Over the next few days, there will be a lot of discussion of election, voting, results, and politics like never before. Although this has been ramping up over the last two years, these last few months have seemed like they have been years-long regarding the amount of political stimulus each day. At times, including Christians, each demographic has been the center of some polls. Each American has the right to vote for the nominee they choose who is best for each position up for election. Each Christian has an obligation to Jesus Christ to vote for the nominee with the policies, although no nominee will ever be perfect, that aligns more with the Bible. There is power in the Christian vote. The Christian vote is more powerful each Sunday, each weekday, and each time mid-week service takes place. What does that mean, it means some Christians are more focused on voting for a political candidate than being faithful to the house of God each service day or being faithful to God as a Christian during the week. Being a Christian is not a title that a person wears when going to vote for a political office, it is the identifying mark of people who have denied their desires, picked up the calling God has for their life, and are actively following Jesus (Luke 9:23; Matthew 16:24). Christians vote each time they allow small things to keep them from being in the house of God (Luke 14:18-20; Luke 9:59-62; Proverbs 26:13-14). Christians vote when they get offended at the man of God when the truth is preached (Psalm 119:165; James 1:19; Luke 7:23; Matthew 11:6; Proverbs 29:11). Christians vote when they leave a church to find an easier, more relevant church that is current with the culture (1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:4; Titus 1:14; 2 Peter 1:16; Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 2:8). Christians vote when they choose to sin and mock God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 2:3; Galatians 6:7; Romans 2:6-8). Christianity is not based on a voting system but on submission to God (James 4:7; Romans 6:22; 1 Corinthians 7:22; Romans 6:16). The power of the Christian vote is not only in the election booth but is found more in the normal Christian life of which side will win, flesh or spirit. God has given His people the ability to choose, but as Christians, they must be wise as serpents but innocent as doves (Matthew 10:16). Using wisdom and every resource God has given His people allows Christians to have victory when casting their vote for God’s choice and not the vote of flesh or selfish desires. God’s people must use their power to vote for whatever and whoever God chooses. When God calls a person to a local pastor, that person must vote to stay with that pastor and church (Ephesians 4:11; Jeremiah 3:15; Hebrews 13:17; Hebrews 10:25). When God calls a person to His kingdom, that person must vote to stay with God’s kingdom until salvation is obtained (Matthew 24:13; James 1:12; Romans 5:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 10:36). May God’s people choose to be wise, submit to God, use their ability to vote for God’s choice and not one’s desires. It is God’s choice that leads to life, not a person’s flesh. For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.
Near the end of October each year, some Christians begin to be festive with a celebration of darkness that opposes light. Halloween represents the absence of light, death, fear, tricks, horror, the demonic realm, and a grim or ghostly atmosphere. Of those Christians who celebrate such a night, they will excuse the behavior with innocence and tradition. When Christians celebrate darkness, they befriend their God's enemy (1 John 1:6). This is one of the reasons the Bible tells Christians to have no part in the unfruitful works of darkness but to expose the darkness (Ephesians 5:11). Light exposes the darkness and pierces it to reveal the hidden things. When this happens, some people do not like the light, while others appreciate the light and the exposure to the dangers of the hidden things in the darkness. Those who do not like the light are upset because their hidden things are being revealed (John 3:19). Those who appreciate the light follow the light out of darkness to a brighter future (Acts 26:18). Darkness is never innocent. Things that represent darkness are never innocent. The Bible gives a stern command to not allow the deception of the world’s customs and culture to be the leading entity for Christians but for them to have their mind renewed to the things of God (Romans 12:2). When Christians celebrate darkness, they are going back to their previous mindset of an unbeliever (2 Corinthians 4:4) or they have been deceived into excusing this type of behavior as innocent by other people who practice the same sin (Ephesians 5:6-9). When darkness has been removed from a person’s life (Colossians 1:13), why would that person ever want to go back to that same darkness? The answer is usually there is a remaining love for the darkness that has not been addressed within that person’s heart. Christians should not trade the Light of God for darkness at any time, especially during Halloween. God’s people should be trading darkness for the Light (1 Thessalonians 5:5). There is no darkness in God (1 John 1:5), and there should be no darkness in His people or a love for darkness in His people (3 John 11). There is also a warning for those who call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). This is part of the deception of the darkness of Halloween, and such events are to masquerade evil as an innocent event that is still good while deceiving so many who numb their heart and ears to the Spirit of God because no one can participate in the things of the Lord and of demons and be in right-standing with God (1 Corinthians 10:21). The Bible calls anyone who celebrates darkness while saying they walk with God a liar (1 John 1:6). As a Christian, do not be deceived by vain words, culture, or any other ploy of the spiritual wickedness seeking to pull God’s people away from Him (1 Peter 5:8). Understand the tactics of darkness, expose them for their actions, and submit to God (James 4:7). Trade the darkness of the world and of God’s spiritual enemy for the Light of God (John 1:4-5). Only He can give true peace that is not found within anything of the world (Luke 1:79). The Light of God has plans and blessings for those who submit to Him (Jeremiah 29:11). May Christians choose not to celebrate the darkness any longer but celebrate the Light of God that brings what the darkness cannot to those who serve God. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
Depending on who a person asks will determine the type of response a person will receive when asking about a relationship with Jesus Christ. Strict churches may say a person can never sin, and a person has to have everything perfect in life, which will never be achievable. Many modern, relevant churches will tell a person that Jesus loves them, He accepts them, and they don’t have to change but they only need to accept Jesus. Does Jesus love everyone, yes. Does Jesus want everyone to come to Him, yes. Does He allow people to stay the same, no. Each of these church’s ideas is based on religiosity that only hinders a true relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible says that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can come to God the Father except through Him (John 14:6). This is the importance of salvation and a relationship with Jesus Christ, but it is the consecration or setting oneself apart for God that many have a difference of opinion on. Jesus said Himself, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Repentance is defined as a change of mind or a change of purpose. Applying this in the theological setting means to turn from sin by changing the mind and purpose of one’s life. Why do so many modern churches have people believe they do not have to change when Jesus Christ said that every person must change their way of thinking and living to what the Word of God says? On the other end of the spectrum, a relationship with Jesus is not based on a person’s perfection of living either. Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but Christians are called to live holy before God (1 Peter 1:16). A true relationship with Jesus Christ is not based on how well a person can live life without sin or like natural friendships without changing character but are instead based on Christians allowing themselves to led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14; John 16:13; 1 John 3:24), denying their fleshly lusts (Luke 9:32; Matthew 16:24; Galatians 2:20), following God’s purpose for their life (Luke 14:27; Matthew 10:38), and following Jesus and His commandments (John 8:12; John 10:27; Luke 9:23). Jesus does expect His people to change into His image and not look like the world (Ephesians 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6). When anyone looks like the world or becomes friends with the world they have become an enemy of God (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-16; Romans 12:1-2). A true relationship is not declaring the name of Jesus and looking like the world. That is having a form of godliness but denying the power of God to work in one’s life (2 Timothy 3:5). A true relationship with Jesus Christ is repenting of sin, consecrating oneself for the use of God and Him alone, being quick to repent when sin does take place because people are not perfect, being light and salt to the people in the world, and living the Word of God each day to honor God the Father. Christians should be finding ways to lay aside hindrances and sins to their race to please God with their life (Hebrews 12:1). Do you have a true relationship with Jesus Christ? Anyone can have one if they so desire. For more information about a relationship with Jesus Christ, visit Abundant Grace Church during any service. For information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
In today’s time, many people fail to understand the local pastor is a gift from Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). A pastor is given to mature the people of God in the things of God. He is not called to be everyone’s friend or be the relevant trendsetter. A pastor is ordained to lead people in the things of God. Pastors are supposed to be shepherds to the sheep of the church. God gives pastors according to His heart to feed with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15). What if a person does not have a pastor? What is that person missing from God due to not being under the pastor God has for them? Pastors can provide peace and safety to the people God places under them within the local church (Jeremiah 23:4). Every Christian benefits from having a pastor. Even pastors should have a pastor to feed them the Word of God, give wisdom, and provide safety from spiritual enemies. David, one of the most famous shepherds of the Bible, is a great example of what happens when people submit to a captain, like the local pastor. In 1 Samuel 22, David is in the cave of Adullam (which means testimony) and 400 men go to submit to him as their captain. Each person was either distressed, in debt, discontented, or a combination of each. When these men submitted to David they became mighty men of valor with some having their names recorded in the Bible for their acts of overcoming situations within their own lives (2 Samuel 23). What if these men did not submit to a spiritual leader? Would they and their families have been saved from the issues they were in? What if the person they did submit to was not a captain but a relevant trendsetter who did not lead in the things of God? If God-ordained pastors are a gift from Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11), why would anyone not take their gift and mature in the things of God? Every Christian must answer for themselves. Not only is it important to have a local pastor but to submit to the one God has ordained for each person’s life. Think of the process David had to use to challenge these 400 men to push them in training, teach them to understand different subjects, and also help them grow in various areas of life. This is the true calling of a pastor. One saying of pastoring could not be more true, “If your pastor does not know your name, you do not have a pastor”. A question could also be asked, “Does my pastor challenge me with the Word of God to be a better Christian?” Many Christians will say they go to church or have a pastor but this is a religious answer to keep the false appearance of being a Christian when the truth states otherwise. Now a challenge to pastors. Be the man after God’s own heart to lead the people much like David. Was David perfect? No, and neither will any pastor because they are still human. This does not give an excuse to not do the job God has called every pastor to fulfill. Be the feeder of the Word of God, the protector of God’s sheep, and the captain to challenge the people of God to become mighty men and women of valor for the glory of God. Every pastor is not called to shepherd the world but to pastor the local church God has ordained him to lead. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
There is a plague that is found within many lukewarm churches and lukewarm Christians. This plague is the degrading of the person of Jesus Christ into a modern cultural figure. To listen to many of their messages or sermons in today’s time would imply that Jesus is part of the culture of modern society and that the standard of living as prescribed by the Bible is no longer required. Or that Jesus allows culture to dictate how a person lives no matter if they are a Christian or not. One lie is His relevance and acceptance of everyone’s sinful lifestyles are the keys to making Christian life easy. This could not be further from the truth because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus lived a life that reflected the culture of Heaven as He witnessed God do things and not according to how mankind dictated things to be in the culture of His time while on earth. Many make Jesus relevant, trendy, or cultural, but Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6; John 17:17; John 8:31-32). He is the Word of God (John 1:1-14; Matthew 4:17-25; Revelation 19:13). Neither the truth of God nor His Word changes (Malachi 3:6; Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25; Matthew 24:35; James 1:17). God is the same God since the beginning, and Jesus Christ is the same since the beginning. To change Jesus to fit modern culture is heresy. Jesus healed the sick (Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35; Acts 10:38; Matthew 8:16-17; Matthew 14:14), cast out demons (Mark 3:11-12; Matthew 12:22,43-45; Mark 5:1-20; Mark 1:23-24), rebuked religious people (Matthew 23:27,33; Mark 7:6-7; Luke 11:39-40,42; John 8:44), convicted sinners to repent (Luke 5:29-32; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15), and obeyed God (Luke 11:28; John 6:38-40). The Bible does not state Jesus committed the same acts that sinners committed or condoned their way of living that opposed God. With so many characteristics of Jesus Christ from the Bible, why do people choose to ignore Who Jesus is and make Him culturally relevant? The answer is personal gain. Personal gain can be from desiring money, being popular, or other means of gain in the natural realm. When someone views their product as not of the highest quality, gimmicks, scams, and trends must be used to sell it. Jesus was sold in the Bible by Judas, so anyone who does the same thing in today’s time is no different than Judas Iscariot (Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:3-6; Mark 14:10-11). Anyone who feels the need or desire to sell Jesus Christ does not know Him personally. Christians do not need to sell Jesus, He should be followed and preached about to bring freedom, liberty, forgiveness, and healing to others (Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:14-15; 1 Corinthians 1:17-18; 2 Timothy 4:2). Jesus is not a product He is the Word made flesh (John 1:1-14), God in bodily form (Colossians 2:9; John 10:30; Philippians 2:6-7), and the Supreme sacrifice for all mankind (Hebrews 10:10-12; John 1:29; Hebrews 9:26; Ephesians 5:2). People must know Jesus Christ to receive salvation but they must go through the process as the Bible prescribes or it is not legitimate in the eyes of God. There cannot be a form of godliness and deny the power, there must be a relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:5; Revelation 3:20; 1 John 5:11-12). May Christians not make Jesus Christ a modern cultural figure and may they get back to Him being the holy Son of God who offers salvation, life, and life more abundantly. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
While living in the last days, many churches have focused on being current or relevant with the times. While culture and popularity are prevalent, many are leaving God out of their services or purpose. Every church and Christian must not compromise the truth of God or God’s Word. The truth of God’s Word draws a line between right and wrong, clean and unclean, and holy and unholy separating the people who submit to God’s Word and those who rebel against His truth by not living it (2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Isaiah 52:11; James 1:21). Submitting to God requires studying the Bible AND living the Word of God out through character by doing what it says (James 1:22-25; James 2:17-18,24). Living out the Word of God will create a separation between those who apply God’s truth to be holy people of God while those who choose to oppose His truth will desire the separation out of conviction. Many people view Jesus as the Messiah to bring everyone from everywhere together but even He describes Himself as a divider (Matthew 10:34-36). Jesus goes a step further to say that anyone who loves family more than Him is not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:37). It is not hatred within a family that Jesus wants or encourages but Jesus is reflecting on the separation of those who reject Him in their lives as opposed to those of the same family who have given their lives to serve Him. This reality should be a motivation to encourage Christians to witness to people within their lives of the salvation that can be found in Jesus Christ. If Jesus separates through His Word why do so many churches seek to be relevant with culture? Separation is not an easy situation no matter the origin. To have the truth of God bring this separation displays the heart of each person. Serving God is to be conducted with the very best effort also known as heartily (Colossians 3:23). Once a Christian realizes the blessings that come from being faithful to God they should be immovable from the truth of God no matter the cost (1 Corinthians 15:58). The truth of God forces people to look at their lifestyle and compare it to how the Bible says to live. Those who desire God and His presence within their lives will submit and obey. During this submission and obedience, others who have chosen to not obey or submit to the truth of God may be convicted of their sin and mock God or at the very least attempt to plant the idea of having a lower standard of Christianity within the person that is dedicating their life to God’s Word. It takes a strong Christian to stand and not compromise the truth of God and the things of God. A great motivation for not compromising the things of God is remembering that one day Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32-34). This is an analogy of sheep that reflects the submitted and obedient people of God while goats are a reflection of those who do what they desire and do not submit to the Word of God. Again, this separation comes as Jesus is only separating the people by the choices that they have made. Where do you stand regarding the truth of God? Do you stand in submission and obedience to the Word of God? Or are you standing in opposition living life how you desire and neglecting the truth of God? Which side do you choose? For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
At first glance, the word carnality may seem unique but the word is defined as relating to bodily pleasures and appetites, temporal pleasures, or a worldly mindset. When a person gives their heart and life to God as a Christian they have no reason to go back to the world (the sinful nature). The sinful nature of mankind is at war with the spirit of every believer of Jesus Christ (Galatians 5:17). Since Christians belong to Jesus Christ, they should not join themselves to anyone or anything else that reflects sin (1 Corinthians 6:15-17). When a person is truly a Christian there is more than just a confession of the mouth that makes them in right standing with God. There is a lifestyle that God expects to be followed to honor Him and give Him glory and praise. Every person that has given their life to Jesus Christ does not belong to themselves but to God because they have been bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Being the temple of the Holy Ghost requires a person to be holy and clean reflecting the changes made by the Spirit of God that now presides within that person. Returning to carnality is in direct opposition to God and His standard of living (James 4:4). Christians cannot be friends with the sinful nature that is birthed within every person since the fall of mankind through Adam in Genesis. The spiritual enemies of Christians seek to make merchandise off them (2 Peter 2:3). This makes a mockery of God due to the humiliation of those who declare to belong to Him but choose to serve the sinful nature. God delivered Lot from the destruction of a sinful area because he was a just man in God’s eyes (2 Peter 2:7-8). Lot’s wife had a different outcome because she turned to look back at Sodom and Gomorrha which cost her everything (Genesis 19:26). She disobeyed in looking back not only with her eyes but with her heart desiring something within the sinful area she was not ready to give up yet. Christians cannot look back, much less turn back, to the world in a desire to return to the sin, corruption, or temptation it contains. To truly live a Christian life is to submit and obey God in everything He commands (John 14:15). To return to carnality is like a dog returning to his vomit (2 Peter 2:22). There is nothing of the sinful nature to go back to but the falsities of the enemy make even the worst previous experience seem so pleasant through deception. Every person will give an account for their sins and the life they chose to live (Ezekiel 18:19). There is hope present when a sinner repents of sin (decides to confess and turn away), does what is right, and obeys the Word of God (Ezekiel 18:21). Sin is not held against anyone that follows this method of repentance and forgiveness (Ezekiel 18:22). If a Christian turns away from God and backs toward sin, as a lifestyle, their sin is held against them (Ezekiel 18:24). Christians must stay focused on God and not return to carnality no matter the cost. How does a person stay focused on God and not return to sin? They have their mind renewed by the Word of God every day (Romans 12:2). Christians must have the mind of Christ and not return to the sinful nature or the world that they were delivered from. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
Religion has become the focus of so many people and within their minds equals a right standing with God. Just as other religions do not serve the true and living God, having Christianity as a religion does not constitute a relationship with God. The Apostle Paul writes that Christians are to test or examine themselves and their faith in God through their relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 13:5). He also states that Christians should do what is right whether they appear approved or not (2 Corinthians 13:7). These verses reflect that one’s appearance before other men is not the heart of what God is looking for but a person that does what is right because they know and love God. Many religious people will do what looks right to have a reputation of knowing God or being the Christian, everyone expects them to be. This type of person has a form [the appearance, formula, fashion but not genuine] of godliness, but they deny [contradict, reject, refuse, renounce] the power of God from working within their life (2 Timothy 3:5). Religious behavior shuts off the kingdom of God not only in the lives of the hypocrites, the religious people, but in turn, shuts others off from the kingdom of God by their actions affecting the people they interact with (Matthew 23:13). Jesus even describes many people will prophesy in His name, cast out devils in His name, and do miracles in His name but He tells them that He never KNEW them on the day of judgment (Matthew 7:22-23). The Son of God, Jesus, specifically says that religious acts will not get a person into Heaven but knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord in a true relationship leads to a life in right standing with God. Religious facades teach other people how to act and speak like a Christian but not teach the heart of God and how to have a relationship with Him (Isaiah 29:13). The true heart of God is to know His Word, know how to live a holy life, but most importantly to know Him (James 1:21-25). Religious people seek perfection in appearance while God desires relationship. God gives those who love and walk with Him grace to cover their imperfections yet expects them to live holy lives that give Him glory and honor (Ephesians 2:8-10, 1 John 1:3-9). Although God expects obedience to Him and His Word, He wants our hearts to love Him and desire a relationship with Him each day. The heart of every Christian should be to have a relationship with God. As a Christian, a person is to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Christians are to be lamps that burn light reflecting an active relationship with God. It is the job of faithful Christians to keep their lamps burning continually by studying the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15), praying (Ephesians 6:18), being faithful and active within the local church (Hebrews 10:25), and following the commandments of Jesus (John 14:15). If a Christian has a religious heart that lamp will burn for a while and then will go out due to not being continually refilled by God. Christians should not be religious but have sincere love for God creating a true love for one another (1 Peter 1:22). Sincere love does not present hypocrisy or a façade but a genuine relationship. May Christians not be religious any longer but know, serve, and love God with all that is within them (Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27, Deuteronomy 6:5). For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
The word consistent is defined as marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuity. It also means free from variation or contradiction. This word should describe Christians throughout generations, especially in these last days. Just as Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, Christians should not change by compromising the things of God or their holy living (Hebrews 13:8). One of the only things that should change for a Christian is laying aside weights and sins that hinder their race for God (Hebrews 12:1). In these last days there are so many things that not only change but change rapidly and drastically. Sadly, there are Christians who declare a love for God yet they follow every wind of doctrine or new church trend that proves to be a fad. The Apostle Paul warns about trends and fads that take the focus off of Jesus Christ and the perfecting holiness that Christians are to work on within their lives (Ephesians 4:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1). Paul even calls them the sleight of men, cunning craftiness, and deception (Ephesians 4:14). Why would the Apostle Paul have to warn against such things? Because Paul knew, by the Holy Spirit, there were not only people in his day but in times to come that Christians would not be consistent in the things of God but chase after various things or changes to stay fresh. If people are lured in by something to get them inside, that establishment must keep changing the bait to keep those people there. If something is going to be presented, why not display the truth of the Gospel that is consistent and gives light, life, and freedom (Psalm 119:105; John 5:24; John 8:32)? Christians are supposed to be steadfast, unmoveable, and consistent in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). One of the reasons Christians are to be consistent is being like God Who has no variation but is consistent (James 1:17). God even said Himself that He does not change (Malachi 3:6). God is not a man that He should lie or change His mind, so He fulfills His Word (Numbers 23:19). The best method for Christians to be like God is to study His Word and act upon it. The Word of God was breathed out by God to help in teaching, conviction of sin, correction of error, and discipline in obedience to help God’s people live holy and conform to God’s will in their thoughts, purpose, and actions (2 Timothy 3:16). Once God’s people change to His Word they should be consistent to the guidelines of living found in the Bible and not compromise their walk with God. Too many times the only consistency found in the last days is the changing of mind or trend to fit what is popular. The last days are here now and God’s people need to be consistent in not only living the Word to walk with God for themselves but also being living epistles before others. Having such testimony will prove how real God is by His people committing to Him faithfully. In general, people do not fully commit themselves to other people or things that are always changing. People do commit to things and people that are true and consistent. A Christian’s consistency in living holy, pure, and in right standing with God will prove that Christian’s love and faithfulness to God. In the ever-changing world of these last days, may Christians be part of the consistency found in representing God and His Word. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
As previously discussed, throughout Christianity there have been many who allow various things or people to hinder their race of life, but especially their running with Jesus as their Savior. Hebrews 12:1 states, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us”. At first glance, this verse encourages getting rid of everything that would keep one from running a race for God, but the depth of meaning can be easily overlooked if not studied. When a Christian allows these weights and sins to make them stand still or go backward, they are forfeiting the things God has for them and possibly their entire race. Sin is defined as acting upon desires that are an offense to God by violating His Word. In the life of every Christian, the Holy Spirit should guide them in the direction God has for them (Galatians 5:16). The sinful nature of the flesh desires to do the opposite of what the Holy Spirit wants which causes opposition within each person (Galatians 5:17). When sin wins the person is hindered by not only the separation from God until repentance takes place but also the weights of that sin that now hinder that person. A true love for God causes a Christian to not be under the weight of the Mosaic Law because the point of view does not see the Word of God as a burden but as a guideline enforced by the Holy Spirit through conviction to holy living (Galatians 5:18). Jesus said, “For My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). This displays there is still something of God to be carried but a heart for God understands the commandments of God are to benefit those who submit to Jesus Christ and His Word (Leviticus 26:3; John 14:15). The goal of weights and sins is to hinder every Christian who does not lay them aside. Here are Bible verses that display that those who participate in these sins will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 lists sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery/manipulation, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, and wild parties. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 lists sexual sins, idolatry, adultery, prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusive people, and cheaters. 1 Timothy 1:9-11 lists lawless and rebellious people, ungodly and sinful people, those who defile what is holy, murderers, sexually immoral people, homosexuals, slave traders, liars, promise breakers, and those who contradict the wholesome teaching that comes from God. This list is not exhaustive but can be a resource to start laying aside sin hindering a person from running their race for God. When a person knows the right thing to do and does not do it the Bible says that is sin (James 4:17). Sin is not obeying God’s Word (1 John 3:4). The Word of God is designed to lead people in a relationship with God by understanding what He sees as right and wrong (1 Timothy 1:5). Those who love God will write His Word on their heart and not neglect it (1 Timothy 1:6). The answer to sin is to repent of sins so they are blotted out allowing that person to be in right-standing with God (Acts 3:19). May Christians everywhere lay aside sin and obtain victory through Jesus Christ. For more information about Abundant Grace Church visit agcsparta.org.
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AuthorCaleb Andrews Archives
September 2024
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