For review, without repentance, a person cannot have a relationship with God leaving that person separated in the present but also for eternity. Those who do not repent of sin will face Hell as their eternal damnation and judgment. This is the high price to pay for not taking repentance seriously in life (Matthew 25:33, 41, 46). To be righteous reflects right standing with God (1 John 3:7; 5:18; Philippians 1:11). Those who are not righteous practice lawlessness. A lawless person does not desire to be regulated. Repentance is the only way to have one’s name in the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5; 21:27; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3). Repentance is the only way to escape Hell through salvation. Repentance affords forgiveness and salvation affords eternal life but those only come through Jesus Christ. Jesus states that everyone must be born again to enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5, 7). God will not destroy those who have repented for their sins and walk with Him daily in their salvation. His promises to those who repent are life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). Repentance is part of this conversion when applied with faith in Who Jesus is. If a person chooses not to repent and be born again, they are denying receiving the free eternal gift of life God has for them (John 10:10; Romans 6:23). Jesus has already paid the price for everyone’s conversion but repentance through faith is subject to each person’s choice for their life (John 3:16-21). John 3:16-21 paints the picture of repentance in action but many overlook the heart of what is being said. God made a plan of salvation for mankind to repent for the restoration of fellowship with Him through Jesus Christ, His Son. Those who believe in Jesus and submit to the conviction of the Holy Spirit are converted through repentance and faith. This sets them apart for everlasting life and a lack of condemnation. Those who do not believe are already on their way to Hell and condemnation unless repentance takes place. When those who believe and are converted come to the light they produce fruit of repentance (Matthew 3:8; Galatians 5:22-23) while those who choose to not come to the light remain in darkness with their works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). The need for repentance is great within the lives of every human being. Without repentance, death is not only the eternal choice of residence but the dominating force being paid as the wages of sin (Romans 6:23) while on the earth. With such a great need for repentance, why are so many people not being taught this eternal principle? Why do so many people lack the heart to commit to such a requirement by God after they learn of repentance? Why are so many people not ensuring their soul’s current and eternal position in God through Jesus Christ knowing the price of lawlessness is hell? The answer is selfishness. Repentance is based on humility and the realization of needing God. When characteristics arise that oppose humility the realization of a need for God begins to lessen creating a stubborn, lawless person who would rather choose the pleasure of sin for a season than God for all eternity. Humility should lead to repentance. Repentance leads to life, wisdom, and forgiveness (Proverbs 22:4; Proverbs 11:2; 2 Chronicles 7:14). May people everywhere see their need for repentance and make the changes necessary to live for God. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As a review, there are three elements of repentance: intellectual, emotional, and voluntary. The intellectual element is the change of view within the mind. This element also changes the view of sin as a defilement and pollution of self. The emotional element is a godly sorrow for sin. The heart must stir in emotion that ushers in a desire to rid oneself of sin which defiles and pollutes. The voluntary element is the exercise of free will to make the changes necessary in the direction of holiness and God’s presence. Repentance that is coerced is not legitimate to God. In regards to salvation, God will not override the choice of a person’s desires to not assault the freedom of each person. This limits God to the response of the person when hearing the Word of God. Repentance must be voluntary as a product of a heart ready to repent (2 Chronicles 7:14; Luke 15:18-19). Without the voluntary will to repent the actions that take place are religious in methodology but are void of sincerity. The heart is a key ingredient in two of the elements of repentance. A changed heart and mind will be the fruit of true repentance. Each of these elements is important to repentance. All three produce the change necessary within a person to bring them closer to God as a true Christian. Repentance is also not merit-based. There are no magical punishments or good deeds that bring the fruit of repentance to one’s life. Repentance requires the three elements, as previously mentioned, mixed with faith to bring the product of repentance. Again, there are no acts of repentance but fruit of repentance. Faith produces works from a love for and a relationship with God (James 2:17-26; Titus 1:16; 2:14; 3:8). These verses display it is a life of faith-produced works, not repentance-produced works. Repentance turns a person away from sin but faith and love for God produce a holy, clean life. There are too many verses within the Bible referencing repentance for Christians to overlook this doctrine, skip across it, or think that there is no longer a need for such teaching. Every person who has ever lived, currently living, or whoever will live needs repentance. It is sin that brings death since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:3-19). God is asking His people why they are choosing to not turn from their sins and are choosing to die (Ezekiel 18:31-32). God desires for all of mankind to have life in Him (Ezekiel 18:21-22). Having a relationship with God has been the original plan since the creation of Adam (Genesis 1:26; 2:8). Having a heart that hates sin will motivate that person to not return or go near a sinful lifestyle again. Without repentance, a person cannot have a relationship with God leaving that person separated in the present but also for eternity. Those who do not repent of sin will face Hell as their eternal damnation and judgment. This is the high price to pay for not taking repentance seriously in life (Matthew 25:33, 41, 46). The goats represent the people who chose to not be righteous but chose lawlessness. To be righteous reflects right standing with God (1 John 3:7; 5:18; Philippians 1:11). Those who are not righteous practice lawlessness. A lawless person does not desire to be regulated. Repentance is the only way to have one’s name in the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5; 21:27; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3). Repentance is the only way to escape Hell through salvation. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
The doctrine of repentance has become one of the foundational principles of Christianity that is skipped across the surface like skipping a rock across a pond. In every conversion to Christianity, there are two parts: repentance and faith (Romans 10:9-10). Both parts are necessary for a person to be born again. Repentance is defined as a change of mind or change of purpose. Applying this theologically means to turn from sin by changing the mind and purpose of one’s life (Acts 3:19-20; Acts 17:30). Part of repenting is to abhor past sins. To abhor means to loathe, regard with extreme dislike or distaste. Repentance reflects hate toward sins committed. Not having a hatred toward sin may reflect a lack of repentance or a heart turning back to its previous state of living in sin. To be born again a person must turn away from their sins and turn to God (Proverbs 28:13). Repentance is the beginning step of salvation. John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and other people of God throughout the Bible preached the message of repentance. This message is closest to God because the result brings His creation closer to Him. God desires to see everyone repent and have a true relationship with Him, not only for eternity but here and now (2 Peter 3:9). Sin separates and dominates while repentance humiliates and germinates. Sin separates a person from God and dominates that person’s life. Repentance should keep a person humble and allow the things of God to grow within that person. Without a relationship with God on earth that person will not be with Him for eternity. There are three elements of repentance: intellectual, emotional, and voluntary. Each element is vital to repenting and having a true relationship with God. The intellectual element is the change of view within the mind. Sin is viewed as a personal guilt and transgression against God (Psalm 51:3-4). The spiritual enemy of God uses the deception of calling this element condemnation (blame, pass sentence) rather than conviction (admission of truth by revealing error). This element also changes the view of sin as a defilement and pollution of self. Psalm 51:3-4 also displays God’s ability to condemn anyone who is found in sin due to His righteous judgment, but He uses conviction for people everywhere to understand their need for the salvation He offers by the truth being revealed. This truth should lead to repentance (Romans 3:20). When people know the intellectual element of repentance it begins the process of understanding the need for a savior due to the sin within their life. Knowing what is wrong can be the beginning of taking the correct steps toward God. The emotional element is a godly sorrow for sin. The heart must stir in emotion that ushers in a desire to rid oneself of sin which defiles and pollutes. Without the heart-stirring toward a resolution of sin within one’s life, that person will remain the same. This is the danger of inviting people to accept Jesus but not revealing the necessity of change in their lives (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Godly sorrow works for people to repent of their sins to receive salvation. Salvation is not to be repented of or turned away from. The sorrow of the world may make a person feel bad or guilty but it does not turn people away from the wages of sin, which is death (Romans 6:23). The heart must break to realize the defect of sin within oneself to turn to Jesus Christ as the healer of the brokenhearted. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
Since 2017, God’s Graffiti Youth Conference has been blessing youth in the Upper Cumberland by hosting a free event of games, fellowship, food, prizes, worship, and the Word of God to attendees ages 10 to 21. When hearing a name like God’s Graffiti some may raise an eyebrow or have curiosity about the meaning of this event. The meaning of the name God’s Graffiti originated from Daniel 5:5 of King Belshazzar’s party being interrupted by God writing upon the wall of the king’s palace regarding his days of evil being numbered. The Word of God should bring repentance for sins when publicly written for all to see. Instead of remaining in sin or brushing off God’s Word, everyone should take notice of His Word written to help bring people from all walks of life into right standing with God. Another verse this conference is founded upon is Deuteronomy 11:18. This verse reminds everyone, especially Christians, to place the Word of God upon every part of their life and live by it. In essence, God’s Graffiti is a conference that encourages all youth who attend to have a public writing of God’s Word upon their lives. This youth conference encourages ages 10 to 21 to start, renew, or strengthen a personal relationship with God. Although this youth conference is hosted at Abundant Grace Church, it is a multi-denominational event that is built upon the foundational beliefs of Jesus Christ as the common teaching ground. When the youth of the region understand there are other Christian youth they can begin to fellowship knowing they are not alone in serving God. Another part of this conference is to bless the youth of the region with games, prizes, and food at each service all absolutely free to the youth and church leaders who attend. It is because of the support from local businesses, churches, and individuals who have donated and continue to donate money and resources that make this event possible for this region. T-shirts and other memorabilia are available for purchase but are not required at the event. For this year, the conference is Friday, August 2nd, starting at 6 pm, and Saturday, August 3rd, starting at 10 am lasting all day with a second service at 2 pm. The location is Abundant Grace Church at 740 Crosslin Street in Sparta, TN. Each year there are pastors and youth leaders from local churches who minister at these services representing the churches involved with this event. Once youth start, renew, or are strengthened in a relationship with God, they can begin to attend local churches for discipleship to further their relationship with God. The vision God has for the people of the Upper Cumberland is to know Him, His Word, and to serve in His kingdom with one another. This event allows Christian adults to serve together while teaching younger generations about the love and Word of God. If you, your pastor, or your church is interested in partnering with or attending God’s Graffiti Youth Conference, please contact the leadership of God’s Graffiti at godsgraffiticonference@gmail.com. For more information about God’s Graffiti Youth Conference visit gods-graffiti.com. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
No matter a person’s background, there are storms that may arise within a person’s life. These storms can be produced from natural events that happen, an attack from a spiritual enemy, or at times the consequence of that person’s previous choices. Since every person is different the options of handling these storms will vary depending on experience, knowledge, and other variables that have been gathered within that person’s life. Christians should find shelter in the Word of God (Psalm 91:1-2) and within the presence of God (Psalm 119:114). Those who do not have a relationship with God should seek God to be their refuge and fortress (Proverbs 30:5). No matter the storm God is the answer (Psalm 32:7; Psalm 18:2). Regardless of the elements of the storm, the Word of God should be spoken. It is usually in the storms of life that people turn to alcohol, porn, drugs, lying, violence, gossip, or other sinful things that only stir the storm reaping more destruction. The answer is Jesus Christ Who is found within the Word of God. He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He is the example for Christians everywhere of not only how to live but how to speak to the storms of life. When a great storm of wind arose creating waves to beat into the ship that Jesus and His disciples were on, the disciples became afraid (Mark 4:37). Although the storm was creating such havoc on the ship and bringing fear, Jesus was in the ship asleep (Mark 4:38). The difference between Jesus and His disciples was the peace of God. The disciples did not have a personal relationship with God the Father at this time but Jesus did. Knowing God makes all the difference when the storms of life arise and beat against a person’s mind, heart, emotions, or other aspects of one’s life. It is in those moments Christians must be like Jesus to arise and speak to the storms of life making peace (Mark 4:39). When God’s people do not follow Jesus’ example it leads to the Word of God not coming to pass within that person’s life. Some people will then choose to mock the Word of God and say it does not work even though they stopped the Word from being fruitful in their lives. The answer to a storm is not more chaos but peace. If this type of behavior should not take place why would Jesus not only speak to the storm but also rebuke His disciples for not doing the same (Mark 4:40)? True peace comes from God. It is a fruit of His Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When the storms of life are raging speak to the storms by speaking the Word of God that brings peace and resolution. Faith is required when speaking the Word of God in seeing the effects it can bring to one’s life (Mark 4:40). Faith the size of a mustard seed can allow a believer to speak to a mountain and cast it into the sea (Matthew 17:20). After Jesus rebukes the storm and causes peace to come, He then turns to His disciples and asks why they lack faith (Mark 4:40). Jesus expects His people to have faith to speak the Word in their own lives. Each person should know Jesus Christ as their Savior, Lord, and Master, but also use their faith in Him and God’s Word to speak to the storms of life to bring peace. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As a review for this topic, many churches use services to gather people together, perform the newest songs on Christian radio, and allow the popular speaker to share a motivational speech all around an hour timeframe. Jesus Christ gave His followers a list of things they were commanded to do to qualify as Christians. Jesus gave commands not made suggestions to the people listening to Him preach. Christians must do these things, according to Jesus Christ, or they are not obeying the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). The list presented through these articles can be referenced as Christian Basic Training, much like the military has basic training or boot camp. People expect the military to have such training to equip all recruits to be good soldiers at the foundational level. To have strong Christian soldiers they must be taught the basic training principles to excel in their roles and duties as soldiers for God. The twelfth basic training principle is to read the Word of God. As previously discussed, Jesus’ custom or routine was to be in the place of worship, but Jesus also read from the Word of God while being there (Luke 4:17-19). It is important to read the Word of God while at church and not base one’s faith on opinions or feel-good stories. Christians are not to only read the Word of God while at church but to be in the Word every day to be strengthened, encouraged, corrected, and trained (2 Timothy 3:16). God’s people cannot know His will if they do not understand His doctrine (John 7:16-19). Due to the Jews not having a focus on the Word of God, they did not realize Jesus was discussing the plans God had for Him (John 7:33-36). When Christians focus more on the Word of God rather than culture or being relevant there is a deeper spiritual understanding. Only being a surface-level Christian benefits no one. Jesus also discusses the Word of God being the truth that sanctifies God’s people from the world and to be more like Him (John 17:17). The thirteenth and last basic training principle is to have their names written in heaven. Jesus sends 70 disciples out with spiritual power and authority and they come back amazed at demons being submitted to the name of Jesus (Luke 10:17). Jesus tells them to not rejoice at this fact but rejoice at the fact of having their name written in heaven (Luke 10:19-20). This signifies the importance of not the works that are from religiosity but the relationship people must have with God through Jesus Christ. The only method to enter into Heaven is to have one’s name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27). This same verse describes nothing defiled, profane, or unclean will enter into Heaven. Christians must not only turn away from unclean, unholy, and profane things but this style of living as well. Jesus describes those who conquer or are victorious as being in clean garments reflecting the ones He will acknowledge to God the Father as written in His Book of Life (Revelation 3:5). Knowing Christians do not fight against flesh and blood but against principalities (Ephesians 6:12), what is this victory over? It is over the sinful lifestyle, aka desires of the flesh to sin, that Christians contend with propagated by self and the spiritual enemies of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul describes some of the fellow believers that have been examples of this within some of his epistles (Philippians 4:3-5). For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As a review for this topic, Jesus gave His followers a list of things they were commanded to do to qualify as Christians to obey the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). The ninth basic training principle is to not be offended. Jesus describes His followers as blessed when they are not offended because of Him (Matthew 11:1-6). In such a world of offense, Christians can fall into this slippery slope causing themselves to disobey Jesus Christ and the Word of God. Offense is the act of displeasing by character, words, or conduct. When offense rises it reflects the stubbornness within that person to either forgive a wrong or be unwilling to adapt to the truth that has been presented. Either scenario leaves the offended person dealing with the situation when the world teaches the one who offended should be dealt with severely. “Great peace have they which love the Word of God and nothing will offend them” (Psalm 119:165). When Christians get offended this reflects they do not have the love for the Word of God they declare they have. Offense is pride being confronted. The Bible describes God as a resister of those who are in pride (James 4:6). Jesus told His disciples to not be offended (John 16:1-4). The tenth basic training principle is to love God with everything they have. Jesus tells everyone listening that God gave the commandment to love Him with all of the heart, with all of the soul, with all of the mind, and with all of the strength that each person possesses (Mark 12:30). This leaves nothing out for Christians to wonder how much to love God. When He is loved this much nothing else should be hindering a relationship with Him. Nothing is worth putting in front of God in the order of importance in one’s life. When the world is still a desire something has been left off of loving God in every area listed by Jesus. By comparison, a Christian’s love for God should make their love for everyone else look like hate (Luke 14:26). Christians are not to hate anyone. Still, just the idea of having such a love for God that the love they have for everyone else looks like hate is a concept not many people grasp. The eleventh basic training principle is to go to church in person. Jesus displayed the routine of worshiping God in person at the house of God (Luke 4:16). In modern society, streaming and online church services have risen to high popularity. This is a blessing for those who are sick, shut-in, or have legitimate reasons for not being able to get out. Online church has replaced the in-person anointing leaving Christians weaker and less impacted by being in the presence of God. The Bible warns of such activity for people to not do away with gathering within the assembly of believers, also known as the church (Hebrews 10:23-25). How can a person rejoice by getting online to worship God? The Bible says, “I was glad when they said unto me let us go INTO the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1). Nothing can replace going to the house of God faithfully when services are happening (Acts 2:42-47). A person cannot maintain a marriage covenant by only being online for an hour each week with their spouse. So, why do so many Christians think being online for an hour each Sunday constitutes maintaining a covenant with a holy God? May Christians be faithful to God’s house. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As a review for this topic, Jesus Christ gave His followers a list of things they were commanded to do to qualify as Christians. Jesus gave commands not made suggestions to the people listening to Him preach. Christians must do these things, according to Jesus Christ, or they are not obeying the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). The list presented through these articles can be referenced as Christian Basic Training, much like the military has basic training or boot camp. People expect the military to have such training to equip all recruits to be good soldiers at the foundational level. To have strong Christian soldiers they must be taught the basic training principles to excel in their roles and duties as soldiers for God. Continuing with the sixth basic training principle, have self-discipline. Christians should be self-disciplined enough to not focus on storing up treasures here on the earth but have a true focus on the eternal kingdom of God (Matthew 6:19-21). This would also include not being distracted by earthly things to lose focus of their eternal citizenship. Each Christian must determine what is within them as the driving force for their life. If it is of God there is a light reflecting the inner man has the discipline and relationship with God as opposed to trying to balance between the eternal and the temporal (Matthew 6:22-24). Having self-discipline is also an indication that a Christian is bearing the fruit of the Spirit. Self-discipline, also known as self-control, is described by the word temperance within various translations of the Bible (Galatians 5:22-23). When Christians lack this fruit it represents they are not bearing the lifestyle or character God says is necessary as a Christian. The seventh basic training principle is to know Who Jesus is. Jesus asks His disciples who other people say He is and they answer with various speculations from the people (Matthew 16:13-14). Then Jesus asks the hard question of Who do they say He is with Peter being able to answer correctly of His connection to God and as the Messiah (Matthew 16:15-17). Without a true relationship with Jesus Christ Christians will not know Who Jesus is. People may learn about Him or the things that are written to describe Him but a relationship allows a personal connection that can only come through intimacy. Without a personal relationship with Jesus, a person cannot enter into the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 7:23). The eighth basic training principle is to sacrifice the desires of the heart to obey God and His Word. Jesus describes those who attempt to preserve or protect a temporal life on earth will destroy it but those who are willing to sacrifice everything for His name and the Gospel will preserve their life (Mark 8:35-38). Christians must be willing to sacrifice anything for God by laying their lives on the altar of God (Romans 12:1-2). With so much of culture today breeding the exact opposite within the hearts and minds of the people, Christians can have this basic training principle left out of their lifestyle. Nothing is more important than God or the things within His kingdom. It is those who obey God and His Word that enter into the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 7:21-23). Religiosity will have the form but a relationship with Jesus will have the heart proven with action by faith (James 2:14-18). May Christians seek to live more by the commands of Jesus rather than the culture of the world. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As a review for this topic, many churches use services to gather people together, perform the newest songs on Christian radio, and allow the popular speaker to share a motivational speech all around an hour timeframe. Jesus Christ gave His followers a list of things they were commanded to do to qualify as Christians. Christians must do these things, according to Jesus Christ, or they are not obeying the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). The list presented through these articles can be referenced as Christian Basic Training, much like the military has basic training or boot camp. People expect the military to have such training to equip all recruits to be good soldiers at the foundational level. To have strong Christian soldiers they must be taught the basic training principles to excel in their roles and duties as soldiers for God. The third basic training principle is to deny oneself (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). Deny oneself is defined as abstaining, disowning, losing sight of oneself and own interests, affirming no connection with. Jesus tells His disciples that if a person is going to be a follower or Christian they must first put away their sinfulness and who they used to be. Christians who submit to Jesus’ teachings will crucify their sinful desires and live in Him (Galatians 2:20). This is denying oneself to be the new creation God has made them to be. Another part of denying self is to not be consumed by the world or the culture of the world. If those who declare love for God are consumed by the world they do not love God (1 John 2:15; James 4:4). God’s people must be consumed by a passion and love for Him because He is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). Sin displays a desire for self and a desire for self reflects God is not the focus of one’s life (John 14:15; Romans 1:26-27; Proverbs 11:2). The fourth basic training principle is to carry their cross (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). The King James version states to “take up his cross” which is defined as to lift, to raise, to bear, or to carry. Jesus further states that whoever does not carry their cross and follow Him cannot be His disciple (Luke 14:27). Each person having a cross is not a wooden object that must be carried throughout town, but the name or mark of being a Christian. Those who do not carry the mark of Jesus are not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:38). Carrying a cross is the emphasis of Jesus being the Lord and Master of one’s life not just their Savior from Hell. The fifth basic training principle is to follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). Follow is defined as being in the same way with, to accompany as a disciple. With two words some denied themselves and followed Jesus (Luke 5:27-28; Matthew 4:19; John 1:43; Mark 2:14; Matthew 9:9). For many in today’s time, they will not follow Jesus but follow their sinful desires or motives into a future that grows darker and darker due to the amount of God they shut out of their life. Jesus did not come to bring death but life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). Only those who follow Him will have this benefit of Jesus Christ. All Christians must live by these principles according to the Word of God. John the Baptist gave words to live by, Jesus must increase and self must decrease (John 3:30). For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
For many churches, services are to gather the people together, perform the newest songs on Christian radio, and allow the popular speaker to share a motivational speech all around an hour timeframe. Jesus Christ gave His followers a list of things they were commanded to do to qualify as Christians. Jesus gave commands not made suggestions to the people listening to Him preach. Christians must do these things, according to Jesus Christ, or they are not obeying the author and finisher of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). The list presented through these articles can be referenced as Christian Basic Training, much like the military has basic training or boot camp. People expect the military to have such training to equip all recruits to be good soldiers at the foundational level. To have strong Christian soldiers they must be taught the basic training principles to excel in their roles and duties as soldiers for God. The first basic training principle is to confess Jesus before men (Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-12). Jesus tells His disciples that anyone who confesses Him before men, He will confess before the Father in Heaven (Matthew 10:32). To confess means to make a covenant with and to acknowledge Jesus’ position in one’s life. Part of this confession is not only with the mouth but by a lifestyle that honors Jesus, the Word of God, and reflects a true relationship with God (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 4:1). Jesus also says that anyone who denies Him before men He will deny before the Father (Matthew 10:33). To deny means to contradict, reject, disavow, refuse to acknowledge. When people contradict or refuse to acknowledge Jesus within their lives, even when they label themselves as Christians, they deny Jesus as the Lord and Master of their lives. When Christians take upon the name of being a follower of the Anointed One or the Messiah (the definition of Christian) they should represent Him in His doctrine and standard of living as opposed to how they desire to live (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Part of this confession of Jesus before men is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-18). Christians should make disciples by sharing the Gospel and living out the Word of God for others to see and follow. The second basic training principle is enduring to the end (Matthew 10:16-22). Jesus knows that the spiritual enemies of God’s people will desire to bring quit, discouragement, and a lack of faith into the lives of Christians. Christians must endure to the end to be saved (Matthew 10:22). Endure means to remain faithful or not flee. Victory belongs to God’s people unless they quit or allow discouragement to overtake them. Even when everything around Christians is getting harder to stand and lawlessness is everywhere, they still must stand for the truth and God’s Word to endure unto salvation (Matthew 24:3-13). This may sound easy when reading a text but it is harder when lived out in real time. Christians must remember all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26). The remnant that endures to the end is who Jesus will gather in the last days as obedient servants to their master (Luke 12:41-48). Christians must endure and not allow the deception of the enemy to keep them from the promises God has for His people or keep them from having a testimony of God’s faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:3). May God’s people go back to the basics of the Christian faith and be stronger in what Jesus commands them to do. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
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AuthorCaleb Andrews Archives
May 2024
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