Jacob The Heel Catcher - Spiritual Adultery
- Thread starter MessageOfTheCross
- Start date
-
Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.
If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!
To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Bread Crumbs “Hard Times”
Living the life of a Christian is the greatest life available to humanity. Christians live with the knowledge that their sins are forgiven and forgotten. Those who are in right relationship with God are experiencing great joy, peace, and contentment. The Christian life is a life of dependence upon God which produces a sense of assurance and an aura of well-being. But there is also the truth that many spiritual forces are arrayed against the believer. Believers do not wrestle or do battle against flesh and blood, but they are in ongoing warfare with principalities, powers, wickedness in high places, and rulers of darkness. We also stand opposed by those who have rejected Christ. Our acceptance of the very one they have rejected raises the ire of the world against us. This anger is often expressed in many negative stances regarding a believer. Even friends and family may ridicule or walk out on those faithful to Christ. Believers do face tribulation. Christians will encounter many a trial. Being a Christian is not overly complicated, but at times (not always), it sure can be tremendously difficult. To never expect opposition is in unrealistic expectation. Still, I would never surrender this marvelous opportunity to live for Christ, no matter how many difficulties come.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Living the life of a Christian is the greatest life available to humanity. Christians live with the knowledge that their sins are forgiven and forgotten. Those who are in right relationship with God are experiencing great joy, peace, and contentment. The Christian life is a life of dependence upon God which produces a sense of assurance and an aura of well-being. But there is also the truth that many spiritual forces are arrayed against the believer. Believers do not wrestle or do battle against flesh and blood, but they are in ongoing warfare with principalities, powers, wickedness in high places, and rulers of darkness. We also stand opposed by those who have rejected Christ. Our acceptance of the very one they have rejected raises the ire of the world against us. This anger is often expressed in many negative stances regarding a believer. Even friends and family may ridicule or walk out on those faithful to Christ. Believers do face tribulation. Christians will encounter many a trial. Being a Christian is not overly complicated, but at times (not always), it sure can be tremendously difficult. To never expect opposition is in unrealistic expectation. Still, I would never surrender this marvelous opportunity to live for Christ, no matter how many difficulties come.
John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
The Miracle of God’s Word
Proverbs 25:8
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
The Lord again in the attempt here to give us His wisdom that will prevent us from the experience of shame. Jesus died so that we could, through faith in His sacrifice daily (Luke 9:23), have His wisdom. That wisdom tells us not to hurry into any controversy or debate. Wisdom will always say, “Be careful WHAT you hear, and HOW you hear” (Mark 4:24, Luke 8:18), and do not enter any situation with only words that bring you into the situation, but also words of finality in the end. This means we better have the “Thus saith the Lord”, and be sure.
It is the ready workman found in the study of God’s Word who will not be found shamed, but rather rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Truth is a man named Jesus (John 14:6), and Truth is the written Scriptures (John 17:17), as long as they are in the context of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God (Revelation 21:23). He is the First Word, and He is the Last Word of God.
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Proverbs 25:8
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
The Lord again in the attempt here to give us His wisdom that will prevent us from the experience of shame. Jesus died so that we could, through faith in His sacrifice daily (Luke 9:23), have His wisdom. That wisdom tells us not to hurry into any controversy or debate. Wisdom will always say, “Be careful WHAT you hear, and HOW you hear” (Mark 4:24, Luke 8:18), and do not enter any situation with only words that bring you into the situation, but also words of finality in the end. This means we better have the “Thus saith the Lord”, and be sure.
It is the ready workman found in the study of God’s Word who will not be found shamed, but rather rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Truth is a man named Jesus (John 14:6), and Truth is the written Scriptures (John 17:17), as long as they are in the context of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God (Revelation 21:23). He is the First Word, and He is the Last Word of God.
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Your Word for Today
“i am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you who are at Rome also (Rom. 1:14-15).
Realizing the Grace of God which had been shown to him, Paul considered himself as a “debtor” to all men, regardless of who they might be, meaning that he must do his utmost best to take the Gospel to all concerned. Of course, Paul couldn’t reach all people; however, he felt responsible to all, whether he could reach them or not. He had to do his utmost to take this Gospel as far as he could, which he most definitely did.
Every Believer falls into the same category. By the very fact that we are saved, it means that we too are debtors to all of mankind, in that we must do our very best that they hear the good news of the Gospel. Regrettably, most Believers little feel this burden and this concern.
Every Believer can “pray,” and every Believer can “give.” If all Believers will set themselves to seek the Face of the Lord, through prayer, the Lord can work wonders. In fact, every great Move of God which has ever taken place has been first of all prayed into existence. I speak of intercessory prayer, which, regrettably, is engaged by only a few; however, the privilege is available to all.
Not only should every Believer give, they should also make double certain that what they are supporting is Scriptural. Sadly, the vast majority of money given to that which purports to be of God is anything but! As stewards of what the Lord has placed in our hands, we are responsible for making certain that we are good stewards. The Lord grandly and plainly exampled this by the Parables of the “Talents” and “Pounds” (Mat. 25:14-30; Lk. 19:12-26).
We have been saved to serve! When a person truly understands what his Salvation actually is, and actually means, when we truly know how privileged we are to be saved, and that the Gospel somehow came to us, then we gladly serve, and serve gladly.
I was born on March 15, 1935 into a home that had never heard the Gospel. My Dad, in fact, had never heard a Gospel Message, had never been in a Church, and had never heard a Gospel Song, until he was 25 years old. My Mother was in the same category. When I look back and think of that, it’s almost inconceivable to me that people could live that long and never even hear a Gospel Song. Of course, that was before Television, and even though Radio was the means of communication in those days, there was no Gospel Radio, none whatsoever, where my parents lived.
I know it was all because of God’s Grace that the Gospel came to our home, our hearts, and our lives, which changed everything. When my parents found the Lord, our world changed, and changed forever — and a million times for the better, I might quickly add. That’s one of the reasons that Paul said, “I am a debtor,” and that’s one of the reasons that I say, “I am a debtor”!”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day)”
Donnie Swaggart
“i am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the Gospel to you who are at Rome also (Rom. 1:14-15).
Realizing the Grace of God which had been shown to him, Paul considered himself as a “debtor” to all men, regardless of who they might be, meaning that he must do his utmost best to take the Gospel to all concerned. Of course, Paul couldn’t reach all people; however, he felt responsible to all, whether he could reach them or not. He had to do his utmost to take this Gospel as far as he could, which he most definitely did.
Every Believer falls into the same category. By the very fact that we are saved, it means that we too are debtors to all of mankind, in that we must do our very best that they hear the good news of the Gospel. Regrettably, most Believers little feel this burden and this concern.
Every Believer can “pray,” and every Believer can “give.” If all Believers will set themselves to seek the Face of the Lord, through prayer, the Lord can work wonders. In fact, every great Move of God which has ever taken place has been first of all prayed into existence. I speak of intercessory prayer, which, regrettably, is engaged by only a few; however, the privilege is available to all.
Not only should every Believer give, they should also make double certain that what they are supporting is Scriptural. Sadly, the vast majority of money given to that which purports to be of God is anything but! As stewards of what the Lord has placed in our hands, we are responsible for making certain that we are good stewards. The Lord grandly and plainly exampled this by the Parables of the “Talents” and “Pounds” (Mat. 25:14-30; Lk. 19:12-26).
We have been saved to serve! When a person truly understands what his Salvation actually is, and actually means, when we truly know how privileged we are to be saved, and that the Gospel somehow came to us, then we gladly serve, and serve gladly.
I was born on March 15, 1935 into a home that had never heard the Gospel. My Dad, in fact, had never heard a Gospel Message, had never been in a Church, and had never heard a Gospel Song, until he was 25 years old. My Mother was in the same category. When I look back and think of that, it’s almost inconceivable to me that people could live that long and never even hear a Gospel Song. Of course, that was before Television, and even though Radio was the means of communication in those days, there was no Gospel Radio, none whatsoever, where my parents lived.
I know it was all because of God’s Grace that the Gospel came to our home, our hearts, and our lives, which changed everything. When my parents found the Lord, our world changed, and changed forever — and a million times for the better, I might quickly add. That’s one of the reasons that Paul said, “I am a debtor,” and that’s one of the reasons that I say, “I am a debtor”!”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day)”
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “Fleas Come With the Dog”
This is meant as a simple word of encouragement to Pastors, employers, and ministry leaders. When a business or ministry increases, so does it's need for workers. If a land owner had a large amount of ground to till, plow, or harvest, (in Solomon’s day) the use of oxen became a necessity. When you had little or no land, the barn could easily be kept clean for there were fewer animals needed. However, when the demand for covering more ground came, the oxen increased. Guess what? The barn now takes longer to clean and can became a real issue. More oxen - greater work - greater mess! Bigger ministry - more people - more problems! You will not be able to do what you want to do for the Lord all by yourself. This means that a major part of making any ministry go depends upon the human factor. The human presence promises that “drama” of all types is sure to surface. So do not forget to love the ones making the mess! Without them the task would be too large for you! And while you are learning how to receive grace to deal with others, bear in mind that others are having to receive grace to deal with you!
Prov 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
Pastor Loren Larson
This is meant as a simple word of encouragement to Pastors, employers, and ministry leaders. When a business or ministry increases, so does it's need for workers. If a land owner had a large amount of ground to till, plow, or harvest, (in Solomon’s day) the use of oxen became a necessity. When you had little or no land, the barn could easily be kept clean for there were fewer animals needed. However, when the demand for covering more ground came, the oxen increased. Guess what? The barn now takes longer to clean and can became a real issue. More oxen - greater work - greater mess! Bigger ministry - more people - more problems! You will not be able to do what you want to do for the Lord all by yourself. This means that a major part of making any ministry go depends upon the human factor. The human presence promises that “drama” of all types is sure to surface. So do not forget to love the ones making the mess! Without them the task would be too large for you! And while you are learning how to receive grace to deal with others, bear in mind that others are having to receive grace to deal with you!
Prov 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
Pastor Loren Larson
The Miracle of God’s Word
Proverbs 25:9
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself ; and discover not a secret to another:
The debating of our cause speaks of us attempting to plead our case with our neighbor himself. The wisdom of not discovering a secret to others will save a lot of heartache, and will avoid much strife. What is between us and our neighbor should remain there. God has told us that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), and if we are, according to the Word of God, loving our neighbor, we will not share the case we are pleading with our neighbor with others.
Many can read God’s Word, and many know WHAT they should or should not be doing, but all their Christian lives, their testimony is one of, “I know I should BUT”, “I know I shouldn’t BUT”. This testimony can change if the child of God will come back to the place where the old man (The Sin Nature) was made dead through crucifixion, and became dormant, which is faith in the cross of Christ. With our hearts we believe in the Righteous work of Christ at Calvary (Romans 10:10), then the experience begins to daily move toward our position in Christ. It’s time for a new testimony! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Proverbs 25:9
Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself ; and discover not a secret to another:
The debating of our cause speaks of us attempting to plead our case with our neighbor himself. The wisdom of not discovering a secret to others will save a lot of heartache, and will avoid much strife. What is between us and our neighbor should remain there. God has told us that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), and if we are, according to the Word of God, loving our neighbor, we will not share the case we are pleading with our neighbor with others.
Many can read God’s Word, and many know WHAT they should or should not be doing, but all their Christian lives, their testimony is one of, “I know I should BUT”, “I know I shouldn’t BUT”. This testimony can change if the child of God will come back to the place where the old man (The Sin Nature) was made dead through crucifixion, and became dormant, which is faith in the cross of Christ. With our hearts we believe in the Righteous work of Christ at Calvary (Romans 10:10), then the experience begins to daily move toward our position in Christ. It’s time for a new testimony! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Your Word for Today
“therefore being justified by Faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).
What did Paul mean when he said, “We are justified by Faith”?
First of all, we must look at Faith. The definition of Faith is to simply believe something. In this case, it refers to having Faith in Christ and what Christ has done for us at the Cross. The Faith of which Paul speaks always must be in this capacity. We must ever understand that Christ is the Source, and the Cross is the means. In no way is Christ to be separated from the Cross, or the Cross separated from Christ.
That’s the reason the Apostle said, “We preach Christ Crucified” (I Cor. 1:23).
Paul wasn’t meaning that Christ is still on a Cross; in fact, Christ is seated by the Right Hand of the Father, meaning that His task of Redemption is complete (Heb. 1:3). Instead, Paul is speaking of the benefits of the Cross, benefits, incidentally, which will never, never end. For this reason, the Holy Spirit through Paul referred to these benefits as “The Everlasting Covenant” (Heb. 13:20).
The Believer must understand that every single thing we receive from the Lord, and in every capacity, is made possible solely by the Cross. That is the Gospel. The story of the Bible is the story of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified, and the story of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified is the story of the Bible.
Once Faith is properly understood and established, now we turn to Justification. The Greek word used by Paul is “dikaioo,” which means “to show or regard as innocent.” In layman’s terms, it means the following:
1. It means that every sin — past, present, and future— is forgiven.
2. It means that God looks at the one so forgiven as never having committed the sin or sins in question.
3. It means that one is declared innocent, not guilty, and free of all charges, all made possible by Faith in Christ and what He did for us at the Cross.Justification cannot be earned or purchased, at least not by the individual. It is given freely upon Faith in Christ and His Finished Work.”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day)”
Donnie Swaggart
“therefore being justified by Faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).
What did Paul mean when he said, “We are justified by Faith”?
First of all, we must look at Faith. The definition of Faith is to simply believe something. In this case, it refers to having Faith in Christ and what Christ has done for us at the Cross. The Faith of which Paul speaks always must be in this capacity. We must ever understand that Christ is the Source, and the Cross is the means. In no way is Christ to be separated from the Cross, or the Cross separated from Christ.
That’s the reason the Apostle said, “We preach Christ Crucified” (I Cor. 1:23).
Paul wasn’t meaning that Christ is still on a Cross; in fact, Christ is seated by the Right Hand of the Father, meaning that His task of Redemption is complete (Heb. 1:3). Instead, Paul is speaking of the benefits of the Cross, benefits, incidentally, which will never, never end. For this reason, the Holy Spirit through Paul referred to these benefits as “The Everlasting Covenant” (Heb. 13:20).
The Believer must understand that every single thing we receive from the Lord, and in every capacity, is made possible solely by the Cross. That is the Gospel. The story of the Bible is the story of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified, and the story of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified is the story of the Bible.
Once Faith is properly understood and established, now we turn to Justification. The Greek word used by Paul is “dikaioo,” which means “to show or regard as innocent.” In layman’s terms, it means the following:
1. It means that every sin — past, present, and future— is forgiven.
2. It means that God looks at the one so forgiven as never having committed the sin or sins in question.
3. It means that one is declared innocent, not guilty, and free of all charges, all made possible by Faith in Christ and what He did for us at the Cross.Justification cannot be earned or purchased, at least not by the individual. It is given freely upon Faith in Christ and His Finished Work.”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day)”
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “A Legal Salvation”
Justification is the doctrinal term for the tremendous truth that mankind becomes righteous through a legal decree, one declared by a thrice Holy God. The basis upon which God makes this decree is the sacrifice of his Son, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. Any man, woman, boy, or girl that recognizes their sinful state and acknowledges that Jesus paid the price on Calvary for their sin can be saved. Simple faith in Jesus as Savior is the legal foundation upon which man's salvation is secured and the rock upon which redemption rests. The believing sinner is then granted the righteousness of Christ as his or her own. All of this is obtained through faith alone. It is nothing we have earned, nothing we deserve, nothing we have worked for. His Grace should astound and amaze each of us as we gaze upon it. What Mercy! What kindness! What an awesome display of graciousness! I am justified today, not by works of righteousness which I have done, but by faith in the One who loved me and gave Himself for me. And because God has orchestrated and ordained that salvation is a legal work, the character of God cannot be impugned though He forgives the guilty. His Grace still amazes me!
Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Justification is the doctrinal term for the tremendous truth that mankind becomes righteous through a legal decree, one declared by a thrice Holy God. The basis upon which God makes this decree is the sacrifice of his Son, the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. Any man, woman, boy, or girl that recognizes their sinful state and acknowledges that Jesus paid the price on Calvary for their sin can be saved. Simple faith in Jesus as Savior is the legal foundation upon which man's salvation is secured and the rock upon which redemption rests. The believing sinner is then granted the righteousness of Christ as his or her own. All of this is obtained through faith alone. It is nothing we have earned, nothing we deserve, nothing we have worked for. His Grace should astound and amaze each of us as we gaze upon it. What Mercy! What kindness! What an awesome display of graciousness! I am justified today, not by works of righteousness which I have done, but by faith in the One who loved me and gave Himself for me. And because God has orchestrated and ordained that salvation is a legal work, the character of God cannot be impugned though He forgives the guilty. His Grace still amazes me!
Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
The Miracle of God’s Word
Proverbs 25:10
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
Here we see the reason we are to keep the debating of our cause between only us and our neighbor in which it involves. If someone else here’s the case, there’s a possibility, and very much so in our social media world today, that they will tell your business all over town. Then our infamy, which means evil slander and a defaming evil report will follow us from that point on. It’s amazing how we forget the good that people do and our minds hold to the wrong that’s been done.
Jesus gave His Life for us so that through faith in Him, we can overcome anything and everything, and also learn to walk according to the wisdom of His Word. If we actually love our neighbor as ourselves, we are fulfilling the Law by His Spirit (Romans 8:4, Galatians 5:14), but this absolutely takes a conscious faith in the cross of Christ and a reckoning daily that we ourselves are dead indeed to sin (Romans 6:11), that old Sin Nature!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Proverbs 25:10
Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.
Here we see the reason we are to keep the debating of our cause between only us and our neighbor in which it involves. If someone else here’s the case, there’s a possibility, and very much so in our social media world today, that they will tell your business all over town. Then our infamy, which means evil slander and a defaming evil report will follow us from that point on. It’s amazing how we forget the good that people do and our minds hold to the wrong that’s been done.
Jesus gave His Life for us so that through faith in Him, we can overcome anything and everything, and also learn to walk according to the wisdom of His Word. If we actually love our neighbor as ourselves, we are fulfilling the Law by His Spirit (Romans 8:4, Galatians 5:14), but this absolutely takes a conscious faith in the cross of Christ and a reckoning daily that we ourselves are dead indeed to sin (Romans 6:11), that old Sin Nature!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Your Word for Today
“what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that Grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, who are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom. 6:1-2).
Some seventeen times the word “sin” is mentioned in the Sixth Chapter of Romans. Fifteen of those times the original Text, in other words, as it was originally written by the Apostle Paul, contains what is referred to as the “definite article.” That is, in these fifteen times, the Text reads “the sin.” It refers to the sin nature.
Some claim that Believers no longer have a sin nature; however, considering that Paul is writing to Believers here, if that is the case, i.e., if Believers no longer have a sin nature, then the Holy Spirit went to a lot of trouble to explain something that doesn’t exist.
No! Every Believer has a sin nature; however, we are supposed to be dead to the sin nature, even though the sin nature is not dead (Rom. 6:11). In truth, the sin nature is supposed to be dormant in the heart and life of the Believer; at the time of Salvation, the sin nature is, in fact, rendered dormant. But if the Believer does not know how to maintain a victorious life, sin will be the result, which then brings the sin nature to life, and then such a Believer can find the sin nature ruling and reigning in his life, even as it did before he was saved.
That’s why Paul said, “Let not the sin therefore reign (rule) in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lust thereof” (Rom. 6:12). The sin nature will reside in us until the Resurrection, but it’s not supposed to reign. The manner and way that we can have victory over the sin nature, the only way, in fact, and on a perpetual basis, is that the Cross of Christ ever be the Object of our Faith. That being the case, the Holy Spirit, Who Alone can make us what we ought to be, can effectually work within our hearts and lives, bringing about the Fruit of the Spirit, which develops Christlikeness in our life and living (Rom. 8:1-2,11).
That is the way, and the only way, that the sin nature in the heart and life of the Believer can be subdued and remain subdued.
We find here, graphically so, that “sin” is the problem with the Christian. No matter how many claims are made to the contrary, sin is the problem. And there is only one way that victory over sin can be obtained, and that is through Faith in Christ and what Christ has done for us at the Cross.
Man may devise many ways and claim that victory will be the result, but God has only one way, and that is the Way of the Cross!”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day)”
Donnie Swaggart
“what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that Grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, who are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom. 6:1-2).
Some seventeen times the word “sin” is mentioned in the Sixth Chapter of Romans. Fifteen of those times the original Text, in other words, as it was originally written by the Apostle Paul, contains what is referred to as the “definite article.” That is, in these fifteen times, the Text reads “the sin.” It refers to the sin nature.
Some claim that Believers no longer have a sin nature; however, considering that Paul is writing to Believers here, if that is the case, i.e., if Believers no longer have a sin nature, then the Holy Spirit went to a lot of trouble to explain something that doesn’t exist.
No! Every Believer has a sin nature; however, we are supposed to be dead to the sin nature, even though the sin nature is not dead (Rom. 6:11). In truth, the sin nature is supposed to be dormant in the heart and life of the Believer; at the time of Salvation, the sin nature is, in fact, rendered dormant. But if the Believer does not know how to maintain a victorious life, sin will be the result, which then brings the sin nature to life, and then such a Believer can find the sin nature ruling and reigning in his life, even as it did before he was saved.
That’s why Paul said, “Let not the sin therefore reign (rule) in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lust thereof” (Rom. 6:12). The sin nature will reside in us until the Resurrection, but it’s not supposed to reign. The manner and way that we can have victory over the sin nature, the only way, in fact, and on a perpetual basis, is that the Cross of Christ ever be the Object of our Faith. That being the case, the Holy Spirit, Who Alone can make us what we ought to be, can effectually work within our hearts and lives, bringing about the Fruit of the Spirit, which develops Christlikeness in our life and living (Rom. 8:1-2,11).
That is the way, and the only way, that the sin nature in the heart and life of the Believer can be subdued and remain subdued.
We find here, graphically so, that “sin” is the problem with the Christian. No matter how many claims are made to the contrary, sin is the problem. And there is only one way that victory over sin can be obtained, and that is through Faith in Christ and what Christ has done for us at the Cross.
Man may devise many ways and claim that victory will be the result, but God has only one way, and that is the Way of the Cross!”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day)”
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “Dealing with Sin”
The true gospel always deals with sin. It does not “sugarcoat” the truth. The gospel does not ignore sin, or call it by another name. Jesus did not come from heaven and give His life on a cruel cross so that we could pretend that sin did not matter. He gave His life that we might be free from both the penalty of sin and the dominion of sin. No believer is without sin, yet that does not mean we have to sin a little bit every day or be dominated by sin continuously. The grace of God gives us the power to face sin, take personal responsibility for our sin, and then overcome sin. All sin must be recognized, cleansed by the blood, and defeated through the processes of faith and grace. None of this is possible without the cross of Jesus Christ and the Christians’ faith placed securely in it. The good news in all this is that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to free us from every aspect of sin. So let us not ignore sin! Let us deal with it and live free from the dominion of sin in totality. Let your light shine!
Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (2) God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
The true gospel always deals with sin. It does not “sugarcoat” the truth. The gospel does not ignore sin, or call it by another name. Jesus did not come from heaven and give His life on a cruel cross so that we could pretend that sin did not matter. He gave His life that we might be free from both the penalty of sin and the dominion of sin. No believer is without sin, yet that does not mean we have to sin a little bit every day or be dominated by sin continuously. The grace of God gives us the power to face sin, take personal responsibility for our sin, and then overcome sin. All sin must be recognized, cleansed by the blood, and defeated through the processes of faith and grace. None of this is possible without the cross of Jesus Christ and the Christians’ faith placed securely in it. The good news in all this is that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to free us from every aspect of sin. So let us not ignore sin! Let us deal with it and live free from the dominion of sin in totality. Let your light shine!
Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (2) God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
The Miracle of God’s Word
Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
The word, ‘Fitly’ refers to a word spoken at just the right moment, and of course to the spiritual man, this is always the Word of God. Apples speak of fruit while gold speaks of the most valuable earthly commodity, and these together remind us that the greatest fruit on the earth is that which the Holy Spirit produces in the believer’s heart. It is the Word of the Lord that is Right, and the Truth of His Word is where He will be found working exclusively (Psalm 33:4, Romans 8:2).
Apples of gold in baskets of silver also speak of that which is beautiful and precious to look upon, and this is related to that Word which is fitly spoken that brings about the beauty and precious expression of our Savior Jesus Christ. The right Word will always refer to faith in His atoning sacrifice at Calvary for this is what is beautiful and precious to Him (Psalm 116:15). Praising the Lamb forever!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
The word, ‘Fitly’ refers to a word spoken at just the right moment, and of course to the spiritual man, this is always the Word of God. Apples speak of fruit while gold speaks of the most valuable earthly commodity, and these together remind us that the greatest fruit on the earth is that which the Holy Spirit produces in the believer’s heart. It is the Word of the Lord that is Right, and the Truth of His Word is where He will be found working exclusively (Psalm 33:4, Romans 8:2).
Apples of gold in baskets of silver also speak of that which is beautiful and precious to look upon, and this is related to that Word which is fitly spoken that brings about the beauty and precious expression of our Savior Jesus Christ. The right Word will always refer to faith in His atoning sacrifice at Calvary for this is what is beautiful and precious to Him (Psalm 116:15). Praising the Lamb forever!
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Your Word for Today
“know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His Death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: but 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 (Rom. 6:3-4).
In the First Chapter of Romans, Paul proclaims the entirety of the Gentile world, to a man, as being spiritually lost, despite all their religion. In the Second and Third Chapters of Romans, the Apostle places the Jews in the same category, i.e., all needing a Redeemer. In the Fourth and Fifth Chapters of Romans, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle proclaims the answer to this dilemma, which is “Justification by Faith.” Paul belabors the issue, telling us, in no uncertain terms, that works cannot attain to Salvation.
Now that Salvation has been established, in the Sixth Chapter of Romans, the Apostle tells the Believer how to live for God. In fact, if the Believer doesn’t understand the Sixth Chapter, he simply does not know how to properly live for the Lord, which makes for a miserable situation. The Seventh Chapter of Romans, in fact, tells us of the Believer who tries to live for God without understanding the principles of the Sixth Chapter of Romans.
In the Eighth Chapter of Romans, we are told “what” the Holy Spirit can do within our lives, once we understand “how” He works, which is found in the Sixth Chapter. The Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Chapters of Romans proclaim a dire warning to the Church. If we forsake God’s Way of the Cross and resort to works or Law, as did Israel of old, then the Church will be lost, exactly as was Israel.
Chapters 12 through 16 of Romans give us the practical aspects of Christianity, once the Believer knows and understands God’s Prescribed Order of Victory. As it regards victory over sin, as is here obvious, Paul takes the Believer directly to the Cross (Rom. 6:3-4).
Jesus Christ came as our Substitute, lived the life, obeyed the Law in every respect, and then went to the Cross in order to address the broken Law, doing so all for us. As stated, He was our Substitute.
When Paul uses the word “baptize,” he’s not speaking of Water Baptism, but rather our being baptized into the death of Christ. The moment the believing sinner expresses Faith in Christ and accepts Him as Saviour and Lord, in the Mind of God, that person is crucified with Christ, buried with Christ, and raised with Christ. That is the manner of Salvation, and that is also the manner of Sanctification, the latter being what this Sixth Chapter of Romans is all about. This is God’s Prescribed Order of Victory!”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
“know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His Death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: but 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 (Rom. 6:3-4).
In the First Chapter of Romans, Paul proclaims the entirety of the Gentile world, to a man, as being spiritually lost, despite all their religion. In the Second and Third Chapters of Romans, the Apostle places the Jews in the same category, i.e., all needing a Redeemer. In the Fourth and Fifth Chapters of Romans, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle proclaims the answer to this dilemma, which is “Justification by Faith.” Paul belabors the issue, telling us, in no uncertain terms, that works cannot attain to Salvation.
Now that Salvation has been established, in the Sixth Chapter of Romans, the Apostle tells the Believer how to live for God. In fact, if the Believer doesn’t understand the Sixth Chapter, he simply does not know how to properly live for the Lord, which makes for a miserable situation. The Seventh Chapter of Romans, in fact, tells us of the Believer who tries to live for God without understanding the principles of the Sixth Chapter of Romans.
In the Eighth Chapter of Romans, we are told “what” the Holy Spirit can do within our lives, once we understand “how” He works, which is found in the Sixth Chapter. The Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh Chapters of Romans proclaim a dire warning to the Church. If we forsake God’s Way of the Cross and resort to works or Law, as did Israel of old, then the Church will be lost, exactly as was Israel.
Chapters 12 through 16 of Romans give us the practical aspects of Christianity, once the Believer knows and understands God’s Prescribed Order of Victory. As it regards victory over sin, as is here obvious, Paul takes the Believer directly to the Cross (Rom. 6:3-4).
Jesus Christ came as our Substitute, lived the life, obeyed the Law in every respect, and then went to the Cross in order to address the broken Law, doing so all for us. As stated, He was our Substitute.
When Paul uses the word “baptize,” he’s not speaking of Water Baptism, but rather our being baptized into the death of Christ. The moment the believing sinner expresses Faith in Christ and accepts Him as Saviour and Lord, in the Mind of God, that person is crucified with Christ, buried with Christ, and raised with Christ. That is the manner of Salvation, and that is also the manner of Sanctification, the latter being what this Sixth Chapter of Romans is all about. This is God’s Prescribed Order of Victory!”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “The Spirit and Power”
The power of the pentecostal experience of Acts 2 is a benefit intended by God for every believer. The early church displayed a great urgency relative to seeing to it that every born again believer be subsequently baptized with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. In Acts 2, at the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit, believers were baptized into Christ, then filled with the Spirit and spoke with new tongues. The Samaritans of Acts 8 were born again, baptized with water, and then later, filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 10, the Gentiles were saved and instantly after salvation they were baptized with the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues. In Acts 19, men who were believers in Christ, were water baptized, then filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues. It is obvious then that the baptism with the Holy Spirit is a second subsequent work of the Spirit. The foremost purpose of this experience is to enable the believer with supernatural power for service. The born again experience equips the saint to overcome sin while the baptism with the Holy Spirit equips the saint for supernatural service. Jesus died so we could have it all! Ask, believe, and receive it all today!
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
The power of the pentecostal experience of Acts 2 is a benefit intended by God for every believer. The early church displayed a great urgency relative to seeing to it that every born again believer be subsequently baptized with the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with other tongues. In Acts 2, at the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit, believers were baptized into Christ, then filled with the Spirit and spoke with new tongues. The Samaritans of Acts 8 were born again, baptized with water, and then later, filled with the Holy Spirit. In Acts 10, the Gentiles were saved and instantly after salvation they were baptized with the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues. In Acts 19, men who were believers in Christ, were water baptized, then filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with tongues. It is obvious then that the baptism with the Holy Spirit is a second subsequent work of the Spirit. The foremost purpose of this experience is to enable the believer with supernatural power for service. The born again experience equips the saint to overcome sin while the baptism with the Holy Spirit equips the saint for supernatural service. Jesus died so we could have it all! Ask, believe, and receive it all today!
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
The Miracle of God’s Word
Proverbs 25:12
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
We do not like to be reproved, which is to be corrected, but when our hearts are toward the Lord and our desire is to please Him through obedience, we will take heed when the correction comes from the ‘wise’ one who the Lord uses to bring the correction through.
I’m so thankful that after years in false ministry, the Lord brought a wise reprover into my life, and through the message of the cross, I have learned what an obedient ear really is. The beauty of an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is compared here to obedience to the Lord through one who in wisdom, will reprove those who have turned away from what He says is right (Psalm 33:4). Always remember that when one is reproved, it is to bring about repentance, therefore we know that the wise reprover will speak that which is Truth so the Lord can offer them repentance and The Way back to obedience (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Proverbs 25:12
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
We do not like to be reproved, which is to be corrected, but when our hearts are toward the Lord and our desire is to please Him through obedience, we will take heed when the correction comes from the ‘wise’ one who the Lord uses to bring the correction through.
I’m so thankful that after years in false ministry, the Lord brought a wise reprover into my life, and through the message of the cross, I have learned what an obedient ear really is. The beauty of an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is compared here to obedience to the Lord through one who in wisdom, will reprove those who have turned away from what He says is right (Psalm 33:4). Always remember that when one is reproved, it is to bring about repentance, therefore we know that the wise reprover will speak that which is Truth so the Lord can offer them repentance and The Way back to obedience (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
Seeking God in His Word and experiencing Him through faith in the sacrifice of Christ!
Pastor Curtis
Your Word for Today
“for if we have been planted together in the likeness of His Death, we shall be also in the likeness of His Resurrection (Rom. 6:5).
This Passage is not speaking of the coming Resurrection of Life, but rather the Resurrection of Christ, and our being spiritually resurrected with Him “in newness of life,” which takes place at the New Birth. To believe in Christ implies association with Him in His Death and Resurrection.
Almost every Christian has heard the term, “Resurrection Life,” and has also no doubt used it. Of course, “Resurrection Life” speaks of a life of victory, and perpetual victory, at that, because it is based on the Resurrection of Christ, and solely on that Resurrection.
That is all correct; however, most who use the term fail to understand that having and enjoying Resurrection Life, which the Lord intends for all of us to have, is predicated solely on our understanding that “we have been planted together in the likeness of His Death.” In other words, Resurrection Life depends completely on the Cross of Christ and our Faith in that Finished Work. The trouble with most Christians is that the object of their faith is the “Resurrection Life,” which God can never accept. The Object of our Faith must ever be the Cross of Christ. That being the case, then “Resurrection Life” is ours, and is bountiful indeed!
If we abide by the Word of God, we will receive the results of the Word of God. But too many people have been incorrectly taught. While claiming much, they actually have little! The reason always goes back to an improper and incorrect object of faith. The Lord doesn’t require much of us, but He most definitely does require that the Object of our Faith ever be Christ and the Cross. That, in fact, is the key to all blessings, because that is the manner in which the Holy Spirit works.
That, in effect, was what Jesus was talking about when He said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink,
“He who believes on Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of Living Water.
“This spoke He of the Spirit, which they who believe on Him should receive . . .” (Jn. 7:37-39).
Christ is the Source of Resurrection Life, while the Cross is the means. The Holy Spirit is the Bearer of that to us, for which Christ has paid such a price.”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
“for if we have been planted together in the likeness of His Death, we shall be also in the likeness of His Resurrection (Rom. 6:5).
This Passage is not speaking of the coming Resurrection of Life, but rather the Resurrection of Christ, and our being spiritually resurrected with Him “in newness of life,” which takes place at the New Birth. To believe in Christ implies association with Him in His Death and Resurrection.
Almost every Christian has heard the term, “Resurrection Life,” and has also no doubt used it. Of course, “Resurrection Life” speaks of a life of victory, and perpetual victory, at that, because it is based on the Resurrection of Christ, and solely on that Resurrection.
That is all correct; however, most who use the term fail to understand that having and enjoying Resurrection Life, which the Lord intends for all of us to have, is predicated solely on our understanding that “we have been planted together in the likeness of His Death.” In other words, Resurrection Life depends completely on the Cross of Christ and our Faith in that Finished Work. The trouble with most Christians is that the object of their faith is the “Resurrection Life,” which God can never accept. The Object of our Faith must ever be the Cross of Christ. That being the case, then “Resurrection Life” is ours, and is bountiful indeed!
If we abide by the Word of God, we will receive the results of the Word of God. But too many people have been incorrectly taught. While claiming much, they actually have little! The reason always goes back to an improper and incorrect object of faith. The Lord doesn’t require much of us, but He most definitely does require that the Object of our Faith ever be Christ and the Cross. That, in fact, is the key to all blessings, because that is the manner in which the Holy Spirit works.
That, in effect, was what Jesus was talking about when He said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink,
“He who believes on Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his innermost being shall flow rivers of Living Water.
“This spoke He of the Spirit, which they who believe on Him should receive . . .” (Jn. 7:37-39).
Christ is the Source of Resurrection Life, while the Cross is the means. The Holy Spirit is the Bearer of that to us, for which Christ has paid such a price.”
—Donnie Swaggart (taken from the “Word for Every Day”)
Donnie Swaggart
Bread Crumbs “Sanctification of the Heart”
Progressive sanctification holds to the idea that a person is being changed, little by little, from what they were, into something different. Jesus taught us that all actions, statements, and attitudes stem from the heart of man. The Bible teaches us that out of the abundance of the heart man speaks. Therefore, out of the abundance of the heart man acts, thinks, and speaks. If our speech, thoughts, or actions are not right, that is concrete evidence that our heart is not right. As a believer, there are portions of our beings that have yet to submit to or be changed by God's redemption plan. Even though we are “new creations” in Christ Jesus, not all of the content of the human heart affected by the fall has experienced transformation. The good news is that the power of the Holy Spirit can unravel the clinging vines of the fall that have attached themselves to the heart and set us free from the wickedness within. As the believer maintains simple faith in Christ and Him Crucified, the heart is progressively changed by the power of the Spirit. We can rest assured that God will not stop until He triumphantly concludes the work He set out to accomplish in us.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries
Progressive sanctification holds to the idea that a person is being changed, little by little, from what they were, into something different. Jesus taught us that all actions, statements, and attitudes stem from the heart of man. The Bible teaches us that out of the abundance of the heart man speaks. Therefore, out of the abundance of the heart man acts, thinks, and speaks. If our speech, thoughts, or actions are not right, that is concrete evidence that our heart is not right. As a believer, there are portions of our beings that have yet to submit to or be changed by God's redemption plan. Even though we are “new creations” in Christ Jesus, not all of the content of the human heart affected by the fall has experienced transformation. The good news is that the power of the Holy Spirit can unravel the clinging vines of the fall that have attached themselves to the heart and set us free from the wickedness within. As the believer maintains simple faith in Christ and Him Crucified, the heart is progressively changed by the power of the Spirit. We can rest assured that God will not stop until He triumphantly concludes the work He set out to accomplish in us.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.
Pastor Loren Larson
Loren Larson Ministries