Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
We all have a hope in Jesus; if fact Jesus is our only hope. For any who respond to God’s drawing and honestly seek Him, Jesus provides the only hope and the only way. There is no other hope, no other way. Jesus Himself told us I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus told Peter at one point that the rock upon which He would build His church, was in fact Himself as he told Peter the following: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Later as Peter and John were brought before the Council at Jerusalem, Peter preached this, Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
What are the heights of God’s love for us? Even though all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, He loved us while we were yet sinners. Even though our sins had separated us from a perfect and holy God, and we are sinners by birth and by choice, God loved us so much that He that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev’ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
Jesus Christ was 100 percent man and 100 percent God; Not part of each, but fully each. As the song says: the fullness of God in helpless babe. Why fully man? It was man who sinned, and man who had to pay. Of course, we could each pay our own debt for our own sin, as the wages of sin is death. But, that is the problem; we can only each pay for our own sin; I can’t pay for you and you can’t pay for me. We each are accountable and can only pay for our own transgressions. Who, then, could pay for us all? Well, God can of course! As God, Jesus could pay the infinite price presented by mankind’s infinite sin, and He did just that.
Yet, our Lord was scorned by the ones He came to save: That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,The wrath of God was satisfied;For ev’ry sin on Him was laid— Of all of the things Jesus said on the Cross of Calvary, none are more important than this: It is finished. Our debt, the debt of sin owed by every man, woman, and child was “paid in full, tetelestai.” As an accounting term, this simply means exactly what it says. Our debt was paid in full, and nothing more is owed. All accounts have been settled. Because Jesus paid the debt owed, we who were dead can be make alive again. as you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins. And we can be made alive, because as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain; All of the “founders” of various “religions” have died, every single one of them. But our Lord’s death is far, far different than any of those. First, they all died normal, regular deaths; old age, sickness, being murdered; the list goes on and on. The death of Jesus, however, was God’s plan from eternity past for the redemption of mankind. We know from reading that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that the wages of sin is death. Jesus death was no unexpected event, to afterthought God came up with when our sin surprised HIm. God planned this event before the very foundation of the world to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
Then bursting forth in glorious day,Up from the grave He rose again!And as He stands in victory,Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me; Remember those “founders” of those other “religions?” They are still dead. Not our Lord, however, as we know he rose from that tomb on the third day and again walked among us for 40 days. We know what happened when the women went to prepare Jesus’ body for burial, found the tomb empty, and were told by the angel He is not here: for he is risen, Why did Jesus rise? Without a bodily resurrection, our entire faith simply melts away. Without the Resurrection, Jesus was not God; he was just a martyred prophet. Without the Resurrection, every single prophecy about it is false; that renders the Bible false. Without the Resurrection, even Jesus’ own prophecies about His death and Resurrection were false, making Him not even a real prophet, but a false one. Without the Resurrection, we cannot be justified and cleared of our sin; If Jesus is still dead then we are still dead in our sin. Without the Resurrection, there is no hope. If Jesus died and stayed dead, then we also will die and stay dead. For 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.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow’r of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand
No guilt in life, no fear in death— We have all sinned, and one of the results of sin is guilt. We need never feel guilty for the things our our past as they are forgiven, as God has told us the following, For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Our pasts? Gone, with the wind. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. That is a pretty impressive list of the forgiven ones!
Sometimes Satan, accuser of our brethren still attacks, both our past and our now. The past is gone, but even our sins of today are forgiven and washed away by the blood of jesus Christ. Our guilt over our current sin my be in order, and may simply be telling us of our need for confession to our Father. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand; Once we belong to Jesus, we belong to Jesus. Just as we never need to feel guilty about our pasts, we never need to worry about the security of our future. Grace saved us, and grace keeps us. Nothing we have done worked us to heaven, and nothing we can do will ever take that away from us either: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. We were given to Jesus by the Father and nothing can ever take us away; Jesus assured us that My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.
Are you in Christ alone? Or are you still burdened by the guilt of your past? Has the Holy Spirit reached out and convicted you of your need for forgiveness? If he has, listen to what He is telling you. Repent and believe today.
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev’ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow’r of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Sung by Kristyn Townsend
March 5, 2016 at 07:46
You always have great posts, Wally, but to me this is one of your most powerful and most beautiful. So powerful it deserves its own page or something so that it’s always visible and accessible by anyone who comes to your blog and it doesn’t get “lost” with time. Thanks again for such a great post. What a wonderful way to start the day!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 08:07
Thanks Cindy. I was actually one of my personal favorites as well. I love that song and she sings it so well. I may pin it to the front page. Thanks for the idea!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 08:45
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 18:21
Thank you Brother Vincent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 20:36
You’re welcome Brother Wally!
LikeLike
March 5, 2016 at 15:34
Good exposition of this hymn! This is one of my favorite songs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 18:23
Thank you Brother Jim. I love that song as well. It’s so different than so much contemporary music, as it is a Hymn all the way. I love the Hymns, they sometimes have such good Bible messages, and not all the contemporary music does. I like it also, but it lacks sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 18:24
I wish there were more modern hymns like this! I’ve grown to love the older hymns for the reasons you mentioned, they are solid and have great biblical contents!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 18:28
The Getty’s write a lot of modern Hymns from what I understand. That one is hard to beat for sure. Hope you have had a great day, been crazy here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 23:59
How has it been crazy for you?
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 6, 2016 at 04:23
Well every other weekend I am weekend supervisor at work and this is my weekend. Seems everybody had their head, as we used to say in the Army, in their fourth point of contact.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 6, 2016 at 08:53
Ah, got it
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 6, 2016 at 09:07
🙂
LikeLike
March 5, 2016 at 18:13
Wonderful post, Wally. I heard it preached like a mighty rolling river. We so badly need good salvation messages today. I want to see people come to Christ in waves!:0)
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 18:31
Ah, thanks so much Pam. I can’t thing of any greater compliment than to say the writing sounded like preaching. To me, that word is very special. Salvation messages are really my favorite to write to tell the truth. I branch out in other stuff just because people like teachings as well, but those remain my favorite. And that particular post was even one of my own favorite to write. I so want to see people saved, Pam. It just eats at me all of the time, as time is growing short I believe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 20:22
They are my favorite too and the more simply put the more powerful they are. I too have a heart to see lost people come to Christ but have never been much of an evangelist…more of a waterer.:0)
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 20:36
Well, every role is vital and important. I personally am fine with just telling it. But, that is not for everybody by any means. The world needs watering!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 20:42
I seem to do better at encouraging growing Christians than winning the lost but I guess we won’t really know the results of our service until Heaven.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 20:44
Nope, and then we will know it all won’t we? What we did, why we did it…all of it. That is either unsettling or very reassuring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 20:54
Maybe we’ll be free of our silly pride and have our focus on the One who brought us there instead of ourselves. We are sinners saved by grace. It’s not about us, it’s all about Him.:0) Night Wally. God bless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 5, 2016 at 20:58
Good night Pam
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 6, 2016 at 16:08
Beautiful, Wally. Just beautiful.
LikeLike
March 6, 2016 at 16:24
Thank you for the kind Words Anna, much appreciated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 9, 2016 at 14:36
Amen Brother in Christ Jesus-Yeshua Wally!!
I own this CD Christian!!
Love ❤ Always and Shalom ( Peace ) Everyone,
Kristi Ann
LikeLiked by 2 people
March 9, 2016 at 14:45
Isn’t it a wonderful song?
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 15, 2016 at 15:14
Yes, I like Christian Music a lot!!
Love ❤ Always and Shalom,
Kristi
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 13, 2016 at 18:59
I love the music Brother Wally and it’s a perfect introduction to this powerful message!! Did I tell you it was a powerful message?!! 😉 As I was reading along, I could feel the spirit within start to soar, maybe soar isn’t the right word, it felt like my spirit wanted to break free and fly and shout and sing Hosanna’s. That’s the closest I can tell you how it felt!
Been doing a lot of reading today and worshipping the Lord in the words of others and having a high ole time as it were! You know, I can always get a boost if I’m feeling the pain by reading something you write. You are probably closer to me than I had imagined in the way we think and the way we even do the blogs and the subjects we tackle. But yet, when I read your expositions on the Scriptures I find myself literally basking as if being awashed in something new! I appreciate your insights and perspectives Brother. You know, Brother Paul is especially dear to me because he has such a unique perspective on things, yet I have to say you do too and when I read your posts, I actually find comfort, if that makes sense!
Anyway, Brother, bless you for this, it truly is a great post and one worth reading more than once!!
LikeLike
March 13, 2016 at 19:06
That is a wonderful Hymn Brother Roland, and it’s nice to see contemporary singers still singing Bible based music. Thank you as always for your very kind words, they mean the world to me. Yes, I have noticed a similarity in thought between us for sure, but I am learning that not all different thoughts are always a bad thing either.
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 20, 2016 at 23:55
Hey I have nominated you for the 3 day quote challenge. Also your blog is really powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 21, 2016 at 04:59
Thanks. I don’t really do awards and challenges, though, but I appreciate the thought very much.
LikeLike
March 23, 2016 at 18:13
Dear Wally,
Can you please pray fervently about the below as I do not believe I have ever been saved:
————————————————————————————————————————
This is a copy of the following message I sent to Contact Us via Faith Baptist Church
This is an enquiry email via http://www.faithbaptistchurch.org.au/ from:
Naomi Chapman
Hi Pastor Frank,
I have been going to church for several years but do not believe I have ever been saved. My prayer request is to be saved – born again as per what the Lord says to Nicodemus in John 3. I have been drawn to Christ on many occasions but do not believe I have been given a fully converted/saved heart with the Holy Spirit of Truth residing in it.
I also have demons of fornication due to my sins of idolatry, adultery (spiritual) and fornication (spiritual and physical). They attack me physically whenever they like and my prayers to stop this are not answered, this is how I know I cannot be saved and be in God’s flock. I feel I must be reconciled to God the Father through Jesus Christ urgently.
I will be at church this Sunday and hope to see you there.
Please pray fervently for me.
Naomi
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 23, 2016 at 18:42
Hi Naomi
Of course I will pray for you but also would like to add some things. Spiritual attack does not mean you are not saved. Temptation does not mean you are not saved. Even giving in to it does not necessarily mean you are not saved.
It’s not nearly as complicated as we sometimes want it to be.
Have you repented of your sin? Do you agree with God that it is wrong? Do you believe the price you owe for that sin? Do you believe that Jesus Paid that price in full for you and that nothing you can do can pay it? Do you believe He was dead, crucified and rose on the third day?
Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. If you confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus and that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.
It’s not complicated Naomi. The fact that you grieve your sin is a strong sign that you are likely saved. The lost don’t care about their sin.
I will, however, pray for you right now.
LikeLike
May 21, 2016 at 12:47
Great, great, post, Wally! By the way, this hymn is sung by Kristyn Getty, Keith Getty’s wife. I have been a “fan” of the Gettys since they began their ministry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 21, 2016 at 13:00
Hey Len, long time no see! I love their stuff, and she is a great singer, very expressive and emotive. It’s so cool to see people still writing and singing Hymns that have a solid, biblical message.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 23, 2016 at 14:55
I heard them at Parkside Church in Ohio yesterday! Praise God!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 23, 2016 at 15:20
Oh…wow..how cool is that! I love that song. Thanks for that lifting up
LikeLike
May 24, 2016 at 19:37
Great Holy Spirit inspired post! One of my favorite songs I enjoy listening to the Getty’s!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 24, 2016 at 19:41
Oh me too Elizabeth!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 24, 2016 at 19:41
Scorned by the ones He came to save…. Yes…that was me…
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 24, 2016 at 19:42
I was a scorner for 45 years. That’s why the atheists arguments don’t bother me. I was them not that long ago.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 24, 2016 at 19:45
When I ponder how I was and now the new person He has made me…I am blown away. Only He could do such a loving thing for His children! Now He is refining us each new day! He is unexplainable! Have you ever heard a sermon by S. M. Lock ridge? It is called My King. I highly recommend it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 24, 2016 at 19:46
Is it available online? Do you have a link?
LikeLike
May 24, 2016 at 20:37
http://www.across2u.com
The words of his sermon are on here. You can listen to it if you click on the link at the bottom of the page. I am on my iPad. For some reason it won’t let me copy and paste 😦
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 24, 2016 at 20:55
Hmm….the link appears to be bad. Well, no worries, I am not going anywhere and you know where to find me when you can copy and paste. I have heard that guys name somewhere, though. Thanks Elizabeth.
LikeLike
May 25, 2016 at 05:17
Hmmmmm…. Sorry about that, Wally! I will get on the computer this morning and post it here ASAP 🙂 You will really like it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 25, 2016 at 05:38
Shorter version:
The full version is available here:
The full version is more personable with Mr. Lockridge is giving the actual sermon 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 25, 2016 at 05:43
Thanks Elizabeth! As soon as I get a chance, I will watch it. I’m glad you posted the actual video, people like that, so maybe some others will listen too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 25, 2016 at 05:47
AMEN! You are welcome, Wally! He has a great sense of humor about his own name, too! I BELIEVE you will walk away blessed praising THE KING all day with these words about our KING! Have a blessed day, Wally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 28, 2016 at 05:25
There’s definately a lot to learn about this subject. I love all of the points you have
made.
LikeLike
June 15, 2016 at 18:10
In Jesus Christ of the Gospels alone, yes.
So we should know what is most important to HIM. He tells us, twice.
Poem – What is love?
Two men came to Jesus
With different motivations.
They asked Him the same question
Relevant to all the nations:
Which is the Most Important?
The answer was the same.
Jesus did not manipulate
He was not there to play a game.
“Love the Lord your God” said Jesus
as He quoted from The Law –
to fulfill and not abolish
was His purpose, full of awe.
Jesus did not make all Scripture
Into one new great commandment.
He summarized The Law and Prophets
“First and Greatest” and “The Second.”
The Love of God is higher
Than the love of any man.
Receive from God, give back to God-
Then to others, that’s His plan.
The Love of God involves much more
Than simply “love your fellow man.”
Worship, trust, and pray to God,
and obey Him – that’s His plan
To worship and pray to neighbors,
Whoever they may be,
Or trust and obey our enemies
Would be idolatry.
The love of God is first and greatest,
And the love of man is second.
“All we need is love” are words
of dead Beetles on the pavement.
“The entire law is summed up in a single command”
are not the words of Jesus our Salvation.
It’s false teaching of Paul the Pharisee
“an accuser of our brethren.”
“Love” without God is Satan’s word through Paul
in his chapter to the Corinthians.
“I will show you the most excellent way”
is the road to eternal perdition.
Where is God in Paul’s chapter on love?
Nowhere in view of the eye.
Paul sings about himself like a Mexican Mariachi
“I, I, I, I.”
Jesus is The Most Excellent Way
Not the words of a Pharisee.
The words of Jesus are very clear.
Jesus said, “You must follow ME.”
Many self-professed “Bible-believing Evangelicals” won’t listen to the words of Jesus, because they are brainwashed through reciting their “mantra” – “all scripture is God-breathed.”
This “Evangelical Mantra” has been accepted by the collective subconscious mind of “The Evangelical Church” without thought, question, reflection, or even 2 witnesses from the Scripture itself. It’s based on a misinterpretation, out of context, of one verse in one letter written by one man, Paul the Pharisee, who was unfamiliar with the personal ministry and teaching of Jesus.
But, “Once an idea has been accepted by your subconscious, it remains there and it governs your behavior until it is replaced or changed.” [ as a pastor named Bishop Dale C. Bronner observed in one of his sermons]
(Definition from the American Heritage Dictionary.) Mantra (noun) (Hinduism.) A sacred formula believed to embody the divinity invoked and to possess magical power, used in prayer and incantation.
When cult members repeat their mantra, it makes them deaf to the voice of God, unable to hear God. Instead, it puts their focus on their one “special man” above all others – his personality, words and teachings, character, life example, feelings, experience, intentions, mind, will, emotions, etc. Their cult leader is their hero – he is always right, could never be wrong about anything specific, and he must be obeyed in all things and never questioned. He will give himself a special title, write at least one special book, and claim special authority, with no need for a second witness to back him up.
Here are 3 examples.
.1) Fuhrer. The title of Adolf Hitler as the leader of the German Nazis, author of “Mein Kamph”. Mantra: “Heil Hitler.”
.2) The self-appointed Prophet Muhammad, author of The Koran. Mantra: …..”and Muhammad is his prophet.”
.3) Paul the Pharisee, the self-appointed Apostle to the Gentiles, whose 13 letters comprise one third of what, today, we call the “New Testament.” (The first, original “New Testament” was composed by the second century heretic Marcion, and he coined the term “New Testament.” His new “book” contained nothing except 10 of Paul’s letters and an abbreviated Gospel of Luke. There were no other “New Testament” books, and the Hebrew Scriptures were the “Old Testament” which was irrelevant, according to the heretic Marcion.) Mantra: “All Scripture is God-breathed….”
I got my Masters Degree at Dallas Theological Seminary. I was attracted to the school because they put Paul’s mantra of “All Scripture is God-breathed” above everything else, and I wanted to heed Paul’s command and “Preach the Word” like Paul….
This mantra is a misinterpretation out of context of 2 Timothy 3:16. It ignores the previous verse, 2 Timothy 3:15, which clearly indicates that Paul was NOT referring to his own letters when he wrote the words “All Scripture.”
Paul was probably making reference to some of the Hebrew Scriptures, quite likely including the Law and the Prophets. We cannot be completely certain exactly which “Scriptures” Paul meant in “All Scripture”, and what Paul meant by “God-breathed.” Why can’t we be certain?
Because we must establish a matter by the testimony of two or three witnesses, especially something as important as “What is the Word of God.” No one else in the pages of the Bible besides Paul ever said anything like “All Scripture is God-breathed”. And Paul only said it here, one time, in the middle of a personal letter.
The Apostle Peter made reference to “Prophecy of Scripture,” not “All Scripture,” and no it’s not the same thing at all. Jesus never said anything like that. And no one, not even Paul, ever said that all Scripture was equal.
I remember the general approach to the Bible at Dallas being that “every word in the 66 Books is the Word of God”….. and we should interpret it based on “the intended meaning of the author in the historical grammatical context.”
That is the basic idea of the heavy-duty seminary language we were being trained in. It sounds so right, so intelligent, so professional, so “godly”….. but it is fundamentally flawed.
When we look at Paul’s teachings and testimony about himself, (in his letters that make up 1/3 of the New Testament,) we should NOT immediately ask ourselves; “what did Paul say, what did Paul mean, and how does this apply to my life?” The fundamental question is NOT “what was in the mind of Paul?”
Before any of that, the FIRST question to ask is; “does Paul agree with Jesus, who came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets?”
Paul contradicted himself, and his teachings and testimony about himself don’t harmonize with the teachings of Jesus (or with Luke’s record of his life.) Let’s not waste our time with endless debates about “what Paul really meant” with his wacky teachings about “baptizing the dead” or “there is neither male nor female.” Paul was wrong. Jesus reminds us from The Law “at the beginning, the Creator made them male and female.” [Matthew 19:4, Genesis 1:27]
As to the question of “whether the Bible is ALL truly Gods WORDS”…
The underlying unspoken assumption is that “The Bible” (66 Books) was given to us by God as “one book” and it’s all “equal” in level of authority, priority, and importance. This comes from unconsciously believing Paul’s mantra, the “Evangelical Mantra”, that “All Scripture is God-breathed”, and falsely assuming Paul was referring to every word in the 66 Books of the Bible. Yet even here, not even Paul, not even once, ever said that “All Scripture is EQUAL” in authority, priority, and importance.
No one in the pages of the Bible ever said or wrote that “all Scripture,” or “the Bible,” is “all truly God’s words”. Jesus never said anything like that, and Jesus did not see it that way. Jesus did not see even the Hebrew Scriptures, what we call the “Old Testament”, as a whole unit or book that was all equal or “all truly God’s words.” Jesus spoke of The Law, or The Law and the Prophets, holding these 2 sections of the Old Testament above the third, least important sections the “Writings.” And Jesus held the Psalms, the first book of the “Writings” section, above the other books in the “Writings” section in importance, since some parts of some Psalms are prophetic.
Obviously, the New Testament Scriptures were not written when Jesus was walking the earth. But if we want to get closest to The Source, Jesus himself, it makes sense that we should look first to the eyewitness testimony of two of His appointed Apostles who walked with Him faithfully for over 3 years, Matthew & John. (Also to other eyewitness testimony, recorded by Mark and Luke.) This is more accurate, important, and authoritative than personal letters written by Paul the Pharisee, who never knew Jesus personally, had no part in His ministry, and had no eyewitness testimony.
We should follow the Jesus of the Gospel writers. We should not follow the “jesus” of Paul the Pharisee or Muhammad or any other man, who had their own ideas of who “jesus” was and what He did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 15, 2016 at 18:26
Hi Matthew
Thanks for reading and commenting. While I appreciate your comments, It seems that you have used you comment a a platform to argue with me concerning what you obviously know is my view of the innerancy of Scripture and to cast discredit on the words written by Paul and other Apostles. I note that you believe that God’s Word is still unfolding and being revealed to certain people, among which I suspect you number yourself.
I have no desire to debate that point on this post, as it is simply not what the post is about, but rather the fact that our salvation is in Jesus Christ alone, and nothing else.
So, while I appreciate you coming by, I find it rather bothersome you have taken this post to be your avenue to promote your views concerning Scripture which I obviously disagree with.
I do, however find it odd that folks such as you are quick to discredit the sciptures that were revealed to men like Paul, yet willingly accept revelations of God as revealed to….them.
Peace and blessings and thanks for coming by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
September 4, 2016 at 11:32
Paul said himself Matthew that what he shared was from God (1Corinthians2) and so we don’t need to doubt that what is written in the Scripture below is not in reference to all the Scriptures.
2 Timothy 3:1-17 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto Salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the Man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV)
Blessings – Anne.
LikeLike
September 4, 2016 at 16:28
Well said Anne thanks
LikeLike
June 18, 2016 at 17:56
Thank you for this powerful, powerful message of God’s Word!
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 18, 2016 at 17:59
And thank you so much for reading and welcome to my place
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 18, 2016 at 18:00
You can thank Susan Irene Fox .. I found you through her 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 18, 2016 at 18:00
Excellent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 18, 2016 at 19:16
HI, WALLY!
KEEP PREACHING THE TRUTH! JUST LIKE YOU ARE-HOLY SPIRIT LED!
Did you get a chance to listen to S. M. Lockridge’s sermon ?
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 18, 2016 at 20:53
Hi Elizabeth…no I have not yet, I’m sorry. I was gone all last week at camp, so didn’t spend much time online. But I promise I have not forgotten!
LikeLike
June 19, 2016 at 05:07
That’s ok! I know how that goes! Have a blessed day!
LikeLike
June 19, 2016 at 07:05
I am getting there, I promise!
LikeLike
September 14, 2016 at 20:49
Hey Elizabeth
Just wanted you to know I listened to that sermon, a while back actually. Really, really good. His voice is very captivating, and the content was great. I listened, but forgot to let you know.
Sorry about that and blessings to you!
LikeLike
June 19, 2016 at 05:13
Another great song by The Getty’s is “Still, My Soul Be Still.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
June 19, 2016 at 07:05
I have come t really like a lot of their stuf.
LikeLike
June 28, 2016 at 11:11
Wally,
You wrote above about “the words written by Paul and other Apostles”
Who appointed Paul an apostle, when?
The answer is, No one. Never.
Paul made this claim – but no one in the pages of the Bible agreed with Paul on this point.
Not Jesus. Not the Apostle Peter. Not even Paul’s friend Luke. Paul has no second witness- he made it up.
“What is an Apostle?”
Here is the answer based on the original sources:
The words and actions of Jesus and the Original Apostles in the text of the New Testament.
.1) Gospel of Mark – time lag between being appointed and being sent
“Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him…” [Mark 3:13-14]
Three chapters later,
“Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits.” [Mark 6:6-7]
.2) Gospel of Luke – time lag between being appointed and being sent
“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon…..” [Luke 6:12-14]
Again three chapters later,
“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” [Luke 9:1-2]
.3) Gospel of Matthew – which is organized by theme, not necessarily in chronological order.
“He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon…” [Matthew 10:1]
Without any clear time reference, continuing on the theme of the Apostles, Matthew does record “These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions…” [Matthew 10:5] Matthew never said that the Apostles were “sent out” immediately after being appointed. If we didn’t also have the clear records in Mark and Luke, it would be a fairly logical assumption that Jesus sent them out right away, but it would still be just an assumption. In this case, that assumption would clearly be wrong. The Twelve Apostles were absolutely NOT sent out right away after being appointed Apostles, according to Mark chapters 3 through 6, and Luke chapters 6 through 9.
So being an Apostle of Jesus involves being sent by Jesus, yes. But that isn’t the only meaning, or even the first and primary meaning. The first thing was “that they might be with Him” personally, together, for His entire earthly ministry, from the time of John the Baptist until Jesus rose to heaven. Jesus poured his life into the 12 Apostles for 3 ½ years very personally training them to be the leaders of the church, and Jesus chose Peter as first among equals.
The NIV translation inserts the heading “Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas” for the passage Luke wrote in Acts 1:12-26]. The NIV headings were not part of the original text, and sometimes they can be misleading, but in this case I believe the heading is right on.
Jesus and the Original Apostles knew what an Apostle is better than anyone else in the world. Why is this a strange idea? Why do so many people frequently attack and tear down and dismiss the Original Apostles, particularly Peter, as if they were all incompetent, stupid, and wrong in so many ways, and they didn’t even know what an “Apostle” was? The answer to that question is, they have been listening to the voice of Paul, rather than the voices of Jesus and the Original Apostles.
As we consider the question “what is an Apostle”, we should carefully listen to the words of the leader that Jesus personally appointed as first among the Apostles, and trained personally for 3 ½ years, Peter.
“It is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” [Acts 1:21-22]
Neither Paul, nor James, nor Luke were with Jesus and the Apostles the whole time, so they were not qualified to be a “witness with the Apostles of Jesus’ resurrection”, which is what it means to be an Apostle. Matthias was qualified, appointed, and later recognized as part of The Twelve. No one except Judas ever lost his apostleship.
Responding to a question from Peter,
“Jesus said to them:
…you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” [Matthew 19:28]
We cannot prove that Judas was present at that time, and we cannot prove that Matthias was absent at that time when Jesus spoke those words. Even if Judas was physically present, as we all realize now, he was not a true follower of Jesus. And even if Matthias was physically absent at that particular occasion, Jesus is still establishing the basic qualification for having one of the twelve thrones as being “you who have followed me,” not someone who will follow Jesus in the future, like Paul, James, Luke or anyone else in the world.
At the Last Supper, Jesus said to His Apostles:
“You are those who have stood by me in my trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred on one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” [Luke 22:28-30]
Was Judas present when Jesus spoke those words? Even if someone wants to be argumentative and say we can’t prove that Judas wasn’t there at the time, we certainly can’t prove that Judas WAS there. Judas obviously didn’t stand by Jesus in his trial, as the whole world knows. But that was the requirement Jesus gave to “sit on thrones:” “You are those who have stood by me in my trials.” “You”, speaking to His 11 Apostles who had been walking with Him faithfully for 3 ½ years. Not others in the future who will follow the risen Jesus Christ. Notice that at the Last Supper, when Judas lost his throne and Matthias was definitely absent, Jesus chose to speak of “thrones” rather than “twelve thrones” as he had previously.
The Apostle John recorded about the New Jerusalem,
“The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” [Revelation 21:14]
The Apostles are 12 faithful eyewitnesses who walked with Jesus during His entire earthly ministry, and Matthias is the 12th. That’s the short version of my definition of “what is an Apostle.”
LikeLike
July 1, 2016 at 14:15
Amen. In Christ alone, we are Born again, set free to bring Glory to God in the highest.Amen
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 5, 2016 at 10:01
Hi Wally, Thank you for this. I love the simplicity of Truth in this post. That Truth stands out so pure and clean in an overly complicated world. I love this old hymn. I hope all is well with you. God bless.
LikeLiked by 2 people
July 5, 2016 at 10:10
Isn’t it such a good Hymn?
And, what a pleasant surprise. I still think about you and pray for you, Pam. Also, many miss seeing you around. Things are well with me, as nothing ever changes it seems. How about you?
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 5, 2016 at 12:33
I’m still wading my way through doctors and tests. I did get partial results from the MRI on my brain. My doctor’s nurse called and told me ‘there is a mass and atheroschlerosis is proven’ but I don’t know anything else. I see my doctor tomorrow afternoon. I still have some other CT’s I haven’t heard about yet because that doctor went out of town. I’m having blood re-drawn on Friday to re-test for cryo and will get the results the 22nd. Since I had a remission, I’m have to be re-diagnosed and that is no small feat since my doctors know so little and the blood test is so inaccurate. It does contribute to arterial disease though. How I feel is a moment by moment thing. Right now I feel better than I have been but not really normal. I think about you and all my WP people and pray for you but I just haven’t had the energy to do more than take care of me and my husband and deal with doctors. Some days I really can’t think very well. However, God is good! Bless you, Wally.
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 5, 2016 at 12:42
You as well Pam. We all pray for your return to us. I do anyway, I suppose I can’t speak for others, but i bet they do too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
July 5, 2016 at 13:32
Thank you, Wally.:0)
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 5, 2016 at 09:52
I love this song! You should check out King’s Kaleidoscope’s version. Thank you for posting the life changing truth of the Gospel!
By the way, I nominated you for a quote challenge on my blog 🙂
LikeLike
August 5, 2016 at 10:11
I will check that out Emily thanks
I will try on the quite challenge I am already one challenge behind
😑
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 5, 2016 at 10:18
That’s OK! There’s no obligation and if you do it you make your own time for it 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 7, 2016 at 17:09
So good. So concise and clear. Also, I was reading this other post and you came to mind (don’t know why?) so thought I would send it to you. This is a neat missionary in Japan, maybe you have already met him, but I’ll also send him your link: https://jgarrott.wordpress.com/2016/08/08/august-6-2016/
LikeLike
August 7, 2016 at 17:44
Yes I follow him! He is very good
LikeLiked by 1 person
August 23, 2016 at 21:19
Freedomborn….
You shared Wally …”Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me”….. how True as we see in the Scriptures below, we are no longer in Slavery to Sin we walk in Righteousness in Christ Jesus yes we walk as He walked.
1 John 4:17-19 Herein is our Love made Perfect that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is so are we in this world. There is no fear in Love but Perfect Love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made Perfect in Love. We Love Him, because He first Loved us. (KJV)
1 John 3: 1-11 ( 6-7 ) Whosoever abideth in Him Sinneth not: whosoever Sinneth hath not seen Him neither known Him. Little Children, let no man deceive you he that doeth Righteousness is Righteous even as He is Righteous.(KJV)
1 Peter 2:24 Who His own self bare our Sins in His own body on the tree that we being dead to Sins should live unto Righteousness by whose stripes ye were healed.(KJV)
Romans 6:18-20 Being then made free from Sin ye became the Servants of Righteousness. (KJV)
John 8:34-36 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who Sins is a Slave to Sin. Now a Slave has no permanent place in the family but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.(KJV)
Romans 6:6- 7 For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of Sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to Sin because anyone who has died has been freed from Sin. (KJV)
1 John 3: 1-11 ( 9 ) No one who is Born of God will continue to Sin because God’s seed remains in him he cannot go on Sinning because he has been Born of God.(KJV)
1 John 5:18-20 We know that no one who is Born of God sins but He who was Born of God keeps him and the evil one does not touch him. (KJV)
1 John 2:4-6 He that saith I know Him and keepeth not His Commandments is a liar and the Truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word in him verily is the Love of God Perfected hereby know we that we are in Him. He that saith he bideth in Him ought himself also so to walk even as He walked.(KJV)
Luke 6:45-46 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.(KJV)
Colossians 3:4-6 When Christ who is your life appears then you also will appear with Him in glory. Put to death therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed which is idolatry. Because of these the wrath of God is coming.(KJV)
2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises dearly beloved let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit Perfecting Holiness in the fear of God. (KJV)
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto Sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.(KJV)
Romans 6 : 1 – 2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in Sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to Sin live any longer therein? (KJV)
1 Peter 1:21-23 Being Born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever.(KJV)
Romans 8: 8 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.(KJV)
Romans 8 :12-15 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation but it is not to the Sinful nature to live according to it or if you live according to the Sinful nature you will die but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body you will live because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (KJV)
Romans 6:5-7 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection. 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. For he that is dead is freed from Sin.(KJV)
Romans 6:22-23 But now being made free from Sin and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness and the end everlasting life. For the wages of Sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.(KJV)
Ephesians 4:23-24 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind And that ye put on the new man which after God is created in Righteousness and True Holiness. (KJV)
Colossians 1:27-29 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles which is Christ in you the Hope of glory Whom we preach warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man Perfect in Christ Jesus Where unto I also labour, striving according to His working which worketh in me mightily(KJV)
Titus 2:13-15 Looking for that blessed Hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people zealous of good works. These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all Authority. Let no man despise thee.(KJV)
Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white and tried but the wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand but the wise shall understand. (KJV)
“Christ”ian Love and Blessings – Anne -Freedomborn….
LikeLiked by 2 people
October 17, 2016 at 18:15
Amen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 29, 2016 at 06:16
Loved this song! ::)
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 29, 2016 at 07:38
It’s such a good one
Thanks for reading and commenting
LikeLiked by 1 person
October 29, 2016 at 07:56
My pleasure sir, always! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
November 2, 2016 at 19:50
I went to see Revive Us in the theater after being invited by someone. It was so silent in there, so I stood up and started belting out this song as loud as I could during the performance of it. Wonderfully enough, others joined in. This song has a special place in my heart, because I have been ruled by fear and PTSD for so long there was a time I would NEVER have done that! I really felt like I was singing in Christ alone!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
November 2, 2016 at 19:58
Oh…how very awesome that story was! Thank you so much for sharing it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 14, 2017 at 12:05
Great expansion and commentary (not mean to insult you by comparing you to ‘official’ Bible commentators) on this song. I’ve always called this song “The entire Gospel in one song!” Loved this song from the first time I heard it. Reading your thoughts brings back great memories of the grace and mercies of God.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 14, 2017 at 12:22
Thanks Pastor Randy and no insult taken lol
What a wonderful song though huh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 14, 2017 at 14:04
Yes it is Wally!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 22, 2017 at 18:57
Love love love this!!!!
LikeLike
January 22, 2017 at 19:09
Hey Debbie. Glad to see you back on the road..I love to read your travels.
And thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 22, 2017 at 19:42
Thanks Wally! We’re having a blast! So thankful for the Lord’s protection and opportunities to share about Him!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 23, 2017 at 05:58
10 THUMBS UP! LOL!
LikeLike
January 23, 2017 at 07:06
Thanks very much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 27, 2017 at 05:05
Yes it is True Wally, Jesus became fully Man when He took our Sins upon Him on the Cross, which than separated Him from the Father for the first time in His earthly life. Jesus was conceived by The Holy Spirit, yes He was fully God as part of The Godhead or Trinity as we call Them today, that is why He did not Sin and so could be our Redeemer.
In Christ Jesus when our Carnal flesh has been put to death (Romans 8 :12-15- Romans 6 -Colossians 3:4-6 -Galatians 5:24 -26) and we are Perfected in Love which we are all to Aim for (Matthew 5:48 – Hebrews 6:1-Philippians 3:14-16 -2Timothy 3:17-1John 4:16-19- 1John 2:4-6 – 2Corinthians 13:11) we also do not Sin as confirmed in the Scriptures below there are more if wanted. Obedience is not works, if we are Born Again with God’s seed and Perfected in Love we will show we are until than if known by God as His own, if we Sin Jesus is our Advocate after our Heart Repentance.
1 John 3:9 No one who is Born of God will continue to Sin because God’s seed remains in him he cannot go on sinning because he has been Born of God.
1 John 5:18-20 We know that no one who is Born of God Sins but He who was Born of God keeps him and the evil one does not touch him.
1 John 3: 1-11 ( 6-7 ) Whosoever abideth in Him Sinneth not: whosoever Sinneth hath not seen Him neither known Him. Little children let no man deceive you he that doeth Righteousness is Righteous even as He is Righteous.
John 8:34-36 Jesus replied, “I tell you the Truth everyone who Sins is a slave to Sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free you will be free indeed.
1John 4:16-17 And we have known and believed the Love that God hath to us. God is Love and he that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in God and God in him. Herein is our Love made Perfect that we may have boldness in the day of judgment because as He is, so are we in this world.
1 John 2:4-6 He that saith I know Him and keepeth not His Commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth His word in him verily is the Love of God Perfected hereby know we that we are in Him, he that saith he bideth in Him ought himself also so to walk even as He walked.
Luke 6:45-46 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto Sin but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6 :1- 2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in Sin that grace may abound? God forbid how shall we that are dead to Sin live any longer therein?
1 Peter 1:21-23 Being Born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever.
Romans 8:8 There is therefore now no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.
Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified and made white and tried but the wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand but the Wise shall understand.
Christian Love and Blessings – Anne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 27, 2017 at 05:27
Thank Anne, for coming by.
LikeLike
January 29, 2017 at 10:33
Wow! I love this song. I love hymns too. Thanks for writing on this hymn so beautifully.
LikeLike
January 29, 2017 at 13:11
Thanks for your encouraging word!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 29, 2017 at 15:15
i have nominated you for the versatile blogger award https://chryssed.wordpress.com/2017/01/29/my-first-award/
LikeLike
January 29, 2017 at 19:23
Hey there and thanks. I hope there is no offense, but I really don’t accept awards. I do appreciate the encouraging thought, though, thanks!
LikeLike