Faith/Identity
Gods identity is not determined by my faith, but my identity is determined by his faith, his faith is flawless and perfect #selah
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Are you qualified to represent Jesus?
Are you qualified to represent Jesus? This is a valid question. Many of us probably have asked ourselves that before. Let’s look at Paul. Was Paul qualified? Well considering he wrote a good chunk of the New Testament I wouldn’t hesitate to say YES. Paul was commissioned. Look at the first verse in many of the books in the NT.
Ephesians 1:1 (TMT )
Paul, employed by the delightful resolve of God and commissioned tobrepresent Jesus Christ to the saints…..
I’m going to ask you the reader a question:
Have you ever killed anyone? How about have youvever killed lots of people?
Paul did, he was a zealous murderer.
Acts 26:10-11 NLT
Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.
How big are your sins? There is ni difference between a lie or murder, both are sin and God looks at his followers, his sons and daughters as spotless and shining pure.
2 Corinthians 3 : 18
The days of window-shopping are over! In him every face is unveiled. In gazing with wonder at the blueprint likeness of God displayed in human form we suddenly realize that we are looking at ourselves! Every feature of his image is mirrored on us! This is the most radical transformation engineered by the Spirit of the Lord; we are lead from an inferior mind-set to the revealed endorsement of our authentic identity. Mankind in His glory!
Paul had a transforming moment and we have had that same transformation made available to us via Christ on the cross.
Romans 5:16 NLT
And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.
It is time to shead the guilt, shame, and condemnation. You are qualified in him. Yoi don’t have to be accredidated by man. You don’t have to have attained somw certain level in your Christian walk. The mere fact that yiu are walking in Christ is your accreditation and your qualification. He is looking for open and willing hearts.
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Not the Best but…
I have been reading a book by Andrew Farley titled God without religion can it really be the simple. He poses a statement to the effect; I’m not good at religion and I’m a weak Christian. This is probably true for most of us. I definitely fit the category. I have sinned and more than likely it (sin) will probably pop up again. Whether that sin is lieing, , cheating, murder, swearing, etc. it really doesn’t matter what the sin is. There is no scale saying once sin is greater than another. Sin is sin…
My God has grace and forgiveness enough for all of us.
Just saying
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Old Time Religion
I heard a reference to that gospel song “Old Time Religion” and I started to think. Nah, I really don’t want that old time religion. I really in all my life known what pure Christianity really is. I have just lately gotten a glimpse of what I believe to be Christianity is supposed to be.
I’m pushing the 40 + mark right now and I’m looking back at what my impact or how I’ve tried impact those around me. Looking at your spiritual roots can sometimes be a little bit painful. They say we learn by trial and error, and sometimes I feel there’s more error the trial. About 12 years ago I move to Kansas City and took a job teaching at Dominion Christian school. I have the privilege of teaching really bright kids. Many of them have moved on to some really awesome ministry in everything from music, preaching, sports, etc.
One of the classes that I taught was the homeroom Bible class. I often wonder how effective I really was and what my motives we’re. There was one studeny who often said “Oh no, it’s time for one of Mister K’s guilt trips.” I look back and my paradigm was probably one of outside appearance and works.
I have recently been spiritually challenged and with that some blinders have been removed. I was bound up in a works mentality. I was a slave to a set of laws.
Romans 8:15 (TMT) Slavery is such a poor substitute for sonship! They are opposites; the one leads forcefully through fear while friendship responds fondly to Abba Father.
I was moving in a spirit of “look what I can do. ” There’s the Marys and the Marthas, I was a Martha. I moved as a servant not a son.
Luke 10:41-42 NLT
But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Jesus blatantly said Mary chose the better. There has to be a balance as sitting at his feet or gazing on Jesus and getting things to happen. How much easier would it be to move out of passion then self will. The DIY attitude works when you are building a deck but in the spiritual world I now know He can do it much better than I could ever do. I worked and pressured change out of guilt and condemnation. Many of my students were striving to change out of will power. I’ve been a part of The International House of Prayer and one of the things stressed there is time spent worshipping and gazing as it were on Jesus will turn you from a Martha to a Mary.
Romans 6:11 “…Calculate the cross; there can only logical solution: he died for your death; that means you died unto sin, and now are alive unto God. Sin-consciousness can never again feature in your future. You are in Christ Jesus; his Lordship is the authority of this union.
His death on the cross brought the New Covenant (Grace) into the equation and wiped out mans reliance on the Law.
James 2:10 If you the standard of the law in just one aspect of it you failed entirely.
Jesus wiped out that old time religion. The law to me is thst old time religion. When I heard the words old time religion I conjure up pictures of fire and brimstone preachers who point that gnarled finger in your face yelling “Repent! ” This is a form of Christianity that to me leaves much to be desired. I do not want to spend my life trying to achieve some level of acceptance that is based on guilt and condemnation God. I love the fact that I now know there is a God who sees me as blameless now. He exudes grace. He knows me and likes me anyway.
No old time religion (law) for me.
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Jason Upton (re-blog)
Love this! I remember when the album came out, I listened over and over. I’ve talked with William C hr verified it for me.
The video about is an amazing testimony of an angel singing with Jason Upton. One of his band members shares about the night. If you have never heard of Jason Upton, he is a very talented singer and song writer. You can check out his music in iTunes. The story goes that while Jason was warming up for a concert at a college auditorium in Alexandria, Louisiana a 12-foot angel joined in! Lucky for us the recording equipment was on for sound check and captured the whole thing. I realize this may sound fake so check it out for yourself. Below is the recording. Keep in mind that Jason was the only one on stage – no else was singing with him.
I adore this song. I recommend listening to it with headphones and eyes closed.
It’s a great one to listen to when you can’t fall asleep or you…
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Question about Mirrors leads to Grace and Identity
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I posed a question on Facebook, Twitter,and WordPress last night asking a simple question, “What is a mirror and what does it do?” Below are some of the responses. Some of the replies were humorous to philosophical. But I received the basic response I was expecting.According to Merriams-Webster Dictionary:Mirror:
1: a polished or smooth surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection2a : something that gives a true representationb : an exemplary model
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A mirror is an object that reflects light or sound in a way that preserves much of its original quality subsequent to its contact with the mirror, Mirrors are commonly used for personal grooming or admiring oneself -
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A mirrors tell you the truth
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A mirror is a vehicle carrier (for sociology folks) it lets one see what they want to see about self and immediate surrounding
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A mirror is a portal into a magical realm, where my physical self manifests properties that are deemed “attractive” to “ladies” and I have the uncanny ability to talk to people without any regard to my inhibitions…and brush my teeth into my magical toothbrush/microphone.
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Mirrors: An image reflective device. What they do: Reflect back what they see.
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A mirror is a man made object to show a reflection. It’s also what John said a portal to another dimension.
A mirror can be used for for different purposes but in fact it is usually a piece of glass with a reflective coating which is used to show an exact reflection of the image of whatever is in front of it. (We are leaving the side show carnival mirrors out of this blog for now)2 Corinthians 3:18 (The Mirror Translation)The days of window-shopping are over! In him every face is unveiled. in gazing at the blueprint likeness of God displayed in human form we suddenly realize that we are looking at ourselves! Every feature of his image is mirrored in us! This is the most radical transformation engineered by the Spirit of the Lord; we are led from an inferior mind-set to the revealed endorsement of our authentic identity . Man Kind is His glory!2 Corinthians 3:18 (Amplified Bible)
And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit
I have read this verse over and over for the past umpteen plus years and never have I put much thought into it. If you look at my previous blogs over the past month you will see that I have been digging into the book of Romans. It has been eye opening. I have spent hours contemplating the cross and grace. I have come to realize I and most Christians I’ve ever known think they are living under the New Covenant when in fact when in reality its most are living in a mix of the Old Covenant (the Law) and the New Covenant (Grace). It is impossible to be in both. you either live under the Law and attain through will power the ability to keep the 10 Commandments and the 600+ minor laws, or you live under the New Covenant and grace. It is one or the other. Jesus paid my spiritual mortgage 2000 years prior to me taking my first breath. He knew me before I was conceived and was waiting enthusiastically for me to be here.
I’m seeing the mirror as a two way street we see ourselves in Christ and he sees him in us, a mirror sees the present time and not the future or past. God is in us now we are blameless and innocent as he took care of my sin issues on the cross 2000 years ago.the ramifications of the cross when realized by the believer radically change ones paradigm. We look into the mirror and see what God sees. He sees us free of sin free of condemnation perfect before him. The vice versa is in effect as well, if he sees that, that is the spiritual reality the mirror should produce for us as well. I don’t have all the words to express this perfectly at this point but the revelation of the two sides the two perceptions of the mirror are liberating. There is now no condemnation I do not have to strive to come to my father. It’s unconditional acceptance. The mere thought of this draws me in to want more of him. This in not some sloppy grace fest. There are some groups out there that take shots at what they term the hyper grace message because they say it licenses the christian to sin. It’s the exact opposite the grace pulls you in to want more. He made man to relate to him on a personal basis. Prior to the fall (Adam), Adam walked and talked with God. The cross brought us back to right standing. a hard reset was done bringing back our original identity and redeemed innocence. He payed my spiritual mortgage.
The ramifications of the cross and what was done for me there are life changing. The realization that grace was poured out unconditionally and I now no longer am bound by the law. I am not bound up with a DIY mindset (work in progress) is freeing. 99% of my Christianity has been based on attaining a level of acceptance that is impossible. A DIY mentality is crippling to a spiritual walk. The epiphany of “looking into th mirror” has been radical to say the least. Not only do we see a reflection of Christ in the mirror but He also sees his reflection in us. Mirrors see the present, not the past or future. He sees me sinless blameless now regardless of how I feel about me. Grace was a total gift. The cross or what was accomplished at the cross should be freeing to anyone who gets it. The realization or understanding that he died and our sin nature died at that moment and our original identity of redeemed innocence was in place 2000 years ago… Woo Hoooooo! HE REALLY REALLY LIKES ME!
Romans 1:17 AMP
For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.
Romans 1:17 TMT
Herein lies the secret of the power of the Gospel; There is no good news in it till the righteousness of of God is revealed. The dynamic of the Gospel is the revelation of God’s faith as the only valid basis for our belief. The prophets wrote in advance about the fact that God believes that righteousness unveils the life that he had in mind for us. “Righteousness by his (God’s) defines life.”
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I’m Trading My Sorrows, Jeremy Camp
Replace trading with the word traded
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Starts with a Question: What are mirrors and what do they do?
What are mirrors and what do they do?
I’m going to leave it at that for now please comment and help mein this discussion to follow.
More to come. ….
Please answer the question above in th comments.
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A new found fondness for @DuckDynastyAE
I don’t watch as much TV as I used to. I avoid the prime time sitcoms like the plague. However I have gound shows von. A&E, the Discovery Channel, and the History Channel. I’ve watched Duck Dynasty with mixed reactions. After watching the clip below I have a renewed respect for the show. I’m going to let the clip speak fir itself.
“I am the MacGyver of cooking. If you bring me a piece of bread, cabbage, coconut, mustard greens, pigs feet, pine cones…and a woodpecker, I’ll make you a good chicken pot pie.” — Si Roberson
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Galations the VS.’s
In Galations Paul contrasts the mans fall through Adam and the redeemed innocence that Jesus brought through his obedience and death on the cross.
These contrasts spotlight the importance of the cross. I’ve posted on this subject before but it is vital to the life of the believer. It brings me into a total paradigm shift. I see the world differently because of this grace revelation.
Galations 1:6 (The Mirror Translation)
I am amazed that you can so easily be fooled into swapping the Gospel for a gimmick! The Gospel reveals the integrity of your original identity rescued in Christ; the gimmick is a conglomeration of grace and legalism. A mixture boils down to a do-it-yourself plan to salvation. 7. There is no other Gospel in spite of the so many so-called Christian priducts branded “gospel.” If any hint of the law remains, it is not good news but merely religious people’s ideas, detracting from the Gospel of Christ….. 9. Let me blatant and clear about this: any gospel that does not emphasize the success of the cross is a counterfeit and produces nothing but the curse.
At the cross we were crucified with Christ, past tense! Do you understand the ramifications? I’m a bit foggy on it myself but it is starting to sink in the more I meditate and marinate in it. Its one or the other its either we fall under the Law or we fall under Grace. There is no fence sitting no taking some law and some grace. Paul states it pretty clear, using words like blatant and he even tells you which side of the fence to land on…GRACE!
The law implies or is founded on a DIY (do-it-yourself) mentality. If we could attain righteousness on our own works Christ would not have been sent down to walk as a man, submitting himself to all the temptations, and taking those sins (blameless and innocent as he was) for us. In a DIY world we wouldn’t need grace. And again we can’t mix the Law and the grace message no more than we allow ourselves to continue to live a life seeking out sinful lifestyles. I choose to live in faith. I choose grace. I know fromy previous history I can’t depend on myself to keep afloat in this world filled with temptations.
Law (vs) Grace
Flesh (vs) Spirit
Works (vs) Faith
I want to live I grace not under the Law, I couldn’t do it!
I don’t want to wallow in the flesh when I could soar in the spirit. I think of William Wallace in Brave Heart declaring FREEDOM!
I couldn’t work enough to gain a level of goodness, that’s not how it works. The pharasees tried and were labeled white washed seplacurs. I chose faith.
Kilen's Spot 