the victims of this kind of LOVE when all is said, done?
Biblical-Dispensational Truth which was revealed by the ascended Lord Jesus Christ to the Apostle Paul so happens to be the main victim of the Cult of Personality, and it therefore goes without saying that the secondary victims are the undiscerning men and women who judge according to personality and performance, and not according to doctrine.
“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” ~ Ephesians 4:14-16
Paul contrasts the speaking of truth in love with spiritual immaturity and being tossed about with every wind of doctrine, and he also equates truth with love….. Conclusion: no truth, no love.
When is a Bible verse a half a verse? When it is separated by a semi-colon and one only quotes the part before or after the semi-colon.
© Audrey Henry – 12 September 2018
If the King James Bible is written in what some state to be the equivalent of Grade 8 English, why can these same people not identify figures of speech, namely, metaphors and similes which are present throughout the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, while others who so happen to be English Teachers, Greek it in order to understand it…….?
It’s an enigma.
©Audrey Henry – 12 September 2018
Christ did not die for our sins in order for us to live our best lives in the here and now (an average lifespan of just 70 years) in the flesh…. in this world…. nor did he die for people who could achieve righteousness by way of the their own accomplishments or personal merit, that is, repenting of the very sins that were imputed to Him on the Cross. The good news is that it’s already been done, salvation has been sorted, yet most do not believe it…. so sadly they try to unburden themselves of their sins throughout the course of their lives on this earth in order to please Him, in order for Him to save them….
But He died for their sins, he was buried and rose again from the dead in order for them to live their best lives in eternity, reconciled to Him. Yet on the contrary, and erroneously, most churches out there preach that He died in order for them to be blessed materialistically in this world. The truth is – He came to save their souls, not to make them rich in the flesh……
No matter who you are, no matter what you have done, no matter where you’re from, if you believe Christ died for all of your sins, was buried and rose again from the dead, you ARE saved and your eternal destination is heaven.
Trust what He did for you.
“We then, as workers together with him , beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” ~ 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
© Audrey Henry – 10 August 2018
Here are the reasons why I do not preach easy believism and cheap grace:
Faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ’s finished work on the Cross for one’s sins, his burial, and resurrection alone does not come easy to most, if it did, the entire world would be saved…. but it isn’t, so why do some call faith alone in Christ’s finished work alone, easy believism?
Total trust in the Lord Jesus Christ amounts to believing that which He accomplished on the Cross, without one’s personal input in any form whatsoever, that is, without one adding to Christ’s finished work, namely, good works, adherence to traditions and rituals, continually asking God for the forgiveness of one’s sins….. or even asking Jesus into one’s heart, not even the repenting of one’s sins…..
Whatever needed to be done to save one’s eternal soul, has already been done…… by Christ alone……. on the Cross….. so all one needs to do is rely solely on His accomplishment, on His Crosswork….. not on one’s own performance, merit or accomplishment…..
The grace I preach is God’s grace, it isn’t Man’s fallible and fickle grace (if you rely on people and their version of grace, you are going to be disappointed time and again). High expectations in men = great disappointment.
We were bought for a very high price on the Cross when Christ died on the Cross and shed His precious blood for us, as opposed to the cheap man-made version of being saved by some preacher in a building called a “church”, or in a marque where one has to walk the aisle (a work), or one has to pray a sinner’s prayer (a work), change one’s mindset or lifestyle (a work), or repent of one’s sins (a work) – all are man-made doctrines, and all do not pertain to salvation in any way.
Faith in Christ’s finished work on the Cross and His resurrection: in these 11 words are eternal life and God-given reconciliation.
God paid the price in order for us to be saved. His grace is by no means cheap.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
© Audrey Henry – 10 September 2018
Believing the gospel of Christ.
How that Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose again on the third day. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (paraphrased).
Sweet. Short. Simple. Real.
© Audrey Henry – 7 September 2018
Why Paul went to the Jews first and immediately thereafter, using Acts 13 as an example, went to the Gentiles, was to provoke the Jews to jealousy….
“They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.” ~ Deuteronomy 32:21
“But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.” ~ Romans 10:19
“If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.” ~ Romans 11:14
Reason: in order for some of them to be saved.
Today, God is the God of all men, not only the God of the nation of Israel.
© Audrey Henry – 7 September 2018
We started a “road trip” officially more than a year ago. It’s a slow, leisurely one for a very good reason,and thus far, we’ve lived in three different towns….. I said it was slow…. didn’t I? At times, it is stressful, yes. Some days one isn’t sure if one will have to board a ship or race to safety beyond the borders of this country.
I do not live my life in a vacuum, nor am I a slave to mainline media who treats it’s readers and viewers like mushrooms. Most who live in cities do not have a clue as to what is happening in this country. Their heads are firmly entrenched in the sand. Snowflakes and liberals do not know, nor can they identify what (social) Marxism is and religious nuts on the other hand are praying for the”healing of the land”….. it is a truly crazy, messed up world we live in.
As I am a very private person and do not put my PRIVATE life on display as many others do….. so a lot make narrow minded assumptions about me. I’m not one for posting photos of every meal, field trip, new dress, new pair of shoes, new car and new place on social media like some do out there – and to prove what? That I have a life? Absolutely laughable…… where I come from that’s seen as uncouth and not being used to anything in life. We call it “niks gewoond” (and it’s a big joke). In a nutshell it amounts to boasting, whichever way one looks at it, and I find boasting a tad uncooked – raw…….. like denominationalists who boast about their own righteousness….
Oh yes, and I became a granny on the 25th of August this year. Twins. A boy and a girl. Like millions of others, I’m a granny…… not unusual at all…… perfectly natural.
The factors limiting our trip at the moment in this country are politically motivated riots, uncontrolled looting, the burning of trucks and motor vehicles (even on the highways), the stoning of same, violence – so, all-in-all, concern and overall, general safety for oneself, one’s family, and one’s property is THE major deciding factor where one will find oneself these days in this country. One cannot get into one’s car anymore like one could in the past and drive where one wanted without as much as a second thought, one is now forced to sign up to WhatsApp groups in order to receive warning messages of no-go areas that are to be avoided at all costs otherwise one becomes yet another government statistic in a crooked office somewhere….
It goes without saying that we have met a lot of people, some really great folk, and others who are downright rude and nasty – which goes without saying – that’s life, and I accept it. It’s like Facebook hahaha…. only you can’t block them and make them disappear at will. The most interesting “people” we’ve met so far is a husband and wife team who so happen to be Cape Geese, who we have named, Doris and Morris. Their antics have given us much entertainment. Then there are the real life couples like Frans and Colleen, Vincent and Poppy, Chris and Karen, and a few others whose names I cannot remember, like the couple from Cape Town….. real people caring people…..
It’s been raining consistently over here since Friday night and it’s only forecasted to let up this evening (Saturday). I’m having withdrawal symptoms already. I need sunshine and warmth desperately…. I cannot live without constant sunshine…. it’s an African thing… one can virtually cease to exist without lots of sunny, hot days….
So what have I been doing while it’s been raining and pouring, while the “old man has been snoring”? For one I’ve decided travelling is for the birds…. I’ve lived in far too many places in my life….. and haven’t settled down….. since I’m not getting younger (goes without saying), the time has come for this old mama to call it quits and get a house, even if I have to do it with a sawn off shot gun and a semiautomatic rifle as defence. As someone said, ” I’m getting too old for this……” Ya know what I mean?
When all is said and done, it sometimes is still interesting though to see what the microcosm of the world, that is social media, believes, says, does and thinks, especially when the weather is bad, especially when one is restricted to a mini mobile home and the ablution block is 100m away…. and it’s raining cats and dogs…. hahaha. The absurdity of social media serves as temporary fun and laughter when one is restricted by wind and rain.
I must say, I now know what a ” guy rope” is, how to pitch a tent in a jiffy (as I’ve assisted others), I know all about tent pegs, 65km gusts which make fodder of two man tents, the ocean roaring in my ears at night, making countless fires, eating eggs and bacon outside at sunrise on “the porch”. Why, I am THE expert when it comes to outdoor living hahaha, and I’ve been called certain things because I know and do a lot of “masculine” things, like putting up a gazebo singlehandedly, for instance, and not screaming like a girl when encountering spiders, instead, I merely take my flip flop off and whack them to death with a sigh, not even giving it a second thought….
It seems I’ve sorted my gall stone problem out too with Virgin Coconut Oil, lemon juice and apple…… and I trust it stays sorted… because I preferably choose to avoid Quackdom (doctors) like the plague. I have yet to meet a doctor who doesn’t think he/she is a god.
So far there have been good days, bad days, nondescript days, boring days, exciting days…. sleepy days, dang hot days, long days when the sun only sets at 8:15pm….. and BBQ days which are my favourite.
Of course, we are limited to where we can stay as not all places like or accept two cheeky, spoilt rotten teacup Yorkies with large attitudes. I’m convinced that certain people need an attitude adjustment, not my dawgs. Yorkies at least talk to you and tell you what they want, they aren’t double-minded. ” Yap, yap, yap – mom I want water, and please don’t give it to me in a bowl, please pour it in my cup, I like drinking my tea and water from a cup, yap, yap, yap”. Yorkies know what they want, that’s why I like them.
When all is said and done, it beats the humdrum of a 9-5 life any day. I have not worn make-up in ages, neither high heels, nor have I titivated since grandpa fell off the bus. I’ve become organic….. free range…. flip-flops, jeans, ski pants and hair which hasn’t seen a blow drier in months…. and no, I do not look like the wicked witch from Eastwick (or wherever).
Now tell me again, who is it that has a life? And if I get the dates wrong on my posts, it’s because I don’t keep track of time anymore…. don’t have a watch and I am too chilled to check……. who cares anyway? So stop making assumptions about my life because I don’t brag on Facebook, Twitter and,,, and,,, and,,,….. stop putting me into the limited area that so happens to be your mind, as I do not, fortunately, live in the confines of it.
©Audrey Henry – 7 September 2018
If things could change, would you risk walking a mile in the Apostle Paul’s shoes?
Could you live in constant danger of your life?
Would you risk visiting South Africa and living on a farm?
If not, why not? After all, if the violence, murders and torture are not true, there’s nothing to fear, right? So why don’t you? After all, the proof of the pudding is in the eating…. you won’t know until you tried it….. current statistics state that being a farmer in South Africa is more dangerous than an American soldier fighting in Iraq. Just one thing though to consider before putting on your Rambo outfit: you aren’t allowed to shoot home invaders immediately when they come into your home – according to the law, there are other things you can do first to protect yourself, like pressing a panic button for the armed response… like locking yourself into a room…… like escaping and finding help….. and last, but not least, showing them “love” by convincing cold blooded brain washed Marxist murderers not to slit your throat or shoot you execution style between the eyes without warning…. yeah, it doesn’t get any crazier than that…..
Life seems to be rather easy for some people, the only problems they seem to have in their lives is deciding at what restaurant they’re going to have their next meal, whether the world is round, flat or ? …… and when the next church conference is planned in order for their egos to swell up another 10 notches……. so is it any wonder most believers are soft, rotund spoilt keyboard warriors with not only the biggest egos, but also the biggest mouths, not to mention that a cushy lifestyle takes one off onto various rabbit trails in order to overcome the blandness of simplicity that so happens to be the truth?
Soft, luxurious, easy lifestyles do not make for good Christians – fact. It is through adversity, strife and hardship that one depends on Christ more. The Apostle everyone claims to follow, is proof of this. On the contrary, today we have the “I have been blessed” brigade….
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:10
Unfortunately, most out there do not suffer for Christ’s sake, but rather because of themselves.
© Audrey Henry – 6 September 2018
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places .” ~ Ephesians 6:12
Principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, spiritual wickedness in high places….. the devil and his devils….. who use politicians and religious men…… anyone for that matter who glories in their shame, they use as their pawns to further their evil agenda of perversion and destruction.
The world has recently changed tremendously over just a short period of time, and it makes one wonder why and how suddenly all this evil has “crawled out of the cracks”… but believers know the reason why the world is becoming more crazy and messed up as the years go by.
One asks oneself how people can be so blind, so confused and so cold hearted… lost people are myopic, they can only see the here and the now as they walk by sight, they are in the flesh.
Once pedophilia is promoted as just another option on the LBGTQ agenda…. then you know this world (as we know it) is going downhill faster than a toupee in a hurricane. In fact, the world as we knew it is no more…
Money and power are gained, and seem to be the only things which matter to most these days, but at what cost? Most will go to any lengths and sink to all time lows to gain notoriety in this sick world.
And….. things aren’t going to improve…..
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” ~ 2 Timothy 3:13
One also sees the decay setting in every day amongst believers…. the twisting of scripture, ignorance concerning the gospel, subtle manipulation when it comes to gathering followers unto themselves, people who should know better, preaching fake love which has absolutely no substance and no foundation of truth, which is one-sided, and in fact, comes straight out of the corridors and pulpits of Baptist churches… which is only love when it suits their agenda, $adly enough.
What I have learnt in life is that no company can rise above its CEO, just like believers cannot rise above their churches and more importantly, their preachers, dead or alive. It gives new meaning to the saying, “what one puts in, one gets out”. Why is modern Man so prone, and ruled so much by his emotions? Why does he equate emotion with love? Because it is the easiest way to manipulate people, that is the simple reason why. If you preach perverse things, yet you’re an amicable and charming person, it is seen as love….. therefore you are believed. It’s the Cult of Personality that holds sway in the 21st century. Most profess to be loving, yet the state of the world confirms otherwise.
Does one really think the devil does not play the love card to the hilt? One only has to look at the caring Pope, kissing peoples’ feet, how much Benny Hinn cares by healing people, and how loving Joyce Meyer is by preaching a works-based gospel and sending people straight to hell. All liars…… but loving, nevertheless….
Most people don’t know what real love is. If one disciplines one’s child, does it mean one doesn’t love him or her? The world seems to think so….. so do most Christians….. is it love when Paul says to hand hereticks over to the devil for the destruction of their flesh……. good heavens…… as far as most are concerned, one must not go there….. it’s unloving…….
To my mind, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, but unfortunately, “eating” perverse doctrine most of the time is irreversible as it lands people in hell.
It comes as no surprise that the devil is always where it matters most, corrupting the truth which the ascended Christ dispensed and revealed to the Apostle Paul. How else?
Sometimes I wish I had remained naive to the fact that the Truth isn’t immune from devilish attacks and perversion, as then it wouldn’t slice through me as it does hence the saying, ignorance is bliss, but unfortunately not when it comes to eternity….. so Here I am…. may the Lord not tarry for too long……
It’s brain numbing stuff reading mostly slogan ministries on social media…. everyone seems to have those insipid memes which were created for an instant world, why, there’s even a “Mr Bean” ministry – a joke a minute hahaha…. a gospel preaching comedian with a “sense of humour”, all that while the devil is serious and totally perverse about what he does….
There are some even spiritualising 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 these days….. lawd have mercy…… and others going at the flat earth theory, hammer and tongs like their lives depend on it ~ get this: It is said Freemasons preach perverse stuff, except when it comes to a flat earth, then they are right…. apparently it’s “the truth hidden in plain sight”. Preach flat earth and your IQ automatically drops by 75 points.. and you wonder why people are blind and cannot see the word of truth you also preach? Could it be that they’re not blind but just don’t believe someone who is clearly being foolish?
Quite frankly I don’t care for the ignorant disregard of figures of speech and physics. The JSoC will sort it all out some time soon.
© Audrey Henry- 5 September 2018
“I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.” ~ Romans 15:17
Banting causes gall stones as it is a high fat diet.
Gall stones are not for sissies….. I’m in agony. What was misdiagnosed (did someone say Quack?) as arthritis of the spine is actually……… gall stones……. the pain even radiates into one’s legs, back and arms.
It’s best to stick to a normal meal plan, exercise and eat in moderation AND drink plenty of water. To prevent gall stones on a Banting diet, one has to eat plenty of fruit and veg – and that kinda defeats the object of a low carb diet….
Be warned!
As someone posted recently…..
“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” ~ Proverbs 6:16-19
BUT more importantly ~
The Lord Jesus Christ died for each and every one of these sins. His death was not in vain.
© Audrey Henry – 5 September 2018
“Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” ~ 2 Timothy 2:7-10
No Paul, calling Paul a liar and a deceiver or ignoring his ministry – means having no salvation today, so it is important to consider what he says….
© Audrey Henry – 5 September 2018
What God has given Man is sufficient to save his soul.
There is simplicity in Christ.
ONLY in Paul’s epistles ~
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” ~ 1 Timothy 2:4
© Audrey Henry – 30 August 2018
If one believes Man is no longer meant to eat only fruit, herbs and plants as Adam and Eve did, or that one is not instructed by God to build an Ark today like Noah, then one is a dispensationalist.
Fascinating how dispensation is also referred to as immunity… how, in what form and by what system is God currently dispensing salvation to the world?
By the Gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), as opposed to Acts 2:38 or 2 Chronicles 7:14.
It is purely by grace through faith plus nothing (Ephesians 2:8-9) and not by faith plus works (James 2:24) that we obtain salvation today in this dispensation of the grace of God.
By believing the gospel, we receive immunity from God’s wrath and are made free from the penalty of sin.
© Audrey Henry – 29 August 2018
In times past, Israel was separated from the heathen Gentile nations by the covenants and laws given to them by God, thus, Gentiles could not approach God directly, neither could they be close (near, nigh) to Him compared to the Jews were who were privileged in this instance.
“Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;” ~ Ephesians 2:11
But something happened that changed the status quo…
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” ~ Ephesians 2:19
What was it that changed the status quo?
“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” ~ Ephesians 2:13
Instead of Israel making peace with God through animal sacrifices with the blood of animals, and Gentiles having to go through Israel to have access to God, both now have the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is their peace…it is through his blood he made peace. It is the gift of God, it is waiting to be received, and it can only be received through faith.
“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.” ~ Ephesians 2:14-17
The peace which is now preached to both Jew and Gentile (all men) is the Gospel of Christ.
“And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” ~ Romans 10:15
“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” ~ Ephesians 6:15
Believing the Gospel of Christ is what gives you peace with God.
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” ~ Romans 14:17
Believe how that Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and be saved.
Peace is not judgment. Peace is not wrath. Peace is reconciliation.
© Audrey Henry – 29 August 2018
“Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” ~ 1 Timothy 1:13-16
What denominationalists and religionists, who believe one’s good works gets one a ticket into heaven and into God’s good books need to ask themselves is: Are we saved by our good works, which Paul clearly had none of, or are we saved by God’s mercy (grace) which Paul clearly was given …..and in light of this, if the 12 already had received what Paul had, why does he state, “… that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”
First means first. It doesn’t mean thirteen, nor does it mean second.
Words mean things.
© Audrey Henry – 28 August 2018
Do you think of the inevitable? This temporary earthly life cannot be compared to eternity….
God says the average lifespan of Man is 70 years….. 80 if he is healthy…
“The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” ~ Psalm 90:10
Believe the gospel of Christ according to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 to be assured of salvation, how that Christ died for your sins, was buried, and resurrected on the third day for your justification ~ Romans 4:25.
No works – No rituals – No traditions – No lifestyle changes as dictated by religion and denominationalism.
God made salvation easy because He wants all men to be saved ~ 1 Timothy 2:4.
Believe.
….
© Audrey Henry – 27 August 2018
Skeletons are scattered all over Romans chapters 9-11 where people have broken their necks trying to figure out if the passage applies to the church the body of Christ.
It is possible to exit these chapters alive, but you must remember the context of the passage. To determine the context, ask these questions:
Who is speaking? (authorship)
To whom are they speaking? (audience)
What are they speaking about? (content)
If ‘Israel’ is the answer to any of these questions then the passage is not doctrinally applicable to the church today.
The more verses next to each other with ‘Israel’ as the context makes any single verse in the passage more likely to talk about Israel.
The chart below applies these simple rules to Romans 9-11.
| Passage Summary | Context |
| Romans 9:1-5 – Paul’s sorrow over Israel’s failure. | Israel |
| Romans 9:6 – There is a true and false Israel. | Israel |
| Romans 9:7-8 – Identifying Abraham’s seed of promise. | Israel |
| Romans 9:9 – The word of promise is a prophecy about Isaac. | Israel |
| Romans 9:10-12 – The word of promise is also a prophecy about Jacob (the prophecy was not based on Jacob’s works). | Israel |
| Romans 9:13 – Quote from Mal 1:2-3 about God’s preservation of Israel because of Jacob’s promise. | Israel |
| Romans 9:14 – Is God unrighteous because Israel did not believe? No. (See also Rom 3:3-6). | Israel |
| Romans 9:15 – Paul quotes what God told Moses about God’s will. | Israel |
| Romans 9:16 – Paul’s explanation of Exodus 33:19. God shows mercy to whom he wants. | Israel |
| Romans 9:17 – Quote from Exodus 9:16where God uses Pharaoh for his earthly purpose to make Israel a name. | Israel |
| Romans 9:18 – To fulfill his promise to Israel, God showed some mercy, and others a hard hand. | Israel |
| Romans 9:19 – A repeat of Rom 3:5-7, questioning God’s authority to judge Israel. | Israel |
| Romans 9:20 – A quote from Isa 29:16about the righteousness of God to judge his own creation (Israel). | Israel |
| Romans 9:21 – A reference to Jeremiah 18:1-12 about two pots of Israel: faithful and disobedient. | Israel |
| Romans 9:22-23 – Paul’s explanation of how God responded to Israel’s vessels. | Israel |
| Romans 9:24 – Jews and Gentiles could both be in God’s vessel of mercy. | The first verse mention of the word ‘Gentile’, and it is in the context of what God had prepared since the world began. This is God’s purpose for the earth through Israel. |
| Romans 9:25 – Quote from Hosea 2:23about God’s mercy toward Israel. | Israel |
| Romans 9:26 – Quote from Hosea 1:9-11about the restoration of faithful Israel. | Israel |
| Romans 9:27 – Quote from Isaiah 10:20-22about the Israel being only a remnant. | Israel |
| Romans 9:28 – Reference to Isaiah 10:23and Isaiah 30:12-14 about God chopping off and burning Israel’s branches. | Israel |
| Romans 9:29 – Prophecy from Isaiah 1:9about God leaving a remnant in Israel. | Israel |
| Romans 9:30-31 – What happened? Gentiles received righteousness, but Israel didn’t. | Gentiles during the time when Israel did not believe (remember Luke 7:9). |
| Romans 9:32 – Why? Because Israel did not have faith when the stone of stumbling came. | Israel |
| Romans 9:33 – Quote from Isaiah 28:16and Psa 31:17. | Israel |
| Chapter 10 | |
| Romans 10:1 – Paul’s heart for Israel’s salvation. | Israel |
| Romans 10:2 – Israel’s ignorant zeal for God. | Israel |
| Romans 10:3 – Israel’s failure to submit to God’s righteousness. | Israel |
| Romans 10:4 – Belief in Christ puts an end to Deu 6:25. | Israel (see John 20:31) |
| Romans 10:5 – What Moses said about the law in Lev 18:5. | Israel |
| Romans 10:6 – Quote from Deu 30:11-12about what was in Israel’s heart. | Israel |
| Romans 10:7 – Quote from Deu 30:13about what was in Israel’s heart. | Israel |
| Romans 10:8 – Quote from Deu 30:14about the faith in Israel’s mouth and heart that would accompany their doing. | Israel |
| Romans 10:9 – What Israel needed to have in their heart and mouth to be saved in Jesus’ ministry and with Peter. | Israel |
| Romans 10:10 – What is in the heart and mouth lead to salvation (Matt 10:32) | Israel |
| Romans 10:11 – Paul quoting prophetic scripture about the need for faith. | Israel |
| Romans 10:12 – Quote from Psalm 145:9and Psalm 145:18 about Israel’s kingdom where God would show mercy to all that called on him. | Israel |
| Romans 10:13 – Quote from Joel 2:32about Israel’s kingdom where deliverance comes to all who call upon him. | Israel |
| Romans 10:14 – The need for Israel to have messengers so they can hear and believe. | Israel |
| Romans 10:15 – A quote from Isaiah 52:7about the messenger sent to Jerusalem (the Messiah). | Israel |
| Romans 10:16 – A quote from Isaiah 53:1about Israel’s rejection of the messenger sent (the Messiah). | Israel |
| Romans 10:17 – They could hear by the scriptures about faith. | Israel |
| Romans 10:18 – Quote from Psalm 19:4, and Psalm 98:3 about the word to Israel heard by the world. They had heard. | Israel |
| Romans 10:19 – Moses told them in Deu 32:18-21, that if they had no faith and rejected the Rock, God would punish them. | Israel |
| Romans 10:20 – Isaiah told them in Isaiah 65, that a remnant would find him in the place that did not seek him. | Israel |
| Romans 10:21 – Quote from Isaiah 65:2about God’s longsuffering towards the disobedient nation of Israel. | Israel |
| Chapter 11 | |
| Romans 11:1 – God has not cast away Israel forever. Paul is a Jew. | Israel |
| Romans 11:2-4 – The scripture shows a remnant of Israel in 1 Kings 19:14-18. | Israel |
| Romans 11:5-6 – There is a remnant of Israel that believed instead of offering their works for righteousness. | Israel |
| Romans 11:7 – The remnant obtained righteousness, but the rest of Israel did not. | Israel |
| Romans 11:8 – Quote from Isaiah 29:10and Isaiah 6:9 about the blinding of unfaithful Israel. | Israel |
| Romans 11:9 – Quote from Psalm 69:22about ensnaring those who put Christ on the cross in unbelief. | Israel |
| Romans 11:10 – Quote from Psalm 69:23about Israel’s blindness. | Israel |
| Romans 11:11 – Israel didn’t stumble to be destroyed, but even through their fall they are given opportunity to repent. | Israel |
| Romans 11:12 – Israel’s restoration will be greater than their fall or diminishing. | Israel |
| Romans 11:13 – Paul speaks to Gentiles about Israel. | Gentiles that believed when Israel did not (remember Matt 15:28). |
| Romans 11:14 – Paul wants to save some of Israel. | Israel. |
| Romans 11:15 – If the prophecies of Israel’s casting away are true, then their restoration will be more glorious. | Israel |
| Romans 11:16 – A reference to the law of firstfruits applied to the fulfillment of Israel’s promises. | Israel |
| Romans 11:17 – Unbelieving Israel broken off. The faithful remnant graffed in. | The remnant of Israel (made of Jew and Gentile, consider Acts 10). |
| Romans 11:18 – Boast not against Israel as if you earned something they didn’t. | Israel |
| Romans 11:19-20 – Unbelieving Israel stumbled at faith in Christ, and the remnant didn’t, but be fearful. | Remnant of Israel |
| Romans 11:21 – God cut off unfaithful Israel, he will cut off the unfaithful remnant also. | Remnant of Israel |
| Romans 11:22 – If the remnant does not continue they will be cut off (consider Mark 13:13, and Heb 10:38). | Remnant of Israel |
| Romans 11:23-24 – Israel can return if they believe. | Israel |
| Romans 11:25 – Israel is blind until the fulness of the Gentiles. | Israel |
| Romans 11:26 – Quote from Isaiah 59:20about Israel’s salvation from Zion | Israel |
| Romans 11:27 – Quote from Jeremiah 31:34 about Israel’s new testament being fulfilled in the kingdom. | Israel |
| Romans 11:28 – They are enemies because they do not have faith, but God has a promise reserved for Israel. | Israel |
| Romans 11:29 – God keeps his promises. | Israel |
| Romans 11:30-31 – Gentiles received mercy through Israel’s unbelief. Israel can receive mercy by those who now believe. | Israel |
| Romans 11:32 – Israel is in unbelief now, so that we can minister to them, not for them to be disregarded. | Israel |
| Romans 11:33-36 – Even in their failure God shows mercy. God is wise and deserving of all glory. | Israel |
In Romans 9-11 Paul addresses the remnant of Israel about God’s faithfulness to keep his promises to them. This was necessary because the Gentiles who believed during Jesus and Peter’s ministries were boasting about replacing Israel, since Israel failed in unbelief.
Paul had to explain first why this was (Romans 9), where Israel failed (Romans 10), and, finally, why those Gentiles could not boast against Israel (Romans 11), because God will be faithful to keep his promises to them.
When Paul starts talking about Israel in Romans 9-11 the mystery church of Christ’s body does not show up in the context again until Romans 12:3-5.
We must rightly divide even Paul’s epistles.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
~ Justin Johnson – http://graceambassadors.com/books/romans/the-context-of-romans-9-11
Things opposed to the gospel:
Israel:
“As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.” ~ Romans 11:28
How many denominations preach replacement theology today? How many people out there still think that the current State of Israel is God’s chosen nation? Yet, Israel was cast aside, she became God’s enemy for our sake. The casting away of Israel meant the reconciling of the world unto God with a new set of doctrine, which includes a new gospel which was revealed to Paul by the ascended Christ.
Water Baptism:
“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:17
Baptismal regeneration/water baptism is in direct opposition to the gospel as it is a work. Water cannot save a person. One is in no way ritually or symbolically cleansed by water as one has been washed by the blood of Christ if one believed the gospel of Christ.
The law:
“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” ~ Galatians 2:21
It’s not about what one can do, it’s about what Christ has done. If one can save oneself by means of keeping the law, then one is one’s own saviour, thus one has no need for Christ and his payment for one’s sins.
These enemies of the Cross stand behind pulpits:
“For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” ~ 2 Corinthians 11:4
Any pulpits for that matter, not necessarily only denominational pulpits. There are Saints for that matter, who preach another Jesus and another gospel…
Saints who depart from the Faith:
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” ~ 1 Timothy 4:1
There are many – it is difficult to remain faithful to Pauline nomenclature as one being a Saint, has to endure suffering, and therefore most seek acceptance by reverting to Bible blending once again, as well as going off on various rabbit trails… of which there is an entire satanic smorgasbord to choose from.
Those who resist the Truth:
“Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” ~ 2 Timothy 3:8
Those who deny Paul’s ministry…. Paul haters, Paul deniers…. also those who deny the exclusivity of Paul’s ministry, refute his gospel of saved by grace through faith plus nothing, and of course there are also the obvious ones like the Atheists, the followers of Mohammed, Buddha, Hare Krishna (to name but a few) who resist the word of truth outright.
It is truly tragic – infinitely sad, when people refuse to adhere to God’s instructions for mankind today, instructions which were given to the Apostle Paul. It’s no laughing matter when the devil blinds the eyes and minds of men…. including Saints.
“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” ~ Philippians 3:18-19
“To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” ~ 1 Corinthians 5:5
© Audrey Henry – 22 August 2018.
Who says there are no miracles today? Here’s one right here, a God-given one:
There is no longer a connection between me and my old man which was in the first Adam, nor am I destined to die and face judgment which will condemn me to hell and the second death, rather, I am now destined to live eternally in the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, I am no longer identified by my corrupt, fleshly, sinful old man, but rather with the Lord Jesus Christ himself.
“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” ~ Romans 6:3-4
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” ~ Colossians 3:3
“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him , we shall also live with him :” ~ 2 Timothy 2:11
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.” ~ Colossians 2:12
© Audrey Henry – 22 August 2018.
“In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;” ~ Colossians 1:22-23
Those who depart from the Faith and those that are moved away from the hope of the gospel remain saved, but are nonetheless blameable and reproveable in the sight of God, and will face the consequences thereof at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:” ~ Galatians 1:6
“This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:15
“And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:4
© Audrey Henry – 22 August 2018.
Instead of cursing the darkness of this world all day long… turn on the light:
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” ~ Acts 26:18
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” ~ 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:6
© Audrey Henry – 22 August 2018.
The world suffers from the following spiritual sicknesses and diseases caused by ignorance and unbelief:
*Religion
*Denominationalism
*Atheism
The God-given cure for these sicknesses and diseases are as follows, because He not only treats the symptoms, he also treats the cause:
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
© Audrey Henry – 18 August 2018.
If it is true that the two things you do not talk about in polite society are politics and religion then this list explains why.
Below is a list of the most controversial doctrines in the church today which can be resolved with a Pauline pattern built on the foundation of Christ.
- Baptism – The most options
- Lord’s Supper – The most Roman Catholic
- Prayer – The most confusing
- Christmass, Hallowmass, and other Holy Days – The most practiced by the world
- Tongues – The most feigned
- Separation – The most divisive
- Great Commission – The most blindly accepted
- Faith and Works – The most scripturally supported (and the most condemning)
- Free Will and Predestination – The most philosophical
- Miracles, Spiritual Gifts, and God’s Intervention – The most superstitious
- Tithing – The most fraudulent
- Sabbath – The most traditional
- God’s Will – The most elusive
- Dispensationalism – The most maligned
- Bible Versions – The most misunderstood
- Family Roles – The most politically incorrect
- Paul’s Apostleship – The most ignored
Editor’s note:
Ecumenical religion teaches us to avoid doctrinal disputation in order to keep the peace. Yet, the Bible says peace is only achieved when sound doctrine is unanimous. We cannot ignore the controversies which exist when we have the cure in the Lord’s instruction to rightly divide.~ Justin Johnson – http://graceambassadors.com/tradition/list-the-churchs-most-controversial-doctrines
“Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” ~ Proverbs 26:12
Interestingly, a silly person has more hope than a proud person.
Pride: “Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one’s own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.”
Most Saints have experience in dealing with proud religious or worldly people who think they have no need for the truth as physically, mentally and emotionally they want for nothing, especially as some are already members of a denominational church, and also have family.
Most these people unfortunately do not/cannot see past physical or fleshly gratification. They will tell you they are doing okay, so why change anything?
Do these people ever think of eternity? Do they think of dying? Or are they too busy with their lives to give it as much as a second thought?
Eternity is forever. It’s a long time to suffer, especially when one doesn’t actually have to go to hell as God has already provided the simple solution.
Believing in Christ’s death for one’s sins, his burial and his resurrection doesn’t cost anything, nor does it take up one’s time.
Be eternity minded. Don’t let pride dictate where you will spend eternity.
© Audrey Henry – 16 August 2016.
“God was in Christ and reconciled (past tense) the world to himself not imputing (present tense) the world’s trespasses”
“God reconciled (past tense) the world to himself not imputing (present tense) anyone’s sins to them”
Why don’t they say ~
“God was in Christ and reconciled (past tense) the world to himself and therefore their sins are not imputed to them? (past tense)
Bible correctors change ” reconciling” to “reconciled”, but not “imputing” to “imputed”? If, as they say, God reconciled the world to himself, he would also have, at the same time, not imputed their sins to them on a once-off basis, he wouldn’t still not be imputing their sins to them on an ongoing basis which is present tense.
🌸2 Corinthians 5:19 Authorised King James Bible ~
To wit, that God was in Christ, (past tense)
reconciling, the world unto himself, (present tense)
not imputing their trespasses unto them; (present tense)
and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (present tense: hath/has).
By all intents and purposes, Paul could have said the following if their theory was true:
“To wit, God was in Christ, whereby he reconciled the world to himself, thus, the world’s sins are no longer imputed to them…”
But he didn’t.
What matters? Man’s opinion or the results of God’s provision on the Cross for all men, who, by the way, have a choice either to accept it in belief or reject it in unbelief.
All glory to God.
© Audrey Henry – 16 August 2018.
The words in your Bible are defined by context.
© Audrey Henry – 14 August 2018.
The User-Manual we have been given tells us we did not, and not surprisingly, to date still do not, nor will we ever evolve from apes ~
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” ~ Genesis 2:7
“And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord.” ~ Genesis 4:1
No need for psychiatrists to discern Man’s propensity for wars, hatred, murder, sexual perversion, lies and destruction ~ to name but a few problems, the User-Manual tells us what the underlying issue is ~
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” ~ Romans 3:23
The User-Manual is user-friendly ~
It tells us God’s plan and purpose for our lives ~
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” ~ 1 Timothy 2:4
It tells us how to be saved ~
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
It even contains specific directions on how to “peruse” the manual itself ~
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” ~ 2 Timothy 2:15
The User-Manual in question is the Authorized King James Bible. It contains God’s instructions not only for your life, but for eternal life.
© Audrey Henry – 14 August 2018
“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” ~ The Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.
*God has reconciled sinners to himself by Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), whereafter they are known as Saints.
*He has given Saints the ministry of reconciliation, a ministry based on Christ crucified – how that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them;
*and has thereby committed the word of reconciliation to Saints to preach reconciliation to the world, how God made provision for their sins regardless of their nationality, race, gender, social, economic and spiritual status or beliefs.
Our ministry as Mid-Acts Pauline Dispensationalists is to preach the gospel of Christ according to the specific manner in which God is currently reconciling the world unto himself (Romans 16:25), a world which no longer has to prostelyze to the Jewish faith in order to be saved, neither does it have to endure to the end in order to be saved, a world which isn’t saved by faith + works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The ministry of reconciliation in this dispensation preaches the non-imputation of sins to those who believe (2 Corinthians 5:18), thus giving them them eternal security/assurance of salvation, meaning, their sins aren’t being accounted for or held against them by God, which in turn means:
“… ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:11.
Ye are washed…. clean…… new…. not a sin in sight… no sins whatsoever…. reason: all one’s sin are forgiven by the blood of Christ, and are not being imputed to one’s account… one has thus become a new creature in Christ.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Under both the Old and New Covenant, Israel’s sins are imputed to her, hence the reason Saints under the Dispensation of the law have no option but to endure to the end. Their sins must continually be confessed:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ~ 1 John 1:9
Context matters:
2 Corinthians 5 is dispensational – it not only mentions the Judgment Seat of Christ, but also the non-imputation of sins and the fact that we no longer follow Christ according to his earthly ministry, it also mentions the new creature in Christ – all of which are unique to this current dispensation, and reflects the manner in which God is currently reconciling (present tense) the world unto himself, it is the way God is currently dealing with people with respect to salvation. The gift of salvation God gives those who have faith in the gospel of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 in this present dispensation differs vastly from that of the Kingdom Saints who were under the law.
“And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.” ~ Galatians 3:17
🍥
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:21
© Audrey Henry – 14 August 2018.
The secrets of men (secrets are hidden things) during this current dispensation will be judged by Jesus Christ according to Paul’s gospel – more precisely – all those who reject God’s grace during this dispensation will be judged at the White Throne Judgment as their names are not in the book of life.
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” ~ Revelation 20:15.
(On the contrary, and in comparison, Saints’ names are in the book of life ~ Philippians 4:3).
Lost people – sinners who refuse to believe, are without excuse as each and every person has been given a conscience.
“Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)” ~ Romans 2:15
Man, apart from being given a conscience, was also given information (as revealed to the Apostle Paul by the ascended Christ, information whereby he can be saved during this current dispensation), so it is Man’s responsibility to respond in faithful obedience to God’s requirements concerning that salvation.
It goes without saying that using one’s ignorance as an excuse on the day of judgment, just won’t fly…
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” ~ Romans 1:20.
“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” ~ 1 Corinthians 4:5
© Audrey Henry – 12 August 2018
Rightly Divide the Bible
The Bible was inspired over the course of 1400 years and its content spans from eternity to eternity. It is precisely because of this great span of application and audience that great respect must be given to the distinct revelations of God.
This is called dispensational Bible study, and its method is described in scripture as “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). A new dispensation can change what we know about God’s will and how we respond.
Discern the TimesA common mistake in Bible study is reading future revelations into passages where it was not yet revealed. Also, future revelations can replace or change instructions given in older revelations.
Moses did not know the later promise made to David. Abraham knew nothing of water baptism by John the Baptist. Likewise, Peter did not need to follow the previous instructions to build an ark given to Noah. Instructions had changed.
God treats each man on the basis of what he has revealed. It is man’s responsibility to know God’s revelations, or dispensations, and respond in faithful obedience.
Know Your InstructionsAll scripture is profitable for our learning, but not every instruction is for our participation. It is necessary to discern the intended audience of God’s revelations. To whom was God speaking?
There are many instructions in the Bible for past saints or future Israel that do not address anyone in the church today.
It would be wrong to claim these instructions addressed to someone else for our obedience. We do not participate in the promises and covenants given exclusively to Israel.
However, we should participate in the mystery of Christ revealed for all men. It contains the gospel, purpose, and destiny for the church.
Knowing your instructions from the Bible requires rightly dividing God’s revelations by audience.
~ Justin Johnson – http://www.graceambassadors.com
“For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?” ~ Romans 11:15
The casting away of Israel.
Whereas God dealt only with Gentiles in times past via the nation of Israel, in this present dispensation, he deals directly with individuals, on a worldwide basis.
It is through Christ’s provision for mankind’s sins, his burial and resurrection, (which is the word of reconciliation in this present dispensation of grace), that all men can now approach him directly, without having to go via Israel as they did in times past to be saved.
God provided all men with the knowledge on how to be saved. It’s in the Book, rightly divided – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 – how God is reconciling the world unto himself today.
Thus, Israel’s casting away almost 2000 years ago still has relevance today as it means God is still reconciling (present tense) the world to himself through the ministry of reconciliation, by the word of reconciliation, and not through Israel as a mediator.
God provided. The world needs to take ownership of that provision, which is the good news which saves men’s souls:
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” ~ 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
© Audrey Henry – 13 August 2018.
“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” ~ The Apostle Paul, Romans 6:17-18
If you have not believed the gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), you are a servant of sin. Paul says servants of sin who “have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” are then made free from sin, and in turn become the servants of righteousness.
© Audrey Henry – 12 August 2018
What God has divided, let no man put together…
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” ~ The Apostle Paul, 2 Timothy 2:15.
“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,” ~ The Apostle Paul, Ephesians 1:13.
“But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)” ~ The Apostle Paul, Galatians 2:7-8
We are instructed by God to rightly divide Peter’s gospel from Paul’s gospel.
© Audrey Henry – 12 August 2018
Putting the “P” in TULIP.
PERSERVERANCE OF THE SAINTS (also known as Infallible Grace or Impossibility of Apostasy). Calvinists believe they cannot lose their salvation for the simple reason that God has elected them. Proof-texts: Romans 8:1 and 1 Corinthians 10:13.
© Audrey Henry – 12 August 2018
Putting the “I” in TULIP
IRRESISTIBLE GRACE (or Efficacious Grace) – when God calls his elect to salvation, they simply cannot resist. Calvinists believe God offers the gospel to all people, but only the elect obey it. Proof-text: Romans 9:16.
© Audrey Henry – 12 August 2018
Because God through His Son, provided a solution to the problem… namely, if one has faith in the Son’s finished work on Calvary’s Cross + his resurrection, sin no longer has dominion over you…
“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” ~ Romans 6:14
© Audrey Henry – 11 August 2018.
“When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.” ~ 1 Corinthians 11:20-21
The wafer and grape juice handed out in assemblies once a month is akin to Mass held in Catholic churches.
The Lord’s supper isn’t wafer and grape juice, it’s communion of the Saints where one sits down and has a meal together with other Saints in remembrance of Christ’s death.
The Corinthians, suffice to say, also erred (among other things) when it came to communion as they treated fellow Saints with disrespect, saw it as just another meal and were also inebriated, and this is not how it was meant to be, hence the reason Paul said they did not come together for the Lord’s supper, as they weren’t behaving accordingly.
Communion is not an ordinance. It has always been confused with Passover and has been misinterpreted as Catholic Mass.
“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it , and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it , in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”~ 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
Only when one takes notice of Biblical truth such as this, does one realise how denominationalism, especially Catholicism, has negatively influenced Christianity on the whole, all because of their inability or refusal to follow Paul’s instruction in 2 Timothy 2:15.
© Audrey Henry – 11 August 2018.
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” ~ 1 Corinthians 10:16
Nowhere is communion ever mentioned in the New Testament, or even the Old Testament for that matter…
On the other hand, Passover, an exclusively Jewish feast is mentioned in the Old Testament book of Matthew:
“Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?” ~ Matthew 26:17
Many do not realise that there is one thing Saints in this current dispensation of the grace of God share with Kingdom Saints:
The blood. Christ did not shed two types of blood, nor did he shed blood on two separate occasions, that is, for the Kingdom Saints and then for Grace Saints…
“Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” ~ Luke 22:20
“After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it , in remembrance of me.” ~ 1 Corinthians 11:25
Christ’s blood that was shed for our sins for this dispensation was done under the auspices of the New Testament.
© Audrey Henry – 11 August 2018
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” ~ Romans 5:8
When Christ died for our sins, the Dispensation of the Grace of God was still hid in God, it had not yet been revealed to Paul who was still Saul, a Rabbi and a Pharisee to boot ~ Acts 23:6.
The Dispensation of the Grace of God was still unheard of, unknown and still future when Christ died for our sins.
While we were children of wrath, following the course of this world, and god of this world, sinners separated from God, He had, unbeknown to us, already made provision for our sins in order for us to become reconciled to Him.
God provided the forgiveness for our sins almost 2000 years ago, and all one needs to do is access it through faith in his finished work on Calvary’s Cross and His resurrection from the dead ~ 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” ~ The Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.
(“To wit” is used to indicate that you are about to state or describe something more precisely).
© Audrey Henry – 11 August 2018.
Man is 100% responsible to God because he is able to respond to Him as he (Man) has the capabilities of mind and will that are bound in what the Bible calls “the heart”.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” ~ Proverbs 4:23.
Putting the “T” in TULIP.
TOTAL DEPRAVITY (also known as Total Inability or Original Sin), means Man is affected by sin not only in his body but also in his soul and his spirit. John Calvin and Martin Luther based this doctrine on Romans 3:10-12. The bottom-line of Calvinism: “In light of the scriptures that declare man’s true nature as being utterly lost and incapable, how is it possible for anyone to choose or desire God?” The answer is, “He cannot. Therefore God must predestine.”
© Audrey Henry – 11 August 2018
In a broad sense, Catholics (as well as some Catholic Lites) distinguish between justification, which they say occurs at water baptism, and final salvation which is accomplished after they have endured to the end… whereupon they also achieve sanctification.
Justified by water, saved by one’s own good works…
But justification can be lost by committing what the Catholics consider to be mortal sin, that is, murder, rape, incest, perjury, adultery, etc. (What they fail to understand is that Paul was a murderer…).
Salvation cannot be lost, simply due to the fact that they do not manage to obtain it in the first place while still alive on this earth, as it is only obtained after a lifetime of achievement…
Is it any wonder there are so many out there today living a lie, trying to achieve salvation on man-made terms?
Catholicism is the biggest Christian denomination today, conning people with a works-based gospel, dishing out devilish probation.
© Audrey Henry – 11 August 2018
Putting the “L” in TULIP:
LIMITED ATONEMENT (also known as Definite Atonement), means Jesus died to fully secure the salvation of his people, namely, the Elect who so happen to be predestined or chosen.
In reality, it goes without saying, Christ died for all men, regardless of their race, nationality, gender or social status, and not only for a (s)elect few.
Calvinists on the other hand assign the term “all men” to mean all men having or possessing God’s common grace, but not his saving grace…
© Audrey Henry – 11 August 2018
Putting the “U” in TULIP:
UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION (otherwise known as Unconditional Grace) is made up of two types of grace, namely:
1. Common Grace in a nutshell means everyone’s sins are forgiven by default as it’s the standard or regular grace God extends to all men. “God gives sunshine to both the just and the unjust alike”.
2. Saving Grace (also known as Special Grace) according to Calvinists, and as the name implies, is what saves a person. Calvinists in turn believe that only the elect will obey the gospel, which in turn puts the “I” in TULIP…
Calvinistic denominations:
Waldensians, Anabaptists, Presbyterians, most Baptists and Lutherans, or any church which has the word “reformed” included in its name.
© Audrey Henry – 11 August 2018
One of the reasons I removed all my old posts and changed the set up of this blog, was mainly due to what the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:38 –
“But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.”
There were old posts on this blog about certain Grace teachers and their followers which I had written, information which was given to me by witnesses who personally attended their assemblies and was then conveyed to me. There were also posts I made about said teachers concerning articles, audios and videos they personally posted on their Facebook pages and websites, irrefutable proof of what they have believed, preached and taught in error for years.
Apparently it gets said that “one can be edified and learn a lot from others, even though they differ vastly from one on major dispensational or biblical issues.” Their bottom-line being: the unity of the faith must be maintained at all costs, regardless…. Bollocks….. if this is their line of thinking as preachers and teachers of the faith….
let those without integrity be ignorant…
If they are fully persuaded in their own minds that Paul had two sendings (prophecy and mystery), that he preached half a dozen gospels or more, and that people go to hell with their sins forgiven…. let them be ignorant….. if they want to believe that Christ gave up his deity attributes according to Philippians 2:6 from a perverted Amplified Bible, and that the word “covenant” differs VASTLY from the word “testament”, thus creating a division where none exists….. let them be ignorant… not forgetting that one’s faith in the gospel means absolutely nothing because it is Christ’s ” faith in God” which actually “saves one”….. which also so happens to turn one into a Calvinist, along with the ubiquitous fairytale that “everyone’s sins are forgiven, regardless whether they have faith or not”… let them be ignorant…..
“Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.” ~ The Apostle Paul, 1 Timothy 5:24-25
One can be ignorant….
which is not the same as remaining ignorant… which is a choice..
© Audrey Henry – 9 August 2018
For most, it will be too late though…
They do not know it, but some day they (Atheists, Muslims, Hindus, New Agers, to name but a few) will bow before him, and confess he is Lord.
Philippians 2:10-11
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
© Audrey Henry – 7 August 2018
2 Corinthians 3:2-3
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Salvation can be compared to a contract, the stipulations or provisions of which are as follows:
1. Saved by grace through faith, not of works – Ephesians 2:8-9, Philippians 3:9, Galatians 2:16.
2. By the gospel of God, also known as the gospel of Christ – Romans 1:1, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
3. One’s required input with respect to the contract: Faith in Christ’s payment for one’s sin debt and his resurrection from the dead. Romans 4:13, Romans 3:30, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
After one has “signed on the dotted line” (believed) one owns or possesses Christ’s provision for one’s sins, and by believing, one has therefore agreed – accepted “the contract”.
Benefits of “signing on the dotted line” (believing the gospel of Christ):
*One receives the forgiveness of one’s sins, Acts 26:18, (that which Christ accomplished/made provision for on the Cross almost 2000 years ago), which results in one being –
*declared holy in the eyes of God (justified, Romans 5:1) – reason: One is now clothed in His righteousness (therefore, no sins are being imputed to one’s account), 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 – the slate has been wiped clean, furthermore,
*one is sanctified, 1 Corinthians 1:2, namely, set-apart for his use, which is the preaching of the gospel to those without, as well as coming to the knowledge of the truth, rightly divided. (Being a workman, studying the word of truth, rightly divided). 2 Timothy 2:15.
*One also has peace with God as one is now reconciled to Him. Colossians 1:21.
*One cannot lose one’s salvation. 1 Corinthians 3:15.
*One automatically forsakes one’s earthly citizenship for a heavenly one. Philippians 3:20.
*One becomes a child of God, His heir, and a joint-heir with one’s Saviour, Jesus Christ, thus gaining a heavenly, God-given inheritance which is eternal. Romans 8:17-23.
“The contract” cannot and does not, however, guarantee comfort and ease in this world to those who preach Christ crucified and who live godly lives in Christ as their enemy is not made of flesh and blood, but is rather a malevolent, sinister spiritual power, otherwise known as the god of this this world, the devil – Satan, who takes every opportunity to hamper the spreading of the gospel and Saints being edified. Philippians 3:10, Ephesians 6:12.
© Audrey Henry – 6 August 2018
1. Justice – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:10
2. Comfort – “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” ~ Romans 8:18
3. Instant change – “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” ~ Philippians 1:6
The reason why the Judgment Seat of Christ is a heart issue – no-one will attain to perfection in the flesh, no matter how hard they try. After all, God judges the heart.
“And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” ~ Romans 8:27
© Audrey Henry – 5 August 2018
Modern, or New Age Bibles deny the deity of Christ:
The Authorised King James Bible:
Acts 3:26 – Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
The New King James Bible:
Acts 3:26 – To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.
———-
The Authorised King James Bible:
Philippians 2:6 – Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
The Amplified Bible:
Philippians 2:6 – who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it];
———-
One of the reasons why many people cannot discern the distinctiveness of Paul’s exclusive ministry: the dumbing down or doing away of Right Division by modern, perverted Bibles:
The Authorised King James Bible:
2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The New King James Bible:
2 Timothy 2:15 – Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The New International version:
2 Timothy 2:15 – Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
———-
The Authorised King James Bible:
Philippians 3:9 – And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
The New International version:
Philippians 3:9 – and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.
The New King James Bible:
Philippians 3:9 – and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
“God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” ~ Romans 3:
© Audrey Henry – 2 August 2018
Politically correct absurdity
The ban on plastic straws and having to obtain a burn permit (permission to burn dead branches and leaves – garden refuse – in one’s yard) at a ridiculous cost, and the simultaneous failure of governments worldwide to curb serious crime and illegal immigrants is a definite sign Agenda 21 is alive, well and upon us…. not to mention the utter ridiculousness of using drones to implement the aforementioned laws…..
the world has just got a whole lot crazier…. and human life a whole lot cheaper……
“don’t hurt the environment, but you’re welcome to do anything you want to humans, after all, there are over 7 billion of the “straw sucking, tree killing, planet destroying oxygen thieves….. far too many to make the world a sustainable place”…… who also so happen to be the pinnacle of God’s creation…..
We are closing in on the perilous times the Apostle Paul spoke of… next up, the banning of Christianity, especially if it does not toe the line and adapt its views according to the present politically correct 21st century insanity, which is guaranteed to get worse.
We are living in sign-less times with respect to Israel’s prophetic program being in abeyance, but concerning the signs that our society is becoming more and more absurd and sick by the day, we need to stand up and take note of what is happening around us for the following reason, as we do not live in a vacuum:
Ephesians 5:16
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
Colossians 4:5
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”
© Audrey Henry – 1 August 2018
Times to come
Hebrews 12:2
“And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.”
Times past
Deuteronomy 14:2
“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.”
Noah was just a man
Genesis 6:9
“These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”
“For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:22
The Apostle Paul found himself among people, half of who sought wisdom, hence the existence of Socrates, Aristotle and Plato, the three great Greek philosophers whose worldly wisdom included politics, metaphysics and epistemological ideas…. while the other half, the Jews required a sign….
Both had one important thing in common though: they did not walk by faith.
“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21
The Greeks according to their worldly wisdom did not know God, how could they? Therefore considered the preaching of the gospel foolishness as they could not gain anything from it via the standpoint of politics, metaphysics, their methods of validation, heathen beliefs and personal opinions.
“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:23
The gospel was a stumbling block to the Jews because it is based on faith alone, and the only sign available to them was that of the Lord Jesus Christ who most rejected anyway.
© Audrey Henry – 1 August 2018
Acts 28 Dispensational
These are Acts 28 dispensationalists, or a distorted variety of same.
Audrey Henry – 1 August 2018
God’s unspeakable gift
The book of Romans
Is the chief doctrinal book of the gospel of Christ and imparts the following pertinent information with respect to it:
© Audrey Henry – 1 August 2018
The doctrine of imputation
Impute means credit, and in this instance it is God crediting his righteousness to the believer’s account, which is obtained by faith alone.
When a person believes Christ died for their sins, was buried and rose again on the third day, God’s righteousness is imputed to them.
Those whose iniquities are forgiven, namely those whose sins are no longer imputed to them, they are blessed – sanctified.
Romans 4:3-8
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Saying , Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
© Audrey Henry – 31 July 2018
Seventh Day Adventists
1. Believe in the “gift of prophecy” – proof-texts: Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12. Reality: 1 Corinthians 1:22 ~ For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
2. Add to the Bible, namely the written works of Ellen White.
3. Believe in soul sleep – when a person dies, he/she remains unconscious until resurrected. The unrighteous are destroyed by fire (annihilated) and the righteous are taken to heaven.
4. The righteous do not spend eternity in heaven.
5. Believe the second coming of Christ is near, therefore believers must be ready at all times (endure to the end).
6. The righteous will be resurrected at Christ’s return and are then taken to heaven. For the next 1000 years Satan and the fallen angels live on the earth, thereafter a second resurrection occurs and the devil and his minions are destroyed. The righteous then return to a cleansed earth to establish the New Jerusalem.
It goes without saying that I am confused: who on earth (pun intended) still exists to take part in the second resurrection since the righteous go to heaven, the unrighteous are annihilated and only the devil and his minions are left remaining on the earth for 1000 years?
7. They hold to the belief that the body is the temple of God and should be cared for, and thus abstain from harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and maintain a vegetarian or vegan diet.
8. Keep the Sabbath on a Saturday (preparation day being Friday).
Righteous by their own efforts – veganism, vegetarianism, no alcohol, no tobacco, keeping the sabbath on a Saturday and looking forward to Christ’s second coming are the works that get them the gift of eternal life, apart from this, the New Jerusalem does not come down from heaven, on the contrary and according to their beliefs, it is established by “the righteous”.
Note the terms ” righteous ” and “unrighteous” as opposed to “saved” and “lost”
“I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” ~ The Apostle Paul, Galatians 2:21.
Similes
A simile is a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid.
Similes are used as a method of comparison.
Examples of biblical similes:
1 Thessalonians 5:2 1 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
Matthew 13:52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Psalm 102:6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.
The difference between a metaphor and a simile:
“A simile is a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind. It is used to make a description more emphatic or vivid. You know you’ve spotted one when you see the words like or as in a comparison. (e.g., as brave as a lion, crazy like a fox ).
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true but helps explain an idea or make a comparison. It states outright that one thing is another thing. If you’re a black sheep, you get cold feet, or you think love is a highway, then you’re probably thinking metaphorically.”
Metaphors
A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
Another word for metaphor is analogy – a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else.
Examples of Biblical metaphors:
Proverbs 13:14
The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord , thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Romans 3
And on and on it goes…. bad news….. to which there is a God-given solution… a solution so great, it makes one wonder how the vast majority do not comprehend it : “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;”
The bad news turns to good news…. Yes, you are a hell-bound sinner, but now God’s imputed righteousness without the law is manifested…. let it sink in… one can NOW receive God’s imputed righteousness without keeping the law… wow….!! It means we obtain his righteousness without having to change anything about ourselves, like our lifestyles for instance, neither do we have to give up anything or make any sacrifices… in other words, we obtain it through absolutely no effort of our own.
Romans 3:10-21
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Destruction and misery are in their ways:
And the way of peace have they not known:
There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
© Audrey Henry – 30 July 2018
Romans 2
The history lesson continues. Man is without excuse. Some might think they are better than others, but in reality, are not. All men will face judgment….
Romans 2:1-9
Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
© Audrey Henry – 30 July 2018
Romans 1
A history lesson – The bad news.
If one is not saved, one is not the good person one thinks one is despite one’s upbringing, church attendance, choice in trying to improve oneself, that is, to be a better person, keeping the 10 commandments, donating to charity or even repenting of one’s sins….. all are totally pointless.
One’s own righteousness counts for nothing and therefore cannot absolve one of one’s sins.
Human nature did not and to date, still has not changed since the fall of Man in the Garden of Eden. Technology has advanced considerably, yes, and the manner in which certain things are done has definitely changed…… but Man’s nature remains the same, it has not improved, and the things Man does might not be done in secret anymore, or behind closed doors as in times past, but the difference now is that he is losing all inhibition when it comes to maintaining the norms of what is considered an outdated or outmoded society, or way of life.
Not even religion can fix Man’s fallen nature… and self- improvement training does not begin to skim the heart of Man….. make any person angry and his/her true colours show, that is, the true nature of “the beast” is revealed.
This is the litmus test which should make one uncomfortable and realise one is not worth the gunpowder that can blow one straight into hell:
Romans 1:18-32
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
© Audrey Henry – 30 July 2018
