23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Ok, I thought I'd just look at what a few of these words mean in order to give a better understanding of these verses.
First, lets look at the words have sinned: The Greek word is hamartano. The general definition is to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), (figurative) to err, especially (moral) to sin:--for your faults, offend, sin, trespass.
to miss the mark, swerve from the way. In the NT, used metaphorically:
The definition connected with this verse in particular is ... Generally, to sin, spoken of any sin, used in an absolute sense.
So basically this is saying that we have all missed the mark, none of us has hit the bullseye, so to speak. We've all fallen short of a perfect score, and have erred.
Second, lets look at the word glory: Since I'm not exactly sure which part of the definition goes with this verse, I picked one that most closely fits. Of that exalted state of blissful perfection which is the portion of those who dwell with God in heaven. As spoken of Christ and including the idea of His royal majesty as Messiah, and of glorified saints, i.e. salvation, eternal life.
So far, I see that anything that I do to earn salvation can and will not give me what I'm looking for, because I, in my own doing, can never be perfect enough. I fall short of God's Glory, or God's perfection.
Third, lets look at the word freely: In the Greek this word is dorean. This word means without a cause, freely, for naught, in vain.
We have been justified without cause, in other words, he didn't have to do it, but he did. By His Grace...
Fourth, lets take a look at the word grace: The Greek word for grace is charis. Also spoken of the grace which God exercises toward us, the unmerited favour which he shows in saving us from sin.
When we look at this grace, we find that we didn't do anything to earn it. It is unmerited favour that he shows toward us.
Fifth, lets lat a look at the word propitiation: The Greek word for propitiation is hilasterion. This word means "an atoning victim"
Jesus was that atoning victim. He was the sacrificial lamb. Through faith in His blood, we are washed clean. We are freed from sin's hold on us.
Sixth, lets take a look at the word remission: The Greek word for remission is paresis. To let pass by, A letting pass, remission in the sense of overlooking, not punishing. Used only in Romans 3:25 Paresis differs from aphesis, which implies pardon or forgiveness, i.e. not just an absence of punishment, but the removal of guilt.
Wow, so through faith in His blood we are granted remission of sins. That means that, not only is there no punishment, but he removes the guilt of that sin from us. We are, in a sense, truly washed clean.
Lastly, lets take a look at the word forbearance: The Greek word for forbearance is anoche. Self-restraint, i.e. tolerance:--forbearance. From anecho, to bear with, suffer. Forbearance, a holding back, delay. In the NT, self-restraint, forbearance, patience.
Wow, I like this word. Our sins pass through the forbearance of God. That means he holds back, and uses self restraint, and patience. He must have a great deal of patience.
So, Every one falls short of Gods Grace. There is no way, in our own endeavors, that we can earn this grace that God gives as a free gift to anyone who will accept Him as their propitiation, or atoning sacrifice. We can have remission of sin, which is much more than just a pardon, or forgiveness, or an absence of punishment, but it is also the removal of guilt. His Blood washes away, not just the sin, but the guilt from that sin. What Jesus did for us when he went to the Cross is more than any man can do for himself. We need that atoning blood to wash us clean, because we are not perfect enough, nor will we ever be perfect enough to make it to heaven, and to earn the Grace of God on our own. Jesus paid the price, all we need to do is accept Him as our atoning sacrifice, by faith, and be washed clean. Then we are a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Testimony: God's Grace Is For All Who Will Accept It
My growing up years were turmoil for me, because my dad was in the Navy, we had to do a lot of moving. I would say that I went to 5 different Elementary schools, one Jr. High school, and two High schools. For an already shy, and reserved person, having to start over all the time was quite difficult. My parents, for a good part of my growing up years were not Christian. My parents sent my brother and I, and for a while, my sister, to Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School for a long time. And, although I memorized some scripture and participated in all the activities, it didn't really mean anything to me. I really wasn't sure there was a God, and I really didn't know much about who this God was anyway.
When I was about 11 or 12, I played on a basketball team. I wasn't very good so I didn't get to play a lot. I was frustrated, because I wanted to play. I didn't want to be a bench warmer. I started making bargains with God. I would say "if you let me play more in the next game, then I'll believe in you", and in the next game I would get to play more. I did this several times, but I just wasn't sure yet. I still didn't really know who this God was, or why I would need to believe in him in the first place. During this time my parents started going to church with us regularly. I became involved in the youth group at this church. I started to learn more about God and what he did for me, but I still didn't understand what he was all about, but I did become more aware that I was being tugged toward Him. Why? I didn't understand though. So he died on a cross for my sins. What have I done that is so bad that I would need him to die for me. I didn't understand that he died to cleanse me from the human condition called sin, that I was born with from the beginning.
When I started Jr. High School I started the two most difficult years of my life. I was used to being made fun of, because I was used to always being the new kid, but what happened these two years was more than I could handle. I was abused physically, mentally/emotionally, and sexually by my peers, and I didn't know how to deal with it. I decided to put God to the test again. Ok, I'll try turning the other cheek, and see what happens. I didn't see any fruit from this, and I was in tears almost every day, not to mention the English class in the 8th grade that I almost failed because I couldn't deal with what was going on.
The Summer after my 8th grade year, in August of 1977 my parents sent me to a Christian Camp called River Valley Ranch. Not only was it refreshing after such a hard two years of Jr. High School. I actually felt loved by the staff, and the other kids. They actually accepted me. God was really drawing me now, and I was beginning to understand the depravity of my human condition, which made it necessary for a savior. One evening at camp I invited Jesus into my life. I remember it being such an emotional release, that I cried, which is something I never allowed myself to do in public before this time. I really didn't understand what I'd done, and no one was there to disciple this new babe in Christ, so I didn't grow much after this time.
When I was 18, we moved out to the Seattle area and I became involved in a church where I learned that I needed to do more if I wanted Jesus to be more than just an acquaintance. I needed to read the Bible and I needed, most of all, to talk to Him. I needed to pray. I learned how to praise the Lord also. I started to do all of these things, and I was daily trying to get closer to the Lord, because I wanted more than what I had. This is when I believe I really started to grow and know Jesus as not just my savior, but as my friend and my Lord.
I wont say that everything has been easy since I met the Lord, but I will say that it would have been a lot harder without him there to come along side me and help me through.
When I was about 11 or 12, I played on a basketball team. I wasn't very good so I didn't get to play a lot. I was frustrated, because I wanted to play. I didn't want to be a bench warmer. I started making bargains with God. I would say "if you let me play more in the next game, then I'll believe in you", and in the next game I would get to play more. I did this several times, but I just wasn't sure yet. I still didn't really know who this God was, or why I would need to believe in him in the first place. During this time my parents started going to church with us regularly. I became involved in the youth group at this church. I started to learn more about God and what he did for me, but I still didn't understand what he was all about, but I did become more aware that I was being tugged toward Him. Why? I didn't understand though. So he died on a cross for my sins. What have I done that is so bad that I would need him to die for me. I didn't understand that he died to cleanse me from the human condition called sin, that I was born with from the beginning.
When I started Jr. High School I started the two most difficult years of my life. I was used to being made fun of, because I was used to always being the new kid, but what happened these two years was more than I could handle. I was abused physically, mentally/emotionally, and sexually by my peers, and I didn't know how to deal with it. I decided to put God to the test again. Ok, I'll try turning the other cheek, and see what happens. I didn't see any fruit from this, and I was in tears almost every day, not to mention the English class in the 8th grade that I almost failed because I couldn't deal with what was going on.
The Summer after my 8th grade year, in August of 1977 my parents sent me to a Christian Camp called River Valley Ranch. Not only was it refreshing after such a hard two years of Jr. High School. I actually felt loved by the staff, and the other kids. They actually accepted me. God was really drawing me now, and I was beginning to understand the depravity of my human condition, which made it necessary for a savior. One evening at camp I invited Jesus into my life. I remember it being such an emotional release, that I cried, which is something I never allowed myself to do in public before this time. I really didn't understand what I'd done, and no one was there to disciple this new babe in Christ, so I didn't grow much after this time.
When I was 18, we moved out to the Seattle area and I became involved in a church where I learned that I needed to do more if I wanted Jesus to be more than just an acquaintance. I needed to read the Bible and I needed, most of all, to talk to Him. I needed to pray. I learned how to praise the Lord also. I started to do all of these things, and I was daily trying to get closer to the Lord, because I wanted more than what I had. This is when I believe I really started to grow and know Jesus as not just my savior, but as my friend and my Lord.
I wont say that everything has been easy since I met the Lord, but I will say that it would have been a lot harder without him there to come along side me and help me through.
Mark 8:34 Deny Yourself
Mark 8:34
And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me."
Have you ever wondered what it meant by deny himself...? In the original Greek it says, "to disown and renounce self, to disregard all personal interests and enjoyments". Wow, that packs a punch. It seems like an awful lot to ask, but that's what is required. If we are going to follow Jesus, we need to put self away, and forget about our own wants and desires. I'm not saying it's easy, but with each act of obedience we are becoming more like Jesus, and less like our old worldly selves.
What does it mean to pick up our cross and follow Him... Well, when I looked up the word cross in the original Greek it says, "to undergo suffering, trial, punishment; to expose oneself to reproach and death." Huh... What did that say? Am I reading that right? Yes, but with all of this comes an eternal reward. Denying one's self, and picking up our cross and following Him isn't the easiest thing to do, but God never said it would be easy. He did say it would be worth it.
Ok, now all we have to do now is follow Him. What does that mean? In the original Greek the word follow means, "To be or become the disciple of anyone as to faith and practice, to follow his teaching." Ah, I get it. If we want to become a disciple of Jesus, then we have to follow his teaching. Jesus constantly denied himself every day, and he literally took up his cross, and died for us. So, would it be too much for Him to ask his disciples to do the same?
As I'm thinking about this, there is no way a person can do this unless they have the Holy Spirit living in and through them, and the only way that the Holy Spirit can live and work through any person, they have to have invited him to do so. When we invite Christ into our lives, and we are cleansed of our sins, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our heart, and our lives, and when we actually are obedient to what The Lord wants, He can work through us, and help us to deny ourselves. He can help us to bear our cross so that we can follow Him. The Holy Spirit is there so that we can have the power to overcome our flesh, and to become more like Jesus. Of course, the Holy Spirit gives us power over darkness, and Satan also. But, we've got to be drawing our power from the Holy Spirit, because we can do nothing in our own power, but in His power we can do All things... As it says in Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Friday, September 3, 2010
The Unfruitful Fig Tree: Matthew 21: 18-22
18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. 19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, "Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever." And presently the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away. 21 Jesus answered and said unto them, "Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive."
Ok, we have the part of this passage which goes into having faith and not doubting, and if you have such faith you can also do what Jesus did to the fig tree, and you can say to this mountain be removed, and cast into the sea and it will happen. God is saying in this portion of scripture that if you have faith then you can do things that seem impossible, because of your faith. I don't think he is talking of literal mountains, although he could be, but, I think he could also be referring to our trials which could seem like giant mountains to us. As it says in Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
I think there is also something else of significance here which I learned through reading the footnotes in my Hebrew - Greek Key Word Study Bible
. It said that Jesus didn't curse the tree just because it failed to provide food for His hunger. He cursed it because it had leaves and no fruit. Then it went on to say that fig trees in that area bear fruit year round in the region where Jesus was. But the significance of the fig tree goes much deeper than that. It was symbolic of Israel, which produced leaves but bore no fruit. He was entering Jerusalem where He was going to experience his final public rejection by Israel. Even though Jesus had shown the people that he was God incarnate through His teaching, and everything that he did, they would still refuse to accept Him as such. The withering fig tree illustrates the result of the Jews as a people rejecting Christ as their Messiah. I wonder if that could also illustrate those non Jews of today who are rejecting Christ as their Messiah? How can we pray for them, and lead them to Christ? Will they come, or will they continue to reject Him? Only with much prayer and Faith on the part of believers will they come, and accept Him as their Messiah.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Birthday Blessings From God
This year on my birthday, Aug 24, I was feeling a bit down. I expected certain things, and didn't get everything I wanted. As a matter of fact, it was just a day like any other. I look back now, and realized how much of a babyish spoiled brat I was being. Yes, it was my birthday, but God showed me that I shouldn't expect all eyes to be on me, just because it's my birthday.
God showed me that it's not really all about me. There are others to consider. If He didn't knit me together in my mothers womb, and if He didn't bring my parents together, then I would not exist at all. So, my birthday, isn't about me, it's about Him, and the fact that he chose to give me life on August 24, 1963. I'm here, because He chose to put me here, and give me life.
On the night of my birthday, when I was turning in for the night, I started to pray, and I asked forgiveness for the way I was being, and I thanked Him for giving me life, and making me who I am. I also thanked my husband for what he did give me, which was quite a lot. Having a heating/cooling system put in is no small task, and it's not cheap either. It was something I wanted. Getting some new clothes felt good, and so did getting my new Hebrew-Greek Word Study Bible (King James Version). That is good enough for me... The TV can wait. I've done without it for this long, I can wait... I really don't even need it. It's just something I'd like to have.
On my next birthday I think that I'm going to have a Thank You For My Life party. I'm not going to have people bring presents, because it's not about me. It's a thank you to God for giving me life, both physical, and spiritual. I say that, because I know it was pretty close to August 24, 1977 that I met Jesus as my personal savior, and friend forever at River Valley Ranch Summer Camp. Praise God I'm Alive!
God showed me that it's not really all about me. There are others to consider. If He didn't knit me together in my mothers womb, and if He didn't bring my parents together, then I would not exist at all. So, my birthday, isn't about me, it's about Him, and the fact that he chose to give me life on August 24, 1963. I'm here, because He chose to put me here, and give me life.
On the night of my birthday, when I was turning in for the night, I started to pray, and I asked forgiveness for the way I was being, and I thanked Him for giving me life, and making me who I am. I also thanked my husband for what he did give me, which was quite a lot. Having a heating/cooling system put in is no small task, and it's not cheap either. It was something I wanted. Getting some new clothes felt good, and so did getting my new Hebrew-Greek Word Study Bible (King James Version). That is good enough for me... The TV can wait. I've done without it for this long, I can wait... I really don't even need it. It's just something I'd like to have.
On my next birthday I think that I'm going to have a Thank You For My Life party. I'm not going to have people bring presents, because it's not about me. It's a thank you to God for giving me life, both physical, and spiritual. I say that, because I know it was pretty close to August 24, 1977 that I met Jesus as my personal savior, and friend forever at River Valley Ranch Summer Camp. Praise God I'm Alive!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Worship Is What You Make It
I learned from the Lord recently that it's not important what is going on in other peoples hearts during worship, and I need to stop paying attention to see if the Lord is moving in other peoples hearts before I open up and let Him move in my heart. I need to just open up and let Him move regardless. If I want to raise my hands during worship, that is between me and Him. He is the object of my Worship, not the other people in the congregation. Here is an excerpt of a post I made on Sandra's blog. I thought I would share what, specifically, God told me I needed to do.
Post made originally on August 14 2010
For a while I was toying with the idea of switching churches. The worship wasn't doing anything for me, and I was disillusioned because yet another pastor was leaving us. I prayed about it, and this is what the Lord told me. I was to stop sitting up in the balcony where I'm hidden from everyone, and everyone was pretty much hidden from me. I was to stop worrying about what was going on with everyone else, and I was to sing my praise to Him, and worship Him. If I felt the Holy Spirit
move in me, I was not to hide it, but to raise my hands in worship, and let it show etc... I've done this for the last two Sundays, and I no longer have that pull to look for another church. I think that God has me at this church for a reason, so this is where I am. Worship is what you make it.
Aug 21 2010 Update:
I've been doing what the Lord asked of me, and after three Sundays, I'm experiencing a new zest to my worship. I'm truly Worshiping Him when I worship, and I don't pay as much attention to those around me. God is Good...
Post made originally on August 14 2010
For a while I was toying with the idea of switching churches. The worship wasn't doing anything for me, and I was disillusioned because yet another pastor was leaving us. I prayed about it, and this is what the Lord told me. I was to stop sitting up in the balcony where I'm hidden from everyone, and everyone was pretty much hidden from me. I was to stop worrying about what was going on with everyone else, and I was to sing my praise to Him, and worship Him. If I felt the Holy Spirit
move in me, I was not to hide it, but to raise my hands in worship, and let it show etc... I've done this for the last two Sundays, and I no longer have that pull to look for another church. I think that God has me at this church for a reason, so this is where I am. Worship is what you make it.Aug 21 2010 Update:
I've been doing what the Lord asked of me, and after three Sundays, I'm experiencing a new zest to my worship. I'm truly Worshiping Him when I worship, and I don't pay as much attention to those around me. God is Good...
A Word Fron The Lord...
I wrote this on August 4th and shared it at Facebook. I decided to share this today with my blogger friends.
As I sit here writing I am humbled, and God has shown me that there are some things that I need to work on, concerning my health, before I ask him to heal my hip pain, and stiff legs.
The first thing that he wants me to work on is consistency in two areas. The first area is exercise. I am to exercise on a consistent basis instead of when I feel like it, or I feel up to it, or have time for it. Exercise for the body is just as important as exercise for the spirit, if you don't exercise them, then they lose their flexibility, and their health. The second area is taking my vitamins. One good way to take care of your body is to make sure it's getting the right amount of vitamins, and minerals that it needs on a daily basis, which is something that I've not been consistent with lately either.
The last area He wants me to work in is making sure that I continue to eat a balanced diet, and try to add more protein to it. It will help with my energy level, and keep my brain working when I need it to.
God has shown me that if I'm not consistent in these areas, and I'm not eating enough of the right things, then healing me will be in vain. If I don't take care of what He gave me, then it will soon be sick again. I am to make time to do these things as I have learned to make time for Him.
Aug 21, 2010
An update on what I've written here.
I'm starting to feel my strength come back, and my hips don't feel quite as bad as they did. I also added Glucosamine, and Estropause to the vitamins that I take. I'm sure that if I keep up with my exercise, and I keep eating right, and taking the vitamins, then I shall feel much better soon. Thank you Lord for helping me realize that sometimes all I need is a dose of common sense, and for showing me the common sense things that You wanted me to do.
As I sit here writing I am humbled, and God has shown me that there are some things that I need to work on, concerning my health, before I ask him to heal my hip pain, and stiff legs.
The first thing that he wants me to work on is consistency in two areas. The first area is exercise. I am to exercise on a consistent basis instead of when I feel like it, or I feel up to it, or have time for it. Exercise for the body is just as important as exercise for the spirit, if you don't exercise them, then they lose their flexibility, and their health. The second area is taking my vitamins. One good way to take care of your body is to make sure it's getting the right amount of vitamins, and minerals that it needs on a daily basis, which is something that I've not been consistent with lately either.
The last area He wants me to work in is making sure that I continue to eat a balanced diet, and try to add more protein to it. It will help with my energy level, and keep my brain working when I need it to.
God has shown me that if I'm not consistent in these areas, and I'm not eating enough of the right things, then healing me will be in vain. If I don't take care of what He gave me, then it will soon be sick again. I am to make time to do these things as I have learned to make time for Him.
Aug 21, 2010
An update on what I've written here.
I'm starting to feel my strength come back, and my hips don't feel quite as bad as they did. I also added Glucosamine, and Estropause to the vitamins that I take. I'm sure that if I keep up with my exercise, and I keep eating right, and taking the vitamins, then I shall feel much better soon. Thank you Lord for helping me realize that sometimes all I need is a dose of common sense, and for showing me the common sense things that You wanted me to do.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Something I Enjoy
I love writing, but there is something that I enjoy doing even more than writing. I thought I would share with you some of the videos I made and posted at youtube.
These are two of my most popular videos. If you'd like to see more check them out at http://www.youtube.com/user/graceandglory2
These are two of my most popular videos. If you'd like to see more check them out at http://www.youtube.com/user/graceandglory2
Monday, August 16, 2010
Is Christian Religion Or A Personal Relationship With Christ More Important
The way I see it, any one can have religion. But, if you don't have a personal relationship with Christ, that religion means absolutely nothing. Having a personal relationship with Christ is like having him right with you at all times, you can talk to him, and you can feel him, you just know he's there, and there's no mistaking it. Religion, on the other hand is just going through the motions.
Going through the motions, and an actual relationship with Christ are two different things. There are many people in the Christian religion who go through the motions, and in the end have nothing to show for their efforts. Having a relationship with Christ is like changing yourself from the inside out, and becoming more Christlike every day. Having a relationship with Christ is true Christianity, and it is what God intended for us. He doesn't want our religion, and rules and regulations. When I look at other people, and their lives, and see that their actions don't match up with with the things that they say and do, it makes me wonder if they really have a realtionship or if they are just playing at religion. God looks at the inner person when he judges weather we really love Him or not. Playing at religion is not loving God, actually, it mockes Him. A personal relationship with Christ should always come before religion.
Yes, I do believe that having a relationship with Christ is more important than Christian religion.
Going through the motions, and an actual relationship with Christ are two different things. There are many people in the Christian religion who go through the motions, and in the end have nothing to show for their efforts. Having a relationship with Christ is like changing yourself from the inside out, and becoming more Christlike every day. Having a relationship with Christ is true Christianity, and it is what God intended for us. He doesn't want our religion, and rules and regulations. When I look at other people, and their lives, and see that their actions don't match up with with the things that they say and do, it makes me wonder if they really have a realtionship or if they are just playing at religion. God looks at the inner person when he judges weather we really love Him or not. Playing at religion is not loving God, actually, it mockes Him. A personal relationship with Christ should always come before religion.
Yes, I do believe that having a relationship with Christ is more important than Christian religion.
Relocate
Originally entered in another blog April 5, 2008
Oh, no, your kidding me.
You say we have to move again.
It’s very hard to see
what they hope to gain.
Every two or three years
they uproot us and make us relocate.
Don’t they know it brings the tears
to the eyes of a child so delicate.
How could they do this to me now.
I wanted to finish with High School here.
But they say we have to go,
so I accept it and cry with a quiet tear.
Oh, no, your kidding me.
You say we have to move again.
It’s very hard to see
what they hope to gain.
Every two or three years
they uproot us and make us relocate.
Don’t they know it brings the tears
to the eyes of a child so delicate.
How could they do this to me now.
I wanted to finish with High School here.
But they say we have to go,
so I accept it and cry with a quiet tear.
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