Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

This verse has always been a favorite for us old married guys to communicate the love we have for our wives . I don't know about the rest of you guys out there in bloggerland, but I have said it more than once to my bride, my best friend in this world, the love of my life, that I would gladly give my life for hers. In the days ahead, I will be in the position to make good on that statement. My wife of 20 years has been diagnosed to be in end stage renal failure (kidney failure) from the result of PKD (polycystic kidney disease). Hopefully I will test out as a match for the transplant procedure so we can get the ball rolling.

I feel pretty confident that YOU would do the same for your wife if placed in this position. How about your enemy or enemies? Would you be willing to give your worst enemy an organ transplant? Would you lay down your life for the person that has gone against everything you stand for? Would you regard their life above your own?

In the Old Testament book of John, our Lord and savior Jesus Christ made this statement....

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. I would imagine alot of you can quote that verse. But do we fit in the audience in that passage? Were we the friends for which Jesus willing laid down His life for? In the same OT book of John chapter one, John tells us.... John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. Jesus came to His own, The Jewish people, the nation Israel. Paul confirms this in ..

Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: In these two passages, it is clear, Jesus laid down His life for His own, the nation Israel which is the circumcision. Hey what about us?

The Apostle Paul, beginning in Acts 9, was given contrary information to that which was given to the nation Israel. Contrary does not mean it is a mistake, it just means it is different. For example, when you come to a traffic signal, one person has the green light, the other person has the red light, both the red and the green lights are correct, but they are contrary one to another. Different information given to different audiences. The Apostle Paul was given information that was never given to anyone, anywhere, anytime. It was kept secret since the world began.

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

This information is what constitutes what is referred to as the "revelation of the mystery", the Gospel of the Grace of God. Within this body of data, Paul tells us in .....

Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Did you see that? While we were yet enemies, Christ died for us.

John 15:13, Greater love ...Christ died for His friends.......Romans 5:10....Christ died for His enemies. Obviously, we have the greatest love now...Christ died for us while were yet His enemies. The Gospel given to Paul by revelation from the risen Lord Jesus Christ cannot be found in any other writings other than that given to Paul for us in this present dispensation of the Grace of God wherein Paul was made the minister, teacher, and apostle to the gentiles. The Lord Jesus Christ told the little flock of Israel...

John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me....

But only through the body of information given to the Apostle Paul can we find...

Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

The Gospel that saves our never dying soul cannot be found in Genesis thru Malachi, nor in the OT books of Mathew, Mark, Luke or John. Not in Acts chapter one thru chapter 8. The Gospel of the Grace of God was given to only one man, that being the Apostle Paul beginning in Acts chapter 9....the unsearchable riches of Christ.

I urge you, beseech you, dig in, be the workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly divide the word of truth. We aren't Israel in any form, Israel has stumbled, and are blinded, and have no standing...we are the new creation, the church which is His body. Salvation for us today is only on the merits of Christ's death, burial and resurrection alone. By grace, through faith in His finished work. The unsearchable riches of Christ! That is why I have named this Blogspot what I have. 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

The next time you begin to boast about loving folks, loving each other, or discussing the topic of love, keep in mind the greatest love of all time...

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Kumbayah UPDATE!!!!...or...You got some splaining to do!!!

The author/Pastor of the original blog post entitled "Spiritual Gifts" I don't want has made a retraction...or has he? This one will leave you scratching your head. He states in his latest post that some misunderstood or mischaracterized the post, while at the same time, some yet and still agreed. I completely agree with that insomuch as I received numerous emails myself on my post in response to his blog. Many defended the author/Pastor and at the same time, many agreed with my response. The responses defending the author/Pastor were defending him on a personal basis disregarding his statements made in the original post published on his blog.. The responses agreeing with my position did so on the basis of the content of the original post. Here is where it gets a little weird.

Wouldn't you think a former blog post or statement made that caused so much discussion, dialogue and questioning would merit some clarification? If it was so misunderstood and mischaracterized by some, wouldn't it be a good idea to make it clear to the readers your original intent being that you take the time to explain what has occurred? What a concept!...Well, not going to happen. At this point, I wonder who actually understood the author's intent being there seems to be no further explanation. The author/Pastor of the blog post goes on to say in order to understand it fully, we need to know the context. Huh? Didn't we get the whole post?..or is there more we needed to make a proper assessment?

Since some seemed to agree with the post, doesn't that make their view moot since they also did not have the context needed to fully understand the message the author intended? Did we need to see the author's facial expressions to know what he actually intended to say? Did we also need to hear the author's voice to know the intent of the post? Are all of these elements necessary to comprehend the writings in a blog post, email, text message or any other form of written communication? If the manuscript lacked information needed to grasp the author's intent, that begs the question, why? Or is it just second thoughts now that the cat is out of the bag? Maybe it was not a well thought out post and this is a way to explain away what was said?

Five paragraphs into the explanation of the former blog post , there is yet to be a hint of clarification of this misunderstood post, only that we did not understand what he meant to say. I have an idea....Just say it then. In the immortal words of Ricky Ricardo..."you got some splaining to do"....don't ya think?

The Pastor goes on to compare his post with Bible studies that ask the question..."what do you think" rather than what was the author trying to communicate . Honestly, I've never heard of Bible studies that ask my two cents, it is always based upon believing the written word of God as it stands, no spin zone, allowing the Bible to say what it says to whom it says it...what a concept!.

Analogies, parables, alagories are always identified as such in the scriptures, all other scripture should be taken literally. Was the post "Spiritual Gifts" I don't want written as alagories? were they parabolic? or should they be read in the literal sense? They were not identified in any sense to be other than literal.

The Pastor goes on to compare the mischaracterization and misunderstanding over his post to the same problem people encounter when reading their Bibles. I just can't make that comparison in any way shape or form. The God that inspired the written word had His words written exactly as He meant to have them written with out as much as one mistake in them. The author of the Bible instructs us how to read and study it correctly, and it demands us to believe His words in order for them to work effectually. Reading a blog , text, email, or whatever requires no such thing. What ever is written in a blog, text, email is the full content with no other reference point in which to compare. The audience has been determined, the words are written, we read them, we process them, should we not believe them as they are written? or do we need to put a spin on them? Now that's where folks go wrong in Bible study. Instead of allowing the Bible to say what it says to whom it says it, they always find a way to fit themselves into the audience being spoken to which is an egregious error to say the least.

Since so many have misunderstood all the information provided in the original blog post, and so many have mishandled what the author's intent was meant to be, how about a new post clarifying the so plainly written statements throughout the entire post entitled "Spiritual Gifts" I don't want? Wouldn't it follow as the night to day that would be a logical next step in clearing up the original controversy? Now, let me be clear here in saying this. If you do not understand what is being discussed here ,it is because you need to read it in context....lol....seriously, you would have to read this in conjunction with the former "Kumbayah" posts to have the entire dialogue then you can also say....Lucy!, you got some splaining to do!!

What the Gospel Aint!!

Are you here today by divine appointment? You did not know it but God has you here today for this very moment. Glory to God!! Has God been tugging on your heartstrings ? God is speaking to you right now if you would only listen to Him. Hallelujah!!! The Lord told us in 2 Chronicles 7:14 .If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Glory!!! Here is what you do. You get up out of that pew right now and come down front and do business with the Lord....Bless God!!! He is here waiting , won't you come?

Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart right now, Praise Jesus!!! He said in Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me...Jesus is speaking to YOU right now !!..Glory to God!!!.are you gonna open that door and let Jesus in right now?

We have people up here to pray you through right now. Bless God, Hallelujah!! Pray that sinner's prayer ...oh God, be merciful unto me a sinner! Ask Jesus to come into your heart and make Him Lord of your life!!.. Won't ya come?...

Let's sing another chorus of "Just as I AM" while these folks do business with God. Maybe you followed Jesus one time but you lost your way. Maybe it was when you were a child. Praise the Lord!! Maybe you just lost your love for God for some reason.. Maybe you lost your job, your wife, your husband, your dog, whatever it was,,,God wants to give it back...Jesus said....John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.....All you gotta do is give it to God!!! .Glory to God!!!

Did you do it? Did you repent of your sins and pray the prayer? Did you make Jesus the Lord of your life? God is gonna bless you for answering His call...Amen Amen Amen and Hostillashundai!!! (if you are a pentecostal tongue babbling con artist). Now you need to obey the Lord and be water baptized in the believer's baptism like Jesus did.........

How did I do? Did any of that sound familiar? Is that somewhat the method in which you "came to know the Lord"? Is this similar to the way you profess to be saved? Sadly, it probably is. If you want to have a little fun, ask people that claim to be Christian, a Jesus follower, Jesus chaser, or whatever name they call themselves, "how is it a soul is saved" and then just sit back and listen. You will be stunned at the responses you will get. It is very telling of their understanding of what salvation is and how it is secured. I know firsthand, about 1 in 10 can actually give a somewhat clear presentation of the Gospel and even then, they mix it in with some of the baloney I demonstrated in the above rant.

If you haven't noticed, the cross was never mentioned in the example of the typical "altar call" posted earlier. Not only was the cross not there, neither was the death, burial or resurrection of Christ. But it sure sounded compelling didn't it? It is pure crowd manipulation technique being implemented in almost every pulpit in the world since about 1834 when Charles Grandison Finney used an "anxious bench" in which the unsaved would sit and be made a spectacle. It continues to this day in forms such as "raise your hand" or "come on down" (let's make a deal) if you want to know Jesus and the such. Hogwash! None of this activity constitutes the manner in which a soul is saved, contrariwise, it does it much harm. We can't blame ole Finney, should we blame the modern church machinery? Maybe. But at the end of the day, the buck stops at you.

Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

What are you trusting for the salvation of your soul? Where do you turn in the scriptures to present the Gospel that saves a never dying soul in this present dispensation of the Grace of God? It is an honor and a privilege to present the Gospel to an unsaved person and should be the mandate of every believer. We aren't here for any other reason than that of the ambassador for Christ presenting the Gospel , the word of reconciliation to the lost. God doesn't have us here to consume products and get involved in mindless social activities like global warming and picketing abortion clinics or the such. We are here for one purpose, to see souls saved and saints edified and be thankful in doing so.

If you want power in your ministry, it isn't in the rock band on the stage , nor the fog and haze machines, it's not in endless programs aimed at behavioral modification, nor is it involvement with pagan traditions such as filling plastic eggs with cheap candy to establish contact with folks so just maybe they will come back to the church meeting and just maybe they will want to hear about Jesus and just maybe they will "accept Jesus" into their life.....and the baloney continues.....So where is the power?

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

The power is in the Gospel of Christ!!!..what is the Gospel of Christ?

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

The power is in the preaching of the cross!!....what happened on the cross?

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1 Corinthians 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Christ died on the cross for OUR sins, was buried, and rose again the third day!!!!

Okay, now what do I do?..repent of my sins?..ask Jesus in my heart?,,,make Jesus Lord of my life?......

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

You believe the word of truth, the Gospel of YOUR salvation, you trust in Jesus for what He did, you are sealed with the holy Spirit of promise!!!!,,,,you are saved!!!

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

I follow Jesus....really????

It seems many people these days are making that statement, "I follow Jesus" or "I am a follower of Jesus", even going over the rainbow to see Dorothy and Toto saying "I am a Jesus chaser", as if Jesus is running to and fro and requires you to chase Him around. How goofy is that?. Surely, there are more cliches' being propogated in the marketplace of ideas but the ones I mentioned are prominent in the modern church planting movement.

Doesn't it sound so noble to be someone that wants to do what they perceive as the right thing and follow the instruction of our savior Jesus Christ while He was here in bodily form on the earth? This same group of people will also tell you they follow the Lord's example or obey His instruction siting the Old Testament books of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. Yes, I said Mathew Mark Luke and John are Old Testament, and that according to Hebrews 9:15-17 which declares that fact. Being a Bible believer is required to understand this truth and getting that correct will go a long way in your Bible understanding.

Let us now take a look at a few of the requirements to be a "Jesus follower" and ask yourself, "do I really follow Jesus"? Let's take a peek at what Jesus commanded His followers to obey, ready?....here we go!!!

In Mathew 5, the beginning of the "sermon on the mount", Jesus is giving His followers a to do list . He starts with the list of blessings "IF" they would perform correctly, then Jesus expounds the law program given to them (Israel) explaining if their righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. This could only be accomplished by keeping the 613 points of law. Do you keep all 613 points of law? The scribes and Pharisees were law keepers. How are you doing so far keeping the law? What would be greater then keeping the law to the jot and tittle? Jesus explains that by expanding it to include even thinking about a woman with lustful intentions as the same as committing the act. The same with anger being the same as murder and so on. Have you been to an "eye plucking" services lately? Didn't think so. How about hand removing revivals? Have you ever read Mathew 5? Let's say you haven't followed the Lord according to this passage so far, and I am positive you have not, here is your chance to redeem yourself. All you have to do is obey Mathew 5:42 by sending me a certified check for all you have in your bank account, also, let me borrow your car and I am not sure when and if I'll return it. Okay? Just send me an email and I will give you my mailing address.


Matthew 5:42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.


Did Jesus say that? You know He did so what are you Jesus chasers waiting for? Got your attention yet? If not, let's look at another command Jesus gave to them that would follow Him in the same Old Testament book of Mathew.


Matthew 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

That must be His followers, right?

Matthew 23:2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

There are those pesky scribes and Pharisees again in which your righteousness must exceed.

Matthew 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.



So, who is seated in Moses' seat now? Do you have a Rabbi? Are you observing what who ever is seated in Moses' bids you to do? Wouldn't that be a requirement for a "Jesus chaser"? Didn't Jesus mean what He said?. Are you keeping the law to the letter and also as Jesus expounded it in Mathew 5? Are you still following Jesus? You know this list could go on for quite awhile don't you? Let's look at a couple more, then you decide if the label "Jesus follower" fits what you are doing. Jesus commanded His followers to go to some people and not to some other people, did you know that? Here are 12 men to whom Jesus said "follow me" and look at what He commanded them.



Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Don't tell me you have disobeyed Jesus command by going to Gentiles. Didn't you know, you were only supposed to go to......

Matthew 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

What would Jesus do? Here are all these folks declaring themselves as "followers of Jesus" not following one point mentioned so far? I haven't even left the OT book of Mathew and have yet to find anyone that labels themselves as a "Jesus chaser" that is obeying these simple, easy to understand straight forward commands. What's up with that? O ye of little faith. speaking of which, let's see another passage.

Luke 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

This would be a good time to take the grocery list off the fridge or thinking about what and where you are going out to eat.

Luke 12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Are you in the "little faith" audience? If not, here is what you do. Pull all the blinds down in your house, strip down to your birthday suit, sit down at the dining room table and wait for God to clothe you and feed you. I am pretty sure it won't be long before you call Domino's since you probably have them on speed dial anyway. Sounds ridiculous doesn't it? Do you know what is even more ridiculous? Thinking these passages in any regard is directed toward you. Every single word in these verses are directed to one group of people, the nation Israel. Didn't God feed them manna in the wilderness? God will also feed them in the tribulation period as well as the Kingdom. Don't we have contrary instructions from the Apostle Paul admonishing us if we don't work, neither should we eat?

2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Now what? If I'm to eat, I should work for it, or, should I not worry about it because God is going to feed me and clothe me? Should I be keeping the law as Jesus commanded His followers? Or is the law weak and beggarly as Paul says and by going back to the law would be going back under a curse? Does Jesus want me to follow Him or follow the one He sent?

John 13:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Did Jesus send someone else for us to follow?

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

1 Timothy 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Looks like we have a pattern to follow...Paul.

Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Apparently the instructions have changed , we are to follow Paul. Not only are we to follow Paul, we are to identify them that do so. Are you marked? Are you following Paul as he follows the instruction given him by the risen Lord Jesus Christ? The only acceptable way to follow Christ today would be to follow the one He sent...the Apostle to the Gentiles for this present dispensation of the Grace of God.......Paul!

Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

Last one....aren't you glad? Let's see what Jesus told a young man who had a most important question.

Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

Good question huh? How to obtain eternal life. I am certain Jesus said.."believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" or "By grace ye are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God." let's see......

Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

Opps, I was wrong wasn't I? What else was I wrong about?

Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

Matthew 19:19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Are you getting the feeling that salvation is based upon my performance according to what Jesus told this fella? It doesn't end there, Jesus gave him MORE stuff to do.

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Better call the Carolina Bargain Trader as well as the Daily Reflector and fill up the classifieds with all thou hast. Then and only then does Jesus say....come and follow me. Are you keeping the law? Are you going only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel? Have you sold are your goodies and gave it to the poor? Are you fooling yourself ascribing to the title of "Jesus follower"? Wouldn't it be a better thing to follow the instruction He has for us in the "but now" dispensation of the Grace of God?....think about it.

Hey, it took me a while to get my head around this stuff too. It took in your face messages like these to get my attention in order for me dig in and be fully persuaded in my own mind. It requires exactly what Paul calls "rightly dividing the word of truth" which requires study. It's worth the work and is approved unto God. Instead of labeling yourself as a "Jesus follower" or anything else, let's be the workman that needeth not to be ashamed!

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Kumbayah....conclusion....

Let me wrap this thing up and press on.....the next "spiritual gift" the Pastor takes on is.....

The "Spiritual Gift" of Justifying
Those with this gift find any and every reason to explain away their thoughts, conclusions and behaviors without ever considering that maybe,just maybe, they should change them. If they're rude and disrespectful, it's ok, because they're just trying to share the truth and people don't like the truth. If they sin, there's always a good reason that makes it alright in that particular situation. They can never actually be accused of doing wrong because they know they're always right.

You may be getting a little tired of hearing this but it never gets old saying it....it's about the doctrine!. Are the "justifiers" operating in the ability to discern good and evil by the effectual working of the word resident in their inner man? Probably not. These are the individuals that need edification more so than maybe any of the other groups mentioned. A person's worthy walk will never be changed by any other method than the installation of the doctrine God has delivered through His word to the church, the body of Christ through the Apostle Paul to usward.

If someone is justifying their sinful activity, it should be absolutely clear they are not operating according to sound doctrine which requires someone stablished in the doctrine able to teach others also. Knowing the old man has been crucified and we are responsible for keeping him buried. We are all guilty at some point of this one. When I stumble, I know why and how to react rather than make excuses. I reckon myself dead indeed unto sin! and put on the new man.

As to the rude and disrespectful, that one needs clarification to deal with properly. Has someone interrupted a church service with some derogatory statements? I am not sure what the Pastor had in mind when he wrote that, so, let's move on to the next one,,,,

The "Spiritual Gift" of Discouragement
This is perhaps the most popular and prevalent of the gifts I don't want. People with this gift are always ready to give an answer to the hope that you have and it's usually in the form of why they couldn't or wouldn't and why you shouldn't do something. Want to reach out to the community in a creative way? Someone with this gift would say you shouldn't, maybe because it's not Biblical or it will cost too much or even just that they don't like it; anything to discourage you. They have the uncanny ability to manufacture reasons why things cannot be done, as well as supporting thoughts about all that would go wrong if you did do it. They find joy in others failures because it often provides the opportunity for them to say, "I told you so" while giving them a reference point for the next time they want to discourage you.
How frustrating and disappointing it is that people with these kinds of gifts are the ones that get the most attention in the church. They give us a bad name and give Christ a black-eye. And I'm sure there are others I missed. What are some of the "spiritual gifts" that you don't want?

I know this brother has a heart for the Lord and desires to do the right thing, don't we all? Seriously, who sets out to do the wrong thing knowing it is wrong? Like he states, the discouragers are in the church, always have been, always will be. So what is the reaction to their action? Ask them to leave? Tell them if you don't like it you can go somewhere else? If someone states what you are doing isn't Biblical, and may be a wise thing to listen to them. Aren't you walking on thin ice going beyond what has been set forth in the scriptures?

Look, I know it's not a walk in the park being a Pastor. It may just be the toughest job anyone could choose. It is a desire to do what you are doing. A desire based on motives. The motive must be established as one that has no other object of their affection than that of seeing souls saved and saints edifyed. That is something only the Pastor or anyone else must settle within themselves. One big problem I have noticed in my organized church experience is that everybody expects way way to much from the Pastor. Always have, and sadly, will always be. Remember, for over 1000 years the Roman stronghold on all things concerning faith?, it still exists along with the Papish mentallity. They don't realize what they are doing and it in many ways have just been instilled in their minds, so if you don't deliver for them, discontentment takes over.

Okay, I'm starting to ramble on getting off topic. Let me conclude with this statement. The Pastor who wrote the original blog is my brother in Christ. We are members one of another and members inparticular. I admire his courage for starting his assembly and apparently it is successful. My only desire for him is to get engaged in what Paul refers to as "my Gospel" and do as he told the saints in Ephesus "teach no other doctrine". It is that important. You cannot be saved today unless you trust the Gospel which Christ gave to Paul for usward. You cannot be saved today in the "red letters" but only by the information given to us through the Apostle Paul.. Christ sent Paul to declare the Gospel of the Grace of God. Christ sent Paul to be our pattern. Christ told Paul that if anyone preach any other Gospel, let him be accursed. Pauline doctrine is vital to getting your Bible right. We are exhorted to follow Paul as he follows Christ. Following Jesus today can only be accomplished by following the one He sent....Paul.

Kumbayah continued....

It has been suggested that I post the link to the entire post from the Pastor in order to read it in context, I have decided to put it here and respond to each of the "Spiritual Gifts" he doesn't seem interested in, even asking that you not to come to his church if you pocess one of these annoying attributes. So, let's get started...the original post begins with...

There are always going to be "those kind of people" and I know that. I think I've also identified a few of the "gifts" that make them so especially annoying and tough to tolerate and I've concluded that I don't want their "spiritual gifts" that they seem so intent on exercising in the church and for the supposed glory of God. People who have these "gifts" are constantly exercising them and putting them to "good use." In fact, they often don't recognize that they have these "gifts" and using them is natural and like second-nature. I hope you don't have any of these gifts, but if you do, I hope you stay far, far away from Discovery Church and also keep them hidden and unused at any church.

Are you okay with that? What kind of person would you not want to be in your church? As far as I can tell, there are only two kinds of people in the site of God. The saved members of His body, and those that need to be. If they are saved members, why wouldn't they be welcome?. If they are unsaved, don't they need to be there in order to hear a clear presentation of the Gospel whereby they can make the decision to believe and be saved ? or to reject the Gospel and remain unsaved? Either way, wouldn't it be a good idea to have the audience that requires edification or the audience that needs salvation? There must be another group of folks I am missing, oh yeah, it's "those kind of people". What are these amazing "Spiritual Gifts" that are so difficult to tolerate?...Let's get some insight on these "especially annoying" gifts.

The "Spiritual Gift" of 'Well I think..."
A person with this gift loves to share their thoughts, opinions and ideas with everyone. They always have a better way of doing things and can tell you story after story of how something isn't being done right. Of course they also have an acute understanding of why all these problem exists in the church, and of course, how they would fix it - and most sentences start with, "Well I think...." Thoughts are often devoid of any biblical wisdom but loaded with plenty of personal pride.

Well I think...just kidding!. This point can be looked at as a good one if you are active in an assembly that puts on a show week after week. People are responding and commenting with thoughts and opinions on what? the doctrine? the Bible translation? the plan of salvation? or is it something else? Are these thinkers coming to your assembly for edification or are they there to be entertained with some rock and roll Jesus music thinking they are doing God's will? It could well be the problem has much deeper roots stemming from the modern church machinery giving folks what they want rather than what they need. Since these thinker folks are often with the lack of "any Biblical wisdom" , it only follows as the night to day, they need to be where they can be stablished in right doctrine and NOT asked to stay away, or am I just being too critical? What do you think?

The "Spiritual Gift" of Criticism
These people can not sit through a service, attend any function or serve well in any ministry because they always see the glass as half empty. They look for every little thing that's wrong instead of celebrating the things that are right. They are constant initiators of disagreements and dissatisfaction because they often work behind the scenes pointing out all that's wrong without ever lifting a finger to fix it. They can do this up close, but they often choose to work from a distance, jump to conclusions and use limited knowledge. Their criticism is often communicated either anonymously or through emails, letter, blogs, wall posts or other impersonal means

How dare they!! These annoying intolerable folks just need to go somewhere else. Well of course they do. They need to go where the focus is not on "things" like haze and lights and jitterbug for Jesus music ( reminds me of another post a while back) but instead the focus is seeing souls saved and saints edifyed with the right doctrine from the right book, rightly divided of course, with the right heart. Instead of the importance to right doctrine being the focus, it has taken a back seat in this emerging church movement. The focus is all about the how instead of the what. The problem isn't the "gifted" people, it is the ungifted ministries. On the other hand, you better expect criticism, because you are going to get it. Use it to benefit yourself and the critical one. Criticism is a tool to gauge the effect you are having on folks. Could it be you aren't able to recieve it and deal with it in a proper manner? Am I? I certainly hope I've done my homework. The underlying factor could very well be you are dealing with an unsaved self sanctified church goer. So what is the problem?...they need to be saved before you in any way can expect them to grow. There are way too many unsaved folks sitting in churches and serving in ministries the way it is, time to change that don't you think?

I 'll end this here and pick it up where I left off. Let me add this statement in order to "Justify" myself here (You will get that lil joke when I continue in the next post). I have never met this Pastor personally and he may very well be the nicest guy you will ever meet. But, I am not dealing with personallity issues in any sense, it boils down to the doctrine. The importance or being on the same page with God as to where we go for our marching orders goes past our salvation and into all matters of faith and practice. This Pastor doesn't know it, but I admire him greatly for starting a church and making it a success. My only intention is to engage and challenge folks in the things that matters more than Ipods, Macs, Twitter, lights and haze, if the music was too loud, Easter eggs and candy, and the such. What matters is the doctrine we abscribe to ,,,Yes, it is that important. So important you soul's salvation depends upon it.

Kumbayah...can't we all just get along?

Before I begin this short post I have to confess, I found these statements on a Pastor's blog from a church in my area. Ok, I am being honest and upfront and am not making this stuff up, it's actually there for everybody to read. I am not going to re-post the entire piece, but am going to take excerpts and respond to each point. You make the call. This begins with the Pastor's feelings against the opposers to his belief system.



These people have a deeply felt belief that they need to be against anything and everything that doesn't fit their understanding of the Bible, God and the teachings of Christ. They are right, all others are wrong.



Let's just accept everything then because there certainly cannot be a right understanding and a wrong understanding. Let's just start singing Kumbayah and invite the Mormons, the Catholics, the Jehovah's witnesses and all the other cults that have a little bit of Jesus in them because there are no absolutes. Is there a right way to read, study and understand the Bible? Of course there is and God tells us how to achieve the right understanding. In the 2nd chapter of Timothy verse 15, Paul tells us.to...Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Rightly dividing the word of truth! The only other option would be to wrongly divide the word of truth. So, if you are NOT rightly dividing the word of truth as God instructs us....what can I say...you are WRONG! Also notice the phrases..."approved unto God" and "needeth not to be ashamed" . If you fail to heed to rightly dividing the word of truth, it is shameful and is not approved unto God. Ouch...that stung!



If they think a certain translation of the Bible is right - all others must be wrong and so they oppose them.



Well, can they ALL be correct? This one is mindboggling. I can find over one hundred different so called translations of the Bible on Biblegateway and I know at least one they don't have listed called the "Black Bible" seriously, that is what it's called. Not only is it a pathetic attempt of corruption, it is embarrassing to my black brothers in Christ. Let me give the feel of that so called Bible...it begins with.."Yo brothers, In the start, the big man upstairs got His jive on and ....and so on. ..you get the drift. Is that acceptable? I don't think so. If the book you hold as God's word has as little as one mistake in it...would you still call it God's word, the Bible? If you think it could have one mistake, why not two or three?..where does it end? Is God old now and not capable to preserve His word? If you think it has mistakes in it, how do you know what you are trusting for your salvation is not also a mistake?.hmmm. I have heard this statement made before so I am not going to claim authorship, and it is ..."if any Bible will do, then no Bible can be true"..The reason that statement holds true is because there are no two translations that agree from beginning to end, therefore, only ONE can be absolutely right. So, I don't come to this topic lightly, it is of extreme importance. Paul tells us that even in his time corruption was going on pertaining to God's words......2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. So it should be no surprise there are corrupted Bibles in the marketplace today. I have many of the corrupted translations and only one that is without as much as one mistake in it....the King James Version.....but you need to study that out for yourself and be fully persuaded in your own mind!!



If they think a particular denomination or style of worship is right, all others are wrong and they oppose them.



What can you say about this? Has someone failed to go to our final authority in ALL matters of faith and practice? Or is someone practicing in Burger King churchianity....have it your way? Is God instituting ecumenical ism? are there many ways and means of salvation? Is a little bit of truth and alot of error ok? If you' find a diamond ring in a dumpster, it is still a dumpster and not a jewelry store.



The same goes for theological issues - whatever conclusion they've reached is right and all others are wrong, so they oppose them. They aren't passive opposers, but active attackers who feel that exercising this spiritual gift is a God-given responsibility regardless of how they approach it.



Wow, are getting the same feeling I'm getting by these statements? Do you hear the wind blowing? Let's just forget all about doctrine, light the campfire, toast some marshmellows, hold hands and sing....Kumbayah my lord, Kumbayah....Didn't Paul tell us we shouldn't be , well, let me post the verse....Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; didn't Paul beseech us to do something?.....Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.....hmmmm....but I guess that would just upset the apple cart so we shouldn't worry about that kind of stuff.....Baloney!!!!!..it is of the utmost importance to get the doctrine right...after all, that is what the judgement seat of Christ will be based upon according to 1st Corinthians chapter 3. It's all about the doctrine given to the Apostle Paul from the risen Lord Jesus Christ for usward in this present dispensation of the grace of God ,wherein we don't have a choice....it is the way God intended it and the way God is dealing with humanity now, and you know what, I'm confident God has it right, therefore, I am gonna do it His way!! This particular Pastor refers to these opositions as "spiritual gifts" and concludes with this statement.....

How frustrating and disappointing it is that people with these kinds of gifts are the ones that get the most attention in the church. They give us a bad name and give Christ a black-eye. And I'm sure there are others I missed. What are some of the "spiritual gifts" that you don't want?

Are you as stunned as I am? For someone to stand for truth is not the popular approach these days I guess. For someone to engage in study and come to the conclusion on things that are of absolute importance is frowned on by the ecumenical any old which a way movement because we surely wouldn't want to offend anyone now would we. Wouldn't it be a better thing to cause a little uncomfort now in getting someone straigtened out on some things rather than making them comfortable all the way to Hell?...hmmmm
Please don't think I am doing this to pick on someone, that is not the case. It is for the defence of the integrity of God's word, the doctrines associated with the Gospel of Christ and the defence of ministerial integrity. Do you confront error in the most important detail of anyone's life? Or do you start singing...Kumbayah? can't we all just get along?

Do You Follow Jesus???

Since stumbling onto this crazy thing known as blogging I have visited many sites where the blogger makes the statement declaring they follow Jesus. Some even go as far as saying they are Jesus Chasers. I think they got that idea from an old Tommy Tinney book called God Chasers, but that's not what this post is about. If you are one that says they are "following Jesus" or is a "follower of Jesus" or anything in that regards...Please help me out here because I am not sure what that means to "follow Jesus".

In what way are you following Jesus? Honestly, I am not at all sure what it looks like to "follow Jesus". So if you would, give me a heads up to what it means to be a "follower of Jesus",OK? Also, if you would be so kind, use scripture when demonstrating what it is to be a "Jesus Chaser", That would help me out greatly, and I thank you for your help!

Just for the fun of it, if you have another term or name I am overlooking, please let me know what it is so I can get up to speed in this lingo, OK? Thanks!

Water Baptism is a Symbol....Of Ignorance!!!!

If that doesn't get your attention, then I don't know what will. How many times have you heard or even said it yourself..."water baptism is a symbol or picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ". How about this one..."we are commanded to follow Jesus in believers baptism"? ...or "it is an outward expression of an inward change". That all sounds good doesn't it? The only problem with any of that is...It's not Bible! Now before you get all bent out of shape ready to blast me saying water baptism is indeed Biblical and I can give you the verses proving it, let me remind you , there is more than one baptism in the Bible. Not only is there more than one baptism in the Bible, there are many baptisms which do NOT have included in them the need or mention of water.

When people hear the word baptism, they automatically associate that with a water ceremony rather than allowing the Bible to define the terms.For those that declare water baptism is the picture of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, please consider this, The disciples in the Old Testament books Mathew, Mark, Luke and John were baptizing people left and right for 3 years before Christ began to tell them he would suffer many things , be put to death, and raise again the 3rd day. The disciples reaction is telling of their ability to see the picture in water baptism. It must have been a pretty lousy picture because none of the disciples could see it.

Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

The best definition you will ever get for the word baptism is right here...."to be immersed for the sake of identification".Have you ever been told that Jesus was baptized in water to be our example? showing us how it is done. Where do folks get that because that isn't what the Bible has to say. Let's take a look.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

John 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

John 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

There it is...John baptized Jesus in water....function....to make Christ manifest to Israel. In other words...to Identify Jesus Christ with unbelieving Israel. Immersed for the sake of identification! Also note, the verse indicates the use of water, that is important as we will see later.In this next verse we see not one, but 3 different baptisms mentioned but only one involves water.

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Baptise WITH water, baptize WITH the Holy Ghost, baptize WITH fire. 3 uniquely different baptisms with 3 unique functions and 3 unique results. One wet, three dry. If it's dry, let's believe the Bible it keep it dry, ok?

I say this without fear of contradiction, most church going people who claim to be saved have no idea that Jesus Christ was baptized twice. Christ speaks of His second baptism in Mark 10 and Mathew 20, but let's see it in Luke 12.

Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

Jesus was speaking concerning His death as a baptism. And I know you know, Jesus did not drown in a river or tank of water, He died on Calvary's cross. Immersed into death for the sake of identification !

This is in no way will be an exhaustive study on baptisms being there are 12 different baptisms having different functions and results, so let's move on to where we live, in the dispensation of the Grace of God. In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul tells us in THIS present dispensing of information to the church, the body of Christ, there is but ONE baptism that has any function and result.

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Obviously, there are many baptisms in the Bible using different means, different functions and different results. The point Paul is making is there is only one baptism that we have association with in this present dispensation of the Grace of God. What is this ONE baptism Paul speaks of?,,,could it be WITH water?..how about WITH fire?..or WITH the Holy Ghost?? or could it be BY the Holy Ghost into the body of Christ as Paul declares in 1st Corinthians chapter 12?

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

This is the same baptism Paul speaks of in Romans 6 declaring we are baptized into Christ's death.

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Only once a person is baptized into Christ BY the Holy Spirit can he say what Paul says in Galatians chapter 2.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The Holy Spirit baptizes us that trust the Gospel of the Grace of God into the Lord's body identifying us with that death, hence, we are cruciufied with Christ!! No water necessary! Let's see it again.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Now if you think water baptism is putting on Christ....do not towel off Christ when you come out. Ok, I wrote that with my tongue in my cheek, but hopefully you get what I'm trying to communicate here. To wrap this up, let's look at what Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians chapter 1.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

The efficacy of the cross and the making of none effect through water baptism. Christ sent Paul NOT to baptize for it would cause confusion as is it has so obviously done in the so called church machinery for so long. When asking folks that attend church every weekend , "how do you know you are saved?", many of the responses involve "I was baptized". This is more than just a sad state of affairs, it is disgusting! Shame on pastors and preachers who demand people to be water baptized in order to join the church, sing in the choir, teach Sunday school...they make the cross of Christ of none effect. Isn't it funny though, those same preachers and pastors will allow you to "tithe" if you aren't water baptized???

Things that are Different.....are NOT the same!

Perhaps the biggest mistake people make when reading their Bible is coming to the conclusion there is but ONE gospel in the Bible and it all is about us. If asked what is the gospel, a great percentage of people will respond with a bumpersticker verse almost everybody can quote a portion of...you guessed it...John 3:16. That is a great verse indeed, but it doesn't in anyway tell us the information that saves our never dying soul as does 1st Cor 15:1-4 in that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose the 3rd day. People tend to read information back into the scriptures where that information was not given, and in this case, it was hid from them!

1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
1 Corinthians 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Do you know what that says? It says there is NO WAY the 12 apostles were preaching the information that constitutes the gospel that saves US in this present dispensation of the grace of God. It was hid from them!

Before the crucifixtion, the 12 apostles had no idea, nor did it cross their minds that Jesus would die at all, even more so that He would die for the sins of uncircumcised gentiles. And while this information was hid from them, they went about preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and proclaiming the kingdom to be at hand. What had been prophecied since 2nd Samuel had finally arrived, so it seemed, if they would only repent and believe the gospel. John the baptist first began preaching the kingdom is at hand in Mathew 3.

Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Also, Jesus preached the exact same message, repent for the kingdom is at hand.

Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Six verses later, what Jesus is preaching is called the gospel of the kingdom.

Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

So, by preaching the kingdom is at hand, we see the gospel Jesus was preaching is called the gospel of the kingdom, Not only was Jesus preaching the gospel of the kingdom, He sent His 12 apostles to preach the same message to the house of Israel...NOT TO THE GENTILES.

Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
Matthew 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

The 12 apostles preached the gospel of the kingdom as they were instructed, only to the house of Israel, and at the same time they had no information about the death, burial and resurrection being good news to anyone. For 3 years, the 12 apostles were with Jesus, preaching the kingdom gospel before Jesus told them of His crucifixtion. Clearly, the gospel of the kingdom does not include the preaching of the cross. Let's see some examples.

Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Matthew 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Jesus began to shew his disciples for THAT TIME FORTH. You know what that means? It means He didn't show them before that time and yet they were preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Clearly, the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God given to Paul to usward are not the same thing! Let's see it again in the OT book of Mark.

Mark 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.
Mark 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

They not only did not understand it, they were afraid to ask. Let's see it again in Luke.

Luke 9:44 Let these sayings sink down into your ears: for the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men.
Luke 9:45 But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and they feared to ask him of that saying.

They did not understand it, were afraid to ask, and it was hid from them! And yet, they were preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Let's see it again in the book of John after the death burial and resurrection. Peter and John arrive at the sepulchre to witness the tomb is empty to their surprise.

John 20:9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.

Need I say it? The 12 apostles had no idea Jesus would die, let alone be resurrected. And yet, they were preaching the gospel of the kingdom. Clearly, the gospel they preached did NOT include the fact Jesus would die for anyone's sins let alone would raise again for anyone's justification.

Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

God's kingdom will at some point be established on the earth just as is prophecied. Today in this present dispensation of the grace of God, the kingdom is not being offered and is not at hand but has been delayed. The gospel of the kingdom is not applicable today since there is no salvation apart from the gospel of the grace of God on the merits of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. The gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God are different, and not the same.

The wrong place at the wrong time!

Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

If this verse is true (and it is) why do so many Christians go to Exodus 20 ( the 10 commandments) for a sort of pattern for righteousness? Are they turning to the wrong place at the wrong time? Doesn't this verse clearly state that the law is no longer a source of righteousness? I think it does, but let's look at another.

Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Of course, Christ did not die in vain if you are trusting in His finished work alone for your salvation. But He has died in vain for those that believe that there is something you must add to the finished work of Christ to seal the deal, such as live it (keep the law) get water baptized, go to church, tithe, endure to the end and so on. If you are trusting in something other than the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ alone for the full and complete payment for all your sins, past, present and future, then, you are perverting the Gospel of Christ and are boasting in yourself.

Romans 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Let's take another swing at it from the book written to the Galatians who were saved by grace through faith and yet had turned back to the law for instruction.

Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Galatians 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Paul goes on to tell these foolish Galatians.....

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

According to the Apostle Paul, if one continues not to DO ALL THINGS which are written in the book of the law....that person is under a curse! How many laws are there? 10? 25? 100?. No, No, and NO...there are 613 points of law. That's right, 613! So, when folks say things like we should follow the 10 commandments, what about the other 603? Is it a matter of pick and choose? What do you do with.....

Deuteronomy 22:11 Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woolen and linen together.

How many of your articles of clothing can meet this qualification?

Is 10 a plenty because we cannot even keep the 10 consistantly? Should we cut it down to let's say 5 commandments? I would even wager those that say we should follow the 10 commanments cannot even name them let alone follow them.

Paul continues in this passage to declare ....
Galatians 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Then, we get the good news!
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

One more time...

Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Are we (if you are saved) under the law?

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

So, what function does the law serve now under the Grace of God if not for righteousness or a pattern to follow?

Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Galatians 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

The law as a schoolmaster demonstrates our sinfullness and need for a savior.

Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

The law identifes sin and ministers death and condemnation.

Romans 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
2 Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
2 Corinthians 3:9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.

So far, we see the law is not for righteousness, it WAS our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, it ministers death and condemnation, it is a curse to them that follow not ALL of them. I don't know about you, but I am not seeing any indication that we are to follow the 10 commandments in our daily living. So how did we get free from the law and commandments and what is our source of righteousness?

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Christ has imputed His righteousness to our account when we trust in Him for our salvation on the merits of His substitutionary atonement and propititory sacrifice on the cross.

Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

How are we free from the law?

Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

How did we become dead to the law by the body of Christ?

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Don't be guilty of poor exegesis and make that a water ceremony in the back of your church. we are baptized (immersed for the sake of identification) into Jesus death. Jesus didn't drown, He was crucified! The scripture clearly says INTO HIS DEATH. Almost nobody knows Jesus was baptized twice. Everybody is familiar with Jesus water baptism in Mathew 3, but almost nobody is familiar with His death baptism in Luke 12.

Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

Jesus speaks of His death, and this is the baptism we share in.

This is how Paul can declare as well as we......
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

So how do we deal with the sin issue?

Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

I love how that verse starts!...KNOWING THIS...we have to know some things to get it right!

Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Dead reckoning!!!.....knowing we are dead to the law, and we are crucified with Christ!!

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

And dead guys don't do alot of sinning do they? So instead of going to the law for your instruction, how about heeding to the instruction given by Paul in 2nd Timothy 2:15 and rightly dividing the word of truth. Paul is our apostle in this present dispensation of the Grace of God who declares ....
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

The Apostle Paul is the "me first" to get the Gospel of the Grace of God and is our "pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting"
1 Timothy 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

If you want the commandments we are to be following, Paul has them for us.
1 Corinthians 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

We are told to follow Paul, not follow Israel's OT laws and commandments...
Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Many people will say we are to follow Christ, but that is only half correct. We are told to follow Christ as Paul followed Christ according to the revelation of the mystery given to Paul from the risen Lord Jesus Christ!
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

I hope this has been some help, it is alot to cover in a small format. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them here or email from my profile.