Writing articles for the paper for over a year now, the question arose has it been established who this author is and what this church is about? Abundant Grace Church is a Bible-believing (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 4:12), tongue-talking (1 Corinthians 14:39; 1 Corinthians 14:2; Acts 10:46), non-denominational, book of Acts church that is a training facility and forward operating base for the army of God to impact the world. Our church is located at 740 Crosslin Street in Sparta, TN. For those unfamiliar with Crosslin Street, it is off Highway 111, connecting to Walker Cove Road (near Huddle House). Our church mission statement is to lead people to experience and enjoy life now, not just for the life to come through the victory given to the soldiers of the cross. Abundant Grace Church is committed to ministering the life of God to those who are bound to addictions, oppressed with sickness, winning the lost to Jesus Christ, and equipping the saints of God through preaching and teaching the reality of the redemptive work and purpose of Jesus Christ. To also develop and present the life of God in character and conduct through trained disciples and leaders who reflect the love of God. As previously stated, our church is a Word church. Studying and applying the Word of God is the key to discipleship, salvation, and victory through Christ Jesus. Not only does Abundant Grace Church read the Word of God, but study the Word into the deeper context and definitions of what is being stated throughout all of the Word. For those that may have heard in years past, there are no snakes anywhere on the premises unless they are outside hiding. Hopefully, each reader can detect the humor in the previous statement. Our church endeavors to live holy and clean but display the joy and fun that Christians should have while living on the earth as examples of the transformation that can take place when allowing God to be the center of one’s life. We are not a social club but a church family that worships and serves God together while taking the Word of God to our community. That has been the driving factor for the articles from this church and ministry is to see the Word of God go forth in every avenue across this region and do our part to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15). The pastor of Abundant Grace Church is Caleb Andrews. I was born again at the age of 6 and grew up serving in denominational churches (one of the many reasons I enjoy fellowshipping with various denominations and Christians no matter their background) and answered the call to preach in 2006. A veteran having served in Afghanistan and having been stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Fort Polk, Louisiana, created a major training ground for understanding the spiritual warfare aspects of the Bible. Being led by God my family and I moved back to Tennessee to serve under our pastor, Pastor Chris McMichael in Cookeville and were sent out to pastor at Abundant Grace Church in Sparta in 2021. For more information about Abundant Grace Church or Pastor Caleb visit agcsparta.org. The church and I would enjoy you coming to worship God and learn more about His Word with us. Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m., Sunday service at 10:30 a.m., Sunday PM service at 6:00 p.m., and Thursday PM service at 6:30 p.m. We hope to see you there.
There are foundational doctrines of Christianity that some Christians choose to either show little regard to or reject completely (Hebrews 6:1-2). One of these foundational doctrines is eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:2). Although some people, whether Christian or not, desire to ignore this doctrine to live as they please with no judgment they are biblically incorrect (Acts 24:25). God’s judgment is without partiality, righteous, and just but is based on every person’s work of their lives as a Christian serving the kingdom of God or an unbeliever working for the kingdom of Satan (Acts 17:31). While even some Christians think there is no accountability for their wrongs since they believe in Jesus Christ they are not sound in their biblical views but must appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). Every Christian's goal should be to please God as their Father, Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and be led by the Holy Spirit. For Christians who hold onto no judgment for those who believe (John 3:18) the picture of Jesus’ topic is judgment regarding salvation. The Greek in this verse paints the picture of receiving no rejection or condemnation for desiring salvation through Jesus while those who refuse Him are already judged because of their separation from God unless they repent. Every Christian will stand before Jesus Christ to be judged for how they lived their life as a Christian (Romans 14:10,12). With this judgment, there are rewards for those who are true Christians in the kingdom of God to rule with Christ because they were judged as faithful (Revelation 2:26-27). One may ask, “What do you mean by true Christian”? Some declare with their mouth they love and serve God but with their life they choose to serve themselves, their natural life, their job, their hobbies, or their favorite sins (Matthew 15:8, Isaiah 29:13). Only those who are found faithful and true to the kingdom of God will be established as a ruler after the judgment (Matthew 25:23, Matthew 13:43). Just as God will judge the Christians He will also judge sinners who have rejected Jesus Christ and His Word (John 12:48). Those that are not born again by salvation through Jesus Christ will face the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). This judgment includes the word dead meaning the spiritually dead but also includes the physically dead as well. Due to not knowing Jesus Christ as their savior these dead have books that are opened to judge them according to their deeds or works of their lives (Revelation 20:12-13). Even Jesus discusses this situation when describing the wicked being gathered and burned in judgment (Matthew 13:40-42). This describes those rejecting the truth of God going to Hell because they have rejected the salvation God has to offer to everyone. When Jesus first came to the earth He dealt with sin as a burden that had dominion over people and He was not the judge but a Savior (John 3:16-17, Hebrews 9:28). Jesus’ next appearing, which is different from His second coming (Zechariah 14:3-4, Revelation 19:11-16), will bring salvation to those waiting for Him (Hebrews 9:28, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:50-54). All of these verses discussed display the importance of the coming judgment and for people everywhere to be born again through Jesus Christ, serve God with all that is within them, and have a true relationship with God all the days of their lives.
Walking with God should create reverence and respect within every Christian. One sign of spiritual maturity is not needing the assistance of substances to live life. Substances are defined as something deemed harmful and usually subject to a legal restriction (Merriam-Webster dictionary). Examples of such substances can be but are not limited to alcohol, drugs, etc. These substances create a dependency within the mind and chemical makeup of each user. Some Christians like to use Jesus’ first miracle to excuse their sinful habit (John 2:9) but a lack of knowledge of the customs of those days and the modern technology of today destroy the ability to see the full picture without studying. Lacking methods of refrigeration led juice to become fermented. With this fermentation, the custom of adding water prevented the full effects of alcohol as known today. People focus on the wine rather than the display of Jesus’ deity. Alcohol is a mocker, causes issues, and those that use such substances are deceived (Proverbs 20:1). The spiritual enemies of God and Christians like to mock anyone deceived turning to such substances. Anyone who uses these substances becomes the subject of mockery, issues, and deception. Alcohol is like the venom of serpents and the deadly poison of cobras (Deuteronomy 32:33). Once this poison bites its victims life begins to leave that person as the wages of sin begin to take over (Romans 6:23). Some may say, “I’ve been drinking for years and I’m fine” while they have wasted money, time, and life on such an activity that robs them of family and memories. These memories could be lost due to a loss of memory, being drunk, or missing time with family that will never be regained. Sadly, some people, especially some Christians, have become the victims of substances because they lack knowledge regarding what God’s Word says about this subject while other Christians choose to ignore God’s Word regarding this subject (Hosea 4:6). While some Christians may argue the Bible says to drink a little wine for your stomach’s sake (1 Timothy 5:23), Paul was helping Timothy to use this as medicine for stomach issues. One minister has even pointed out the word little, not excess. In this modern time science has given people medicine for many ailments so alcohol is not needed as in Bible times. Another Christian may quote Philippians 4:5 let your moderation be known unto all men. This person would reflect to not have studied this verse but only taking it out of context to use it for their sinful pleasure. The Greek of this verse would say, “Let your gentle spirit, graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience (moderation) be known to all people” (Philippians 4:5). A dependency on alcohol can start with even one drink (Isaiah 5:11). Those that participate with such a substance will also not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10). The Apostle Paul even writes for Christians to not fellowship with drunkards (1 Corinthians 5:11). Does this mean Christians cannot witness or evangelize those who participate in these activities? No, all people need Jesus and the salvation that is found through Him (2 Peter 3:9). No matter what sins a person commits everyone needs Jesus to get to Heaven. Every person must humble themselves before God (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:6), repent of their sins (Luke 13:3; 1 John 1:9), walk with God (James 4:8; Galatians 5:16), and perfect holiness (Matthew 3:8; 2 Corinthians 7:1) while walking through life to get to Heaven. May Christians find substance in God and not make substances their god.
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AuthorCaleb Andrews Archives
September 2024
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