The believer in Christ is a lifelong repenter. He begins with repentance and continues in repentance. (Rom. 8:12-13) David sinned giant sins but fell without a stone at the mere finger of the prophet because he was a repenter at heart (2 Sam. 12:7-13). Peter denied Christ three times but suffered three times the remorse until he repented with bitter tears (Mt. 26:75). Every Christian is called a repenter, but . . .
This document contains a sermon urging repentance from sin and righteousness. It emphasizes that one must exceed the righteousness of religious leaders to enter God's kingdom. Several bible passages are cited warning that sin will be judged and only righteousness leads to salvation. The sermon repeatedly stresses the need to repent from sins like greed, lust, dishonesty and live righteously to avoid God's wrath and inherit eternal life.
Charles A-Hall-WORKING-WITH-GOD-New-Church-Press-Ltd-LondonFrancis Batt
The document discusses accepting life's experiences with patience and understanding. It argues that we should view difficulties as opportunities to develop spiritual strength and wisdom, rather than resenting hardships. While pleasures may satisfy us, challenges help us grow spiritually if we accept them calmly and seek to understand their deeper lessons. With insight into God's benevolent purposes even in troubles, and by cooperating constructively rather than fighting circumstances, we can overcome bitterness and find sweetness in all of life.
XI. Looking at Things Rightly, . . . 173
XII. The Miracle at the Gate Beautiful, . 191
XIII. The Grace op Silence 209
XIV. Spiritual Health 225
XV. Character Tested— and Detected, . . 245
XVI. The Dove that Found Rest, . . .263
This is all about the tenth commandment to not covet your neighbors house, wife, servants and basically nothing that they have and you do not have. Coveting is more common than we think, and you will learn in these writings.
This document provides commentary on Psalm 51 from multiple scholars and theologians. It discusses David's authorship of the psalm and the context in which it was written after Nathan confronted David about his adultery with Bathsheba. The commentary analyzes each line of the psalm and explores David's sincere confession of sin and plea for God's mercy and forgiveness according to His lovingkindness and abundant compassion.
Here are the key points I took away from our discussion:
- It's important to make every effort to resolve conflicts biblically through open communication, forgiveness, and compromise where possible. However, we must also accept that some conflicts may remain unresolved if the other party is unwilling.
- In those situations, the best approach is to leave room for God's judgment while continuing to respond with patience, kindness and doing good on our end. Taking matters into our own hands through retaliation or revenge will only make the situation worse.
- Practicing forgiveness, even when reconciliation isn't possible, is vital for our own spiritual and emotional well-being. Holding onto bitterness serves no good purpose.
- Overall, the
Jesus was our source of exulting in godGLENN PEASE
1. The passage discusses how believers can find joy in God through Jesus Christ, who reconciled believers to God.
2. It explains that through Christ's death and resurrection, believers go from being enemies of God to being reconciled friends of God.
3. Believers can now rejoice in God's love and in their living relationship with Christ, rather than just having hope for the future.
This document contains a sermon urging repentance from sin and righteousness. It emphasizes that one must exceed the righteousness of religious leaders to enter God's kingdom. Several bible passages are cited warning that sin will be judged and only righteousness leads to salvation. The sermon repeatedly stresses the need to repent from sins like greed, lust, dishonesty and live righteously to avoid God's wrath and inherit eternal life.
Charles A-Hall-WORKING-WITH-GOD-New-Church-Press-Ltd-LondonFrancis Batt
The document discusses accepting life's experiences with patience and understanding. It argues that we should view difficulties as opportunities to develop spiritual strength and wisdom, rather than resenting hardships. While pleasures may satisfy us, challenges help us grow spiritually if we accept them calmly and seek to understand their deeper lessons. With insight into God's benevolent purposes even in troubles, and by cooperating constructively rather than fighting circumstances, we can overcome bitterness and find sweetness in all of life.
XI. Looking at Things Rightly, . . . 173
XII. The Miracle at the Gate Beautiful, . 191
XIII. The Grace op Silence 209
XIV. Spiritual Health 225
XV. Character Tested— and Detected, . . 245
XVI. The Dove that Found Rest, . . .263
This is all about the tenth commandment to not covet your neighbors house, wife, servants and basically nothing that they have and you do not have. Coveting is more common than we think, and you will learn in these writings.
This document provides commentary on Psalm 51 from multiple scholars and theologians. It discusses David's authorship of the psalm and the context in which it was written after Nathan confronted David about his adultery with Bathsheba. The commentary analyzes each line of the psalm and explores David's sincere confession of sin and plea for God's mercy and forgiveness according to His lovingkindness and abundant compassion.
Here are the key points I took away from our discussion:
- It's important to make every effort to resolve conflicts biblically through open communication, forgiveness, and compromise where possible. However, we must also accept that some conflicts may remain unresolved if the other party is unwilling.
- In those situations, the best approach is to leave room for God's judgment while continuing to respond with patience, kindness and doing good on our end. Taking matters into our own hands through retaliation or revenge will only make the situation worse.
- Practicing forgiveness, even when reconciliation isn't possible, is vital for our own spiritual and emotional well-being. Holding onto bitterness serves no good purpose.
- Overall, the
Jesus was our source of exulting in godGLENN PEASE
1. The passage discusses how believers can find joy in God through Jesus Christ, who reconciled believers to God.
2. It explains that through Christ's death and resurrection, believers go from being enemies of God to being reconciled friends of God.
3. Believers can now rejoice in God's love and in their living relationship with Christ, rather than just having hope for the future.
1) Jesus tells a parable about humility, illustrating that one should not seek the places of highest honor at a feast but instead take a lower place, so that the host may recognize their humility and promote them to a higher place.
2) True humility is preferring others over oneself and not seeking self-assertion. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled while the humble will be exalted.
3) Jesus was illustrating humility by observing how guests at a feast sought places of honor and telling this parable, showing His interest in even small details of daily life and preference for modesty over pride.
This document provides commentary on Psalm 73 from multiple scholars and theologians. It includes:
1) A brief introduction providing context that Psalm 73 deals with the problem of the prosperity of the wicked and suffering of the righteous.
2) Extensive quotes and summaries from various scholars and theologians analyzing themes, divisions, and meanings in the psalm. They discuss topics like the temptation described, the fate of the ungodly, and gaining understanding by entering God's sanctuary.
3) Discussion of the authorship and themes of the psalm, including the temptation to doubt God's providence when seeing injustice in the world, but finding reassurance through faith.
This is a study of Jesus judging unworthy manners. Communion was being dishonored and Paul had to warm believers of the negative consequences of such behavior.
The document discusses the topics of sin, law, and gospel. It defines sin as any thought, desire, word, or deed against God's law. The devil brought sin into the world by tempting Adam and Eve to disobey God. Original sin refers to the total corruption of human nature that has been inherited from Adam. Original sin has left all people spiritually blind, dead, and enemies of God. Actual sin is any specific act against God's commandments. The document contrasts law and gospel, noting that the law shows our sin and God's wrath, while the gospel shows our savior and God's grace through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Forgiveness of sins is only offered in the gospel of Christ.
The document provides an overview of Catholic teachings on morality and the moral life. It discusses that morality begins with acknowledging God and others, living according to the new law of love given by Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It explores concepts like conscience, virtues, passions, and the goal of holiness and beatitude. An example is given about a woman shopping for her children to illustrate how to make proper moral judgments by considering the object, intention, circumstances, virtues and vices in a situation.
This is a study of the great hurt of laughter called laughingstock. This is mentioned three times in the Old Testament and we will study each of them here.
The document provides announcements for various upcoming MOPS events including a potluck dinner, spa day, and women's breakfast. It also discusses the importance of forgiveness based on biblical teachings. Forgiveness is defined as the loving cancellation of a debt and moving forward toward reconciliation without justification of wrongdoing or holding offenses over someone. True forgiveness is a choice and process that involves dealing with emotions head on rather than forgetting or excusing actions. God calls Christians to forgive so that they may be forgiven and find freedom from bitterness.
This document provides commentary from multiple scholars on Ecclesiastes 7:1. It begins by providing the biblical verse which states that a good name is better than precious ointment, and that the day of death is better than the day of one's birth. The commentary then provides analysis and interpretation of this verse from scholars such as Barnes, Clarke, Gill, Henry, Jamison, Young, and Trapp. The scholars discuss the meaning and implications of having a good reputation versus earthly pleasures and riches. They also analyze what it means for the day of death to be better than the day of one's birth, particularly for righteous people.
This is a focus on the work of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of holiness. There are many writings on this issue, and so I have just collected a few that appealed to me.
The document discusses forgiveness and bitterness. It begins by summarizing Ephesians 4:25-32 about speaking the truth, controlling anger, not sinning, being kind, and forgiving others. It then tells the story of Naomi, who became bitter after tragedy and asked to be called Mara. The document outlines characteristics of bitter people and ways people become bitter. It provides commands for bitter believers to watch their gossip, emotions, time, enemies, hands, and mouth. The cycle of bitterness is described along with how to build forgiveness by canceling debts, removing others' control, and leaving justice to God. Forgiveness is defined as an ongoing process of wanting good for offenders.
Jesus was saying god hates what people loveGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus saying God hates what people love. The love of money is the root of all evil, and the Pharisees were great lovers of money, and God detested them for this, and they faced His judgment for it.
The document outlines 5 building blocks for fellowship:
1. Authenticity - Love must be sincere and we should cling to what is good.
2. Courtesy - We should honor one another and be gentle towards everyone.
3. Mutuality - We should encourage one another, honor one another, and be accountable to one another.
4. Hospitality - We should share with those in need and practice hospitality towards one another.
5. Unity - We should live in harmony with one another, not be proud, and associate with people of all positions. The early church had one heart and soul and shared everything in common.
This is a study of Jesus being the one that Paul would die for. It is about the courage and determination of Paul to press on doing the will of God even if it cost him his life.
In my short life, I have lived to see eleven Presidents come and go but never have I seen such a moral dilemma that rubs in the face of God like I have seen in the elections of 2012. There are theologians from all over the world attempting to tackle the sensitive issue of "Should Christians vote in these elections?"
The purpose of this short-film is to help members of the body of Christ to experience, mature in, and communicate effectively the message of identification with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension in their various spheres of influence, so that all may know Christ as Savior, Lord, and Life - the goal to equip each viewer in embracing the life-transforming message of the Exchanged Life—”Not I but Christ.” -Dr. Stephen Phinney
This document is an excerpt from a book about the rapture. It discusses the biblical basis for the rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. It describes how Christians will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air. It also discusses how the dead in Christ will be resurrected and Christians alive at the time will be caught up together with them. The excerpt aims to explain the rapture and address common objections or controversies about it.
1) Jesus tells a parable about humility, illustrating that one should not seek the places of highest honor at a feast but instead take a lower place, so that the host may recognize their humility and promote them to a higher place.
2) True humility is preferring others over oneself and not seeking self-assertion. Those who exalt themselves will be humbled while the humble will be exalted.
3) Jesus was illustrating humility by observing how guests at a feast sought places of honor and telling this parable, showing His interest in even small details of daily life and preference for modesty over pride.
This document provides commentary on Psalm 73 from multiple scholars and theologians. It includes:
1) A brief introduction providing context that Psalm 73 deals with the problem of the prosperity of the wicked and suffering of the righteous.
2) Extensive quotes and summaries from various scholars and theologians analyzing themes, divisions, and meanings in the psalm. They discuss topics like the temptation described, the fate of the ungodly, and gaining understanding by entering God's sanctuary.
3) Discussion of the authorship and themes of the psalm, including the temptation to doubt God's providence when seeing injustice in the world, but finding reassurance through faith.
This is a study of Jesus judging unworthy manners. Communion was being dishonored and Paul had to warm believers of the negative consequences of such behavior.
The document discusses the topics of sin, law, and gospel. It defines sin as any thought, desire, word, or deed against God's law. The devil brought sin into the world by tempting Adam and Eve to disobey God. Original sin refers to the total corruption of human nature that has been inherited from Adam. Original sin has left all people spiritually blind, dead, and enemies of God. Actual sin is any specific act against God's commandments. The document contrasts law and gospel, noting that the law shows our sin and God's wrath, while the gospel shows our savior and God's grace through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Forgiveness of sins is only offered in the gospel of Christ.
The document provides an overview of Catholic teachings on morality and the moral life. It discusses that morality begins with acknowledging God and others, living according to the new law of love given by Jesus and the Holy Spirit. It explores concepts like conscience, virtues, passions, and the goal of holiness and beatitude. An example is given about a woman shopping for her children to illustrate how to make proper moral judgments by considering the object, intention, circumstances, virtues and vices in a situation.
This is a study of the great hurt of laughter called laughingstock. This is mentioned three times in the Old Testament and we will study each of them here.
The document provides announcements for various upcoming MOPS events including a potluck dinner, spa day, and women's breakfast. It also discusses the importance of forgiveness based on biblical teachings. Forgiveness is defined as the loving cancellation of a debt and moving forward toward reconciliation without justification of wrongdoing or holding offenses over someone. True forgiveness is a choice and process that involves dealing with emotions head on rather than forgetting or excusing actions. God calls Christians to forgive so that they may be forgiven and find freedom from bitterness.
This document provides commentary from multiple scholars on Ecclesiastes 7:1. It begins by providing the biblical verse which states that a good name is better than precious ointment, and that the day of death is better than the day of one's birth. The commentary then provides analysis and interpretation of this verse from scholars such as Barnes, Clarke, Gill, Henry, Jamison, Young, and Trapp. The scholars discuss the meaning and implications of having a good reputation versus earthly pleasures and riches. They also analyze what it means for the day of death to be better than the day of one's birth, particularly for righteous people.
This is a focus on the work of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of holiness. There are many writings on this issue, and so I have just collected a few that appealed to me.
The document discusses forgiveness and bitterness. It begins by summarizing Ephesians 4:25-32 about speaking the truth, controlling anger, not sinning, being kind, and forgiving others. It then tells the story of Naomi, who became bitter after tragedy and asked to be called Mara. The document outlines characteristics of bitter people and ways people become bitter. It provides commands for bitter believers to watch their gossip, emotions, time, enemies, hands, and mouth. The cycle of bitterness is described along with how to build forgiveness by canceling debts, removing others' control, and leaving justice to God. Forgiveness is defined as an ongoing process of wanting good for offenders.
Jesus was saying god hates what people loveGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus saying God hates what people love. The love of money is the root of all evil, and the Pharisees were great lovers of money, and God detested them for this, and they faced His judgment for it.
The document outlines 5 building blocks for fellowship:
1. Authenticity - Love must be sincere and we should cling to what is good.
2. Courtesy - We should honor one another and be gentle towards everyone.
3. Mutuality - We should encourage one another, honor one another, and be accountable to one another.
4. Hospitality - We should share with those in need and practice hospitality towards one another.
5. Unity - We should live in harmony with one another, not be proud, and associate with people of all positions. The early church had one heart and soul and shared everything in common.
This is a study of Jesus being the one that Paul would die for. It is about the courage and determination of Paul to press on doing the will of God even if it cost him his life.
In my short life, I have lived to see eleven Presidents come and go but never have I seen such a moral dilemma that rubs in the face of God like I have seen in the elections of 2012. There are theologians from all over the world attempting to tackle the sensitive issue of "Should Christians vote in these elections?"
The purpose of this short-film is to help members of the body of Christ to experience, mature in, and communicate effectively the message of identification with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension in their various spheres of influence, so that all may know Christ as Savior, Lord, and Life - the goal to equip each viewer in embracing the life-transforming message of the Exchanged Life—”Not I but Christ.” -Dr. Stephen Phinney
This document is an excerpt from a book about the rapture. It discusses the biblical basis for the rapture in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. It describes how Christians will be caught up to meet Jesus in the air. It also discusses how the dead in Christ will be resurrected and Christians alive at the time will be caught up together with them. The excerpt aims to explain the rapture and address common objections or controversies about it.
Did you know Santa Claus dates back to Old Babylon? Did you know the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the cutting of trees and decorating them with gold and silver? Or, did you know the title "Christmas" was originally a Roman state church "Mass" to celebrate and pray to a dead "saint?"
This document is an introduction and preface to a workbook on advancing the exchanged life from within. It discusses the author's goal to equip Christians to allow Christ's life to minister through them by understanding key truths about seven areas of life. It provides background on the author and expresses gratitude to mentors who influenced his understanding. It also defines what an "exchanged life worker" is, describing them as Christians equipped through obedience, the fruit of the Spirit, and an ability to minister out of an overflow of Christ's life within them rather than obligation or desire for status. The workbook's lessons are aimed at helping Christians experience renewal by understanding truths that enable them to stand free and walk in Christ's completeness.
This document is an introduction to a study on biblical manhood called "The Principled Patriarch". It discusses the need for men to embrace biblical patriarchy and function as godly leaders. The study aims to teach men how to fulfill their roles as husbands, fathers, and leaders according to God's word. It covers topics like the heart of the heavenly father, becoming men of the word, true biblical manhood and womanhood, embracing authority as men, and dying to the world's ideas of manhood. The introduction emphasizes that godly patriarchs are needed to change the world by training future generations and acting as lights in a dark world.
This document clearly spells out the overall vision and details of the Exchanged Life Global Initiative, which is uniting workers of "Not I, but Christ" worldwide. This is an initiative that sweeping the world - 600% growth since it's conception. Email Author: drphinney@iomamerica.org
Workbook & Conference Guide is a 13-week course designed for a combination of individual, small group & conference study guide. It is a course in the personal discovery of a believer’s co-death, burial, resurrection & ascension in Christ Jesus – the Exchanged Life. Chapter titles are: Basics of Discipleship, Godship, Rejection, External/Internal, Problems, My Flesh, Repentance, Identity Matters, Accepting Your Righteousness, Extending Forgiveness, Seeking Forgiveness, Rest, Abide, & Walk, and Love Life.
The term Hipsters originally described the grandchildren of the ever so popular Hippy movement. A new generation who wants to bring back the overtly casual mystics of independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of dark-art and indie-rock, creativity, second-hand intelligence, and witty banter.
This book will directly benefit those who care about the world of finances: personally, professionally, and politically. In my studies and research for a book I am writing (Book of Revelation, the Final Frontier), I am discovering many correlations between money, the end-times and personal suffering. "I believe as you read this book, your experience will be much like ours – one of an encounter with the Lord!" - Robert Cornelius Email Author: drphinney@iomamerica.org
Living Life Discipleship Manual contains over 80 diagrams with “cheat sheets” explaining each diagram with an application section for the individual being discipled. Section titles are: Basics of Discipleship, Godship, Rejection, External/Internal, Problems, My Flesh, Repentance, Identity Matters, Accepting Your Righteousness, Extending Forgiveness, Seeking Forgiveness, Rest, Abide & Walk, and Love Life.
BOOK OF PRAYERS, By Dr. Stephen Phinney, offers prayers, Scriptures, devotionals and encouragement to committed prayer warriors. The subject of aggressive spiritual warfare against the world, the flesh, and the devil is becoming increasingly important. Read More...
1. The passage discusses the importance of confessing sins in order to have intimacy with God and fellowship with others. It states that we cannot claim to have a relationship with God if we are living in spiritual darkness and not dealing with our sin.
2. Forgiveness frees us from the penalty of sin through justification by God, while cleansing is the restoration of our relationship with God through the ongoing process of holiness. We must confess our specific sins to be cleansed and experience the kind of sorrow that leads to repentance and salvation.
3. The passage encourages meditating on and applying the need to confess sins to the Holy Spirit in order to experience intimacy with God and not perish. It emphasizes being sensitive
The document discusses the Sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as Confession or Penance, outlining its essential parts which include contrition, confession of sins to a priest, performance of penance, and receiving absolution from the priest as a sign of God's forgiveness. It also discusses the effects of sin, means of obtaining forgiveness, and how conversion is accomplished through daily life.
The document discusses the topic of sin according to the Bible. It makes several key points:
1) Sin is rebellion against God and contrary to His holy nature. It separates man from God and calls down His wrath.
2) The root cause of society's problems is sin - rebellion against God and His word. Sin affects governments, schools, families, and individuals.
3) Because of sin, man is in a state of total depravity and spiritual ruin. Every part of his nature is corrupted by sin. He is unable to save himself from sin or restore fellowship with God.
A verse by verse commentary on LUKE chapter 18 dealing with the parable of the persistent widow and the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. then comes Jesus and the little children. Jesus then deals with the rich ruler and then deals with his prediction of his death.
To be part of the body of Christ and make it to his kingdom, one must:
1. Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, obey his commands, and pray daily for protection and guidance.
2. Understand that spiritual wickedness works to throw one off righteousness, so one must not conform to worldly pressures and pleasures.
3. Strive to live righteously through faith in Christ in order to spend eternity in heaven, rather than in hell which is eternal separation from God.
God calls Himself a jealous God to express His holiness and exclusive right to the worship and devotion of His people. He threatens punishment for those who hate Him and disobey His commandments, including physical death and eternal damnation. He threatens to punish descendants for the sins of their fathers to motivate fear of His anger and obedience to His commands. However, He promises blessings of His constant love and goodness to those who believe in Him and keep His commandments, both in this life and the next.
The document shares about finding true happiness and fulfillment through having a relationship with God, as our worries often stem from not feeling good enough rather than our actual circumstances. It discusses how all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, but God demonstrates his love for us through Jesus, who died for our sins so we may have eternal life. Having faith in Jesus and confessing him as Lord can lead to salvation.
1) The document discusses what our purpose and ambition should be based on scripture. It says our ambition on earth should be to please God and avoid his wrath and judgment after death.
2) It explains that sin brings God's punishment of death, and discusses how people wrongly try to pay for their sins through good works, obeying commandments, prayers, and sacrifices, rather than accepting God's solution.
3) God's solution is that Jesus, being sinless, took our sins and died in our place so we can be forgiven and made righteous through faith in him. The response required is to repent, which means turning from sin and trusting in Jesus.
The document outlines seven marks of being "born again" according to the apostle John:
1. Being baptized and dying to sin (Romans 6:1-4)
2. Not willfully committing sin (1 John 3:9, 5:18)
3. Believing that Jesus is the savior (1 John 5:1)
4. Doing righteousness (1 John 2:29)
5. Loving other believers (1 John 3:14)
6. Overcoming the world (1 John 5:4)
7. Being careful of one's soul (1 John 5:18)
The author examines each mark in detail from scripture and
The document discusses several topics related to experiencing loss and maintaining integrity as a Christian:
1) It's normal and okay for Christians to grieve and weep when experiencing sudden personal losses, as David did when he lost his family.
2) When facing troubles, Christians should take responsibility for their own faults rather than blaming others.
3) All Christians are vulnerable to sin and temptation, so they must remain continually vigilant through studying God's word and avoiding rationalizing sinful behaviors.
4) Psalm 15 outlines God's standard for how Christians should maintain integrity and fellowship with Him in their daily lives through righteous works prompted by the Holy Spirit. Breaking this fellowship through ongoing sin can result in lost
This is the PowerPoint presentation of our class on surrendering to God at the Christian workshop hosted by Greenville Baptist Church First Lady and founder of Daughters of the King Ministry Angela Dorsey.
He loves you ; He loathes your sins, but knowing that
you are dust, he loves your souls. . . . Think of
such love as this ! a God, your God, the only God, the
Lord of Heaven and Earth, yearning, dying in love for
such mean, such guilty, such wayward souls as ours ;
This document discusses the importance and difficulty of forgiveness. It states that forgiveness requires years of learning and God's grace to overcome humanity's unwillingness to forgive. Unforgiveness destroys relationships between family members, spouses, and leads to unhappiness. God commands his people to forgive one another. While forgiveness may seem impossible, it is necessary to obey God and obtain his forgiveness. True forgiveness requires acknowledging one's own weakness and praying to God for strength beyond human ability to forgive others as Christ forgave us through his grace.
This document discusses the Christian duties and responsibilities of law enforcement officers. It encourages officers to use their position and interactions with the public as opportunities to spread the Gospel, show God's love, and be a positive example of a Christian. Officers are reminded that they are in a mission field and should be ready to offer spiritual assistance or counsel to those they encounter. The document provides numerous Bible verses exhorting Christians to live peacefully, associate with other believers, and overcome evil with good.
This document discusses the importance of forgiveness and love according to Christian teachings. It makes the following key points:
1) Jesus said the two greatest commandments are to love God with all your being and love your neighbor as yourself. True Christians cannot love God without forgiving others and loving all people, as they are all God's children.
2) People have free will to choose God or not, but once choosing God they must obey His commandments, not live as they choose. You cannot serve both God and wealth/Satan.
3) To overcome sin requires diligent prayer, Bible study, asking forgiveness, and relying on God's strength, not one's own efforts. Forgiveness and love
The document discusses the importance of forgiveness and love according to God's commandments. It argues that true Christians cannot claim to love God while failing to forgive others or love their neighbors. Four reasons are provided for why Christians cannot practice sin: 1) Sin is incompatible with God's law. 2) It is incompatible with Christ's work to take away sins. 3) Christ came to destroy Satan's works. 4) It is incompatible with the Holy Spirit's work of imparting a new, righteous nature to believers. The document stresses that one cannot serve both God and Satan, and that true believers will show the fruit of righteousness through habitually forgiving and loving others.
As Christians, we need a spiritual toolbox packed with the proper tools to accomplish the eternal project that God has set before us as men. This is the underlying purpose of this Study Guide – to provide practical, useful information and insight into waging war against the powers of darkness that seem to bind us as men. The world, the flesh and the devil will be continuously defeated if we use the weapons of our warfare effectively. The Lord Jesus has provided all the tools we need. He has already secured our daily victory. The tools His Father gave Him to “fight off” the enemy are the same tools He has made available to us. But, it remains our responsibility to activate these weapons by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. -Dr. Stephen Phinney
The emerging church/movement is a global ―post-Christian‖ (spiritual formation/Christ replica) movement originally birthed through the leaders of the Age of Enlightenment—founded by the early European Masonic secret society, formerly organized in 1717 but in truth you can trace their movement back to the Brotherhood of Egypt. -Dr. Stephen Phinney
Dr. Stephen Phinney has a defined burden for unveiling the Truth behind the post-modern movement of evolution, old earth and humanism. Creationism is the Biblical Worldview belief that humanity, life, the earth, and the universe (as God sees it) are the creation of a supernatural agency – the God of Abraham.
This document provides an introduction and overview for a study guide on training men in spiritual warfare. It discusses that spiritual warfare is an important topic as men are increasingly giving into fleshly sins. The study guide aims to provide practical instruction on using the tools God has given us to wage war against the powers of darkness through the Word of God and not subjective experience. It emphasizes that spiritual warfare is not a laughing matter and that we do not fight against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, using the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. The goal is to equip men with a spiritual toolbox to help them stand complete in Christ.
Truth is relative in the minds of post-Christian, post-modern and Emergent type "followers" of Christ. The authentic Truth is under attack and often by our very own family members and closest friends. Finding a friend who believes what Proverbs 27:6 says is simply quite rare now days:
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
It is rare that a believer holds to the Truth in absolute fact, value and doctrine in all places, situations and relationships. -Dr. Stephen Phinney
This document calls for completing the Reformation by emphasizing sanctification by faith, as justification by faith was emphasized during the initial Reformation. It argues that while the Reformation was vital, it fell short by not clearly teaching that believers are sanctified through dying to self and allowing Christ to live through them. As a result, the modern church relies too much on human effort rather than the power of the Holy Spirit. Completing the Reformation with a focus on sanctification by faith could revitalize the church and help address societal problems by producing transformed disciples.
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2. The Unrepenting Repenter
Author: Jim Elliff
The believer in Christ is a lifelong repenter. He begins with repentance and continues in
repentance. (Rom. 8:12-13) David sinned giant sins but fell without a stone at the mere finger
of the prophet because he was a repenter at heart (2 Sam. 12:7-13). Peter denied Christ three
times but suffered three times the remorse until he repented with bitter tears (Mt. 26:75).
Every Christian is called a repenter, but he must be a repenting repenter. The Bible assumes the
repentant nature of all true believers in its instruction on church discipline. A man unwilling to
repent at the loving rebuke of the church can be considered nothing more than "a heathen and
a tax collector." (Mt. 18:15-17)
What is repentance?
Repentance is a change of mind regarding sin and God, an inward turning from sin to God,
which is known by its fruit—obedience. (Mt. 3:8; Acts 26:20; Lk. 13:5-9) It is hating what you
once loved and loving what you once hated, exchanging irresistible sin for an irresistible Christ.
The true repenter is cast on God. Faith is his only option. When he fully knows that sin utterly
fails him, God takes him up. (Mt. 9:13b) He will have faith or he will have despair; conviction
will either deliver him or devour him.
The religious man often deceives himself in his repentance. The believer may sin the worst of
sins, it is true; but to remain in the love of sin, or to be comfortable in the atmosphere of sin, is
a deadly sign, for only repenters inhabit heaven. The deceived repenter would be a worse
sinner if he could, but society holds him back. He can tolerate and even enjoy other worldly
professing Christians and pastors well enough, but does not desire holy fellowship or the
fervent warmth of holy worship. If he is intolerant of a worship service fifteen minutes "too
long," how will he feel after fifteen million years into the eternal worship service of heaven? He
aspires to a heaven of lighthearted ease and recreation—an extended vacation; but a heaven of
holiness would be hell to such a man. Yet God is holy, and God is in heaven. He cannot be
blamed for sending the unholy man to hell despite his most articulate profession (Heb. 12:14).
What are the Substitutes for true Repentance?
1. You may reform in the actions without repenting in the heart. (Ps. 5 1: 16-17; Joel 2:13) This
is a great deception, for the love of sin remains. (I Jn. 2:15-17; Acts 8:9-24) At this the Pharisees
were experts. (Mk. 7:1-23) The heart of a man is his problem. A man may appear perfect in his
actions but be damned for his heart. His actions are at best self-serving and hypocritical. What
comes from a bad heart is never good. "Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from
the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no
spring yields both salt water and fresh." (Jas. 3:11-12)
2. You may experience the emotion of repentance without the effect of it. Here is a kind of
amnesia. You see the awful specter of sin in the mirror and flinch out of horror yet immediately
forget what kind of person you saw (Jas. 1:23-24). It is true, repentance includes sincere
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3. emotion, an affection for God and a disaffection for sin. Torrents of sorrow may flood the
repenter's heart, and properly so (Jas. 4:8-10). But there is such a thing as a temporary emotion
in the mere semblance of repentance; this emotion has very weak legs and cannot carry the
behavior in the long walk of obedience. Your sorrow may even be prolonged. Yet if it does not
arrive at repentance, it is of the world and is a living death—and maybe more (2 Cor. 7: 10). It is
an old deceiver. Judas had such remorse but "went and hanged himself." (Mt. 27:3-5)
3. You may confess the words of a true repenter and never repent. (Mt. 21:28-32; 1 Jn. 2:4,
4:20) Confession by itself is not repentance. Confession moves the lips; repentance moves the
heart. Naming an act as evil before God is not the same as leaving it. Though your confession
may be honest and emotional, it is not enough unless it expresses a true change of heart. There
are those who confess only for the show of it, whose so-called repentance may be theatrical
but not actual. If you express repentance to appear successful, you will not be successful at
repenting. You will speak humbly but sin arrogantly. Saul gave the model confession (I Sam.
15:24-26) and later went to hell. Repentance "from the teeth out" is no repentance.
4. You may repent for the fear of reprisal alone and not for the hatred of sin. Any man will stop
sinning when caught or relatively sure he will be, unless there is insufficient punishment or
shame attached (I Tim. 1:8-11). When there are losses great enough to get his attention, he will
reform. If this is the entire motive of his repentance, he has not repented at all. It is the work of
law, but not grace. Men can be controlled by fear, but what is required is a change of heart.
Achan admitted his sin after being caught but would not have otherwise. Find his bones in the
valley of Achor; his soul, most likely, in hell. (Josh. 7:16-26)
5. You may talk against sin in public like a true repenter but never repent in private. (Mt. 23:1-
3) The exercise of the mouth cannot change the heart. Your sin is like a prostitute. You are
speaking against your lover in public but embracing her in the bedroom. She is not particular
about being run down in public if she can have your full attention in private. "Adulterers and
adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?" (Jas. 4:4)
6. You may repent primarily for temporal gains rather than the glory of God. There are gains for
the repenter, but the final motivation for repenting cannot be selfish. Self is a dead, stinking
carcass to be discarded. We are to repent because God is worthy and is our respected
authority, even if we gain nothing. Indeed, our repenting may appear to lose us more than our
sin had gained. (Mt. 16:24-26; Phil. 3:7-8) And this is a test of true repentance.
7. You may repent of lesser sins for the purpose of avoiding the greater sins. (Lk. 11:42) We try
to salve our nagging conscience by some minor exercise of repentance, which is really no
repentance at all. The whole heart is changed in the believer. The half repenter is a divided
man: part against sin and part for it; part against Christ, part for Him. But one or the other must
win out, for man cannot serve God and mammon (or any other idol); he must love the one and
hate the other. (Mt. 6:24)
8. You may repent so generally that you never repent of any specific sin at all. The man who
repents in too great a generality is likely covering his sins. (Prov. 28:13) If there are no particular
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4. changes, there is no repenting. Sin has many heads, like the mythological Hydra. It cannot be
dealt with in general, but its heads must be cut off one by one.
9. You may repent for the love of friends and religious leaders and not repent for the love of
God. (Isa. 1: 10-17) A man talked into repentance may reform for the love of friends or the
respect of the spiritually minded, yet do nothing substantial. If a man turns from sin without
turning to God, he will find his sin has only changed its name and is hidden behind his pride.
Now it will be harder to rout for its subterfuge. You have loved others but not God. And you
have loved yourself most of all. Lot's wife left the city of sin at the insistence of an angel and for
the love of her family, but turned back. She had left her heart. "Remember Lot's wife." (Gen.
19:12-26; Lk. 17:32)
10. 'You may confess the finished action of sin and not repent from the continuing habit of sin.
If a man is honest, he is a good man in human terms; but he is not a repenting man until the sin
is stabbed to death. He must be a murderer if he would be God's: "For if you live according to
the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
(Rom. 8: 13) God knows what you have done; what He wants is obedience. (Lk. 6:46)
11. You may attempt repentance of your sin while consciously leaving open the door of its
opportunity. A man who says " I repent" but will not leave the source or environment of that
sin is suspect. Though some situations which invite temptation cannot be changed, most can. A
man who will not flee the setting of his temptation when he is able still loves his sin. A mouse is
foolish to build his nest under the cat's bed. "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no
provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Rom. 13:14)
12. You may make an effort to repent of some sins without repenting of all the sin you know.
The businessman learns to show concern for the needs of his clients, yet he batters his wife
through neglect. Another gives his money in the offering plate weekly but steals time from his
employer daily. Every man boasts of some sins conquered, but true repentance is a repulsion of
sin as a whole. The repenter hates all sin, though he fails more readily in some than in others.
He may not know all his sins, but what he knows he spurns. Repentance is universal in the
believer; the spirit is willing even when the flesh is weak (Mt. 26:41).
Repentance and faith are bound together. A repenting man has no hope for obedience without
faith in the source of all holiness, God Himself. In repenting of sins, he loses his self-sufficiency.
God is his sanctifier. (Jude 24-25; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; 1 Pet. 1:5)
Repentance is a gift of God (Acts 11:19; 2 Tim. 2:25) and a duty of man (Acts 17:30; Lk. 13:3).
You will know if it has been granted by the exercise of it. (Phil. 2:12-13) Do not wait for it; run
toward it. "Be zealous and repent." (Rev. 3:19) Pursue it and you will find it; forget it and
perish.
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