fencepostdigest

“Rededicating your life to Christ” is a concept in Christian culture having no foundation in the New Testament. Those who teach this as a decision made by Christians who have fallen away from the practices of Christianity are simply wrong. One of the most often-used Scriptures utilized to support ‘rededication’ is Galatians 6:1 as Paul encourages the Galatians to restore sinful believers. “Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too.” However, in context, “What is the Apostle really saying?” This verse is sort of a pause between 5:13-21 and 5:22-26, and the instructions that Paul gives concerning the break from the Mosaic Law and the Law of Christ.

Rededication is popular among amny Christians who were saved at a young age may come to realize that their understanding of what it means to follow Jesus has not been realized. Upon discovering a desire for a more profound understanding of the Gospel they wish to “rededicate” themselves to Christ. But the question is why do something that has become a tradition that has no foundation in the Word of God?

Do we not understand that falling away and returning to God is not a biblical concept, either? Referring to Romans 1:1-2 we find that spiritual maturity is a life-long process that is a narrow pathway. Jesus said we must deny personal deires, take up our cross daily in order to follow Him. Paul writes that the only way to obtain the goal of Christ is to participate in the race in order to obtain the prize, and the Inspired writer of Hebrews also illustrates life in Christ as a race involving endurance. 

Preachers and teachers instruct people to rededicate after every sin, but this becomes a repetitive and nonproductive exercise in futility. But habitual sin is not a problem faced by a Believer nor is this solved by an act of an unscriptural tradition.

There are but two kinds of people in our world, lost and saved; those who are not following Christ and those who are Followers of the Christ. There is no gray area that calls for sinful Christians in need of rededication for if there were a gray area of uncertainty lost folks would occupy the same hopelessness, too. 

Becoming and being a Believer is more difficult than we have determined it to be. Jesus told one young man that he must sell all that he owned, give the proceeds to the poor before he could be His Disciple. The Savior also said, “not everyone who calls me ‘Lord’ will enter into my Kingdom.” One of His Disciples even asked, “Where are you going and how can we know the way?” Jesus answered like this, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father but by me.” Tragically, you and I have observed incredibly vast crowds of people walking in darkness because they have chosen deceptive paths that lead to Hell.

There is no sign pointing to a path we call ‘rededication’ for this does not exist in the Word of God. This is one of those things Paul describes in Colossians 2:6-15, “Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and firm in your faith just as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him all the fullness of deity lives in bodily form,  and you have been filled in him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. In him you also were circumcised—not, however, with a circumcision performed by human hands, but by the removal of the fleshly body, that is, through the circumcision done by Christ. Having been buried with him in baptism, you also have been raised with him through your faith in the power of God who raised him from the dead. And even though you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he nevertheless made you alive with him, having forgiven all your transgressions. He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” 

What else is there to say except, Jesus is Lord!!

This General Election was not about Trump or Biden; this GE was about the heart and soul of America, our Republic, “One Nation under God.” Any Nation claiming itself to be “Under God” will have a document similar to the Constitution of the the United States as the foundation of their rule of law.

However, in America we have observed a large segment of our population ignoring the words of our Constitution for many decades ultimately choosing to live in darkness. Equally unfortunate are untold numbers of folks claiming to be Christians have chosen to support a political platform underwriting abortion, sexual freedom of all sorts, racial disparity or a disconnect to the same, disrespect for authority at any level, disruption of the nuclear family and the list goes on. All of this is outside the pages of the Word of God. The dark side of our culture is ungodly and certainly not Christian in any way. These people deny having sold their souls to the Devil.

The Apostle Peter said this,  “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism in dealing with people, 35 but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is welcomed before him. 36 You know the message he sent to” the people of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all)— 37 you know what happened throughout Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38 with respect to Jesus from Nazareth, that God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil because God was with him. 39 We are witnesses of all the things he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him up on the third day and caused him to be seen, 41 not by all the people, but by us, the witnesses God had already chosen, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to warn them that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43 About him all the prophets testify, that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:34-43. 

I understand that I have made no friends and have alienated others as I have often written concerning the sin of man against others, but this is really sin against Holy God. More and more we witness people searching in the wrong places for God’s peace that is not found in the President of the United States of America, and certainly not in the Constitution of the United States. Peace can only be found in God the Author of the Bible and who is the Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We have observed many who claim Jesus as Savior, but have denied Him as Lord as they support sin by denying the Lordship of Christ at every turn. Large numbers have chosen to support the murder of children by choosing to vote, not for Mr. Biden, but for the DNC. 

There is no doubt in my mind large numbers of people chose to support the RNC and/or Mr. Trump and are not born-again Believers in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. However, those who are of the Body of Christ, His Bride, His Church did choose to support life. 

The war between good and evil has already been won because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ although there are many battles being waged at this moment. Men and women struggle for their eternal destiny every day a battle with the minions of Satan.

“But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath for yourselves in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed! 6 He will reward each one according to his works: 7 eternal life to those who by perseverance in good works seek glory and honor and immortality, 8 but wrath and anger to those who live in selfish ambition and do not obey the truth but follow unrighteousness. 9 There will be affliction and distress on everyone who does evil, on the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, for the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God. 12 For all who have sinned apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous before God, but those who do the law will be declared righteous. 14 For whenever the Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature the things required by the law, these who do not have the law are a law to themselves. 15 They show that the work of the law is written in their hearts, as their conscience bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or else defend them, 16 on the day when God will judge the secrets of human hearts, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus.” Romans 2:5-16. In the end God will be the eternal Judge for everyone. Some will go to Heaven and others will go to Hell because of choices made while they live in this body.

Jesus remains Lord.

After Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941, Japanese admiral Yamamoto is quoted as having said, “I am fearful we have awakened a Sleeping Giant.” Even though no one has been able to provide proof of this statement coming from Yamamato, the truth of it is seen in the events immediately following the air raid on America’s Pacific naval base. Indeed, the wrong person was attacked.

Presently, there is no way to know whether or not the attacks upon President Trump will have a calculated mistake by the Liberal Establishment for 4 years. However, those of us who have supported Mr. Trump have been angered and there is another group within the Conservative Base often overlooked. During the Vietnam War, President Nixon called upon a large contingency of Americans he referred to as the “great silent majority” for help to “make peace and bring the war to an end.” Again this term, “silent majority” has recently surfaced again during this present General Election just as it did for Ronald Reagan during his campaign.

There is more involved in this than meets the readers and listeners in America today. This overlooked number of folks is the Church, the Body of Christ. Please listen carefully as you read this phrase, “the Body of Christ, the Church.” Let me explain.

I am not referring to the church in your neighborhood nor those who call themselves ‘Christian’ in your local church. Sadly and unfortunately, the local church is NOT the same as the Body of Christ found in the New Testament. (Since becoming President of the United States, Mr. Trump has coined the popular phrase, “Fake News” has a long history, apparently. From where does it come? No one really seems to know, but Trump seems to have popularized these two words.) My point is this, not everyone in our local cahurch(es) is a ‘Christian,’ are you surprised? If you are not, many certainly object to the idea. Unfortunately, our local churches are not as pure as the driven snow.

Within the local church is a smaller group of folks I refer to as ‘Believers’ or ‘Followers of Christ.’ The reason is many in our churches where we live and where we gather to worship and study the Word of God are NOT born-again. How am I able to say such a thing?

We can begin with the 12 disciples of Jesus to discover that not everyone among us are actual Followers of the Christ as they may portray themselves. Subject number one is Judas Iscariot, “And after Judas took the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” John 13:27 NET2.  Another remarkable statement from Jesus is convincing, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven—only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many powerful deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!’” Matthew 7:21-23. And the key phrase from our Lord is, “…only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven,” will be allowed to enter His Kingdom of Heaven.

You see, the wrong person(s) is being attacked by evil today because these are standing in the face of all evil-doers protecting immorality in our Nation. The on-going murder of babie, sexual immorality, liars and others named by Paul in Galatians 5:19-21 will not enter His Kingdom, either. These people are and have been attacking the People of God for sometime, but in our present history in the United States and across the globe continue to do so. I have read the Book and in the end we win.

The often-quoted statement found in Revelation 20:11-14, “Then I saw a large white throne and the one who was seated on it; the earth and the heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. Then books were opened, and another book was opened—the book of life. So the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to their deeds. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each one was judged according to his deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of fire.”

More than one time I have trumpeted these ideas ‘ad infinitum’ and I will not back away nor grow weary for just as Paul writes in Romans chapter 1, neither am I ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God resulting in the salvation of those who believe.

Jesus is Lord.

No doubt about our present situation, the question, “How can things get any worse?” is being asked. The answer? “Yes, ‘things,’ everything will become much worse before ‘better’ is introduced. The ‘worse’ is the  seven-year Tribulation. But, we are NOT there, yet.

How can we know ‘there’ is not yet here? Paul tells us why his generation was not yet ‘there,’ and the same holds true as to why we have not yet arrived, either. The Apostle writes, “Surely you recall that I used to tell you these things while I was still with you. 6 And so you know what holds him back, so that he will be revealed in his own time. 7 For the hidden power of lawlessness is already at work. However, the one who holds him back will do so until he is taken out of the way, 8 and then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will destroy by the breath of his mouth and wipe out by the manifestation of his arrival.” 2 Thessalonians 2:5-8 NET2.

We have read over and over again how awful things are in our American culture right now. There is mass confusion, delusion, crime, and fear all around us. The obvious deceptions that have taken place in the 2020 General Election in the USA seems to be unparalleled in our history. “Just HOW can things become much worse?” The answer is found in the Word of God because just before world-wide horror arrives, “the hidden power of lawlessness is already at work. However, the one who holds him back will do so until he is taken out of the way…” Folks, ‘we ain’t seen nothin,’ yet!!”

The moment the Holy Spirit removes Himself, ‘all Hell will break loose, unabated lawlessness will prevail and the 7-year Tribulation will be introduced.’ Until then God’s peace on earth will, indeed, prevail.

“But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 He called you to this salvation through our gospel, so that you may possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions that we taught you, whether by speech or by letter. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good thing you do or say.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17.

The time we presently live in is normally referred to as  ‘the Church Age.’ Although our culture is presently experiencing a very troubled moment in history we can be assured that God is yet present and the Holy Spirit is living in those who are Followers of the Christ. The Church is secure and is unified to continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ although many within the local church are lost sinners, bound for Hell and are responsible for much unrest everywhere. While confusion is on the rise, calm and security is certain in the Body of Christ.

Jesus is Lord.

More than a few people have been angered by my responses to them as these poor souls have said things like, “I did nothing and He changed the direction of my life.” And my response has always been something like this, “Jesus is not like a stuffed animal or a good-luck charm, He is God.” Most do not like this, but the point is simple and I also have said, “Jesus is not a side-show in a circus, but far too many people treat Him as such.”

Also, the idea, “I did nothing and He changed the direction of my life,” is not totally true for a person thinking that the Christian life is a ‘free ride’ is a mistake. Look at the statements of Jesus:

1. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24.
2. “After this Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “Look, you have become well. Don’t sin anymore, lest anything worse happen to you.” 15 The man went away and informed the Jewish leaders that Jesus was the one who had made him well.” John 5:14-15.
3. The man replied, “I have wholeheartedly obeyed all these laws since my youth.” 22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Luke 18:21-22.
4.  Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32.
5. Jesus said to him, “Stand up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 Immediately the man was healed, and he picked up his mat and started walking. (Now that day was a Sabbath.” John 5:8-9.

The one thing to notice in each of these 5 events is simple: the result of knowing Jesus is obedience to Him alone. No one is able to follow Him, not to sin, to be His disciple or to pick up the piece…alone. Please understand what Paul said to the church in Philippi, “I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. 13 I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12-13. Jesus provides the strength to ‘carry on’ in spite of the challenges. 

Jesus is NOT a magician, but many seem to think He is. Look around and we will find a rather large number of people expecting Jesus “to do this, that or the other” at their command because He did something in Scripture These same people think because they ‘believe’ what Jesus did in the Bible He now must, MUST do the same because they no have ‘claimed faith’ in Him to do so. 

Jesus HAS TO DO NOTHING, WHY? Because He IS God and We are to SERVE Him. The opposite of this is not true. He is not the guy in Aladdin’s Lamp who comes out of the lamp because we rub the thing. NO, NO, NO, a thousand times NO!! 

Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to become my follower, He must deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24.  Please underscore this, we must:

1. Deny ourselves
2. Take up our cross
3. Follow Him

Self-denial is intentional on our part. We must decide that what we do is for His causes and not for our well-being.

To take up our cross is being obedient to His demands upon us and to be what He wants us to become.

To follow Him is impossible without numbers one and two. 

The context of life immediately changes when we decide to follow Him. Yes, the gift of eternal life is ‘free,’ but NOT the freedom to do as we please. The inspired words of the Bible are intended to please God alone. Have we not noticed that Israel angered God, sinned against Him and were imprisoned in Babylon for many, many years? These people wandered in the wilderness because of disobedience toward God and for more than 400 years there was silence from the Throne of God because of sin? And when the fullness of time came Jesus came to earth in order to change the heart of man and the course of human history. 

What we now see is obvious, the Church, the Body of Christ is found to be sloshing around in darkness because of sin in the camp. The Body is not in sin, but the local churches are and I think the letters to the seven churches found in the Revelation are pointed directly to the local churches today. Not simply in America, but to every local church around the world. And just as Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate because the gate is wide and the way is spacious that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 How narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it!” Matthew 7:13-14. 

Often I write about this and often people scoff and ridicule, but I know the Truth when it is so obvious. Our local churches, yours included, have many who are ‘church’ members, many claim to be ‘Christians,” but are NOT. These people are sinful, evil-doers and are on the wide path because they have entered through the broad gate that leads straight to Hell. My prayer is that you are not one of these.

Jesus is Lord, JESUS IS LORD!!!

“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The experts in the law and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore pay attention to what they tell you and do it. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy loads, hard to carry, and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing even to lift a finger to move them. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by people, for they make their phylacteries wide and their tassels long. 6 They love the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and elaborate greetings in the marketplaces and to have people call them ‘Rabbi.’ 8 But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher and you are all brothers. 9 And call no one your ‘father’ on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Nor are you to be called ‘teacher,’ for you have one Teacher, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:1-12 NET2.

Sometimes the question is asked, “Should we call our parents “Mother” or “Father?” My suggestion is simple, look closely at the context of Jesus’ statement before saying, “No, we should not.” 

I have not thought much about this except in the context of how we may be in danger of assigning more respect to pastors and professors or even the Catholic Church as they have layers of authority with titles attached. And there are the titles given to those who have earned doctorate degrees and I now wonder why not refer to all of us who have earned Master degrees, “Master?” The list can go on and on, too.

However, I believe we must think about the context of Jesus’ life when rabbinical schools allowed students to refer to their teachers as ‘Rabbi.’ With this in mind Jesus may be directing His attention to these titles of respect. What we do know is Jesus did not want His closest Followers to receive or seek rewards, but to be nothing more than His humble servants.

Some suggest that Jesus’ statement has nothing to do with how we may address our parents, but only a word concerning false honor toward those who are honored as teachers. Most likely He is directing His message to His Church NOT to place professors, pastors and others on pedestals rising above the people they serve.

The question then comes to mind, “What about the powerful television preachers who have made names for themselves by placing their names on study Bibles and are honored far above what their status should be?” However, I think His intention is most likely relative to the Church rather than absolute, calling us not to raise the status of spiritual leaders above the respect we must be reserving for God the Father.

We often refer to Paul and others as ‘Apostle’ and we know that he addresses Believers as Saints, Brothers and Sisters, Beloved, et al. Paul never sought the title ‘father,’ although states he had ‘fathered’ new believers in the gospel. The Apostle acknowledged Timothy as his spiritual son, “I am not writing these things to shame you, but to correct you as my dear children. For though you may have 10,000 guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, because I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I encourage you, then, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason, I have sent Timothy to you, who is my dear and faithful son in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. Some have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord is willing, and I will find out not only the talk of these arrogant people, but also their power. For the kingdom of God is demonstrated not in idle talk but with power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline or with love and a spirit of gentleness?” 1 Corinthians 4:14-21.

With all of this in mind I believe we must be careful in how we do honor our spiritual leaders and be aware of what we have done by placing their names on Bibles and on the signs of our churches. Just a thought.

Jesus is Lord.

Within the framework of American culture the so-called ‘Critical Theory” has emerged for many decades to be the “Elephant in the room” that is less recognized than should be. I do not fully comprehend the theory, but I have come to recognize some of its structure attempting to destroy the foundation of our culture: the Constitution of the United States. Law and order is hated and is being undermined across the Country, and if this cornerstone is removed the Constitution will collapse. We must NOT allow this to occur.

This much I think I understand. The focus of Critical Theory seems to identity experiences, and activism of masses rather than an attempt to find truth. An individual without truth is assembled with others having no truth and they are taught to undermine public confidence in the value of education. This is called indoctrination.

From what I have read, leaders of Critical Theory begin with determined conclusions and teach people to own their assumptions concerning power or authority in society. These are taught authority is the problem and must be disrupted and/or dismantled. This body of thought has been growing since the mid 1960’s and has become a very large man-made mountain constructed upon very insecure foundations of ignorance.

The Church, the Body of Christ, is the bastion of freedom, integrity and   truth founded upon the principles of the inerrant and inspired Word of God. Jesus stated, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man comes to the Father but by Me.” John 14:6. Because Jesus is the Source of all things the Body of Christ must be united upon the foundation of Truth found in the Word of God.

Over the course of several months we have observed many within the local church partnering with those who subscribe to Critical Theory because of political pressures. Instead of drawing these to join them in traditional biblical training and truth collapse within their own ranks occurred. You see, Critical Theory teaches that the Bible is truth vested in Western culture and that can only be overcome by convincing Bible followers to deny God’s Truth by combining the Bible with humanism. Well, the CT folks succeeded by convincing those who called themselves Christians to join them in their crusade to dismantle the absolute values of the U.S. Constitution founded on Judeo-Christian values.

I am now convinced that the Body of Christ is much smaller in number than previously thought. Many who have claimed to be Christian have fallen to the claims of Critical Theory of Marxism and Socialism attaching this Theory to the teachings of Christ therefore denying Christ as Lord.

We must recall the words of Christ, “Do not accumulate for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and devouring insect destroy and where thieves break in and steal.  But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and devouring insect do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If then your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!  No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6:19-24 NET2. 

I think the key phrase here is, “No one can serve two masters…” There is only light and darkness in our world. Man must serve and walk in the Light of the Gospel; NOT the Light of the Gospel being attached to Critical Theory. Many who are in the local church have added other things to the Message and by doing so have denied the Christ. And to deny Him is to be condemned by Him. 

Jesus is Lord.

.

We all have heard the statement, “I did not leave, they left me.” Many times in years gone by people have made this statement in the light of changes made ‘on the plantation’ and when the changes are seemingly too difficult to live with some will leave. This is that moment when it is just better to get off the plantation because no more will certain individuals effectively change themselves.

And then leadership began to observe the loss of some good people in important places. Leadership began to use new terminology calling these ‘changes’ paradigm shifts. Same thing, but with a new identity. The changes were still there, the colors changed, the temperature changed, the lighting changed, the doors were moved, new decor replaced the old, but this was all done in order to install new paradigms. Paradigm Shifting is another word for lying. The Frog remains in the pot full of water sitting over the flame and the frog will die because the heat becomes too much. Paradigm Shift? No, everything changed in spite of promises made. This is no change, just a paradigm shift.  Lies kill.

Recalling the long history of the Hebrews look at their enslavement in Egypt. In total the people of God were enslaved approximately 400 years when Moses came along and was able to gain their freedom. The Pharaoh played with the Hebrews for a while telling them that things would get better for them if they did ‘this, that or the other.’ Not true, their lives became unbearable and God stepped in with Moses, and when Moses pushed back against the ‘paradigm shifts’ God said, “No more, ‘Let My people go.’

The paradigm shifts were lies intended to cause the Hebrews to work more diligently for the ‘Company Store,’ but that failed and Moses left the plantation standing against the bosses with the rod of God. God did not use ‘paradigm shifts’ to explain to the Pharaoh that he should allow the Hebrews to leave, and the Pharaoh failed to understand God does not use lies or paradigm shifts, He only speaks truth and His truth set the Hebrews free.

Fast forward to the life of Christ and pick up with John Mark, the inspired author of the Gospel of Mark. Evidence seems to point out that the Gospel of Mark is the New Testament narrative that breaks the 400 years of silence between the Old Testament and the New even though the Voice of God in the Person of Jesus Christ actually ‘tore the curtain’ of silence. No doubt, Mark was most likely a frequent observer of Jesus and His disciples, “A young man was following him, wearing only a linen cloth. They tried to arrest him, but he ran off naked, leaving his linen cloth behind.” Mark 14:51-52 NET2. Only the Gospel of Mark mentions this incident occurring in the moment of Jesus’ arrest in the Garden. Many scholars seem to think this young man may have been Mark. At any rate, everyone abandoned Jesus when He was arrested. This was no paradigm shift, this was a significant change in the history of mankind.

John Mark was the nephew of Barnabas who was leader of the Apostles and of Paul. Barnabas and Paul had a schism in their relationship and separated. In short, Mark became a student of Peter and Paul then mentored Timothy. Some time later Paul took Mark alongside and mentions that he “is useful to me” in his letter second letter to Timothy, “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you because he is a great help to me in ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11. Paul was in Roman custody when he penned 2 Timothy.

No paradigm shift, but radical changes had taken place by the time John Mark had written his Gospel Narrative, but his words are absolutely God’s Truth. Therefore, it is best to use the definition of Webster’s Dictionary to help my explanation: “EXAMPLE, PATTERN: an outstandingly clear or typical example of the original model are taken.”

Changes or paradigm shifts oftentimes cause extreme trauma in the lives of those who will be directly affected. And what I do know for certain is simple: sometimes these paradigm shifts happen suddenly and without warning OR they are very subtle and a new platform is presented over time. At any rate, a decision must be made and this decision will most likely be best for everyone. To leave the Plantation is in order; physically, if not emotionally and otherwise.

The Plantation I am leaving has changed over time, but the fact is the changes made are causing and have caused a great deal of stress and pain for many who have been around a very long time. But what I do know is this, the Truth upon which the archetype is constructed has not changed. I have chosen to follow the Truth and there is but one truth. 

It must be known sometimes physical separation is not possible, but my heart and soul are no longer present. Those around me have noticed this and is okay with me even though my emotions and thoughts are not ‘with the program’ in everything. Too much water has passed under that bridge and I am now on the other side. My heart is torn and broken, but just as Paul said, neither am I ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for, “He is the one who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not based on our works but on his own purpose and grace, granted to us in Christ Jesus before time began,  but now made visible through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. He has broken the power of death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel!  For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher. Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that he is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day. Hold to the standard of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.” 2 Timothy 1:9-14.

The Plantation of which I speak is NOT the Church for I could not leave for I am kept by the grace of God and cannot deny Him. What I encountered over many years of serving the Lord is all sorts of trials and tribulations have passed my way and many strange and odd characters I have encountered face to face. There have been words exchanged, yes, difficult words challenging my faith in the Glorious Savior, the Son of God the Risen Lord of all things past and present. No, I have not faced lions or physical death that I am aware of, but I did discover later these could have been my lot. Disputes are now present; disputes that have changed the philosophical landscape upon which I labored for more than 50 years. These disputes have caused me to emotionally sever my place on the Plantation and I have left for there is no longer a place for me at that table of service. 

Please do not feel sorry for me for I am okay, but presently disappointed for my place in Eternity is soundly secured by the blood of Jesus Christ my Savior and Lord. Will the Plantation I have know for so long remain? Yes, for a while longer I am certain. However, there cannot be two Truths for only one of them will survive. One is True to the Word of God, but the other is not. My fear is simple: the paradigm shift that is being pursued is a lie and this lie that has changed everything. 

However, Jesus remains Lord.

Looking around the world in which I live God has made things quite clear to me the darkness that surrounds me. My suggestion for you is stop, not pause, but STOP to observe the darkness that surrounds your existence. The observation has already reduced itself to who I am as a person. What I know to be true is simple: Jesus is my Savior. Jesus is my Lord. I belong to Him. And He has made Himself abundantly clear to me: “But the one united with the Lord is one spirit with him. Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin a person commits is outside of the body”—but the immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:17-20 NET2.

The importance of knowing Who purchased me must not be overlooked nor underestimated. Paul wrote the letter of Colossians to a church that was obviously struggling to know their place in a pagan and dark world. Now, we could write a philosophy concerning Jesus Christ and I could wax eloquently in an attempt to do the same. But why not read about Him in the Book He inspired. Paul writes in Colossians 1:15-20:

1. “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, for all things in heaven and on earth were created in him—all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers—all things were created through him and for him.” vv 15-16. 
2. “He himself is before all things, and all things are held together in him.” v 17.
3. “He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things.” v 18.
4. “ For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross—through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” v 19-20.

Paul’s statement clearly explains WHO this Christ is and he follows these statements with and encourages you and me in this way, “And you were at one time strangers and enemies in your minds as expressed through your evil deeds,  but now he has reconciled you by his physical body through death to present you holy, without blemish, and blameless before him— if indeed you remain in the faith, established and firm, without shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has also been preached in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become its servant.” vv 21-23a. Because we know Him as Savior and Lord we have the responsibility to “remain in faith, established and firm, without shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard.”  For this reason alone you and I can know full-well that not everyone who calls Jesus “Lord” will enter into His Heaven.

Not long ago we sang this song, “I Know My Redeemer Lives” written by Samuel Medley in 1738;

1. I know that my Redeemer lives;

what comfort this sweet sentence gives!

He lives, He lives, who once was dead;

He lives, my everliving Head.

2. He lives triumphant from the grave,

He lives eternally to save,

He lives all-glorious in the sky,

He lives exalted there on high.

3. He lives to bless me with His love,

He lives to plead for me above,

He lives my hungry soul to feed,

He lives to help in time of need.

4. He lives to grant me rich supply,

He lives to guide me with His eye,

He lives to comfort me when faint,

He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.

5. He lives to silence all my fears,

He lives to wipe away my tears,

He lives to calm my troubled heart,

He lives all blessings to impart.

6. He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend,

He lives and loves me to the end;

He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;

He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.

7. He lives and grants me daily breath;

He lives and I shall conquer death;

He lives my mansion to prepare;

He lives to bring me safely there.

8. He lives, all glory to His name!

He lives, my Jesus, still the same.

Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,

“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

What we do know is simple: Jesus is Lord!!

Paul engaged himself in keeping  the Galatian church focused upon the grace of Christ and to be free from the Law. Therefore, the Apostle used the scripture concerning Isaac and Ishmael as an allegory to make a distinction between Law and grace.

“Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. 23 But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise. 24 This is allegorically speaking, for these women are two covenants: one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. 25 Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother. 27 For it is written, “Rejoice, barren woman who does not bear; Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor; For more numerous are the children of the desolate Than of the one who has a husband.” 28 And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, For the son of the bondwoman shall not be an heir with the son of the free woman.” 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman.” Galatians 4:21-31 NET2.

Someone has said, “Everyone makes mistakes in life, but that does not mean they must pay for them the rest of their lives. Sometimes good people make bad choices, but it does not mean they are bad. It means they are human.”

This statement and assumption is simply wrong and flawed. Yes, everyone does make mistakes. However the Apostle John writes in 1 John 5:17a, “All unrighteousness is sin…” (I must encourage you to read the 5th chapter in its entirety to correctly understand this phrase.) No one is free from sin in this life, but we have been empowered not to sin because the perfectly sinless Holy Spirit indwells the body of every Follower of Christ. But to say simply that we sin because we are human is an excuse to commit sin ‘just because.’ This is a lie from Hell, ‘period.’ Believers do not sin because they are human, they sin because they are free to make the choice between good and evil.

No doubt, the church in Galatia was struggling with the conflict between the OT Law and the NT Law of Grace found in the Risen Christ. And Paul was giving this church the instruction on how to overcome the Law with the power of the Risen Christ because of His grace extended to them.

The choice is obvious: every Believer can choose between the OT Law or the Freedom posited by the Grace found in the living Christ and the two cannot be combined. These are different as night and day. Paul writes, “ I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:6-12 NASB. Paul’s concern for this church is that they had so soon deserted the Christ for a false notion or Gospel teaching that is, indeed, ‘not’ a gospel at all. For this reason the Apostle writes in Galatians 4:31, “So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman.” The fact is obvious to the observer to become a practitioner of faith.

And for this reason alone Paul points to the vast schism between those who live in the Spirit and those who live in the darkness of the flesh, “ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:16-26. NET2.

Observing many who claim to be followers of the Christ reveals their statements to be in conflict with the Word of God resulting in confusion. They, no doubt mean well, but are obviously in error and this indicates sin. The purpose, the Divine intent for every Believer, is to live by the Spirit just as Paul writes.

Jesus is Lord.