Faith Alone

James 2:18-24

18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.
24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

Reflection:

Context... Context... Context!!! If someone were to simply take James 2:24 out of the context of the entire passage of James Chapter 2, then they would be easily decieved as to think that Martin Luther was wrong with this whole 'We are saved by Faith alone' thing. If taken out of context, the verse would also present a problem for Biblical accuracy because it would seem to contradict Ephesians 2:8-9 that specifically states 'Salvation comes by God's grace through our FAITH in Jesus Christ'. But when correctly examining the context of scripture, we realize that James doesn't contradict any other scripture or true Doctrine in his writings.

The entire context of James Chapter 2 is the difference between a simple belief about God and a true and saving faith in Jesus Christ. James explains that even the demons believe there is One God, but that doesn't mean they have true faith. He goes on to explain that 'Faith without works is dead' (James 2:26). What James is simply saying is that 'True Faith will be accompanied by good works'. This truth is affirmed by many other scriptures including Ephesians 2:10 and John 14:15.

Works are not required for salvation. The thief on the cross being crucified next to Jesus expressed faith in Jesus Christ; therefore Jesus granted him eternal life. This thief did absolutely no good works whatsoever, he wasn't baptized, he didn't recieve the Lord's supper; all this repentant sinner had to offer Jesus was faith, faith alone.

Hopefully, my reflection has confirmed the Historic Doctrine of Sola Fide established by Martin Luther (Salvation by Faith alone in Jesus Christ). Don't let the Catholics and Mormons trip you up. Stand firm in the true faith of Jesus Christ. When others challenge your beliefs, back them up by the truth of scripture.

+ Jakab +

Sinful Nature

We have to recognize sin,
And understand why it's wrong,
We always have a friend in Jesus,
So were never alone.

And yes, we are born again,
While though we were born in sin,
We have a sinful nature,
Although the Holy Spirit refaced ya,
In the end, sin is death,
While Jesus Christ is the life,
Open your hearts to the truth,
And believe with all ya might, 

That He saved you,
Oh yes He saved you,
And He would have still died,
If it were just you.

But, see there is no such thing as a Just You.
Because God’s justice is replaced with the lustful,
And the dirt that you hide.
But, wipe the tears from your eyes,
Because He lives.

Inside the dark, shaded shadows of unrighteous mentality,
He corrected the wrongs that you all inherit presently,
Giving His own life, so that you can live abundantly,
But, you 
Through what you do,
Continue to 
Reject His sacrifice consistently.

+ Jakab +

Amazing Grace

Title : Amazing Grace

Written By : John Newton (1725-1807)

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Don't Waste Your Life

Title : Don't Waste Your Life

Artist : Lecrae

Album : Rebel

Hook: Cam

Don't wanna waste my life, life, life…

Verse 1: Lecrae

I know a lot of people out there scared they gone die/ a couple of em thinking they'll be livin' in the sky/ but while I'm here livin' man I gotta ask why, what am here fo I gotta figure out/ waste my life/ no I gotta make it count /if Christ is real then what am I gone do about/ everything in Luke 12:15 down to 21/ you really oughta go and check it out/Paul said if Christ ain't resurrect then we wasted our lives/ well that implies that our life's built around Jesus being alive/ everyday I'm living tryin' show the world why/ Christ is more than everything you'll ever try/ better than pretty women and sinning and living to get a minute of any women and men that you admire/ it ain't no lie/ We created for Him/ outta the dust he made us for Him/ Elects us and he saves us for Him/ Jesus comes and He raises for Him/ Magnify the Father why bother with something lesser/ He made us so we could bless Him and to the world we confess him/ resurrects him/ so I know I got life/ matter fact better man I know I got Christ/ if you don't' see His ways in my days and nights/ you can hit my brakes you can stop my lights/ man I lost my rights/ I lost my life/ forget the money cars and toss that ice/ the cost is Christ/ and they could never offer me anything on the planet that'll cost that price.

Verse 2: Dwayne Tryumph

Armed and dangerous
So the devil jus can't hang wit us
Christian youth them a stand wid us
Livin' n driven/ given a vision/ fullfillin the commission He handed us
London to Los Angeles
Da rap evangelist
Ma daddy wouldn't abandon us
"I gotta back pack fulla tracts plus I keep a Johnny Mac"
So are you ready to jam with us
So lets go, gimme the word an lets go
Persecution lets go
Tribulation lets go
Across the nation lets go
Procrastination bes go
Hung on the cross in the cold
Died for da young and the old
Can't say you never know
Heaven knows
How many souls are going to hell or to heaven so we gotta go in and get em.

Verse 3: Lecrae

Suffer/ Yeah do it for Christ if you trying to figure what to do with your life/ if you making a lot money hope you doing it right because the money is God's you better steward it right/ stay focused if you ain't got no ride/ your life ain't wrapped up in what you drive/ the clothes you wear the job you work/ the color your skin naw you Christian first/ people get ta livin for a job/ make a lil money start living for a car/ get em a wife a house kids and a dog/ when they retire they living high on the hog/ but guess what they didn't ever really live at all/ to live is Christ and that's Paul I recall/ to die is gain so for Christ we give it all/ he's the treasure you'll never find in the mall/ See, your money your singleness marriage talents yo time/ they were loaned to you to show the world that Christ is Divine/ that's why it's Christ in my rhymes/ That's why it's Christ all the time/see my whole world is built around him He's the life in my lines/ I refused to waste my life/ He's too true ta chase that ice/ here's my gifts and time cause I'm constantly trying to be used to praise the Christ/ If he's truly raised to life/ then this news should change your life/ and by his grace you can put your faith in place that rules your days and nights.

Prosperity Nonsense

Video : John Piper - The Prosperity Gospel

Reflection:

The prosperity gospel is complete un-Biblical garbage. "God wants you to be rich with giant houses and large figures in your bank accounts plus he will give you an abundance of material and financial blessings; Jesus died so you can enjoy a healthy, wealthy and prosperous life!" The prosperity gospel is so fake... yet so popular. Why is it so popular, you may ask? Because of it's self-gratifying message of greed. Sinful people flock to the prosperity message because it appeals to man's underlying condition of sinfulness. 

"So, wait I get money, prosperity, material possessions and a free ticket to heaven? Sure, I’ll take Jesus." In a prosperity church, you will rarely hear any mention of sin, sacrifice, atonement, repentance, persecution, trials, tribulations, or judgment. Prosperity churches teach their false converts how to use God instead of serving Him. Jesus Christ is nothing more to them than a little ATM on the side of the road where they can expand their wealth and prosperity from time to time. They do not live their lives in order to glorify God; instead they try to exploit God to bring glory for themselves. It is a completely un-Biblical disgrace to God.

Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

2 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Jesus Christ did not die in order to make you rich. The wrath of God was not poured out upon Him so that you could be prosperous in your finances. Jesus lived a sinless life and was crucified in order to be the substitutionary atonement for the sins of the world.

John 1:29 - The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

2 Corinthians 5:21 - God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Flee from the prosperity nonsense and trust in the Savior of the world. Thanks be to Jesus Christ for the ultimate price He paid for my wretched sinfulness. Thanks be to God for His mercy, love, and eternal justice.

+ Jakab +

God Loves Sinners

Quote: 

Paul Washer is roughly quoted as saying that “many of the Christian beliefs of today’s culture are derived from the backs of Christian t-shirts instead of the Bible.”

Reflection:

I think that is oh so true in today’s world, especially in the up and coming generations. For example a predominantly illustrious quote found on t-shirts is “God hates the sin, but loves the sinner.” Now while that is not a false statement, it isn’t the complete truth either. Many non-believers seem to always ask “How can a loving God send someone to Hell?” The reasoning behind this statement is the un-Biblical notion that God is nothing but love so, He must forgive everyone no matter what. But God's attributes extend further than just love. God is Just, Holy, Pure, Righteous, Omniscient, True, Loving, Merciful, Gracious, and much more. If someone says that "God is only love", then he/she is not speaking of the God of the Bible (The True God).

Psalm 5:5 – “The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you HATE all who do wrong.”

John 3:36 – “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's WRATH remains on him.”

We can understand through John 3:36 that God’s wrath abides upon the sinner. God’s wrath can be defined as ‘God’s anger and hatred for all things sinful’. So, clearly based on this scripture we can see that God’s hatred is upon the sinner. However contrary to what many people seem to believe, this truth that God hates sinners does not terminate the supplementary truth that God loves sinners. God is a God of Love and Wrath. He is a God of Mercy and Justice. God is a God of Truth and Grace.

Romans 5:8 - “But God demonstrates his own LOVE for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

John 3:16 - "For God so LOVED the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

God’s inexhaustible character and alike attributes there of, all seem to complement each other in such a glorious way that no man can reject His divine perfection. God hates sin, because God is Righteous and Holy. Also, God’s wrath and hatred are upon the sinner for the exact same reasons. However because of His loving and merciful nature, amidst our sinful condition, God loves us sinners as well. I would rephrase the popular slogan of Christianity to say more clearly and abundantly, “God hates the sin and loves the sinner, but also God’s wrath abides upon the sinner.”

+ Jakab +

An Incomplete Gospel

John 3:16-18

16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."

Reflection:

Context is extremely important when dealing with Biblical passages. Imagine someone reading Romans 3:23 and nothing else. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” What type of faulty assumptions could come from taking a verse out of context? Based on Romans 3:23 only; Perhaps a person would presume that there is no hope for any type of reconciliation with God. But, when the person reads the entire context of Romans 3 including the very next verse which says “we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus,” the reader will see that there is hope for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 is probably the most popular Bible verse in the entirety of scriptures. All glory be to God, it is a tremendous verse. But, I fear that some people have read John 3:16 and perhaps John 3:17 while purposely ignoring John 3:18.

I see many people quoting John 3:16 emphasizing that God LOVES the world. That is absolutely true; God did love the world so much that He gave His only son. But, many people are using this verse to convey a view of God that is completely one-sided, and that can be very harmful. If they only choose to tell sinners about the love and forgiveness of God while completely ignoring the justice and wrath of God; it can in so many cases lead not only to false conversion, but also complete idolatry. People could actually be led to believe in a false god.

Some people are being led by false teachers to believe that God is a kind loving God who loves the world… and that’s about it. There is barely any mention of sin, justice, or the wrath of God at all in their preachings. This type of witnessing/preaching leads to a misunderstanding of God, doctrine, and even salvation. We must preach, not a partial truth, not a halfway truth, not a flat out lie, but the true gospel of Jesus Christ as presented to us throughout the Bible.

Acts 21:20 - I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

I was talking with an internet friend (let’s say... Shandra) who preaches one of these ‘halfway gospel’ presentations. Shandra preaches that Jesus loves everybody and all they have to do is basically, through prayer, say that they love Him back and immediately they are SAVED. Throughout our conversations, Shandra never once mentioned the wrath of God, payment of sin, the righteousness of God or repentance. Clearly she wasn’t presenting the entire gospel to people.

Shandra quoted “Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn it” from John 3:17 to try and defend her affectionate theological position on salvation. So, I ran off to the scriptures to read the context of the passage. After reading most of John 3, I came to the verse in question, which was John 3:17, and also the very next verse John 3:18. In John 3:18, Jesus clearly explains that the world is already condemned for not believing in God’s one and only Son. While trying to run away from the sin-condemning truth of God’s righteousness, Shandra had successfully backed herself into a Biblical corner of contextual consciousness.

+ Jakab +

What A Believer Looks Like

Video : Trip Lee - What A Believer Looks Like

Reflection:

Trip Lee says that being a believer is basically having a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And since you have this true relationship with God, you ultimately desire to honor Him and glorify Him with your life.

Here are some basic attributes of a true believer in Christ:

A Believer is someone who loves God and hates sin.

A Believer is someone who lives to please and glorify God.

A Believer is someone who lives and breathes the Word of God (Bible).

A Believer is someone who exhalts God above all things : money, sex, pornography, lust, pride, dating, television, computers, football, golf, family, friends, religion, morality, movies, music, intelligence, science, myspace, facebook, blogging, playstation, video games, idols, celebrities, fame, self, cars, jewlery, desires, patriotism, your pastor, youth groups, teachers, historical figures, presidents, knowledge, wisdom, tolerance, government, life itself... everything.

A Believer is someone who has repented of his/her sins and put his/her faith in Jesus Christ and is still repenting and believing in Jesus Christ.

A Believer is someone who once was lost and blind, but now is found and can see clearly.

A Believer is someone who has a personal relationship with God.

Do you have a true relationship with God? Examine Yourself!

2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

+ Jakab +