Paul Washer on Matt 7:13-27
This is a Shockingly Powerful & Biblical message
preached to about 5,000 youth in a day when youth
are appealed to through shallow and worldly means.
At one point in this sermon the 5,000 Youth are
clapping and yelling BUT THEN the preacher makes
a comment that CHANGES THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE TO
WHERE YOU COULD HAVE HEARD A PIN DROP... As you
can imagine, the preacher was never invited back.
We believe the whole sermon will be a blessing
to many souls. For more info about Paul Washer
go to www.heartcrymissionary.com
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
(Mat 7:13-27)
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Once save always saved?
A layman’s point of view
Most preachers of cheap grace or antinomianism (Greek: ‘anti’ or against - 'nomos' meaning law; which is to disregard the need for the 10 commandments or moral laws of God or under no obligation to regard the moral laws of God) usually preached along the lines of 'Once Saved Always Saved'. They attribute this to Apostle Paul with regard to his teaching on Grace and on Christian liberty (Gal 2:4). I.E. they say that Christians are no longer under the requirements of the law or saying that God doesn’t require anything from the people He send His only begotten Son to die to save. This is also to say that Christians don’t need to grow toward the level of holy or righteous living because once a person accepts Christ he or she is automatically holy or righteous. One recent popular verse is as follows……
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2Co 5:21)
This is to say that Jesus bore ALL our sins therefore we receive the gift of righteousness. So the conclusion is that we are no longer condemned by the law because Jesus took the full punishment for sin for us that we might be made right before God. Rightly so! In preceding verse, Paul reminds us that we Christ ambassadors, meaning we are to represent Him correctly. If God is Holy, therefore we should represent our Holy God. We know that righteousness is a gift of God by His grace, but keep in mind that a gift has to be firstly received. The condition of receiving the gift of righteousness, I believe is on the condition that we are willing to let go of the past sin life. The previous sin life and the new creation life in Christ can’t mix as much as oil and water can’t.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. (Rom 6:14-15)
Therefore if we continue to live under the bondage of sin, Paul strongly says ‘God forbid’. For we are no longer under the dominion of sin but under the Lordship of Christ! We no longer live under the law that condemns us but it becomes liberty to us. Liberty doesn’t confine us the way we think, but liberty not to sin as well as liberty to forgive, be meek, bless our persecutors, pure in heart, etc as Jesus outlined for us in Matt 5. We need to look at liberty the way Jesus sees it, not what we perceive liberty to gratify the flesh.
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. (Jas 2:12)
This means that we are free from the curse of the law but judged by the law of liberty which is not a law of external constraint but of internal freedom to love, forgive, etc. For example Jesus taught us that He came not to do away with the law to fulfill it (Matt 5:17) and subsequently go on to expound that He is not looking at the external but internal. For example with regard to adultery in Matt 5:28 goes another level deeper from the committing the physical act of adultery to conceiving it in the heart. If we have true liberty in Christ then we are free from the even committing adultery in the heart. This seems to be almost impossible. But what is impossible with man is possible with God. That is why the promise of the Holy Spirit is the key to being true citizens of the Kingdom of God. I believe that the Lord is reminding us that we can’t deal with flesh and sin; we need the baptism of fire which only He can baptize us with to set our internal to liberty. If our internal is liberated than the external will be free (Matt 3:11). The more we submit to Christ and allow the Fire of Heaven touch our inert the greater the freedom. David understood this by saying in Psa 51:6 that we need to be truthful inside in the dealing with sin.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Gal 5:13)
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. (1Pe 2:16)
Liberty is not to be abused and ties in with serving God. Moses told pharaoh to let His people go to serve Him. We ought to serve God with ‘clean hands’. If our service to God is motivated by love (not recognition) than we know that the self has taken second seat and others considered better than ourselves. This is where our struggle begins on our pilgrimage to complete liberty. How much of self have to die, firstly in that Christ increase (John 3:30) and secondly to serve other in love.
What is Calvinism?
Much of the ‘once saved, always saved’ thinking have been attributed to John Calvin. He was a theologian during the era of the Protestant Reformation about the same time as Martin Luther in the fifteen hundreds.
John Calvin was a very logical man and gave much thought into the understanding of salvation and came up with the acronym TULIP.The Five Points of Calvinism in acrostic form
+ T :Total Depravity : Everyone is born in enslaved in sin, being lovers of self than lovers of God.
+ U :Unconditional election : Our salvation is purely by God’s mercy, not because we choose salvation.
+ L :Limited atonement : Salvation applies to those who God has elected to be saved by His grace. This is against the teaching of universalism which says that eventually everyone will be saved because of God’s grace…. Not true teaching, since we know that salvation is by faith (Eph 2:8,9)
+ I :Irresistible grace : Salvation is God’s grace alone. This also means that the Holy Spirit overcomes all resistance (unbelief, etc) to convict individuals of sin, realizing that Salvation is the saving Grace of God.
+ P :Perserverance of the saints : This is also known as ‘eternal security’. Take note that the title ‘saints’ in the Bible is given to those who are holy or set apart by God. Some evangelicals advocate say that Christians remain ‘saved’ despite apostasy, unrepentant of sin and continually participate in habitual sin. But traditional Calvinist would dispute that in the first place did true salvation actually too place.
The antinomian may take the Perseverance of the saints as the supporting point for ‘once saved always saved’. This is of course generally true that once one put their trust in Christ, there is the assurance of salvation and eternal life with God. Once there is the complete trust in Christ, God will ensure He preserves us in the faith. John Calvin is right with regard to Perseverance of the saints as given to us in John 10:28-29, Phil 1:6, 1 Pet 1:5, and Jer 32:40.
However, we can’t neglect the call of the Apostle to ‘Fight the Good Fight’ which is to endure till we reach Heaven’s gates.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1Ti 6:12)
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (2Ti 4:7)
The crown of finishing is to ‘lay hold on eternal life’ as our crown or prize or victory. To fight means to require effort on our behalf. Why? I believe because it takes effort to pry the past life away just as the Israelites that left Egypt led by Moses but Egypt didn’t leave their hearts (Acts 7:30). 1 Cor 10:1-11 also reminds that it’s not about starting well, but ending well is just as important. Therefore we can’t say that we are ‘heaven-bound’ but continue or even return to a life of sin. Grace is not cheap and leaves no room for carnal Christianity which is by and large popularly taught in many churches today. Grace caused the Father to send His only Begotten Son and Grace caused the Son of God His life (and everything - remember that He died in shame bearing the sin of the world!)
The Bible is clear about enduring to the end (the term by Jesus in Revelation is ‘Over-comers’) as necessary for final salvation as per Matt 24:13, Mark 13:13, Matt 10:22, 2 Tim 2:11-13, and 1 Cor 15:1-2.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (Jas 1:12)
We are warned not to give up, only those who over-come shall receive the crown of life (http://pursuinghispresence.blogspot.com/2007/11/crown-behold-i-come-quickly-hold-that.html).
We also have a responsibility to be our brother’s keeper that we will together endure till we meet Christ face to face. It is our responsibility to love others as we love ourselves.
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (Jas 5:19-20)
A layman’s point of view
Most preachers of cheap grace or antinomianism (Greek: ‘anti’ or against - 'nomos' meaning law; which is to disregard the need for the 10 commandments or moral laws of God or under no obligation to regard the moral laws of God) usually preached along the lines of 'Once Saved Always Saved'. They attribute this to Apostle Paul with regard to his teaching on Grace and on Christian liberty (Gal 2:4). I.E. they say that Christians are no longer under the requirements of the law or saying that God doesn’t require anything from the people He send His only begotten Son to die to save. This is also to say that Christians don’t need to grow toward the level of holy or righteous living because once a person accepts Christ he or she is automatically holy or righteous. One recent popular verse is as follows……
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2Co 5:21)
This is to say that Jesus bore ALL our sins therefore we receive the gift of righteousness. So the conclusion is that we are no longer condemned by the law because Jesus took the full punishment for sin for us that we might be made right before God. Rightly so! In preceding verse, Paul reminds us that we Christ ambassadors, meaning we are to represent Him correctly. If God is Holy, therefore we should represent our Holy God. We know that righteousness is a gift of God by His grace, but keep in mind that a gift has to be firstly received. The condition of receiving the gift of righteousness, I believe is on the condition that we are willing to let go of the past sin life. The previous sin life and the new creation life in Christ can’t mix as much as oil and water can’t.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. (Rom 6:14-15)
Therefore if we continue to live under the bondage of sin, Paul strongly says ‘God forbid’. For we are no longer under the dominion of sin but under the Lordship of Christ! We no longer live under the law that condemns us but it becomes liberty to us. Liberty doesn’t confine us the way we think, but liberty not to sin as well as liberty to forgive, be meek, bless our persecutors, pure in heart, etc as Jesus outlined for us in Matt 5. We need to look at liberty the way Jesus sees it, not what we perceive liberty to gratify the flesh.
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. (Jas 2:12)
This means that we are free from the curse of the law but judged by the law of liberty which is not a law of external constraint but of internal freedom to love, forgive, etc. For example Jesus taught us that He came not to do away with the law to fulfill it (Matt 5:17) and subsequently go on to expound that He is not looking at the external but internal. For example with regard to adultery in Matt 5:28 goes another level deeper from the committing the physical act of adultery to conceiving it in the heart. If we have true liberty in Christ then we are free from the even committing adultery in the heart. This seems to be almost impossible. But what is impossible with man is possible with God. That is why the promise of the Holy Spirit is the key to being true citizens of the Kingdom of God. I believe that the Lord is reminding us that we can’t deal with flesh and sin; we need the baptism of fire which only He can baptize us with to set our internal to liberty. If our internal is liberated than the external will be free (Matt 3:11). The more we submit to Christ and allow the Fire of Heaven touch our inert the greater the freedom. David understood this by saying in Psa 51:6 that we need to be truthful inside in the dealing with sin.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Gal 5:13)
As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. (1Pe 2:16)
Liberty is not to be abused and ties in with serving God. Moses told pharaoh to let His people go to serve Him. We ought to serve God with ‘clean hands’. If our service to God is motivated by love (not recognition) than we know that the self has taken second seat and others considered better than ourselves. This is where our struggle begins on our pilgrimage to complete liberty. How much of self have to die, firstly in that Christ increase (John 3:30) and secondly to serve other in love.
What is Calvinism?
Much of the ‘once saved, always saved’ thinking have been attributed to John Calvin. He was a theologian during the era of the Protestant Reformation about the same time as Martin Luther in the fifteen hundreds.
John Calvin was a very logical man and gave much thought into the understanding of salvation and came up with the acronym TULIP.The Five Points of Calvinism in acrostic form
+ T :Total Depravity : Everyone is born in enslaved in sin, being lovers of self than lovers of God.
+ U :Unconditional election : Our salvation is purely by God’s mercy, not because we choose salvation.
+ L :Limited atonement : Salvation applies to those who God has elected to be saved by His grace. This is against the teaching of universalism which says that eventually everyone will be saved because of God’s grace…. Not true teaching, since we know that salvation is by faith (Eph 2:8,9)
+ I :Irresistible grace : Salvation is God’s grace alone. This also means that the Holy Spirit overcomes all resistance (unbelief, etc) to convict individuals of sin, realizing that Salvation is the saving Grace of God.
+ P :Perserverance of the saints : This is also known as ‘eternal security’. Take note that the title ‘saints’ in the Bible is given to those who are holy or set apart by God. Some evangelicals advocate say that Christians remain ‘saved’ despite apostasy, unrepentant of sin and continually participate in habitual sin. But traditional Calvinist would dispute that in the first place did true salvation actually too place.
The antinomian may take the Perseverance of the saints as the supporting point for ‘once saved always saved’. This is of course generally true that once one put their trust in Christ, there is the assurance of salvation and eternal life with God. Once there is the complete trust in Christ, God will ensure He preserves us in the faith. John Calvin is right with regard to Perseverance of the saints as given to us in John 10:28-29, Phil 1:6, 1 Pet 1:5, and Jer 32:40.
However, we can’t neglect the call of the Apostle to ‘Fight the Good Fight’ which is to endure till we reach Heaven’s gates.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1Ti 6:12)
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: (2Ti 4:7)
The crown of finishing is to ‘lay hold on eternal life’ as our crown or prize or victory. To fight means to require effort on our behalf. Why? I believe because it takes effort to pry the past life away just as the Israelites that left Egypt led by Moses but Egypt didn’t leave their hearts (Acts 7:30). 1 Cor 10:1-11 also reminds that it’s not about starting well, but ending well is just as important. Therefore we can’t say that we are ‘heaven-bound’ but continue or even return to a life of sin. Grace is not cheap and leaves no room for carnal Christianity which is by and large popularly taught in many churches today. Grace caused the Father to send His only Begotten Son and Grace caused the Son of God His life (and everything - remember that He died in shame bearing the sin of the world!)
The Bible is clear about enduring to the end (the term by Jesus in Revelation is ‘Over-comers’) as necessary for final salvation as per Matt 24:13, Mark 13:13, Matt 10:22, 2 Tim 2:11-13, and 1 Cor 15:1-2.
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (Jas 1:12)
We are warned not to give up, only those who over-come shall receive the crown of life (http://pursuinghispresence.blogspot.com/2007/11/crown-behold-i-come-quickly-hold-that.html).
We also have a responsibility to be our brother’s keeper that we will together endure till we meet Christ face to face. It is our responsibility to love others as we love ourselves.
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. (Jas 5:19-20)
Monday, December 10, 2007
Finishing Well – December 2007 Monthly Message from the ALERT Cadet Major
Paul, during the reciting of his testimony to the Jews in Acts 13, had these words to say about King David in verse 36, "For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep…”. I’ve been meditating on this verse and would like to share with you some insights as they relate to raising our children and our sons in particular.
First, David had to serve the purpose of God with his life. God had placed David on this earth with a particular set of gifts, talents, and abilities. David was to use these gifts to their fullest to accomplish the purpose of God. During David’s time that purpose was to have a nation wholly set apart to God, as an example to the world. God would then use this example to bring men to faith and an understanding of Himself. During our current time, Matthew 28:19-20, the so-called “Great Commission,” gives us the purpose of God. I am to train my children to be proclaimers of the gospel, disciplers of men, and proper providers, or keepers at home, for their family. What I do at home in my training must be in concert with God’s purpose for them and the specifics of how they will live that out.
Next, David served the purpose of God in his own generation, or during the time appointed for him to live. Psalm 90:10 tells us that we will each have 70 years to live, or if we are strong, 80 years. This means that time is a valuable asset, more so than money, and I must teach my children that time is not be squandered or wasted, but rather invested. I cringe each time I hear that my children, or others, are just “hanging out” somewhere. Rather, I desire to see them invest their time in developing skills, talents, or abilities that will help them to accomplish God’s purpose in their lives. Or, I desire to see them investing time in a relationship with another person so that both can accomplish the purpose of God in their lives. How do I teach this? The only true way is by modeling it before them in my own life. I also hold them accountable for the use of their time in much the same way as they are accountable for their money. It has been said that if you want to know what is important to a man look at his calendar and in his banking statement!
Lastly, David fell asleep, or died. There is a God-appointed time for me, and each of us, to die. Hebrews 9:27 tells me that, “…it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.” Hence, I will die, unless Jesus returns during my lifetime. Death is not something to be feared, but rather an end to my time and purpose on this earth. Notice again what Paul said about David, “…after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, (he) fell asleep…”. I can rest in this knowing that I am “bulletproof” until I have accomplished the purpose of God in my generation. I must also instill this same way of living and thinking in my children. They are to go 100% into each activity with no fears of dying “before their time,” as some would put it. This does not mean they are to do foolish things to test God, but rather, after being convinced that a certain thing is the purpose of God for them in their generation, they are to do it with their whole heart - no reservations and no regrets. How best to teach this? Again, the answer is to model it before them in the decisions I make and the projects I take on.
I want to finish well. Given that I have 70 or 80 years to live (God willing), and 51 of them are already gone, I am in the latter days of my time on this earth. All the time up to now has been preparation for the work God has for me to do. It is certainly not a time to “retire” or take a rest. Retirement is not in the Scriptures. I see many of the aged saints and apostles continuing on with their ministry right up to their deaths. I desire to do the same, and I have asked my family to keep me accountable. I must continue to grow, develop, and serve as God gives me strength, energy, and creativity.
As you plan activities to develop your children, help them to understand about King David and the purposes in his life. He wanted to build a great temple for God to dwell in as I Chronicles 28 records, but God said no, he would not build it (because he was a man of war and bloodshed). Perhaps you as a father may have great dreams for yourself, but it will be your children who accomplish them. For me, I desire to do a great work to assist fathers in raising their sons (and daughters), and hence, I lead the ALERT Cadet ministry. However, it may be one of my sons or my daughter who turn this into a worldwide ministry with great impact. One thing I do know is that when God calls me home, I will have accomplished God’s purpose for me on this earth.
May God give you wisdom as you lead your families well.
In Christ,
Roger D. Farr
ALERT Cadet Commanding Officer and Program Director
Paul, during the reciting of his testimony to the Jews in Acts 13, had these words to say about King David in verse 36, "For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep…”. I’ve been meditating on this verse and would like to share with you some insights as they relate to raising our children and our sons in particular.
First, David had to serve the purpose of God with his life. God had placed David on this earth with a particular set of gifts, talents, and abilities. David was to use these gifts to their fullest to accomplish the purpose of God. During David’s time that purpose was to have a nation wholly set apart to God, as an example to the world. God would then use this example to bring men to faith and an understanding of Himself. During our current time, Matthew 28:19-20, the so-called “Great Commission,” gives us the purpose of God. I am to train my children to be proclaimers of the gospel, disciplers of men, and proper providers, or keepers at home, for their family. What I do at home in my training must be in concert with God’s purpose for them and the specifics of how they will live that out.
Next, David served the purpose of God in his own generation, or during the time appointed for him to live. Psalm 90:10 tells us that we will each have 70 years to live, or if we are strong, 80 years. This means that time is a valuable asset, more so than money, and I must teach my children that time is not be squandered or wasted, but rather invested. I cringe each time I hear that my children, or others, are just “hanging out” somewhere. Rather, I desire to see them invest their time in developing skills, talents, or abilities that will help them to accomplish God’s purpose in their lives. Or, I desire to see them investing time in a relationship with another person so that both can accomplish the purpose of God in their lives. How do I teach this? The only true way is by modeling it before them in my own life. I also hold them accountable for the use of their time in much the same way as they are accountable for their money. It has been said that if you want to know what is important to a man look at his calendar and in his banking statement!
Lastly, David fell asleep, or died. There is a God-appointed time for me, and each of us, to die. Hebrews 9:27 tells me that, “…it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.” Hence, I will die, unless Jesus returns during my lifetime. Death is not something to be feared, but rather an end to my time and purpose on this earth. Notice again what Paul said about David, “…after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, (he) fell asleep…”. I can rest in this knowing that I am “bulletproof” until I have accomplished the purpose of God in my generation. I must also instill this same way of living and thinking in my children. They are to go 100% into each activity with no fears of dying “before their time,” as some would put it. This does not mean they are to do foolish things to test God, but rather, after being convinced that a certain thing is the purpose of God for them in their generation, they are to do it with their whole heart - no reservations and no regrets. How best to teach this? Again, the answer is to model it before them in the decisions I make and the projects I take on.
I want to finish well. Given that I have 70 or 80 years to live (God willing), and 51 of them are already gone, I am in the latter days of my time on this earth. All the time up to now has been preparation for the work God has for me to do. It is certainly not a time to “retire” or take a rest. Retirement is not in the Scriptures. I see many of the aged saints and apostles continuing on with their ministry right up to their deaths. I desire to do the same, and I have asked my family to keep me accountable. I must continue to grow, develop, and serve as God gives me strength, energy, and creativity.
As you plan activities to develop your children, help them to understand about King David and the purposes in his life. He wanted to build a great temple for God to dwell in as I Chronicles 28 records, but God said no, he would not build it (because he was a man of war and bloodshed). Perhaps you as a father may have great dreams for yourself, but it will be your children who accomplish them. For me, I desire to do a great work to assist fathers in raising their sons (and daughters), and hence, I lead the ALERT Cadet ministry. However, it may be one of my sons or my daughter who turn this into a worldwide ministry with great impact. One thing I do know is that when God calls me home, I will have accomplished God’s purpose for me on this earth.
May God give you wisdom as you lead your families well.
In Christ,
Roger D. Farr
ALERT Cadet Commanding Officer and Program Director
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