tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52039156757306278262024-02-20T23:35:41.286-08:00Reading Room 4: Reference SectionThe Back 40 MuseumLarry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-16100086744428674942018-11-11T18:40:00.001-08:002020-01-21T08:36:13.441-08:00Help! My Church Is Not Breathing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I have known of many local churches which have simply stopped
breathing, in that they have ceased to show any signs of actual motivation or energy.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I’ve even
pastored a couple of those churches over the last forty years.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And here’s what I’ve learned about <b><i>“Church CPR.”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First, it is important to understand the precise nature of the
emergency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, that’s really not very
difficult since it is always the same uncomplicated thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is <b style="font-style: italic;">Chronically Low Morale.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>This ongoing condition simply drains the life-energy right out of a church, over time.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I get that this doesn’t sound very spiritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea of morale sounds more like a military or corporate
issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, morale is also a very real
and essential ingredient in the Church’s everyday life and operations. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, l</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">et’s look at how we can act immediately
and decisively to save such a local church in this type of distress.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Foundational Idea…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, we must begin with this foundational idea. The Church only ever finds a durable and efficient vibrancy in the energy of the Living Christ. God's redemptive plan is for the Living Jesus to literally share his enriching divine energy with the individual members of His Church. And, absolutely nothing can substitute for that divine connection to bring radiance to the individual believer, and, in turn, to the corporate Church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> But, the practical reality is that the level of that radiance can be significantly impacted, and even entirely diminished, by the human condition - both in terms of the individual and the corporate Church. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The simple truth is that the power of Christ is always available to the Church, but the Church is not always well positioned or even willing to avail itself of this wonderful and completely indispensable resource. </span><span style="font-size: large;">So, what follows is merely a prescription to correct the human ill condition if and when it occurs within the local church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, please remain aware that the ultimate goal of this writing is not to restore the </span><span style="font-size: large;">efficacy, efficiency, and emotional excitement merely to the "programming" of a local church. The real </span><span style="font-size: large;">goal is to enable the struggling church to recover Christ's shared diving energy which must always enable, enrich, and guide the individual believer and the Church's every corporate program and undertaking. A church is only ever truly alive and healthy as it lives honestly under the Lordship and is intimately connected to the vitality of the Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Indeed, a healthy Spiritual life never emerges, for the individual or the corporate church, from merely the efficient prosecution of some noble level of busy work. It only ever resides in our truly intimate heart-oneness with the Living Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> Now, A Fresh Look ...</i></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, the first thing to recognize is that we are dealing with the needs
of a <u>people group</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, all
human groups are very complicated mechanisms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, one thing is universally true of mission driven groups like the Church:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> to flourish, </span>they need a clear leader and an orderly leadership structure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What they do not need is feckless, indeterminate, squabbling, and/or competing leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So first, if you
are the senior pastor, know that it is important to provide very <b><i>inclusive</i></b>, but yet, clearly <b><i>apical</i></b> leadership to your church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good health of a missional group is very dependent
on a clear leader at the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, it is important, as that apical leader, that you see yourself in the role of “Champion” or “Rescuer” for this distressed church. You cannot see yourself as part of the tragedy, and thus, just another victim within this circumstance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, it is also almost certainly true if you are leading a church which has stopped breathing, that you, too, are emotionally stressed and hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, be assured, a lot of us have been there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, we absolutely sympathize.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, you simply do not have the luxury of folding up in a puddle of your own tears.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As their rescuer, your consistent personal fortitude, is the primary key to your church’s survival and renewal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Indeed, the providence of God often brings us to circumstances which tend to clarify and classify who we really are. And, w</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">hen it comes to the very primary roles into which we fall within the Church, there are really only four.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There are Leaders, Lieutenants, Followers, and Loners.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Hopefully, if your church is in distress, pastor, this crisis will identify and define you as precisely the devoted and capable <b><i>Leader</i></b> which your church needs. Or, it will show you to be a person who is willing to become that leader.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Either way, the important thing is not to see yourself as part of the tragedy, but as God's answer to the tragedy - His EMT (Emergency <b><i>Management</i></b> Technician) in charge of
directing a successful rescue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So, the obvious first step is simply to prayerfully seek Christ's fresh empowerment for your leadership</span>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And then, when you are freshly filled with His Divine Spirit for the task, dear pastor, it is time to provide your church with a unifying godly direction and truly meaningful corporate challenges. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, through all of those challenges, be sure you lead them from the front - not the back.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">"B</span>ackground <b><i>senior</i></b> pastoring" (which might actually be acceptable, and even necessary, in a larger, healthier, more thoroughly staffed church) just won’t work in a small church in distress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a smaller, distressed church, you
have to be a leader which is visually and
emotionally available to the congregation. Don't try to do it all. But, do clearly exhibit a sincere heart-investment in it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>A Side Note regarding the Leadership Structure...</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">On the other hand, if you are reading this as a layman who often finds yourself in confrontation with the pastor or competing with him or her for that apical position of leadership in the church – stop that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, become one of your pastor’s loyal and truly helpful lieutenants for the sake of the congregation's recovery and true well-being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you will take on this more supportive subordinate role, it's likely that,
as you taste the successes of this better leadership structure, this new role will become very fulfilling to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, if you just can’t do this – you are, and will remain, part of the "CLM" (Chronically Low Morale) problem until you can. May God give you the grace you need to become part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, the root cause of "CLM" and the means of treatment…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First, we do need to recognize that there are always two facets
to a corporate morale problem in the Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
first one is the physical side of the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, the second is the metaphysical, the
spiritual side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Like a coin, these two sides of a morale issue are separate and
distinct.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, they are also intimately
connected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, as we administer “CCPR,” (Church CPR) the
idea is to save, not just the physical church (the numerical/social/programmatic functions), but also the metaphysical "soul" of the Church (its corporate spiritual health).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, one plan of action can do both.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Now, the meat of the matter, the Root Cause of CLM...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, let’s identify what is the deep-seated cause of chronically low morale in a local church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, it’s not complicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cause is the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Absence of a Shared, or Corporate, Inspiration</i></b>
within the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To be clear, note that we are not addressing the individuals within the group, here. We are talking about the group as a whole. There are many, many reasons why individuals
within a congregation might be personally depressed rather than well motivated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, at that molecular level, each individual
circumstance must be handled, well, individually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">But, truly, a church can be <i>better</i> as a unified group than it may be as disconnected individual members. This <i>symbiotic energy</i> of a group working together is actually referred to as <b><i>"synergy."</i></b> And, synergy is a wondrous thing to behold when it comes into play in any group, including a local church. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So here, we're speaking specifically of correcting and maintaining the congregation’s <u>corporate</u> motivational
level. And certainly, this responsibility, at least initially, always falls smack in the middle of the pastor's job description.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, know that, <i>at least in the beginning</i>, you, pastor, may, indeed, have to function, as "the Lone Ranger," i.e. the sole <i>"Initiater"</i> of this rescue effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And, isn't that, after all, pretty much the job description of Leadership. </span>By definition, "Initiation" is typically a one man (or woman) job, at least, <b><i>at its apex</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And here, at the risk of mixing our metaphors, is how this all translates out, <b><i>in completely practical terms</i></b>, for the <b><i>Rescuing Pastor</i></b>. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You must simply be
- or be willing to become - the </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>“Chief Cheerleader” </i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">in your church. And, what this means is that, for you, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">building and maintaining corporate morale
becomes always, Job One - and thus, ever ingrained in all that you do.</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, please do confirm this critical need for yourself, pastor. As soon as possible, take the time to go and merely observe several <i><b>truly vibrant, energized</b></i> groups: social organizations, other local churches etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, even if these lively groups may vary in their precise nature or purpose, what you will easily notice is that cheerleaders are their common constant. And, you will be able to easily identify the important contribution that these energized and energizing people make to the group's morale. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>So - here is how "Cheerleaders" in the Church typically pursue this important role…<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">First, God's cheerleaders simply employ the natural expression of their own authentic, Christ-enabled joy and excitement.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, here
is a simple reality which must first be faced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If, within your personality type, you don't naturally or easily exhibit the trait of spontaneous “esprit de corps,” (that's French for "bringer of the party") then you are going to need
to go to <b><i>The Divine “App Store.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, if
you think yourself not naturally gifted as a cheerleader, look to this first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of us come with all the equipment we
need for ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thus</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">, just do what we must always do in this case,
confront your deficiency and ask the Lord to develop in you what the job
requires.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Empowering positive changes in
people’s character is what Christ does every day.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">He will have no problem supplying you with
the needed “character app.”</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Cheerleaders identify and utilize every
opportunity to inspire others.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Merely
announcing or asking for something (as in the church bulletin or during the Sunday AM announcement time) doesn’t even compare to truly "stirring" someone to a cause. Merely
raising the awareness of a need is vastly less impactful than actually drawing people into that need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, good cheerleaders don’t
settle for merely raising awareness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They perfect, in Christ, the <i>“Stirring Skills”</i> and then use them at every
opportunity to inspire and maintain <b><i>durable motivation</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And certainly, it takes more time and effort to truly inspire people than
to simply make an announcement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, if
you want to really eliminate that chronically low morale problem, you have to go to the
extra trouble to actually find a way to move them in their core – not just make
them aware of stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, good cheerleaders try never to overlook an opportunity to inspire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, a good rule of thumb is this: <i>"Anytime there is a corporate victory – celebrate
it!"</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, helpful to this idea is this working axiom: <i>It is always a huge cheer-leading faux pas</i> (that's French for "boo boo") <i>to experience some corporate victory, and then totally neglect its celebration - <b>after the fact</b>.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From
a financial achievement, to a high attendance event, to a new conversion, to the recognition of a layman's faithful, long term service – celebrate every shared victory. And, never in just a ho-hum way.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, "cheerleader pastors" give their
people plenty of "Corporate Motivational Focal Points."</span></i></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">Focal points are very important, whether you are decorating a room, planning a party agenda, composing a photograph, or trying to motivate or re-motivate a church. Focal points provide <i>an <b>"orientational" starting point</b> for an intellectual and emotional <b>"buy in." </b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">So, good cheerleaders identify and implement <i>corporate motivational focal points </i>within the overall church life </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">at every opportunity</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">. And, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">the most effective Corporate Motivational Focal Points are fashioned from a simple, <i><b>Three Element Cycle</b></i>:</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Challenge - Achievement - Celebration</b></i>.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When your church can face a meaningful challenge together (pretty much anything meaningful, big or small) - and then come together in <i>a truly synergistic way</i> to achieve that meaningful thing – and then truly celebrate that shared victory corporately</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> – there is a sweet, life-giving energy which flows back into the church from that simple process.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, pastor, lead and cheer-lead</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> your church through this life-giving motivational cycle over and over to generate new energy within the body. If you do, it won’t be long before your church is healthy again and breathing on its own</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">, as Christ is able to use this simple "morale-building mechanism"</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From prepping for Bible School, to raising money for a new church van, to painting the fellowship hall, to decorating the building for Christmas - it doesn’t matter.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If your church shares the rigors of the "foxhole" (the challenge) together, they will emerge a band of brothers and sisters in Christ who can joyfully celebrate their survival together - given the opportunity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>And, "cheerleader pastors" employ their pulpit to inspire...</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If your church is "not breathing," pastor, and you are
still giving them low-key "</span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Teaching Sermons"</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
on Sunday morning, you must address this tactic.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Teaching is certainly important, but so is Inspiration. We must provide both. And, we simply must not teach at the complete expense of inspiration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, here is another good rule of thumb: <i>P</i></span><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">reaching is for Inspiration, Teaching is for
Direction.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Preaching is for Motivation
and Teaching is for graceful Guidance.</span></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, think about this. I</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">f
your church is suffering from Chronically Low Moral and showing no signs of vibrancy
or energy - <i>they are not actually going to go anywhere corporately</i>. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, they don’t actually need direction nearly so much as they need motivation.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If your car's engine is broken, the correct priority to address that problem is not really to install a bigger compass on the dashboard. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So too, is your preaching ministry. The idea is to simply </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">match, especially your Sunday AM Preaching Type, with the real time needs of your distressed church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, even if you are,
indeed, an inspirational type preacher in the Sunday AM, take a fresh look at your preaching.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> If you are constantly preaching "church" - the corporate program - don't do that either</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Gospel is aimed at redeeming the character of the individual believer, not the corporate group. If your individual members do not experience a Christ-empowered character renewal - you can forget about the spiritual health of your church as a whole. It will not be there. So, in the majority of your sermons, attempt to inspire the individual believer to pursue the personal newness which is available to them in the power of the Living Christ. That is the true source of a durable morale in your church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, in the overview of your preaching ministry, no pastor, worth his salt, will ever stop
pushing himself or herself regarding their preaching ministry.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Your God, your church, and your lost community will always need you to
be the best you can be in your preaching ministry.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, always stay <i>surprising</i> and avoid a same-ole, same-ole "<i>formula rut"</i> in your pulpit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, be sure never to entirely measure the efficacy of your preaching by merely how you feel
about the <i><b>structure and delivery</b></i> of the sermon.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Rather, chiefly measure it by whether or not you <i>actually</i> inspired people to step up, and grow up in Christ.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In short, when it comes to your sermons, <b><i>don’t </i></b><i><b>settle</b></i> merely for good order and delivery.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b><i>Also </i></b><i><b>insist</b></i> on examining it </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">for tangible
results.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><i>And, cheerleaders beget cheerleaders.</i></b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It will happen as your church begins to breathe again, that new cheerleaders emerge from the congregation. So, it is important to welcome the help of new cheerleaders (this is the inclusive part of your leadership). Make room for them to express their own <i>"cheerleading gene"</i> in the life of the church in ways which truly contribute and which are truly fulfilling to the cheerleaders, themselves. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And finally, godly cheerleaders pray.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We are not
talking about a want-list kind of prayer, here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Agonizing, God-entreating prayer is certainly of inestimable importance to the life of the Church. But, i</span>n this
case, we are talking about the cheerleader spending much time simply enveloped in the easy and personally renewing companionship
of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> We are speaking of that personal
seclusion which is spent with the Lord in the pure joy of His companionship. The idea is to simply let these times define themselves in some mutually fulfilling way - perhaps just allowing your mind to drift in the "mind of Christ" or </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">quietly listening for unforced revelations of divine insights - or, whatever.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The operative phrase here is simply "mutually fulfilling and unforced companionship," seeking after a true heart-oneness with God - for its own sake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Indeed, t</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">his is the very essence of all that the godly cheerleader exudes and hopes to inspire in others. A widespread and vibrant heart-oneness with God among your membership is the only real and truly resilient remedy for <i>Chronically Low Morale</i> in the Church. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-4482652485509979552018-08-03T06:09:00.002-07:002020-12-06T22:00:14.238-08:00The "Dinosaur" Dictionary<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>A Glossary of Key Theological Terms</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Translated from “Dinosaur Speak” to “Whippersnapper”</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3gEO_cagMb2kAZBQKG0QJmnINgRfBZ80MPlqRZC_40J2pFYnUzcLnisNOimjOzYDegpIba82AAoSixt4f6NwdtGJirnSa6fZMxFA_X-1_VeEc0pTfEBawA1400dFXuSXDXMQ8OBnzsg/s1600/Dinosaur.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="101" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3gEO_cagMb2kAZBQKG0QJmnINgRfBZ80MPlqRZC_40J2pFYnUzcLnisNOimjOzYDegpIba82AAoSixt4f6NwdtGJirnSa6fZMxFA_X-1_VeEc0pTfEBawA1400dFXuSXDXMQ8OBnzsg/s200/Dinosaur.png" width="115" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Church (being thoroughly peopled with theological “dinosaurs”) is presently struggling under the weight of a significant failing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, that failing is this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have come to be far too much, a people of archaic, “insider speak” when exposing Christian Redemption to the uninitiated and the barely initiated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Indeed, over the centuries, we in the Christian Church have developed many important terms and concepts which denote and explain the workings of our faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, what we have not done, is conscientiously updated those terms and concepts to communicate at the highest level with the always changing world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thus, even at this late hour in history, we continue to use vague, archaic words which simply become gobbledygook in the ear of the non-insiders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, on top of that, we often use frames of reference which are very unfamiliar to the present world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">All of this has a sad impact on the young and the uninitiated, (the “whippersnappers”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For these people, who are both within and outside the ranks of the organized Church, it makes for a much higher level of difficulty when it comes to grasping the workings of the Christian faith, and more specifically, the Christian redemptive process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously, a far better approach would be to use words they already understand and frames of reference with which they are already familiar.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">The Dinosaur Dictionary</span></b> </i>attempts to do that very thing for the “whippersnappers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, who knows, perhaps there are even a few “dinosaurs” out there who also suffer from awareness gaps of their own scattered here and there in their thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, if there are, hopefully, this humble lexicon will also benefit them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3gEO_cagMb2kAZBQKG0QJmnINgRfBZ80MPlqRZC_40J2pFYnUzcLnisNOimjOzYDegpIba82AAoSixt4f6NwdtGJirnSa6fZMxFA_X-1_VeEc0pTfEBawA1400dFXuSXDXMQ8OBnzsg/s1600/Dinosaur.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="101" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3gEO_cagMb2kAZBQKG0QJmnINgRfBZ80MPlqRZC_40J2pFYnUzcLnisNOimjOzYDegpIba82AAoSixt4f6NwdtGJirnSa6fZMxFA_X-1_VeEc0pTfEBawA1400dFXuSXDXMQ8OBnzsg/s200/Dinosaur.png" width="116" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i> The Dinosaur Dictionary:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> A Glossary of Key Theological Terms</span></i></b><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>CARNAL:</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You will sometimes hear religious “dinosaurs” use the term, “Carnal.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><sup style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">1.</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As used in the Bible, this adjective typically describes one who is directed in life by their own, self-concentric mind (as opposed to being God-directed).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><sup style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">2.</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The term also sometimes refers to general human baseness and the motives which drive it.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sample Uses:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brackets added]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Romans 8:7 (KJV): </i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Because the <u>carnal</u> mind [the self-determined mind] is enmity against [antagonistic to] God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>1 Corinthians 3:1 (NKJV):</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">people</span> but as to <u>carnal</u> [those having an under developed awareness of the spiritual<u>]</u>, as to babes in Christ."</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>1 Corinthians 3:3 (NKJV):</b><b> </b> "</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not <u>carnal</u> [base and lacking spiritual dimension] and behaving like mere men?"</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>CONSCIENCE:</i></b></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><sup style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">1.</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> One can often hear “dinosaurs” using the term “Conscience.”</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What they are really referring to is the "Values Structure" within the core person.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><sup style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">2.</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Our values are our most deeply held life principles, tenets, beliefs, etc. and when taken together, these values compose our “Value System.” </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our values are “the real substance” and, at the same time, “the working mechanism of our conscience.”</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><sup style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">3.</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> These guiding life principles exist on the deepest governing level of our core person, and are, in fact, so deeply held and well established in our core being that they typically function more like instincts than a cognitive thought process.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><sup style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">4.</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Further, our values actually serve as a kind of “life filter” which we use to interpret life’s every situation.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thus, we pass all of life’s issues through this <b><i>“interpretive value filter”</i></b> in order to gain a perspective on those issues.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><sup style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">5.</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, this is also noteworthy regarding our values.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Because our value system renders </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">value judgements</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">, it can sometimes create what might be called a<b><i> “Cognitive Shell.”</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A cognitive shell is formed when our values tell our mind that it is receiving </span><u style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">useless or worthless information</u><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thus, that information is then immediately blocked and dismissed without any further consideration. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">An example of a cognitive shell might be a relational impass where one or both parties are no longer processing the contentions of the opposing view point.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><sup style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">4.</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, with all of this taken together, very obviously, a value system (or conscience) which mirrors the divine value system is completely indispensable to the harmony of our relationship with God.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our values system is the very <b><i>basis of our core-oneness</i></b> (“heart-agreement”) with God.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><sup style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">6.</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, it is the complete and thorough renewal of our value system which is at the absolute center of God’s redemptive agenda, and all of the redemptive work of Christ.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><sup style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">7.</sup><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And finally, the thorough renewal of one’s value system is entirely dependent on the merger of our character essence with that the Living Christ through the Spiritual Baptism (See:</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Spiritual Baptism,” below).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sample Uses:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>[Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brackets Added]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Hebrews 9:14 (NKJV):</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><i> </i></b> </span><i>“…</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your <u>conscience</u> [amend your values] from dead works to serve the living God?”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><i> </i></span></span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Hebrews 10:22 (NKJV):</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><i> </i></b> </span><i>“…</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil <u>conscience</u> [a bad value system] and our bodies washed with pure water.”</i></span></span><br />
<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></b><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>FAITH:</i></b><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i> </i> </b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>As in Redemptive Faith (that type of faith which actually saves the soul)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Religious “dinosaurs,” as you might expect, use the term “Faith” a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>1.</sup> Faith, especially Redemptive Faith, is really just a true and profound humility before God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it is really impossible to adequately define redemptive faith without including the ideas of Influence, Values, and Truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>2.</sup> Influence is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the sum total of our power to impact our own and the larger reality around us</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short, our influence is the sum of our personal power to bend reality to our wishes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The overarching idea of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">redemptive faith</i></b> is to understand it as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the willingness to humble our <u>influence</u> (the total of all that we are and all that we are capable of) before God’s influence</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>3.</sup> Values (as noted above) are our most deeply held ideas, beliefs, and/or principles etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, as noted earlier, (see "Conscience") our values become our interpreting mechanism for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every circumstance of life is filtered through our value system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, resulting from that process, we then interpret a circumstance and determine our response to it accordingly. Thus, our values are the Inner Master Key to both shaping who we are (our character essence) and our behavior, how we respond to life’s circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, to experience the forgiveness and renewal which results from the humble surrender of our influence to the Lordship of Christ (or redemptive faith) necessarily involves the surrender of our old values and the thorough embrace of the renewing values of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>4.</sup> Truth is simply, <b><i>“The correct interpretation of reality.”</i></b> But, it is only the divine values which accurately distill authentic truth (the truly correct interpretation of life's circumstances).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, if we rely on self-based values (those developed from our own selfish perspective) to interpret life’s circumstance (producing only our own personalized interpretation of reality) we find ourselves in constant conflict with God’s authentic truth (the correct interpretation).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, as we embrace God’s values, in Christ, we start to share His interpretations of reality (truth) creating a very tangible like-mindedness (or oneness of heart) with Him in our core person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, the willing embrace of God’s truth is also a necessary ingredient of that profound humility which constitutes redemptive faith.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sample Uses:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brackets Added]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></span><b><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)</span>:</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><i> </i></b> </span><i>“But without <u>faith</u> [without a true and profound humility] it is impossible to please him<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> [God]</span>: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><i>Ephesians 2:8 (KJV):</i></b></span><sup> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></sup><i>“For by grace </i>[God’s naturally occurring goodness] <i>are ye saved through faith; </i>[real influential humility] <i>and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:</i> [as we are connected to the faith of Christ through our Spiritual merger with Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ref. Galatians 2:16 // Romans 5:10]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>FLESH:</i></b> <i>When used figuratively</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Religious “dinosaurs” often use this word figuratively, as it is sometimes used in the New Testament, to refer, not to actual human flesh, but to <b><i>that collection of selfish appetites or motives</i></b> within our core person which serve to generate base, self-centered behavior. Often used as a metaphore for carnality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sample Uses:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>[Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brackets Added]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Romans 8:3-9 (NKJV):</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh [those inner selfish drives], God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh [driven merely by our own desires] but according to the Spirit.<br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For to be carnally minded [driven by “fleshly,” self-concentric appetites] is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity [hostility] against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i>Galatians 5:16-25 (NKJV):</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><i>“</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh</i> [that body of selfish appetites]. <sup><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></sup><i>For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. </i></span><br />
<sup style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <i> </i></span><i>“</i></span><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">you</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"> in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"> <i> </i></span><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">“But the fruit [character fruit] of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">who are</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Christ's have crucified the flesh [that body self-centered motivations] with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>GOD’S LOVE:</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, let's consider the “dinosaur’s” concept of the nature of God's love. It has always been important to dinosaurs to understand, not just that God does love us, but how he loves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, “dinosaur’s” have long understood the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trilateral Nature Of God's Love</i>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in that God loves us with a love that is based in <b><i>His nature</i></b>. He loves us with a love that is based in<b><i> His position</i></b>. And, He loves us with a love that is based in <b><i>His expectation of performance</i></b>. So, to accurately understand God’s love, one must understand all of these facets and that God’s love always exists in these three ways - <u>at the same time</u>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, because this is true, God's love is actually sometimes <i>conditional</i> and <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sometimes</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> unconditional.</i><br /><sup>1.</sup> <b>God's Love Based In His Nature:</b> So, let's begin with the aspect of God's love that is based in His nature. This is the tender, all inclusive, <i>unconditional </i>love that we hear so much about; and, it fully fits the popular description. It is His <i>larger love</i>, bringing to every circumstance and issue of life God's <b><i>deep </i></b><i><b>concern for the well-being of all</b>.</i> It is certainly the love of John 3:16 in the Bible<b style="font-style: italic;">.</b> It is a forgiving love, a securing love, a welcoming love. It is that unconditional love which constantly hovers over God's entire creation. This is the kind of love that we were exposed to in our infancy and earliest childhood from our loving parents. But, this is not the love that entirely governs and matures his creation or His human creature. Another kind of love is required for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>2.</sup> <b>God's Love Based In His Position:</b> God's maturing and polishing kind of love involves a type of love that is based in His position as <i>the Governing Creator</i>. And, especially regarding humanity, to explain this aspect of God's love involves a simple statement. It is this: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>God <u>always</u> loves us in the context of His larger responsibility to His creation.</b></i> In other words, God's love for us, individually, is always set in His larger awareness of His responsibility to the whole of His creation. It is this aspect of God's love, the position based love, the love of the Governing Creator, which places Him on the throne of judgment. It is this position based love that causes Him to look beyond just the immediate needs of the individual child. To be always a God of love, He must attend to the higher and larger concerns of the whole of His creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is this same kind of positional love that causes us, as parents with a larger responsibility, to say "no" to our children for their own good, to punish them for their wrong doing, or to refuse to give them a position above principle or what is right. Good parents will always love their children on some level with that unconditional love that loves - no matter what. But, that is not the love that supersedes in the realm of our larger responsibility to them and to society. There, the rearing love of our parental position governs. The same is true of God's love for mankind. On the most primary level, God loves us irrevocably as His dear children. It is a very basic and unconditional love that is ever there. But, though it is always there, it is ultimately subservient to God's positional love, which is based in the context of His larger responsibility to the whole of His creation. And, this <i>position based love of the Governing Creator </i>is very much a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">conditional</i> love. And, it does, indeed, govern. So, this is the love that we encounter as God seeks to mature humanity and manages the affairs of His larger creation. <sup>3.</sup> <b>God's Love Based In His Expectation of Performance:</b> Finally, let's consider the aspect of God's love that is based in performance. This is the love of<b><i> John 14:21 </i></b>and following where Jesus said this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;">"Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, 'Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?' Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word;</span></i><span style="color: black;"> [the performance condition] <i>and My Father will love him and We will come to him and make Our home with him</i> [the loving response based in performance]. <i> He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.'"</i> [Brackets added]<br />The love described here is a love that requires, even demands, something from us in the way of performance or reciprocation. This kind of love must be earned, even from God. It is not given except in response to merit. Thus, this type of God's love is also very much a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">conditional </i>love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The New Testament makes it clear that this expression of God's love will only be experienced by those who merit it. Consider, for example, in addition to the verses above, The Parable of the Talents (<b><i>Matthew 25: 14 and following</i></b>). Then simply continue reading in that same chapter of Matthew, the teachings of Jesus on how He will separate the "sheep" from the "goats" (Matthew 25: 31 and following). These references speak of an expression of love from God that is only given as a response to performance or merit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>4.</sup> Conclusions: So, “dinosaurs” have long understood what “whippersnappers” do not:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that God's love is not only unconditional; but, it is also very conditional in the ways described above. Like the sky, the sun and the clouds, the different types of God's love are always there together, and yet they are different to serve different needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To understand God's love only as unconditional will never really explain the real God with which we have to do. But, when we see His love in this three dimensional way, we can very accurately understand the God that is love and more accurately anticipate His actions and responses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sample Uses:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listed in the text<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">GOSPEL:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A real favorite of “dinosaurs” is the term “Gospel.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Strictly rendered, the word means, “The good news.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Broadly rendered, it is used to denote Christian redemption in general, including its teachings and operational dynamics.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black;"><b>Sample Use:</b></span><b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Matthew 11:2-6 (KJV):</i></b> <i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, ‘Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?’ </i><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“</i></span><i>Jesus answered and said unto them, ‘Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.’”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">GRACE:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Perhaps no word is more misunderstood or misused by “whippersnappers” than the word, "Grace." Nevertheless, the enlightenment of the dinosaurs is this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>1.</sup> Grace, in both the common vernacular and in the biblical use, actually refers to an innate, or naturally occurring, goodness in both God’s and man’s character essence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>2.</sup> The more recent, and entirely inadequate, pop-definition of grace is “unmerited favor.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, this is really more the definition of “Mercy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grace is a much larger term than mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grace produces Mercy; but, grace and mercy do not equally interchange, especially in the Biblical usage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>3.</sup> It is important that grace be correctly understood as <i>a naturally occurring goodness within the character essence </i>so as not to lose an indispensable redemptive truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, that truth is this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The symbiotic relationship which occurs between the believer and Christ as their character essences merge through the believer’s Spiritual merger with Christ, provides the believer with a whole new and very renewing level of this <i>intuitive goodness</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The understanding of this absolutely transformative redemptive reality is not only lost but, completely lost in the “unmerited favor” concept of grace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sample Uses:</b> [Note Brackets Added]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><i>Luke 2:40 (KJV):</i></b></span><i><sup><span style="color: black;"> </span></sup><span style="color: black;">“</span>And the child</i> [Jesus]<i> grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace</i> [innate or naturally occurring goodness] <i>of God was upon him.”</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>John 1:14 (KJV):</i></b> <i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>And the Word</i> [A figurative reference to Jesus] <i>was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace [natural goodness] </i>and truth.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i>Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV): </i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>“For by grace [the goodness found in God’s nature] you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”</i></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span></b><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>HEART: </i></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>When the terms is used figuratively</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1.</span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> This is how “dinosaurs” typically refer to the human <i>“Character Essence,”</i> or the “core person” which is the true inner self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “Heart” is actually that part of our subconscious mind which forms our core person and uniquely identifies us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, it is worth noting again that our values reside on this <b><i>deepest governing level</i></b> of our subconscious person and, from that place of profound influence, effect the formation and responses of our character essence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So, our</span> heart can, indeed, be accurately understood to be the true and “un-veneered,” essence of who we are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sample Uses:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>[Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brackets added]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV):</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><i> </i></b> </span><i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the <u>heart</u>.”</i> [the character essence, the core person, the true inner essence]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i>Luke 2:51 (KJV):</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b><i> </i></b><i> </i></span><i>“</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>And he</i> [Jesus] w<i>ent down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them</i> [his earthly parents]<i>: but his mother kept all these sayings in her <u>heart</u>."</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i> </i> </span>[in the private area of her mind]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> <b><i> </i></b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i>Hebrews 10:22 (NKJV):</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“…</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our <u>hearts</u> [character essence or core person] sprinkled from an evil conscience [value system] and our bodies washed with pure water.”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i>Matthew 15:18-20 (NKJV):</i></b><b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><i>“…</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>But, those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the </i><u style="font-style: italic;">heart</u><i>, [more specifically in this use, from one’s value system which defines our core being] and they defile a man. For out of the </i><u style="font-style: italic;">heart</u><i> </i>[true self, the character essence]<i> proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are </i><span style="font-style: italic;">the things</span><i> which defile a man...”</i></span><i> </i></span><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"> </b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">HOLY / HOLINESS<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The larger Church (primarily the whippersnappers) sometimes struggles with vagueness regarding the idea of Holiness. But here is what “dinosaurs” have understood for a long time, now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>1.</sup> In the simplest terms, to be “Holy” is to be <i>single minded in one’s devotion go God</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, a believer becomes holy before God when, on the most primary governing level of their core person (or “heart”), they are <b><i>singularly devoted</i></b> to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>2.</sup> But, to be clear, what is in play here is <i>only that deepest, most primary governing level of one’s heart</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is on that level, the level of one’s highest allegiance, that the believer’s devotion must be absolutely unshared with anyone or anything else including our allegiance to self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>3.</sup> However, at the same time, it is true that on more secondary levels of a believer’s core person (heart) there will certainly remain many other worthy devotions, the family, the job, important life goals, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, in the context of holiness, those lesser devotions must simply remain always subordinate to, and entirely governed by, one’s more primary devotion to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>4.</sup> This singularity of the believer's <i><b>primary devotion</b></i> is enabled through the Spiritual merger with Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through that integration with His character essence, the divine faith of Christ supplements that of the believer to entirely subjugate all other allegiances to that most elemental devotion to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, the believer is then <i><b>no longer divided </b>between a devotion to self and a devotion to God on this most primary governing level</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, the core being of the believer is “wholly” given to God and thus, the believer becomes “Holy,” or <i>singularly devoted to God</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, holiness can be simply and accurately thought of as <i>a condition where the believer has an undivided “heart” with regard to his or her supreme devotion.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is wholly given to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, in God’s eyes, it becomes sacred, as being set aside to Him and to His purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sample Uses:</b> [Note Brackets Added]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><i>Romans 12:1 (KJV): </i></b><i>“</i></span><i>I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy</i> [entirely set aside to God]<i>, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Ephesians 5:25-27 (NKJV): </i></b><i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy</i> [pure and singular in her devotion to God] <i>and without blemish.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Colossians 3:12 (NKJV): </i></b><i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Therefore, as the elect of God, holy</i> [made sacred by your singularity of heart] <i>and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering…”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>1 Peter 1:15-16 (KJV): </i></b><i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>But as he which hath called you is holy</i> [has a singular devotion to goodness], so be ye holy [singularly devoted to Him] <i>in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy</i>[undivided in heart]; <i>for I am holy </i>[undivided in heart].”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ONENESS OF HEART:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Primarily, with God</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1.</span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Christian “dinosaurs” often talk fondly of enjoying a oneness of heart with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What they are speaking of is what results from the symbiotic merger which occurs between the character essence of the Living Christ and that of the devout believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>2.</sup> Christian “dinosaurs” understand that through this merger they do not become God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nor, do they become “homogenized” into the essence of God losing their own identity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>3.</sup> The simple redemptive reality behind this term is that the devout believer, through his or her Spiritual connection to the vitality of the Living Christ (which occurs through what the Church refers to as the Spiritual Baptism) comes to fully embrace the value system of God. In turn, this divinely orchestrated transaction then creates a beautiful harmony with God, in that His truth (His interpretation of reality based in His value system) is shared by the believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this oneness of heart, this true like mindedness, then becomes the basis for a Christ empowered friendship which is both wonderfully durable and deeply fulfilling for both God and the believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Scriptural Origins For These Ideas:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>John 17:20-23 (NKJV): </i></b></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: <sup><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></sup>I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i>1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (KJV): </i></b><i>“</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”</i></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">PRIDE OR PRIDEFUL:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1.</span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “Dinosaurs” will sometimes use the words “Pride” or “Prideful” to describe the arrogance in the human character. This arrogance alienates God and ultimately destroys the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is easy to note that “pride” is the diametric opposite of “humility.” And, that opposition perfectly describes the tension which exists between the soul condemning “Sin Attitude” of self-sufficiency (pride) and the soul redeeming attitude of “Redemptive Faith.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>2.</sup> Indeed, the lost souls will be so due entirely to their pride of heart, the idea being (in the context of redemption) that the prideful are those who remain arrogantly self-directed as opposed to being “humbly” God-directed in their life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Such a person remains self-sovereign and largely charts his own life course and develops his own values and thus his own version of “truth.” And, he prefers not to answer to any other – especially God’s. <sup>3.</sup> The “faith attitude” on the other hand is one of profound humility before God, a humility which fully embraces His values, His truth, and His directions for one's life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>4.</sup> Very certainly, the brand of “pride” described above destroys the soul as certainly as true faith redeems it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, “dinosaurs,” unlike many “whippersnappers,” never equivocate on this immutable reality.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Scriptural Origins For These Ideas:</b> [Note:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brackets Added]<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Matthew 16:24-25 (NKJV) </i></b></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life</i> [to reserve his life for himself] <i>will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake</i> [gives control of his life over to me] <i>will find it.’”</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i>James 4:10 (NKJV) </i></b><i>“</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><i>1 Peter 5:5-6 (NKJV) </i></b><i>“</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">‘God resists the proud,</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">But gives grace to the humble.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time…”</i></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>SIN:</i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><i>Explained as a <b>Value</b> and as an <b>Act</b></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One will often find "dinosaurs" seriously preoccupied with the idea of “Sin.” <sup>1.</sup> Sin is, firstly, a very primary “governing value” which occurs within one’s core person (or “heart”).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “Sin <u>Value</u>” (as opposed to a sinful <u>action</u>) is the initial and most primary form of sin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>2.</sup> Basically, this value is the deeply held belief in the goodness of “Self-determination” (as opposed to being God-directed in life).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>2a.</sup> And, this value, which exists on the deepest governing level of the core person, is entirely responsible for all of the outward expressions (or acts) of sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>3.</sup> Nevertheless, it is the simple existence of the <u>Sin Value</u>, alone, which condemns the soul before God, entirely prior to any sinful act actually occurring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>4.</sup> Thus, it is the Sin Value (again, the belief in one’s own self-sufficiency) which becomes the primary target of Christ in His redemptive work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His simple goal, then, is to remove the “Sin Value” from its <i>place of dominance</i> in one’s core person and replace it with a dominant “Faith Value.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>5.</sup> The Faith Value is essentially a belief in the goodness of a profoundly humble posture before God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, in practical terms, the Faith Value expresses itself as the full and willing embrace of God’s value system, His truth, and His directions for one’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>6.</sup> As already noted, it is this transformative value which Christ seeks to bring to ascendency in one’s core person through the redemptive process. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>7.</sup> And, this <i>Dominance of the Faith Value </i>is not only <u>initiated</u> in the core of the believer by Christ, but it is <u>consistently sustained</u> there by the constant synergy which Christ brings to the believer through the merger of our character essence with His (see Spiritual Baptism). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>8.</sup> This Spiritual integration with Christ entirely alters the believer’s value system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As described, it liberates one from a sin driven value system and initiates a faith driven value system which, again, is consistently enabled by the vitality of the Living Christ operating within the believer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Scriptural Origins For These Ideas: </i></b>In numerical order as they occur above [brackets added].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><i>Mark 7:18-23 (NKJV)</i></b> <i>“</i></span><i>So He</i> [Jesus] <i>said to them, ‘Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?’ And He said, ‘What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man.’”</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2a. <b>Genesis 3:1-8 (NKJV) …v.4</b> “</span>Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.”</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2b. <b><i>Mark 7:21-23 (NKJV) </i></b><i>“<b> </b></i></span><i>For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man."</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3a. <b><i>1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) </i></b><i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3b. <b><i>1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV)</i></b> <i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. <u>For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart</u>.’”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3c. <b><i>Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) </i></b><i>“<b>K</b></i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>eep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3d. <b><i>Luke 6:45 (NKJV)</i></b> <i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">4.<b><i> </i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><i>Romans 8:3-4 (NKJV)</i></b> <i>“</i></span><i>For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5a. <b><i>Matthew 18:2-3 (KJV)</i></b> <i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, ‘Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.’”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">5b. <b><i>Matthew 23:12 (KJV)</i></b> <i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">6. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><i>Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV) </i></b><i>“</i></span><i>For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">7/8.<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> <b><i>Romans 8:1-2 (NKJV)</i></b> <i>“</i></span><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">There is</span> therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">SPIRIT / SPIRITUAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><sup>1.</sup> The best way to conceive of “the Spiritual” is, again, to return to the idea of “Influence.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible teaches us that God is a Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, it teaches us that God is the supreme influence in the Universe who, though incorporeal, nevertheless, has a completely unique personality and is able to perfectly effect His almighty will upon all of reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>2.</sup> Recall from previous paragraphs that influence is the sum total of one’s power to impact one's own and the larger reality – to bend reality to our will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, stripped to this most abstract view of ourselves – human beings are each, a uniquely personal influence in the Universe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>3. </sup>So, when we speak of “the spiritual,” we are really talking about this more ethereal economy of “Influence.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this economy is actually the larger and more enduring dimension where God chooses to exist in His most natural state as the Supreme Influence (Spirit).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><sup>4.</sup> And, in this larger economy of life, each of us is known to God, not merely as a corporal person in this smaller physical dimension. But, we are also known as an important influence in His larger Creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as such, we are not only identified, but assessed, accordingly. <sup>5.</sup> Thus, when we understand the precise nature of the term "spirit," and its derivatives, great insight is gained as we read such verses as<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i> </i></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>John 4:23</i></b>, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i>“</i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.”</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And consider how the concept of influence relates to “the first admonition” in <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><i>Deuteronomy 6:5</i></b>,</span><sup><span style="color: black;"> </span></sup><i>“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea is, of course, “with all that you are,” which is another way of say, “with your whole influence.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sample Uses:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>Listed in the text<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">SPIRITUAL BAPTISM:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Dinosaurs” often use this term to refer to a unique, stand-alone, redemptive event which occurs at a point after one’s embrace of the Lordship of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spiritual Baptism actually marks the believer’s entrance into the Renewal Phase of redemption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, it is through this baptism that the divine Spirit effects an integration of the human character essence of the believer with the divine character essence of the Living Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This character merger results in a divine overwrite of the believer’s value system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Literally, the believer is infused with the values of Christ, but in primordial, or infant, form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nevertheless, the vibrancy of Christ’s character essence within, immediately displaces the sin value (the motive of self-determination) as the dominant value in the believer’s subconscious and establishes the faith value (the motive of humility before God) as the now dominant value in the believer’s core person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, through this empowering merger with the Living Christ, a <b><i>consistently faith-expressive</i></b> life is enabled.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Scriptural Origins For These Ideas:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><i>John 14:15-23 (NKJV):</i></b> <i>“</i></span><i>If you love Me, keep My commandments. <sup><span style="color: black;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></sup>And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever - the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.<br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.<br />He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.<br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, ‘Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><b><i>Acts 1:8 (NKJV):</i></b> <i>“</i></span><i>But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">TRUTH<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="62" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2k6cI5JkRY5ZfsF7jcfE-ISnyo0xO0Vswal1s_azGp6YmwX4NrHYsCHtKYRso0UDTx_oIIm4lNRoAGvN9IvwbyurPoF8hEx_M1ErDTrQLTb6q1f-KWJsdoKSbmVc0pyYcMWSPA3QT6U/s1600/Dinosaur+II.png" /></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">“Dinosaurs” talk a lot about truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, the idea they intend to convey with this term is, <b><i>“The correct interpretation of reality.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes to truth, there is one authentic and authoritative <b><i>“Truth Giver.”</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, there is only one authoritative interpreter of reality, and that is God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only His interpretation of reality is the always correct one in all of life’s circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All other interpretations of reality are simply deceptive delusions which serve merely to compete with the divine interpretations and confuse the issues.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Scriptural Origins For These Ideas:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><i>Deuteronomy 8:3 (NKJV):</i></b> <i>“</i></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD.”</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For a more complete, plain language explanation of how Christian Redemption works, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">read,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Spiritual Dynamics:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span><i>The Spiritual Realities Explained</i></u><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">in Reading Room 3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://specialemphasis.blogspot.com/2016/03/authors-foreword.html" target="_blank">Jump There Now</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-88089408355037370982017-09-23T17:23:00.002-07:002024-02-18T23:01:59.109-08:00Section 0: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIXzfasmpHDBmvNlI5N3BX8hsY7GvrKt390Irr5iQngEGTI46hhx3v2EioPwH-DWSxr72GrUCu9xmeMuZ-yp05lNR3SIX0tyqEYUvTw086Fa7gkMqbpqYwted9yTp-j_esnbZg-6cheOI/s1600/Eye.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIXzfasmpHDBmvNlI5N3BX8hsY7GvrKt390Irr5iQngEGTI46hhx3v2EioPwH-DWSxr72GrUCu9xmeMuZ-yp05lNR3SIX0tyqEYUvTw086Fa7gkMqbpqYwted9yTp-j_esnbZg-6cheOI/s320/Eye.png" width="320" /></a></i></b></div>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i> “If the light that is in you be darkness, </i></b></div></b><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i> how great is that darkness</i></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></span><i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- Jesus</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> A devastating "theological virus" has been introduced into the more modern Protestant/ Evangelical Church over several generations now. It is a belief system which, when left unchecked, devastates the true teachings of redemptive faith. And, it has already infected a huge number of believers, cutting across all denominational lines. But, its lies are so subtle that those affected remain oblivious to the reality that their very soul has been subverted.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="color: #70ad47;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">An Overview</span></span></i></b><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Dark Light: </span></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b>Exposing the Antichrist Virus<b> </b></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">This series has 12 installments to enable easy study and reference. Also, to that same end, <b>Section 10</b> is a Quick-Link Study Outline. In that Study Outline the Section Numbers are linked directly to that particular section of the writing. So, you can simply click on the Green Section Link to jump immediately to that section of the writing - in a New Window. Then, just scroll down through the Subtitles to the precise area you want to review. When you are finished reading, close the Window which you are reading in and you will be immediately back where you were previously. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">[</span></span><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-1-dark-light-exposing.html" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank"><b>Got it. Jump now to Section 1 ]</b></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-10-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">[Jump now to Section 10 - Quick Link Study Outline]</a></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 0: </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b><i>An Overview<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 1: </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-1-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank"><b><i>Forward:</i></b>
</a><b><i><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-1-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">TheLong Way Home:</a></i><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 2:</span><i> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b><b><i><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-2-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">God’s Expectations:</a><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 3: </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span></b><b><i><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-3-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">God’s Authentic Redemptive Process:</a> </i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 4: </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span></b><b><i><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-4-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">The Winds Of Change:</a>
<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 5: </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span></b><b><i><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-5-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">Re-establishing Some Critical Concepts:</a> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 6: </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span></b><b><i><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-6-dark-light-exposing-gospel-of.html" target="_blank">The Dual Roll Of Christ:</a><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 7: </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span></b><b><i><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-7-dark-light-exposing-gospel-of.html" target="_blank">A Return To The Roman Dilemma:</a> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 8: </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span></b><b><i><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-8-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">An Important Question:</a>
<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 9: </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><b><i><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-9-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">TheUltimate Question: </a><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b><i> </i><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 10:</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><b><i><span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-10-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">Quick Link </a></span></i></b><b><i><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-10-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">Study Outline:</a><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 11:</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><b><i><span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-11-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">Glossary </a></span></i></b><b><i><a href="https://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-11-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">Of Terms:</a><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-1-dark-light-exposing.html">[Jump now to Section 1]</a> <br />
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<a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-10-dark-light-exposing.html">[Jump now to Study Outline]</a> <br />
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<a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-11-dark-light-exposing.html">[Jump now to Glossary]</a><br />
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Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-9580044536455617422017-09-23T17:04:00.000-07:002020-03-22T21:55:59.612-07:00Section 1: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s1600/Eye.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s320/Eye.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Foreword:</i></b><b><i> </i></b><b><i>The Long Way Home:</i></b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;"><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> A long time ago God created
this physical reality. The focal point
of His creation was, of course, mankind, the single creature which is truly
made in His image. Certainly, God began
His creative work with the real anticipation of a deeply meaningful and
completely fulfilling friendship with His Creature. And, that anticipation continues today,
checked only by His necessary patience, as His loving endeavor progresses to a
successful conclusion in Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> From the beginning, however,
mankind’s naive innocence was the big <i>risk
factor</i>. Nevertheless, God's graceful
heart insisted that man should have the moral autonomy to make life decisions
as he would - even if those decisions went against the wishes and values of his
Creator. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, God granted to every human being
that risky personal sovereignty over his or her own life in order to produce a
friendship that would ultimately be based in a genuine and truly unforced <i>agreement of hearts</i>. God took this risk because of a simple but
immutable premise: <i>Love is not really love unless it is fashioned from and based in truth.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, possessing this personal
sovereignty, each human being became a true <i>influence</i>
in the Universe, capable of having a real impact on their own and the larger
circumstance. And, because of this
personal autonomy and the very real personal influence which it produced, each
person incurred a consequential responsibility for his or her motives and actions.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, as we now know, in the course
of time, man did, indeed, fall from innocence.
And, our easy, daily fellowship with our Creator was lost. And, man did experience the dire consequences
of his actions. But, God immediately
implemented a restorative plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This relational repair was not,
however, the short path of some shallow and feckless quick fix. Rather, it is the long path of the believer’s
thorough personal renewal – a renewal sustained by the
divine energy of the Living Christ as He merges with and begins to live symbiotically
within the believer in Spirit form. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And,
this true and sacred redemptive process has no cheap goal of sensationalism or
personal aggrandizement. And, it is not
the stuff of “feel good delusions.” It
is the means to a very real, here-and-now character newness for the believer,
which, in turn, becomes the basis for a truly natural and very durable daily
friendship with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b><i>Without question, the outstanding redemptive
benefit of these New Testament times is, indeed, this thorough, Christ-enabled
transformation of the believer’s heart and life experience.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This transformation of the believer
in the real terms of the here-and-now is what truly makes the New Testament <i>new </i>and distinctive. And, this immediate availability, through Christ, of an
elevated life plane, has entirely renewed the human possibility. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The downward slide of the human race
has truly been arrested by the redemptive work of Christ. The upward journey has, indeed, begun in Him. And, our easy and intimate daily friendship
with our Creator has been entirely restored by His redemptive work – but, not
for all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Even at this late hour in the evolution
of redemptive truth, many continue to be confused and duped by the
constructions of the same dark mind, Satan’s mind, which originally designed
man’s downfall. Even with the advantage
of history’s long deposition, still, some have been unable to see the Darkness
for what it is. Nor do they see the
simple beauty of the divine plan which saves us from that Darkness. And so, the devilish treachery does, indeed,
still succeed on a broad scale among our species.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, with time, at least the pattern
of this treachery has become more easily identified through the enlightenment offered
to humanity by the Holy Spirit. Thus,
the enlightened are now able to clearly see that the Darkness really only ever
perpetuates <b><i>just one essential idea</i></b>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> From the moment Satan said to Eve,
in the Garden of Eden, <i>“You will not
surely die. For God knows, that in the day you eat thereof you will become like
God, knowing good and evil,” </i>his treacherous lie has remained basically
unchanged. His essential sales pitch to
every generation continues to be, “<b><i>You, and not God, are your own best hope for
fulfillment in life</i></b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> To the worldly non-believer this
idea is typically presented in its rawest and most abrasive form: <i>"God is only holding you back. Forget about the consequences. There aren't
any. Take your destiny into your own
hands. Own your own life and decide the
good and evil of life’s issues and elements for yourself. You, and not God, are best equipped to make
those decisions."</i> And, by now,
it is easily self-evident that the worldly have, indeed, wholeheartedly bought
into this deceptive life approach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, it is not just worldly
non-believers who are subjected to the treacherous charms of this idea of <b><i>“Self-determination.”</i></b> Believers also continue to be assaulted with
and do actually succumb to this same idea every day - but with a disarming twist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Satan is able to defeat the true <b><i>faith
motive</i></b>, <i><u>a willing humility</u>
before the Lordship of Christ</i>, by introducing a simple error into the
thinking of the unwary believer<i>. It is the belief that one’s <u>statement of
faith</u> in Christ enables his or her complete <b>“Non-responsibility”</b> in the resulting relationship</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In the simplest terms, the
contention is that, beyond a statement of faith in Christ as their Savior,
believers have absolutely <b><i>no binding necessity</i></b> to express
their faith in the real terms of everyday life.
Thus, this illusion of the believer’s non-responsibility actually becomes
deadly to their relationship with Christ.
This is true because, with the embrace of this contention, the reality of
what still remains a mostly self-determined lifestyle is masked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In truth, this <i>non-responsibility lie</i> encourages the continued <b><i>arrogance</i></b>
of self-will rather than <b><i>humility</i></b> (faith) before the lordship
of Christ. Thus, it leaves the believer
merely practicing a heart numbing lip service to Christ’s lordship. When, all the while, she is actually still living
a mostly self-directed life under the illusion of what she now understands
to be her, <b><i>“acceptable brokenness”</i></b> in God’s eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And furthermore, this <i>non-responsible belief system</i> must necessarily,
and absolutely does, deny any possibility of a <b><i>here-and-now believer empowerment
by Christ</i></b> to remedy that brokenness.
And, indeed, it must vehemently perpetuate this denial because the idea
of a <i>Christ-empowered believer</i> would entirely
threaten the idea of the believer’s <b><i>non-responsibility</i></b><i> </i>on every level. So, this non-responsible belief system does very
emphatically deny what is actually the truth:
<i>that the Living Christ does, indeed, live symbiotically within the believer to empower her to rise above her
brokenness.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, the denial of this redemptive reality
is actually, in essence, the same idea which the apostle, John, identified in
his New Testament writings as <b><i>originating from the antichrist spirit</i></b>. He said in the book of 1<sup>st</sup> John,
chapter 3, in the Bible, <i>“... and every spirit that does not confess that <u>Jesus
Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.
And this is the spirit of the antichrist</u>, which you have heard was
coming, and is now already in the world.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, this is
the question which becomes <b><i>a very central issue</i></b> between the
authentic Gospel and this <i>antichrist gospel
of non-responsibility</i>: <i>“Can and does
Jesus Christ live in the human form?”</i>
And, the implications of this question reach
far beyond just that controversy which erupted in the early Church surrounding
the nature of Jesus, Himself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This is true because the <b><i>crowning necessity </i></b>of God’s <b><i>authentic
redemptive process</i></b> is that the Living Christ must live within in the
human form. This ability was required first of the
incarnate Savior who walked among us in His own flesh and blood body to bring
us a true awareness of redemption. And
now, it is required that His divine Spirit live symbiotically within the
believer’s human form to empower a thorough renewal of the believer. So, very obviously, this undermining antichrist
gospel must adamantly deny such a possibility to protect the idea of the
believer’s non-responsibility in his relationship with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, this denial of an indwelling, believer-empowering Christ becomes just another, version of that early, antichrist refusal
to acknowledge that the Living Christ can and does, indeed, live within the
human form – first in His own, and now, in that of the believer. And truly, nothing could be more anti- Christ than to deny that He has
this believer-empowering capacity.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Nevertheless, the authentic Gospel, which
absolutely confirms <i>the imminent renewal of
the believer by the Spirit of the Living Christ within</i>, is now numerically
dominated, by this non-responsible idea.<i> </i>Sadly, this antichrist ethos has, indeed,
now permeated across all theological boundary lines at the rank and file level of
the Protestant / Evangelical segment of the American Church. In spite of our differing denominational
perspectives, this non-responsible idea has, indeed, widely become the everyday,
working theology “at the street level.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, in these more modern times,
the most essential truth and the most distinguishing promise of the New
Testament, <i>the imminent and thorough
renewal of the believer by Christ</i>, has been largely stripped away from the
thinking of this very important segment of the American Church. And so, we are left with a majority rank and
file which now has little motivation to pursue the reality of a true newness of
heart and life experience as the very essence of their Christ encounter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Without question, this <i>non-responsible approach</i> to redemption
has precipitated the greatest crisis of truth which the American Church has
known to date. Not since before the
Reformation has such abject heresy gained such broad credibility, to the
subversion of so many. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Therefore, <i>this idea of<b> </b>the non-responsibility
of the believer</i> has become so far reaching, and so deeply ingrained, that it
is now very impractical to attempt to expose this fallacy without doing so<b><i> in a
closely comparative way </i></b>to the Authentic Gospel. And that is precisely what this writing does. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, as we compare God’s <i>Authentic Redemptive Design</i> to this horribly
flawed <i>Non-responsible Re-write</i>, the
great failings of this <i>antichrist version</i>
should become very obvious to all but the most stubbornly closed mind. And, the beauty of God’s authentic redemptive
process should, indeed, sparkle like an exquisite gem as we observe both the <i>Dying</i> and the <i>Living Christ</i> operating in perfect concert to entirely renew both the
believer’s heart and his life experience.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-2-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">[Continue to Section 2]</a></u></b></span></div>
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<div class="DefaultText">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-42306326184222943732017-09-23T17:00:00.002-07:002018-07-05T15:48:31.461-07:00Section 2: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">God’s
Expectations:</span></i></b><i style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Perhaps we should begin by
simply considering the Creator’s expectations for humanity. Certainly, this is a primary awareness that
is obviously necessary to a successful friendship with Him. The following scriptural glimpses easily
demonstrate the kind of response that God has always sought from mankind and
the response that He continues to look for today. We can clearly see, in these excerpts, His
expectation of a relationship that is <i>faith-expressive</i>,
that consistently results in a humble obedience from an elevated people. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Also, we should note that the
following excerpts from scripture are by no means the only ones available to
us. But, this small sampling will be
more than adequate to demonstrate God’s vision of relationship, a high and
noble vision, indeed.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In The Old Testament<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b> <b><i>Genesis 2:15</i></b> <i>"Then the Lord God took the
man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying,
'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely
die.' '' <b><o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>So obviously, from the very beginning, God placed man in a daily
reality of responsibility and accountability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b> <b><i>Ezekiel 18:20</i></b><i> "The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of
the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the
righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon
himself. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> "But if a wicked man turns from
all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is
lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has
committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which
he has done, he shall live. Do I have
any pleasure at all that the wicked should die, says the Lord God, and not that
he should turn from his ways and live? <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> "But, when a righteous man turns away from his
righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations
that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has
done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is
guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> "Y</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">et you say,
'The way of the Lord is not fair. '
Hear now, O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your
ways which are not fair?</span></i></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> "When a righteous man turns away from his
righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies in it, it is because of the iniquity
which he has done that he dies. Again,
when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does
what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive. Because he considers and turns away from all
the transgressions which he committed, he shall surely live; he shall not
die. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> "Yet the house of Israel says, `The way of the Lord
is not fair.' O house of Israel, is it not My ways which are fair, and your
ways which are not fair? Therefore I
will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, says the Lord
God. Repent, and turn from all your
transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> "Cast away from you all the transgressions which you
have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should
you die, O house of Israel? For I have
no pleasure in the death of one who dies, says the Lord God. Therefore turn and
live! ''</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> These verses indicate God’s very
straight forward way of accounting. It
is a way that obviously keys on a <i>personal</i>
accountability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b> <i>Ezekiel
36: 23</i></b><i> "‘And I will sanctify My great name,
which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their
midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord,’'' says the Lord God,
"‘when I am hallowed in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the nations,
gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> " 'Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you
shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your
idols. I will give you a new heart and
put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh
and give you a heart of flesh. I will
put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will
keep My judgments and do them.’" <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>Here, God gives us a very inspiring glimpse of His vision for His
people. It is clear that He intends to
have a very elevating impact upon His people.
<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>In The New Testament</b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i><b><i>Ephesians 2:10 </i></b><i>“For we are
His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared
beforehand that we should walk in them.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Obviously, this verse demonstrates
the clear redemptive expectation of faith-expressive works and a reality based
righteousness as a result of the believer’s renewal in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Matthew 5: 17- 20</b>
"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not
come to destroy but to fulfill. For
assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle
will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these
commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of
heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven. For I say to you,
that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and
Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> These words of Christ bring emphasis
to God’s intention for a Christ-empowered, reality-based righteous. And, they call to mind His promise in the Old
Testament for these New Testament times, to no longer write his laws on tablets
of stone, but rather, now, in Christ to write them in our heart so that His
values are truly and naturally shared by us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b><i>Romans 8:3 (KJV)</i></b><i> "For what the law could
not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the
likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the <u>righteousness of the law might be
fulfilled in us</u>, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In this juxtaposition of those who
are <i>flesh</i> driven and those who are <i>Spirit</i> driven, we are shown, not only
the source, but also the extent of Christ’s renewing impact – the righteous
essence of God’s value system is now empowered in the believer by the
indwelling Spirit of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> <b>Ephesians 4:11
(KJV)</b> "And he gave some,
apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and
teachers; For the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of
Christ: till we all come in the unity of
the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect [mature] man,
unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth
be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in
wait to deceive; but speaking the truth
in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
" </i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> These verses paint a beautiful
picture of God’s anticipation of our maturity in Christ – the here-and-now of a
life empowered and directed by His Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i> <b><i>Galatians 5:19</i></b><i> "Now the works of the flesh are
manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft,
hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envying’s,
murders, drunkenness, raveling’s, and such like: of the which I tell you
before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things
shall not inherit the kingdom of God. "
<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Again, we see a no-nonsense,
straightforward, Godly accounting and the simple expectation that sinfulness
will be expunged from the life of the believer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Matthew 22:8</b>
"Then he said to his servants, `The wedding is ready, but those who were
invited were not worthy. Therefore go
into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.' So those servants went out into the highways
and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding
hall was filled with guests. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> "But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw
a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, `Friend, how did you
come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, `Bind
him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness;’ there will
be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For
many are called, but few are chosen.'' <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This parable indicates that the
universal invitation offered to humanity through Christ does not absolve those
who respond of the obligation to participate in a responsible way. The opportunity portrayed here is obviously
universal; but, it is also obvious that it is not without requirements for
those who respond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Summary and Conclusions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> All of these references indicate the Father’s
expectation of a people who are truly responsive and faith-expressive. From the very beginning, God has anticipated
and called to a people who are willing to experience a truly renewing
friendship with Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Realizing this, we should also
realize something else. <b> </b>God did not start out looking for a people
who would truly and thoroughly embrace his values and directions, only to abandon
that desire out of frustration. The
redemptive workings of the New Testament do not represent some divine <i><b>fallback
position</b></i>, where God suddenly becomes willing to embrace an <i><b>“acceptable
brokenness”</b></i> in His people in exchange for a statement of faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, Christ is not an after-thought,
a <i>Band Aid</i> to cover the unsightly
boo-boo of humanity’s chronic waywardness.
He represents God’s carefully planned and very effective remedy for that
waywardness. He is the cornerstone of a
redemptive process which gives final reality to God’s oringinal vision of a deeply intimate
and completely fulfilling friendship with His consistently faith-expressive people. <b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"> </i><b><u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-3-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">[Continue to Section 3]</a></u></b><i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"> </i><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-36104369342870410552017-09-23T16:56:00.003-07:002020-03-22T15:55:07.736-07:00Section 3: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">God’s
Authentic Redemptive Process: </span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Shaped By His Expectations<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b>At this point we can make some general observations
regarding God’s authentic redemptive plan.
We should probably start by recognizing that it is first shaped by God’s
expectations, and after that, by the human need. However, the popular, modern tendency is to
view it first, and sometimes almost exclusively, through the filter of human
need. This tends to create a skewed
understanding of God’s plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, man’s guiding question, when it
comes to understanding God’s redemptive work, should be, <b><i>“What does God expect of me?”</i></b>
not, <i>“What do I need?”</i> Truly, when all is said and done, the most
important need of the human creature is to measure up to the expectation of his
Creator. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It’s His Plan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Also, we should note that <b>God's plan is</b><i> <b>God's</b></i><b> plan.</b>
He designed it. The
specifications and parameters are entirely His.
They are set in place by His sovereign grace and are not subject to
anyone’s approval or disapproval. And,
whether interpreted correctly or incorrectly, they remain the same. The simple role of humanity is just to
accurately discover and embrace His design for our renewal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is a Precise Plan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> God’s plan for our
redemption is also very precise and specific.
It is by no means loosely organized or vaguely defined or casually
administered. It is a very carefully
crafted prescription, aimed at accomplishing very specific things, in a very
precise way. And, it is not, in the
slightest, altered or diversified by man’s varying interpretations or his
ignorance of the true plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Plan Employs a Process<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Also, God's redemptive plan should
be understood as a <b><i>process</i></b> rather than one event.
Today, it is common that the<i> event
of conversion</i> almost entirely defines the believer’s concept of
salvation. But, taken alone, this event
does not even come close to adequately defining the redemptive work of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The conversion event, that actual
moment in time when one consciously embraces the lordship of Christ, is but one
milestone event in a long redemptive journey.
The journey actually begins long before that place and continues far
past it. And, each of the various milestones
and phases which make up its course are every bit as indispensable as that <i>conversion moment</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Quick Overview of the Redemptive Process<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Binary Nature:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> When we step back and take the long look at the
redemptive process, we can easily note <b><i>the Binary Nature</i></b> of the
process. In other words, it has two major
facets in its basic make up. The
Redemptive Process is composed of both a <b><i>Reconciliation</i></b> aspect and a <b><i>Renewal</i></b>
aspect. And, it brings both of these indispensable
benefits to the believer in very real terms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And this dual nature of the redemptive process is both <i>mirrored and confirmed</i> by the duality of
the major events involved in the redemptive work of Christ: <b><i>The Cross</i></b> and <b><i>The Resurrection</i></b>. In the Cross of the <b><i>Dying Christ</i></b>, we find <i>forgiveness and reconciliation </i>to God. And, flowing out of the Resurrection and <b><i>Living
Christ</i></b>, we find the here-and-now means of the believer’s <i>thorough renewal</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">First Contact: <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, let’s take a quick
overview of the essential events and phases which are linked together to become
God’s authentic redemptive process. Obviously,
in the details, we each have a very unique and very personalized encounter with
God. But, in this wondrous redemptive
experience there is also a very basic and common path which we all experience
and share alike. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> For example, one can easily note
what might be called the <b><i>“First Contact”</i></b> in the redemptive
process. The Church often describes this
as a time of personal <i>“Conviction.”</i> It is that time when the Holy Spirit first begins
to intensely call to a person’s heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The conduit of this awareness may initially
be constructed around very finite issues:
perhaps financial, relational, or metaphysical struggles etc. But, regardless of the <i>triggering</i> issue, this is typically a time when the status quo of
our life is disturbed and seriously called into question. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Decision
Point: <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Then, if all goes well, there eventually
comes what might be called a <b><i>“Decision Point.”</i></b> By this point in the redemptive process, the
Holy Spirit has typically enabled us to see beyond those beginning <i>trigger issues</i> which first got our
attention. Thus, at this juncture, we have
realized that those issues actually have larger, underlying spiritual
implications. And, as a result of that
realization, at some point we are confronted with the need to <i>make a decision</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It is a decision between two basic life
approaches. There is the <b><i>Faith
Choice</i></b>. This is the choice to fully
embrace the lordship of the Living Christ, His values, His truth, and His daily directions
for our life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, there is the alternative
choice. This is the choice to continue
our <b><i>Self-determined
approach </i></b>to life. This is the choice
to continue to trust our own value system and set our own life course. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
Faith Coin:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Regarding the <i>Faith Choice</i>, if we parse it carefully, we can notice that this
choice is really a <i>two sided coin</i>, so
to speak. On the one side is the
decision to humbly embrace the lordship of Christ. This decision is what the Church typically refers
to as one’s <i>“Conversion”</i> to Christ. <i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>And, simultaneously, on the other side of the “faith coin,” is the complementing
decision to entirely abandon our previous, <i>self-determined
approach</i> to life. This side of the faith
coin is what the church calls <i>“Repentance.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, on the one hand we are turning <b><i>to</i></b>
a <i>Christ directed</i> life. While at the same time, on the other hand, we
are turning <b><i>from</i></b> the previous, <i>self-directed</i>
approach to life. Nevertheless, both of
these decisions are just two aspects of that same <i>Faith Choice</i> which brings to us divine <i>Forgiveness.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And so, at this <i>Decision Point</i> in the redemptive process, we make our choice, either
for or against personally embracing the lordship of Christ. And, assuming we choose to embrace Christ,
this milestone decision marks the beginning of our <i>Faith-based Relationship</i> with God through Christ. But, what it does not do is mark the
conclusion of the redemptive process.
Rather, this <i>Faith Choice</i> sets
the stage for a whole new phase of the redemptive process: <b><i>The Renewal Phase</i></b>. <span style="color: #a6a6a6; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
Humbling Period:<span style="color: #a6a6a6; mso-themecolor: background1; mso-themeshade: 166;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In a normal, healthy conversion to
Christ, there is typically a <i>celebration
time</i> as the believer revels in the “lightness” of her forgiveness and her
resulting friendship with God. And, that
is certainly as it should be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But eventually, the Holy Spirit
begins to lead the believer to begin confronting the full depth of her own
brokenness and spiritual need. This is necessary in order to remove the
residual and much more deeply ingrained sense of <i>self-sufficiency</i> which still exists, even after conversion, in the
believer’s <b><i>subconscious</i></b> person. So,
this <i>humbling period</i> is a time when the
Holy Spirit starts to truly empty the believer of her latent, self-directed
inclinations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And certainly, this <i>emptying process</i>, for a time, becomes,
in effect, a kind of <b><i>personal wilderness experience</i></b> such
as those so often noted in scripture in the lives of God’s people. In fact, Moses, in his writings in the Old
Testament, described the Jewish Exodus Journey through the wilderness in just
such terms of <i>humiliation</i>. And that journey was very much a prophetical
foreshadowing of this New Testament <i>Humbling
Period</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Moses described the Jewish wilderness
experience this way. He wrote in the
book of Deuteronomy, chapter 8, in the Old Testament part of the Bible, <i>“And you shall remember that the Lord your
God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and
test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His
commandments or not. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> “So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you
with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make
you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And so it is with God’s New Testament child in
Christ. She too, is prepared and
confirmed by this challenging <i>period of personal
humbling</i>. But, this preparation is
indispensable to the wondrous redemptive event which comes next. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
Target Event:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, what comes next for the
believer is what can very appropriately be called the <b><i>“The Target Event” </i></b>of
Christian Redemption and the <i>crowning
distinction</i> of these New Testament times.
It is this event in the redemptive process at which all previous redemptive
steps are aimed and around which all following are oriented<b>.</b> This <i>Target Event</i> is the believer’s very literal and very personal<b><i> merger
with the Living Christ</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This is that <i>mystical integration</i> of the believer with Christ which the Church
calls <i>the Spiritual Baptism</i>. It is at this point in the redemptive process
that the divine vitality of the Living Christ is actually integrated with the human
nature of the believer. And this life-changing
connection becomes the believer’s energizing means to experience a whole new
and very elevated life plane in the here-and-now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">True
Newness:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Then,
enabled by the positive impact of this milestone event, the believer begins to
experience what can only be described as <b><i>“A <u>Christ Empowered</u> Renewal.” </i></b>And now, living daily in this <b><i>symbiotic
relationship</i></b> with the Living Christ, the believer is freshly enabled by
the resources which Christ brings. And,
through this Christ-enablement the believer is, indeed, over time, entirely
renewed in his heart, and flowing out of that, in his behavior and life circumstance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
Basis For Relationship:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, this thorough heart renewal of
the believer then becomes the basis for a durable, lively, and very fulfilling
daily friendship with God in all the Persons of the Trinity. And, it is this Christ-empowered renewal and the
resultant deepening of the divine friendship which entirely occupies the remainder
of this <i>Renewal Phase</i> of the
redemptive process for the rest of the believer’s natural life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It’s All Essential<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, hopefully it becomes obvious at this point how each of these important
milestones and phases in God's redemptive plan builds on the previous one to ultimately
bring a true and thorough newness to the believer in the here-and-now. And hopefully, it is equally obvious that Christian
Redemption is a truly <b><i>Transformative</i></b><i> <b>Process</b> – </i>and not merely
one isolated moment or event. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Process Requires Completion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, it follows that, if redemption is a process, then
the process
requires completion to be successful. The
true redemptive reality is that, should a believer chooses to stop moving
forward in this thoroughly renewing process, he has, in effect, once again assumed
control of his own life course, becoming once again <i>self-determined</i> and no longer <i>God-directed</i>. And, to do this, to <b><i>balk</i></b> at any point in the
redemptive process is to reject the Lordship of Christ, to fail our own Christ-enabled
potential in the here-and-now, and to doom our self to a miserable eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> All of these ideas will be explained
in much more detail later, but for now, the encouragement of the writer of
Hebrews may suffice when he says in chapter 3 of that New Testament book, <i>“Beware brethren, lest there be in any of
you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the Living God; but exhort one
another daily, while it is called 'Today, lest any of you be hardened through
the deceitfulness of sin. For we have
become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast
to the end...”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Father’s
Anticipation:</i></b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i><i>Consider,
for a moment, God’s anticipation of the transformation of His children through
Christ. He knows, that those who come to
Christ from the darkness of self-determination have stepped into the new
morning of a lifelong day of discovery - a day packed with all the promise that
His boundless grace can devise. And, His
excitement, entirely revolves around the reality that His children will,
indeed, be obtaining the hidden treasures of this lifetime adventure.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i><i>Imagine what a joy it is for
God to experience with His child the beautiful release which occurs in that
first moment of forgiveness. How
gratified He must be to see the nobility of His child as she endures the
humbling process on her journey from spiritual childhood to spiritual
maturity. How pleased He must be to see
His child growing up in Christ to grasp the lessons of divine truth. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i><i>This is God’s process of heart-binding
– ours to His and His to ours. The
Greeks described it as “ginosco - the deep and intimate knowing of another.” This is the authentic redemptive process enabling
our true elevation and renewal which, in turn, results in the restoration of our
easy, and intimate, and durable daily friendship with our Creator. </i><i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i><i>This is not the stuff of a
momentary encounter. It is not the
stuff of a marginalized and distant God.
This is the stuff which ultimately brings us back to a Christ-brokered heart-oneness
with God enjoyed in an everyday friendship.</i><b> </b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <b><u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-4-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">[Continue to Section 4]</a></u></b></span><br />
<br /></div>
Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-72987232223884926642017-09-23T16:51:00.000-07:002018-07-05T15:49:50.182-07:00Section 4: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Winds of
Change: </span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The
Original Message</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It cannot be overstated that the
message of that ancient and authentic Gospel is a very positive one for those
who truly give their heart to Christ. It
is a message of immanent and radical change for the better. Jesus said it this way as He spoke of the
divine intentions regarding His redemptive work. <i>“The
Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel
to the poor. <u>He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, to preach
deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at
liberty those who are oppressed</u>...”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Apostle, Paul wrote this,<i> "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he
is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become
new." </i>Obviously, the redemptive
work of Christ will not leave us unchanged.
Rather, it is a work of real liberation and true transformation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, the message of the authentic
Gospel of Christ is one of power. Again,
Paul wrote in the book of Romans, chapter 6, <i>“And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to
sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your
members as instruments of righteousness to God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you...”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Christ, Our Perfect Way Back<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>Here, then, in a very basic, overview form, is the larger
redemptive picture. It begins with the
reality that God has always held, and continues to hold, the expectation of
sensitive obedience from His people. Man
failed that expectation when Adam and Eve chose to become <i>self-determined, </i>to do things their own way. God, then, mercifully offered a way back to a
truly meaningful friendship with Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But again, this was no <i>“Band-Aid Redemption.”</i> It was a thorough healing of the rift – the <b><i>cause</i></b>,
as well as the <b><i>effect</i></b>. And this divine
remedy has now been playing out over many centuries. But, in these New Testament times, we now
know that Christ is the sum total of that divine redemptive plan. He is the means to meet both man’s need for
restoration, and his need for renewal. And,
He serves these two purposes in two distinct roles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In His role as the <i>Dying Christ</i> of the Cross, He brings to
mankind forgiveness and reconciliation to God.
In His role as the <i>Living Christ</i>
of the Resurrection, He brings an empowered renewal to the believer enabling
him or her to comfortably meet God’s expectation of sensitive and consistent
faith-expressiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, the redeemed are not merely reconciled
to God through the death of Christ. They are also empowered to meet God’s
expectation of consistent faith as they share in the empowering vitality of Living
Christ through their very real Spiritual merger with Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And this symbiotic life in Christ
results in a very natural, everyday friendship which is intimate, deeply
meaningful, and completely fulfilling. The
apostle, Paul, wrote of this dual-phased redemption this way, “<i>For
if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son,
much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This, then, is the authentic Gospel
message, a message of forgiveness and real elevation for the believer, which is
all singularly enabled by Jesus Christ.
It is a message of the vanquished sinful reality of self-determination
and an empowered faith which consistently expresses itself in our daily
lives. This is the authentic Gospel
given to and experienced by the Church across all of its previous historical
ages.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But That Was Then...<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, that was then; and,
this is now. In these more recent times,
there is a <i>competing approach</i><b> </b>to relationship with God, a “<b><i>treacherously</i></b>
<b><i>revised
gospel</i></b>.” As noted earlier, it is
an antichrist approach that touts the <b><i>“non-responsibility”</i></b> of the
believer. Under this approach, the
believer sees himself as <i><u>necessarily</u>
released from all accountability for his lifestyle realities</i><b>.</b><span style="color: magenta;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Foundational Idea<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Again, the foundational idea
of this approach is that man, even redeemed man,<i> is simply not capable of rising above a lifestyle of daily sin in some
form.</i> This is the <b><i>Prime
Tenet</i></b> of this <i>non-responsibility
gospel</i>. This idea of mankind’s <b><i>incorrigible
waywardness</i></b> is then extended to the conclusion that <i>if man is not capable of rising above sin, a
just God cannot and does not require him to do so.</i> All else in this corrupted gospel stems from
this progression.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Term, Itself<span style="color: #ffc000; mso-themecolor: accent4;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, before we go further
with this explanation, let’s briefly consider more specifically the term <i>“Non-responsible,”</i> itself. We’ve chosen to use this term instead of <i>“Irresponsibl</i>e” to stay clear of the
idea of <i>intentional carelessness</i>. A <i>conscious
and</i> <i>willful disregard of their
responsibility</i> is largely not the situation with those who subscribe to
this bogus gospel. Rather, the more
accurate description is one where those subscribers are simply<b><i>
unaware of any compelling responsibility on the part of the believer.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The New Version<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"> </span> So, here, in essence, is the
prevailing grassroots thinking across the modern American Protestant /
Evangelical Church regarding Christian redemption. What follows is, in a nutshell, the corrupted,
<b><i>“pop-theology”</i></b>
that is presently carrying the day, numerically, across this segment of the modern
Church. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, please understand, this is not
to say that this non-responsible idea has changed the formal theological
positions of the various denominations involved. Oh no, those positions, and the books they
reside in, are still quite safe and intact in their ivy covered collegiate
enclaves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Rather, far worse, this idea is
moving through and becoming deeply engrained in the American Church as simply, <b><i>the
everyday, practical theology of <u>rank and file believers</u>.</i></b> And, in this way, this theological virus is
able to easily transcend those more formal and traditional theological borders and
books since those are mostly ignored at this grass roots level. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, subsequent to their statement of
faith in Christ, by far, the dominant, everyday, working theology in the mind
of the American Protestant/Evangelical at the rank and file level has come to
be this. <i>“Because I, even as a believer, cannot live above sin, then <b>grace</b> has to mean mercy (unmerited
favor). And, <b>righteousness</b> has to be merely assigned (imputed) to me in Christ
without any basis in my own reality. And,
<b>God’s love</b> has to be always unconditional. And, <b>faith</b>
can impose no necessity of material expression in my lifestyle. All of this must be so in order for me to become
entirely <b>non-responsible</b> before God,
and thereby, to become able to survive His scrutiny of my life.”</i><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This Changes Everything<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, this non-responsible approach
changes everything. Obviously, a radical
revision to the authentic Gospel becomes absolutely necessary in order to
substantiate this idea that a believer is not held accountable by God for his
or her lifestyle reality. This revision
must happen because the authentic Gospel never held any expectation that a
believer would<b><i> peacefully coexist </i></b>with <b><i>dominating sin </i></b>in an environment of
non-responsibility. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Rather, the ancient expectation, as
we’ve seen, was the absolute <b><i>conquest</i></b> of both the <b><i>essential
sin motive</i></b> within the believer’s heart and its <b><i>real expressions</i></b> in his
or her life. So, when we subscribe,
instead, to the idea of a <i>comfortable
coexistence</i> with both, it does, indeed, change everything.<b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Perfect Example: THE “ROMAN DILEMMA”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> We can look to the writings of Paul
for a perfect picture of what this antichrist gospel considers <b><i>the
normal and unalterable state of the believer</i></b>. In the passage which follows, Paul is simply
putting himself in the place of the <b><i>novice</i></b> Christian and identifying
with their struggles as he writes this in chapter 7 of the book of Romans. “<i>For
the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I
practice. Now if I do what I will not to
do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> “I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one
who wills to do good. For I delight in
the law of God according to the inward man.
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind,
and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Devil’s Normal<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The condition which Paul describes
here might, indeed, be correctly understood as that <b><i>“Incorrigible Sin Motive”</i></b>
which still exists in the subconscious of a new believer. But, God has the perfect remedy for this
condition in the Living Christ, as we shall see. Nevertheless, the contention of the antichrist
gospel is that this frustrating condition is the normal and enduring condition
of the believer – an every day and life-long dilemma which the believer cannot
escape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, in fact, we will discover, that
this is absolutely not true. In truth, this
confliction is shown to be a very abnormal and temporary condition when viewed
through the lens of the authentic redemptive process. And, in fact, Paul goes on in chapter 8 of the
book of Romans to clearly expose the believer’s deliverance from this condition
through the Living Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Discrediting the Non-responsible Approach<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And really, to expose the remedy for
this <b><i>“Roman
Dilemma”</i></b> is to completely discredit the <b><i>prime tenet</i></b> of the non-responsible
approach to relationship with God. To
refresh that idea, it holds that <i>human
beings, even redeemed human beings, are not capable of consistently living
above the essential sin motive of self-determination.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, the idea is that <i>even believers, <u>remain compelled by the
self (sin) motive within, to gratify their own desires in various ways</u></i> <i>– even at the expense of God’s</i>. And so, again, the thought necessarily follows
that <i>since it is impossible for the
believer to resist the sin impulse, God cannot and does not require this of
mankind in this life</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, if, in fact, a remedy can be
shown to exist for this <b><i>chronic waywardness</i></b> which Paul clearly
describes here in Romans, then the non-responsible approach to relationship
with God is, indeed, entirely discredited.
This is true because its prime tenet, which holds that there is no such
remedy, is shown to be an error.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, before we directly address this
<i>Roman Dilemma</i>, it is necessary to first
confirm an accurate and uncorrupted understanding of the most essential concepts
of the Christian faith. So, let’s briefly
leave this Roman question for now to begin this confirmation in the next
section. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> There we will simply take a little
time to correctly re-set those most critical concepts of redemption as we, at
the same time, expose the corrupting revisions made to them in these more
modern times by this antichrist gospel. And, then we will return to this Roman
Dilemma and directly address the picture which the apostle paints here.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-5-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">[Continue to Section 5]</a></u></b></span></div>
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Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-53830793870963442522017-09-23T16:47:00.002-07:002020-04-24T09:28:59.793-07:00Section 5: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Re-establishing
Some Critical Concepts:</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><b>GRACE:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In recent times, <i>grace</i> has come to be popularly understood to mean “unmerited
favor.” This definition does not even
come close to defining the actual meaning of <i>Grace.</i> But, this error has
been repeated so often, at this point, that it has come to seem completely
legitimate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> One reason that this definition of <i>unmerited favor</i> has been so often
repeated is that it is important in substantiating the non-responsible
gospel. This definition is typically
used to turn the idea of grace into an <b><i>exclusion</i></b> that relieves the believer
of the consequences normally connected to wrong doing. Obviously, this is a key change that nicely fits
the non-responsibility idea that the believer has no real obligation to rise
above the sin impulse. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">An Overspecialization<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, let’s just look at the real
definition of the word. <u>Webster’s
Dictionary</u> defines Grace as, <i>“Seemingly
effortless beauty, ease and charm of movement, proportion, or form; a charming
quality or characteristic.”</i> <u>Funk
and Wagnall’s Standard Dictionary</u> defines it as, <i>“Any excellence, characteristic, quality, or endowment.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Greek word that is translated as
<i>grace</i> every time, save one, in the
New Testament is “Charis.” <u> Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New
Testament</u> (A widely and highly regarded work) gives this definition for
that word, <i>“That which affords joy,
pleasure, delight.”</i> <u>Strong’s
Dictionary of the Greek Testament</u> (also a very highly regarded work) gives
this meaning: <i>“Graciousness (as
gratifying) of manner or act.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Broader Meaning More Accurate<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The idea in these legitimate
lexicons is simple. These completely
objective and highly regarded dictionaries give us a much broader definition of
grace than is involved in the pop-definition of <i>unmerited favor</i>. They define
grace, in short, as simply a kind of <b><i>“innate goodness”</i></b> (<i>innate</i> meaning, from the beginning, or
occurring originally or naturally.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, the idea being conveyed in these
reputable references speaks simply of <b><i>a natural or characteristic goodness</i></b>. And that is the primary way <b><i>“grace”</i></b>
should be understood in the New Testament.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> We should point out, here, that the
Bible does not have its own special meanings for the words that it
contains. In fact, just the reverse is
true. It is a necessary requirement for
Bible translators that they have a broad and accurate knowledge of both the
language that they are translating from, and the language that they are
translating to. This is necessary so
that they can employ words accurately as to their established meanings. In any reputable translation of the Bible,
every effort goes toward this accurate rendering into the commonly held
usage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So,
the contention here is that the truth is far better served when one understands
grace as the general references render it:
simply <i>a naturally occurring
goodness</i>. When we understand grace
in this way, we soon come to see that <b><i>to be saved “by grace”</i></b> speaks more
of the <i>naturally occurring goodness in
the character and motives of God</i>, than merely to the smaller idea of <i>“mercy</i>.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Certainly, mercy (unmerited favor) is involved
in our salvation. And, it is certainly a
part of and a product of God’s grace.
But, grace is not mercy. The two
terms do not interchange equally. And,
to attempt to do so is to greatly narrow and so specialize the idea of grace
that its true meaning, and thus, the intent of the scripture, becomes
lost. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Superior Personal Government<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> However, when we understand grace
correctly, the stage is then set to understand something astounding. It is the role that grace plays in the
transformation of the believer. A
tremendous awareness, which is entirely lost through the non-responsible idea
of “unmerited favor,” is that this same divine grace (naturally occurring
goodness) eventually also expresses itself within the believer, through our
Spiritual merger with Christ, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Through our Spiritual integration
with the character essence of Christ, we are literally connected to His
gracefulness, just as we are to his other character traits. And, this naturally occurring goodness (which
we share with the character essence of Living Christ) then enables a
spectacular change in the way that God’s people are governed and guided. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Paul makes a profound statement in
this regard in Romans, chapter 6, where he says, <i>“</i><i>For sin shall not
have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.</i><i>”</i> With this statement, Paul confirms that God’s
people have transitioned from a personal government based in the external rules
of the divine law. He confirms here that
we are now governed by the internal government of grace, this Christ-based
instinctive goodness now present within the believer’s heart through the
Spiritual merger. And, this change,
changes everything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It provides a wonderfully natural and
comfortable guidance to our daily life. So,
grace becomes a very instinctive heart-based personal government to replace the
very un-natural and completely awkward government of external rules. Thus, in the Living Christ, the believer merely
begins to naturally <b><i>do,</i></b> what he has <b><i>become </i></b>in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Obviously, this is a far superior
method of personal governance. And, it is
one which absolutely succeeds where that of external rules, even the divine
external rules, have failed in the past.
So, the apostle would also write this in Romans, chapter 6. <i>“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,
God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned
sin in the flesh: <sup>4 </sup>That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled
in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>What It Is, What It Isn't</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The accurate and truthful view of
grace is to understand it as this guiding goodness which is naturally occurring
in the nature of God, and now, through the Living Christ, in the renewed nature
of the believer. Understanding this,
provides a much broader and more accurate insight into the true nature and the
larger redemptive roll of grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, grace, understood correctly, is
not a term that describes God’s willingness to simply overlook all human failing,
thus abdicating His original plan for an obedient, faith-expressive
people. Obviously, when properly
defined, grace is hardly the means of non-responsibility. Rather, grace enables responsibility by
providing a very nature-based way to instinctively respond to God and to life in
true goodness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, it is the greatest perversion to
re-tailor the meaning of grace to lay a foundation which allows one to retreat
from<span style="color: magenta;"> </span>responsibility. Such an idea is not only inaccurate from the
standpoint of definition, but it is also in complete disagreement with
everything that God has intended for His people from the beginning. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
<b><i>How Very Logical</i></b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How very logical when you think about it, and how very
“amazing,” indeed. God has found a way
to bring effective and consistent heart government to the human being by
enabling us to share in the good heart motives of Christ’s through our personal
merger with Him. And then, His graceful
instincts become our own to provide an every day, easy government of
grace. It is the natural government of
instinctive goodness. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And what could
be more natural? As the good impulses
which move Christ become our inner impulses and begin to move us, we now become
able to serve God with the same natural affinity with which we once served our
own self-centeredness. Where once we
instinctively responded to dark and selfish urges, now we respond to the
natural impulses of light and true goodness.
<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So that’s what God meant when He said, “I will put My
Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes; and, you will keep My
judgments and do them.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> SIN: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, let’s consider the issue of <b><i>Sin</i></b>. It is obviously an important issue in Christian
theology. And how we view and deal with sin
defines the fundamental conflict between the antichrist gospel and the
authentic Gospel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Nature of Sin and the Sin Problem<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> To understand how the believer can
survive before a holy God in a context of real accountability, it is necessary
to first understand the nature of sin and the sin problem. This understanding begins with a simple
idea: <b><i>Sin has a twofold nature</i>. </b>Sin is often expressed as an <b><i>action. </i></b>But, it is essential that we
understand that <i>sin does not only exists
in the form of an act</i>. It also
exists as an <b><i>internal value</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Sin Value<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, what
are values? Values are those things that
we, well, <i>value</i> in our heart. They are our most <u>dearly held</u> <i>principles, beliefs, tenets, etc.</i> stored
on the deepest governing level of our core person. And, these values, these life governing
principles, are so intrinsic to who we are that they are often more like
instincts than cognitive thoughts. And,
all of our values, taken together, form our <i>Value
System</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, it
is this value system, this collection of values, which serves as a kind of <b><i>“interpretive
life filter”</i></b> to enable us to sort out the issues of life. Thus, every day, our values serve as our
personal guidance system to decide good and evil, right and wrong, yes or no, etc. So, indeed, every day, our value system shapes
the kind of life we live, determines the quality of that life, and sets the directions
our life will take. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, our
values are supremely important to the outcome of every day. Jesus said, <i>“</i><i>A good man out of the good
treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of
the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the
abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Essentially
then, our life is, indeed, the product of the values within our heart, our core
being. And that core person is also essentially
defined by this value system. Now, let’s
look at the role values play in the nature of sin and the sin problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Back to the Sin Issue<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, while an act of sin may be the more
visible and familiar expression of sin, it is still only the product of that deeper,
inner dimension of sin, the <i>sin value,</i>
within the heart. But, when we think of
sin in these terms, as a value in the heart, it is important that we understand
the difference between what can aptly be called the <b><i>“Essential or Primary Sin Value”</i></b>
and the <b><i>secondary </i></b>sin impulses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The essential sin value is the <b><i>root
source</i></b><i> <b>of all sin</b></i> in a person’s life.
And, its basic nature is completely uncomplicated. It is simply the value of <b><i>self-determination</i></b>. The idea is simply what was described
above. It is the motive, the drive, the
desire <i>to do your own thing,</i> even
when that <i>“thing”</i> ignores or conflicts
with God’s values and directions. So, it is this very primary sin value, as it
drives us to be self-determined, self-guided, self-sufficient in life, which
then gives rise to the more secondary sin impulses: immorality, cheating, stealing, lying, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God's Primary Target<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, <b><i>it is this essential sin value,
this root source of sin, at which God’s redemptive work is first aimed.</i></b> Eliminating this rebellious and very compelling
sin value from the governing level of man’s heart is the key to restoring fallen
mankind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This is true because this value is
in direct opposition to the <b><i>faith value</i></b>, the nature of which is
also very uncomplicated. The faith value
is the <b><i>diametric opposite</i></b> of the sin value which insists on
self-expression. But, the faith value is
the motive, the drive, the desire to humble one’s self before God by willingly
embracing <u>His values</u> and directions, rather than your own. <i> </i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Sin Voice :</b> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Open Hostility vs. Quiet Independence</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, within our core person of
unredeemed man, on the subconscious level, this value becomes a kind of <b><i>“sin
voice,”</i></b> the constant expression <i>self-sovereignty</i>
(self-rule). And it constantly demands
the freedom to be self-determined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Sometimes this is an observably
caustic expression which comes out as an arrogant and openly rebellious
opposition to God, as might be observed in a very nefarious non-believer. In this form, the influence of the sin value might
be seen as a fist-shaking, <i>“stay out of
my way, God, and leave me alone,”</i> kind of attitude. When the sin value expresses itself like
this, it is easily identified for what it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Most often though, it does not
express itself in this way, at all. It
is far more frequent that the sin value will simply express itself as a quiet, but
resolute, independence. In this more
attractive form, the essential sin value may actually allow us to consciously
acknowledge God for who He is. It may
even allow for a casual pursuit of God.
But, in truth, it will never allow us to enter into anything more than a
<i>self-protecting</i> encounter with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, it should be noted too, that,
even in this more attractive form, this quiet independence is still a very real
form of rebellion against God’s authority as the Creator. And, it has the same separating effect. And, it draws the same stern judgment of God
as that more abrasive expression of the sin value. They are, in essence, the same.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Condemnation, Absent Expression<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, it is this inner dimension of
sin, the sin value, which condemns the soul before God. And, it does this before it ever expresses
itself as an act of any kind. So, the
idea of putting our good works up against our bad works in the balance scales
of the final judgement suddenly begins to appear as what it truly is – childish
and ridiculous. What will be examined
first and foremost in the final judgement will be our heart, not our works. And, this will be done with a singular
interest in finding out what is the dominant value in this heart – the sin
value, or the faith value. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">An Obvious Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Even to our minds, then, it becomes
obvious that to really answer the problem of sinful actions, one would have to
deal, first, with this <b><i>root cause</i></b>: the sin value. And certainly, the all-knowing God has known
from the beginning that it is in the heart, including the subconscious heart, and
not in the expression, that sin must be remedied. The act of sin is but the symptom of the real
disease within. Cure the disease and the
symptoms disappear. <b><i>So, it is this inner dimension of
sin at which the redemptive work of Christ is first aimed.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jesus
expresses His grasp of this need to His disciples in Matthew, chapter 15, when
he asks, “<i>Are you also still without
understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes
into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the
mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed
evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,
blasphemies...” </i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Non-responsible Tactic<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> When it comes to the issue of sin,
the non-responsible gospel does not actually tamper much with the meaning or
nature of the concept. Rather, it makes
sin (both the value and the actual expressions) a moot point by simply, as
always, making the believer non-accountable for its existence in his heart and
life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Essential Sin = A Deceitful
Presentation<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b><i> We can be self-determined and still be a moral
person. We can be self-determined and
yet consciously pursue the affections of God, at least to a point. We can be self-determined and still be very
principled. But, even with all of this
accommodation and more, it still remains true that self-determination, whether openly
hostile or very subdued, will ultimately separate us from God and draw God’s
judgment. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>We were created to be God-directed creatures, not
self-directed creatures. Adam failed,
and mankind in him, not because he shook an angry and defiant fist in God’s
face, but because he quietly insisted on setting his own course in life. It is this kind of volitional sin which has
now touched us all through him. And, it
is this kind of sin, the sin of the self-sovereign heart, for which we should
be most concerned – as is God.</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> FAITH:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Faith Is Also Two Dimensional</b><b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Like sin, faith also has a two
dimensional nature. It also involves the
inner, <b><i>value (or heart motive) dimension</i></b> and the external, <b><i>expression
(or action) dimension</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b>James, in the New Testament, begins to introduce us to the dual nature
of faith in chapter 2 of his epistle where he says,<i> </i><i>“</i><i><sup>
</sup></i><i>What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but
does not have works? Can faith save him? <sup> </sup>If a brother or sister is naked
and destitute of daily food, <sup>16 </sup>and
one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do
not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? <br />
Thus also faith by itself, if
it does not have works, is dead. But
someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith
without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>Here, James indicates that the <i>faith
value</i> is not meant to be frustrated or defeated by non-expression. His simple point is that it is inappropriate
and incorrect for God’s people not to be a <b><i>faith-expressive</i></b> people. The idea is that faith is not meant to be
bottled up and held to only its inner dimension. It is meant to have its perfection, <b><i>its
completion</i></b>, through expression, through actions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Non-responsibility Twist<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It is odd, and completely incorrect,
that we in the modern Church have largely come to think of Sin only in terms of
concrete action. And yet, we now tend to
subtract that concreteness from our faith.
But, indeed, James set this error right.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Nevertheless, in contrast to James’s
authentic Gospel teaching of the need for the believer to be <i>faith-expressive</i>, the non-responsibility
view holds that the believer has absolutely no requirement to be so. This thought, of course, is the logical
extension of a belief in the <b><i>dominance of sin</i></b>. Certainly, in a sin dominated condition,
there can be no expectation that the believer can consistently express his
faith in the real terms of Christ-directed works. So, again, God must not require him to do so.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Typically, this conclusion is also
bolstered by <i>overextending</i> the truth
that faith justifies the believer before it finds expression as an action. This certainly is the case. It is the embrace of the faith <i>value</i> within the heart which justifies
the believer - before it is ever expressed as an act of any kind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But to extend this idea to say that
“God, therefore, holds no expectation of expression” is a grotesque error. And, that is the very error that James discredits
in his New Testament writings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Obviously, this over-extension is
necessary to make the believer non-responsible.
But, again, the New Testament makes it clear that, in truth, God holds a
very real expectation of expression from a Christ empowered faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Perfect Answer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, let’s look closer at the <b><i>faith
value</i></b>. Notice that it is the <i>diametric opposite</i> of the sin
value. When the sin value would dictate
in the human heart, <i>“my own will be
done,”</i> the faith value would gladly dictate the opposite sentiment: <i>“God’s will be done.”</i> <b><i>This makes</i></b><i> <b>the faith value the perfect remedy
for the sin value.</b> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Merely The Difference<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>We should note that we are merely discussing the difference between the
faith value and the sin value at this point.
We are not describing a constant tension between those two motives
within a believer. It would be completely
inaccurate to understand that, at the point of every issue, the believer’s
heart is torn in a life-long battle between these 2 opposing values: “This time – will it be my will or God’s
will?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Actually, nothing could possibly be
further from the redemptive truth. While
this situation does temporarily occur for the <i>Spiritually incomplete</i> believer, it is absolutely not the usual case
for the mature believer who has experienced a personal merger with the Living
Christ through the Spiritual baptism. In
the mature, Spirit-filled believer, the impact of the Living Christ on his or
her heart eventually erases, entirely, such confrontation. Obviously, once we are empowered and directed
by a shared Value System with the Living Christ within, it is no great matter
to then easily and naturally embrace a shared life decision or direction. We share a heart, why would we not be agreed
in our decisions and directions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, in truth, tension and
confrontation is what sinners and, sometimes, <i>Spiritually incomplete</i> believers experience. But, those things are absolutely not the
stuff of a Spiritually mature believer’s relationship with God. The heart-agreement with God which the
Living Christ empowers within the believer makes the “faith answer” so completely
natural as to make it a foregone conclusion,
<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Faith Ultimately Rules<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, faith in its inner dimension
enables us to embrace God’s will over our own.
It works like this: At conversion
our faith value begins to challenge the sin value for ascendency, first on the
conscious level, and, eventually, through the power of the Living Christ within,
on the subconscious level. And,
ultimately, through Christ, the faith motive does entirely supersede the sin motive
within the believer’s heart. In the next
major section, we will see precisely how this comes to be as we discuss <i>The Dual Role of Christ.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">More Will Than Intellect<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> We can also notice that the faith
value is much more about the will than the intellect. Redemptive faith does not revolve around an
intellectual focus. It is not really about
being mentally convinced of a set of facts, such as, that Jesus is the Messiah or
that He died on the Cross. Redemptive
faith is a volitional, a willful, response in the heart to the implications of
such facts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Again, James was very clear in
chapter 2 of his letter in the New Testament that such an intellectual position,
absent a humbled and responsive heart, is not at all sufficient to redeem. He said, <i>“You
believe that there is one God. You do well.
Even the demons believe and tremble!”</i> So, James notes that the
demons know for certain, the facts of God's existence and the role He plays in
the human experience. But, he is clear
that this knowledge of fact still does not engage a redemptive faith in
them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Faith That Saves: “Influential Humility”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Therefore, it is important that we
grasp the precise intent of the New Testament when it speaks of <b><i>Faith</i></b>,
especially the faith which saves our soul.
In general terms, redemptive faith is a deeply held value within the
core person (within the heart). It is
essentially the value of humility. So, redemptive faith <i>originates </i>as simply an <i>ascendant
heart value</i>, which produces this unforced, every-situation heart response
to God: <i>“I trust you more than me.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, redemptive faith can be
described as <b><i>“influential</i> <i>humility</i>,”</b>
meaning, a humility which encompasses <i>the
sum of all that we are, </i>the entirety of our personal influence. And, this profound and pervasive humility is
not merely a come-and-go, emotion. It is,
indeed, the <i>superseding motive</i> of our
core person, held on the deepest governing level, and causing us to happily
embrace the beauty and goodness of God’s benevolence. And, in practical, everyday terms, this redemptive
faith motive expresses itself simply as our willingness to embrace<i> God’s value system and directions</i>,
rather than defining those things for our self.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Influential Humility Defines the Believer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, it is this <i>influential humility</i> which actually defines a true believer. Those who <b><i>believe,</i></b> to the saving of
their souls, are those who humbly <b><i>entrust</i></b><i> themselves (the whole of their influence) to God</i>, trusting in His
sufficiency for life more than their own.
This is the truly redemptive faith which one ultimately comes to in John
3:16 where John says, <i>“that whoever <b>believes</b> <b>in Him</b> should not perish but have everlasting life.”</i> The phrase, <i>“believes in Him”</i> denotes a confidence, <b><i>the willingness</i></b> <b><i>to <u>confide</u>
one’s self to God, </i></b>thus making your influence entirely subject to His.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Obviously then, <b><i>the faith value</i></b>, <i>influential humility,</i> is in perfect
opposition to <b><i>the sin value</i></b> of <i>self-determination.
</i> When understood in this way, redemptive
faith is easily seen as it should be.
Indeed, it is not merely an intellectual position on God’s existence or
the identity of Christ. Rather, it is a
life transforming heart motive. And, it
is God’s perfect remedy for the sin motive of self-determination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i><b><i>The
Great Leap:</i></b><i> </i><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God is profoundly interested in the renewal of His
creature. And, that renewal involves a
very simple, but also very profound, change in our life-approach. That elemental change is our re-direction
from the arrogance of self-determination, with its feelings of self-sufficiency,
to the humility of faith. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, when Jesus says if we seek to save our life we
will surely lose it, He is underscoring the importance of humility, of relinquishing
control of our life to Him. The idea is
to literally confide ourselves to Him in the real terms of embracing both His
value system and His directions for our life.
This is the true nature of redemptive faith. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is no great leap to believe in the existence of the
Almighty God. The empirical evidence of that
reality is everywhere to an objective mind.
But, the great leap of faith which saves the soul is to happily and
whole-heartedly risk our self to His loving arms.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> THE
NATURE OF GOD’S LOVE:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, we are ready to
consider one very important and final concept that the non-responsible gospel
has deeply corrupted. It is the nature
of God’s love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> An important part of the antichrist
gospel is the accentuation of the idea that God’s love is <b><i>unconditional</i></b>. Obviously, this is true, but this idea is
better thought of as being <i>part of the
truth</i>. In reality, the non-responsible
gospel has so exaggerated this unconditional aspect of God’s love that it has
all but entirely hidden, from the modern Church, the larger and more accurate
concept. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Love and Respect<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, to discover the larger picture,
let’s begin, not by looking at the idea of love, but by considering the idea of
<b><i>Respect</i></b>. These two concepts are very connected, as we
shall see. And, an understanding of the
idea of respect is the best way to begin to approach an accurate understanding
of God’s love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, indeed, there are some
interesting connections between love and respect. For example, God often employs love and
respect together, in balance, as a molding apparatus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In The Nature of God<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Consider the nature of God,
Himself. He is certainly a molding
influence upon His creation. And, we can
easily see these two ideas working in balance as we look closely at the nature
of God. God, the Father, very clearly
represents an authority figure who commands our respect. Christ, on the other hand - God, the Son -clearly
represents God’s love to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In God’s Word<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Also, God’s Word, the primary
shaping instrument for His creation, has this same dichotomy in its nature. The Old Testament emphasizes the need to
respect His authority. The New Testament
clearly emphasizes His tender love for humanity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>In The Family Structure</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In this same vein, God has also
established this balance of influences in the family to mold children. Fatherhood generally represents respect for
authority to a child; and, motherhood brings the touch of tender love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, Some Powerful Parallels<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This connection between love and
respect, to serve God's molding processes, is not the only impressive
relationship between the two ideas.
There are also some powerful parallels between the nature of love and
the nature of respect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Respect Comes In Three Types:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Respect Based In Nature<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Respect comes in three types. First, there is the respect which is based in
the human <i>nature</i>. This is the basic respect that is due to
every human being simply because he or she <u>is</u> a human being. It is not earned. It is just a part of the human worth and right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Respect Based in Position<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Second, there is the respect which
is based in<i> position</i>. This is the type of respect that might be
given to an officer in the military, or a parent, or a president. And, neither is it necessarily earned or
personally deserved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This type of respect has nothing to
do with one’s actual worth or performance as a person. Instead, it has everything to do with the
position they hold. The military has a
saying, “You don't salute the man. You
salute the uniform” (representing rank or position). This describes, well, the idea behind the
respect that is based solely in position. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Respect Based In Performance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Finally, there is the respect which is
based in <i>performance</i>. <b>This
type of respect must definitely be earned.</b>
We can insist that our children always give us the respect of our <i>position</i> as a parent, even when we do it
poorly. But no one, not even parents,
can <i>demand</i> the respect that is base
in performance when good performance is absent.
This respect must be earned <i>through
admirable</i> <i>performance</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It simply isn't possible to obtain
this kind of respect by demanding it. It
only comes through merit. You must genuinely
deserve it; or, you simply will not get it.
This is true in the home, in the workplace, or in the sports arena, for
example. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In
A Word<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, we use the single word, “<i>Respect,”</i> to refer to all three types of
respect. But, in fact, to really
understand the nature of respect, you must understand that it actually does
exist in these three different ways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, God’s Love<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, let’s come back to God’s
love. It has a similar <b><i>trilateral
nature</i></b>. God loves us with a love
that is based in His nature. He loves us
with a love that is based in His position.
And, He loves us with a love that is base in His expectation of
performance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> To accurately understand God’s love,
one must understand all three facets of it.
<b>Always, God’s love exists in
these three ways - at the same time.</b>
That is why it is incorrect to simply understand God’s love as <i>unconditional</i>. It is that; but, we should also understand that
it is much more than that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It is impossible, for example, to
reconcile the idea of the God of judgment with that of the God of unconditional
love. So, in order to have an accurate
image of God and accurately predict His responses toward us, we must comprehend
the different aspects of His love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God’s Love Based In His Nature<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> First, let’s consider the aspect of
God’s love that is based in His nature.
This is the tender, unconditional love that we hear so much about. And, it fully fits the popular
description. It is the love of John
3:16. It is a forgiving love, a securing
love, a welcoming love, a non-condemning love.
It is the love of the open arms of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This is the kind of love that good
parents give their children in the child’s infancy and earliest childhood. But,
this is not the love that entirely rears and matures our children. No parent can rear children using only this unconditional
kind of love without damaging that child.
And, God certainly does not do this with His children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God’s Love Based In His Position<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> God’s rearing kind of love involves his
larger position. To explain this aspect
of God’s love involves a simple statement.
It is this: <b> <i>God
always loves us in the context of His larger responsibility.</i></b> In other words, God’s love for us,
individually, is always set in His awareness of His larger responsibility to
the whole of His creation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It is this aspect of God’s love, His
<b><i>position-based
love</i></b>, the love of the <b><i>Governing Creator</i></b>, which places Him
on the throne of judgment. It is this
position-based love that causes Him to look beyond just the individual child. To be truly a God of love, He must attend to
the higher and larger concerns of the whole of His creation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It is this same kind of positional
love which causes parents, to say “no” to our children for their own good. It is this love which causes us to punish children
for their wrong doing, and to refuse to give them a position above principal and
what is right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> As does God, some part of good
parents will always love their children with that unconditional kind of
love. But, that is not the love that
governs in the realm of our larger responsibility to them and to society. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The same is true of God’s love for
mankind. Individually, God loves us as
dear children with a very basic and unconditional love that is ever in place. <b><i>But, though it is always there, it is
ultimately subservient to God’s positional love, which is based in the context
of His larger responsibility to the whole of His creation.</i></b> Thus, this
position-based love of the <b><i>Governing Creator </i></b>is very much a <b><i>conditional
love.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God’s Love Based In Performance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Finally, let's consider the aspect
of God's love which is <b><i>based in performance</i></b>. This is the love of John 14:21 and following
where Jesus said this, <i>“<u>He who has My
commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me</u>. </i>[the condition]<i> And he who loves Me will be loved by My
Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him</i>.”[the merit-based
response]<i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Judas
(not Iscariot) said to Him, ‘Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to
us, and not to the world?’” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he
will keep My word; </i>[the condition] <i>and My Father
will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.’”</i>[the
merit-based response] [Brackets added]<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The love described in this passage is
a love that requires, even demands, something from us in the way of
performance. This kind of divine love <b><i>must
be merited</i></b>. <b><i>It is not given except in
response to merit</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The New Testament makes it clear to
open minds that this highest and most desirable aspect of God’s love will only
be experienced by those who have met its conditions. Consider, for example, in addition to the
verses above, The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14 and following). Then simply continue reading in this same
chapter the teachings of Jesus on how He will separate the “sheep” from the
“goats” (Matthew 25: 31 and following).
These references speak of an expression of God’s love that is only given
in response to genuine merit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So,
God’s love is sometimes <i>unconditional</i>.
But, it is also sometimes <i>very conditional</i> in the ways that we
have described. To understand God’s love
only as unconditional will never explain the real God with which we have to
do. However, when we understand His love
in this three dimensional way, we can anticipate with much more accuracy His
responses to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Again, Redefinition<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, again, we note that a key concept
within the authentic Gospel has been redefined to fit the non-responsible narrative. God’s love, is portrayed in the antichrist
gospel as always dismissive of a believer’s real behavior. Thus, as in many other cases with this bogus
gospel, this is an error based in the extreme exaggeration of a partial
truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> As a result of the widespread
acceptance of this “always unconditional” error, the contemporary Church has
largely come to believe that God’s love never requires anything of the believer.
So, again, the non-responsible theme is
extended. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Nevertheless, this idea is in complete
opposition to the truth. Divine love is,
in fact, very often a truly expectant love. And, it absolutely does sometimes
require an appropriate response on the part of the believer in the ways that we
have looked at.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In
Summary<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, again, it is true that God loves
us unconditionally. But, He also loves
us in light of His larger responsibility to protect the integrity and
well-being of the whole of His creation. And, He loves us accord with the merit
of our faith-expressive performance or the absence thereof. And, He loves us in all of these ways at the
same time and at all times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Now,
God’s Love In Acti</b><b>on<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, just before we return to sort
out that Roman Dilemma of the last section, let’s proceed to one more
intervening section. In this next
section, entitled, <b><i>The Dual Role Of Christ</i></b>, we will take a look at God’s
magnificent love in action by magnifying the role of Christ in redemption to
gain more details. This, too, will help
us comprehend the wonder of what we are about to discover when we return to better
understand the believer who was trapped in that “Roman dilemma.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-6-dark-light-exposing-gospel-of.html" target="_blank">[Continue to Section 6]</a></u></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-60499290631120977802017-09-23T16:42:00.003-07:002018-07-05T15:51:28.623-07:00Section 6: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s1600/Eye.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s320/Eye.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Dual Role
Of Christ:</span><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Magnificent Savior of the World<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So now, it remains only to root out
the <b><i>sin
value</i></b> of <i>self-determination</i> in
the human heart and replace it with the <b><i>faith value</i></b> of <i>influential humility before God</i>.
This is where our magnificent <b><i>Christ</i></b> must very visibly enter the redemptive
picture. He is the final, “Keystone”
element in God’s long unfolding “<i>Redemptive
Blueprint.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, at this point, with some
increased magnification, let’s overview of the role of Christ. When we have grasped God’s unabated intention
for a sensitive and faith-expressive people, and when we have understood the
true nature of <i>grace,</i> and <i>sin</i>, and <i>faith</i>, then Christ becomes all the more magnificent in His role (or
perhaps better said, <b><i>His dual role</i></b>) as the one, true, and
perfect Savior of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, let’s look at the “Alpha and
Omega,” the “Beginning and the End,” the “Author and Finisher” of our
faith. As all of these descriptions which
are assigned to Him in the New Testament indicate, indeed, we are really
looking at one Christ in two distinct roles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Dying Christ: Our Reconciliation<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Let’s begin by considering the
“Dying Christ.” He is the Christ we
celebrate first. It is His purpose to
satisfy God’s justice by dying for our sin, in our place. In doing so, He secures our forgiveness and
enables a renewed relationship with God the Father. In short, Christ’s purpose
as The Dying Christ is simply to initiate our reconciliation to God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Imputed Righteousness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, the sacrifice of the Dying
Christ not only brings forgiveness and reconciliation, but it also provides an <b><i>initial</i>
<i>protection</i></b> to the believer which the
Church commonly refers to as <b><i>Imputed Righteousness</i></b><i>. </i> Paul describes this benefit in Romans, chapter
4. There, he says this, <i>“Now to him who works, the wages are not
counted as grace but as debt. But to him
who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is
accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of
the man to whom God <b>imputes
righteousness</b> apart from works:
‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are
covered; blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.’”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Sidebar: <i>Imputed
Righteousness:</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Here, a brief sidebar may be needed
to explain this <i>initial benefit</i> which
springs simply from our faith in Christ. To begin, let’s just note two things which are
of primary importance regarding imputed righteousness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Imputed righteousness is based in the work of
Christ, not those of the believer.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> At the moment of our conversion, when
we make a sincere decision to embrace the Lordship of Christ, everything instantly
changes regarding our standing before God.
Remember, it is this decision to <b><i>happily</i></b> <b><i>embrace, in Christ, God’s values
and directions</i></b> for our life which constitutes the <b><i>Redemptive Faith </i></b>which
saves our soul. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, it is this profound change of
heart, alone, before any connected expressions of works or actions ever occur,
which removes our condemnation and restores us to <b><i>a</i> <i>righteous standing</i></b><i> </i>in
God’s eyes. And this righteous standing
is what the apostle makes reference to above as <b><i>Imputed Righteousness.</i></b> So, immediately, based merely on this humble
embrace of Christ in our heart, we are absolved of all guilt before God. This is just the simple nature of that
conversion moment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, imputed righteousness is merely
an <b><i>ascribed</i></b>
righteousness. That is, it is merely <b><i>assigned
</i></b>to the believer by God. And, it
has no basis in actual merit on the part of the believer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Rather, this <i>assigned righteousness</i> is based entirely in the merits of the work
of the Dying Christ on the Cross. It is
He who enables this <i>assignment of
righteousness </i>by taking, what should have been, our punishment on Himself
to satisfy the requirements of divine justice.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, as we embrace the Lordship of
Christ, we are completely absolved of divine condemnation for our previous life
approach <i>of self-determination</i> by His
substitutionary death. And, this is true
even though the believer’s actual reality remains unchanged save in one thing –
that new heart motive of humility toward God (faith).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, this <i>imputed righteousness </i>is born in the moment that we honestly
embrace the Lordship of Christ. And, it does, indeed, attach as an initial
benefit and protection for the new believer.
But, it is by no means the be-all, end-all of the redemptive impact. In truth, this benefit is only one early
aspect of God’s much larger and more sophisticated redemptive process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Imputed Righteousness Is a Transitional
Protection<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The second, and perhaps lesser understood, point
regarding this <i>assigned righteousness<b> </b></i>is that it is transitional in
nature. This <i>preliminary </i>protection for the believer anticipates a time when the
believer will enter into a <b><i>reality-based righteousness</i></b>, which
is enabled through our later <b><i>Spiritual Merger</i></b> with Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Reality-Based Righteousness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Paul speaks of this reality-based
righteousness in Romans, chapter 6, where he says, <i>“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should
obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of
unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the
dead, <b>and your members as instruments of
righteousness</b> to God. <b>For sin shall
not have dominion over you, </b>for you are not under law but under grace. </i>[the
shared instinctive goodness of the divine Spirit]<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but
under grace? Certainly not! Do you not
know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's
slaves whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or <b>of obedience to righteousness</b>?
But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed
from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. <b>And having been set free from sin, you
became slaves of righteousness.”</b></i>
[Brackets Added]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, Paul does introduce us to the
idea of imputed righteousness in chapter 4 of Romans. But here, in chapter 6 of Romans, he also
introduces us to a <b><i>reality-based righteousness</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Spirit Source<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, the apostle doesn’t stop there. In Chapter 8 of Romans, Paul also introduces
us to the power source which enables a reality-based righteousness in the life
of the believer: <b><i>the indwelling divine Spirit</i></b>. He writes in chapter 8: “<i>But if
the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead <b>dwells in you</b>, He who raised Christ from the dead <b>will also give life to your <u>mortal</u>
bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you</b>. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to
live according to the flesh. For if you
live according to the flesh you will die; <b>but
if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God,
these are sons of God.”</b></i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, as this passage unfolds, it becomes
clear that Paul is not speaking of our <i>future
</i>resurrection, as might be first assumed.
Rather, he is describing the here-and-now, every day empowerment which
is available to the believer in this physical life – in this <i>“mortal body.”</i> He is simply explaining that the Divine Spirit
is the enabling resource who brings to us the present capacity for a righteousness
which occurs in our everyday life as the Holy Spirit empowers us from within. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Imputed vs. Reality Based<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, how do we reconcile the purpose
of <i>imputed righteousness</i> with that of
<i>reality-based righteousness? </i>It is simple, really. <i>Imputed
righteousness</i> protects believers prior to their later Spiritual integration
into the empowering character essence of Christ. And, through that empowering Spiritual merger,
the believer then becomes capable of actually living a consistently righteous
life<i>.
</i>But again note, this <i>real
righteousness </i>is enabled,<i> </i>not from
the human resource, but by the sufficiency of Living Christ operating, in
Spirit form, within the believer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It’s By Christ’s Faith<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It works like this. At the point of his or her Spiritual merger
with Christ, the believer literally experiences an integration with the
character essence of Christ. And, as
part of this integration, the believer actually becomes connected to the stronger
<b><i>faith
of Christ</i></b>, as Paul declares in Philippians 3. There, he writes, <i>“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him,
not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is
through<b> the faith of Christ, </b>the
righteousness which is of God by faith.”</i> (Ref. King James Version) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, ultimately, the believer is, in
real terms, connected to Christ’s strong and consistent faith through the
Spiritual merger. And, through this new,
Christ empowered humility (faith value) he or she is truly enabled to conquer
the sin motive of <i>self-determination</i> (the
motive to gratify self). And through
that victory, the believer then becomes consistently faith-expressive toward
God in the real terms of his or her daily lifestyle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, when we are merged with the
character essence of Christ through the Spiritual baptism, the believer enters
an entirely new everyday reality. It is
a reality where he or she is actually well equipped by the Living Christ to experience
this real and consistent reality-based righteousness<b><i>.</i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Paul describes this Christ empowered
life this way in Ephesians, chapter 2: “<i>For
by grace</i> [God’s natural goodness]<i> you
have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;<b> it is the gift of God, </b></i>[the gift of Christ’s faith]<i> not of works, lest anyone should boast.” </i>[Brackets added]<i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>So, as it turns out, the <b><i>divine faith value</i></b> in Christ’s heart
actually becomes the “<b><i>universal Spiritual</i></b><i> <b>gift</b></i>”
which is made available to all believers through the Spiritual merger.<i> </i>And,
the apostle describes the result of that wonderful gift this way.<i> “For
we are His workmanship, <b>created in
Christ Jesus for good works</b>, which God prepared beforehand that we should
walk in them.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now,
through this mysterious, mystical merger with Christ, those wonderful New
Testament implications of the prophesy of Ezekiel are completely fulfilled. Speaking for God, the prophet prophesied of
this, <i>“…</i><i>a new heart
also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take
away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. <sup> </sup>And I
will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye
shall keep my judgments, and do them.”
</i>(Ref.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 KJV)<i>
</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Imputed Righteousness: A Protection of Ever
Diminishing Necessity<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Also, <i>imputed
righteousness</i> is best understood as a safeguard for the believer which is
ever diminishing – not in its availability or its effectiveness, but in its <b><i>necessity</i></b>. Certainly, it can be truthfully said that
this assigned righteousness is ever in place for the sincerely faithful. But, it is equally true that the need for
this protection is an <i>ever lessening
necessity</i> as the believer becomes <i>ever
more empowered</i> by Christ within as the believer matures in His character
essence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Non-Responsible Exaggeration<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, let’s briefly look at how the
non-responsible approach to redemption, again, exaggerates the idea of imputed
righteousness to the point of absurdity.
And, we will also consider the distorting impacts of that exaggeration
upon various other aspects of the true Gospel.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Obviously, imputed righteousness is
a part of Christ’s initial benefits to the believer, as we’ve seen. But, the non-responsible approach does,
indeed, horribly <b><i>exaggerate</i></b> the scope and use of that benefit. According to the non-responsible gospel, <i>imputed righteousness</i> is all there is
for the believer. It simply maintains
that this is the only kind of righteousness which is possible for a chronically
wayward humanity, even in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The non-responsible approach entirely
denies the possibility that, in the Living Christ, a believer can become
capable of a consistently righteous everyday reality. So again, if that is the case, then, God
cannot justly require such. And so, the
non-responsible teaching is that, indeed, He does not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In all of this, we simply see yet
one more example of the core contention flowing out of the antichrist ethos. This denial of Christ’s capacity to
symbiotically empower the believer is just one more version of the idea that
Christ cannot and does not live within the human form. But, as we have seen, in truth, the Resurrected
Christ living within the human nature of the believer is precisely the means by
which God’s people are set free and empowered to become consistently faith-expressive.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A
False Security<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Also, to use this exaggerated view
of imputed righteousness to mask God’s true requirement of a reality-based
righteousness in His people, leads to a false sense of security. It is true that, flowing out of our faith,
imputed righteousness is ever in place as a safety net for the momentary
missteps of a believer during his or her growth in Christ toward maturity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, it is also equally and simultaneously
true that we do not survive divine scrutiny merely by this assigned
righteousness. Again <b><i>we
are ultimately secured only by true faith</i></b>, the humble embrace, in
Christ, of God’s <i>values and directions</i>
for our life – which, in turn, does, indeed, then results in a Christ empowered
obedience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, in the Gospel of Matthew we
read that Jesus said this<i>. </i><i>“</i><i>Not everyone
who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, <b>but he who does the will of My Father in
heaven</b>.”</i>
Matthew
is describing a very tangible faith-expression here, not an exaggerated
dependence on imputed righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Distortion = More Distortion <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> There is also another distortion
which flows out of the need to exaggerate imputed righteousness in order to
measure up under divine scrutiny. This distortion
leads to a badly flawed understanding of the role that works play in our
salvation. When one subscribes to the
idea that the believer’s righteousness has no necessity of a basis in reality,
it is no great leap to the idea that <i>good
works are completely inconsequential and thus, entirely optional</i>. But, in truth, this is a grotesque perversion
of God’s genuine intention for His people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> As we have already seen from the
writings of James in the New Testament, in fact, just the reverse is true. Certainly,
the expression of faith, in the form of God-directed good works, is not only
possible and a righteous thing, but they are absolutely expected by God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Obviously, it is a true teaching of
scripture that mankind <b><i>cannot earn God’s approval or God’s Heaven</i></b>
by simply producing his own<b><i> self-determined</i></b> good works. Those actually appear as <i>“filthy rags”</i> in God’s sight.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, <b><i>God-directed</i></b> works, done
in faithful response to His leading, and enabled by the divine Spirit, are absolutely
a natural necessity to a heart which is truly attuned to God’s heart. And, they are of the greatest value. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And certainly, these works are no threat
to the glory of what God is doing for mankind in Christ. Rather, they are the perfect expression of it. These works are faith expressed. They are faith made complete. So, the challenge of James is worth reviewing
here. Again, he says, “<i>Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you
my faith by my works.”</i>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, looking at an overview of these
ideas, some things become very obvious.
For example, it becomes obvious that this exaggeration of the scope of
imputed righteousness is clearly designed merely to support the <b><i>prime
tenet</i></b> of the non-responsible gospel.
Again, that tenet holds that <i>mankind
has no hope of achieving a real and consistent righteousness</i>. Thus, it follows that man must entirely rely on
imputed righteousness in the face of God’s judgement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, as we’ve seen, this idea is
simply not true. The Living Christ brings
with Him the power to set believers free to become consistently faith-expressive
– both in his heart and in his daily life.
So, the notion that the sin impulse is completely irresistible has been
made an entirely untenable position by the Living Christ. Indeed, His empowering Spirit enables believers,
every day, to consistently rise to meet God’s expectation of real righteousness
in the lives of His people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, Back To The Dying Christ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> With these thoughts in mind, let’s
now move back to our focus on the Dying Christ. Obviously, we love Him; and, we celebrate
Him. We celebrate His great love for us as
clearly shown by the Cross which He endured in order to initiate a renewed and
deeply meaningful relationship between mankind and God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> We should note, however, that this
is all the <i>Dying Christ</i> did, and all He
was intended to do. And, while we fully
acknowledge and rejoice in what Christ did by His Cross, we should not stop
there. We should also celebrate <b><i>the
Living Christ</i></b> and His work which takes the believer to completion and a
profound newness of heart and life experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Paul confirms this in his statement
in Romans, chapter 5. There he says this,
<i>“For if, when we were enemies, we were
reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we
shall be saved by His life.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, what about <i>the Living Christ</i>, the Christ of the Resurrection? What is the nature of His role in redemption? Let’s now explore further the realities
contained in Paul’s last phrase, “<i>...we
shall be saved by His life.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Living Christ: Our Completion<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God’s
authentic redemptive plan not only requires the means of forgiveness and
reconciliation for humanity, but also the means of <i>real</i> renewal. For that
reason, it is impossible for a believer to experience the completion of God’s
redemptive work without experiencing the reality of the Living Christ within. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The initial purpose of the
Resurrection of Christ is to provide us with a Living Savior. The reason we need a Living Savior is so we
can experience a vital <i>symbiosis</i> (an
energizing connection) with Him, enabling us to share in His character essence. And, the purpose of that sharing is to renew
our core person, our own character essence.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, at this point, we are moving
past the benefits of the Cross to that mysterious, mystical, miraculous, and
wondrous benefit of the Resurrection for the here-and-now. We are about to look at something, the likes
of which, the world never anticipated nor saw before these New Testament times. As the apostle, Paul, put it in the book of
Colossians, <b><i>“</i></b><i>Christ in you, the hope of glory.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Believer’s Completion</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, to put it succinctly, it is the
Living Christ, in Spirit form, who actually completes <i>the believer’s renewal<b> </b></i>as
God’s authentic redemptive plan calls for.
The New Testament speaks clearly of the radical, here-and-now
transformation of believers in such passages as 2 Corinthians, chapter 5. There the Bible says this. “<i>Therefore,
if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;
behold, all things have become new.</i>”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, in the book of Ephesians,
chapter 4, the apostle, Paul, writes this instruction. <i>“This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no
longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind,
having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God,
because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their
heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work
all uncleanness with greediness. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have
heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put
off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according
to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you
put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness
and holiness.”</i>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, in the book of Romans, chapter
12, we see a similar expression. <i>“And do not be conformed to this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that
good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Divine Merger<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This transformation of the believer
is accomplished in the very unique way that we have already noted. Literally, it is achieved through the integration
of Christ’s character essence with that of the believer. The apostle, Peter, described it in these
terms in his writings. <i>“ Grace and peace
be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His
divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who
called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great
and precious promises, <u>that through these you may be partakers of the divine
nature</u>, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”</i> (Ref. 2 Peter 1:2-4 NKJV) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In the New Testament, we are first
introduced to this opportunity for profound personal renewal in the book of
Acts, chapter 2, which records this account.
“<i>Now when the Day of Pentecost had
fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven,
as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were
sitting. Then there appeared to them
divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>Jesus also speaks of this divine merger in John 14. He says, <i>“If
you love Me, keep My commandments. And I
will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide
with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive,
because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, <u>for He dwells
with you and will be in you.</u> I will
not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world
will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.
At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.”
<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Implications</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, what are the implications of all
this for the believer? In simple terms, it
means that the believer is no longer consigned to his or her previous inner and
behavioral failures. Rather, there is now
this real possibility of a true heart agreement with God and an everyday reality-based
righteousness through the empowering presence of the Living Christ within. It means that God has, indeed, found a way to achieve
a thorough and beautiful renewal for His people in His Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Great Mystery:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Completely Unique Event<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> As mentioned, this Spiritual merger with
the Living Christ is a <i>completely unique
event</i>. There has never been anything
quite like this before. This is the mysterious
New Testament conclusion of God’s redemptive plan which Paul speaks of in
Colossians, chapter 1. There he says,<i> “...I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which
was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, <u>the mystery which has
been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His
saints.</u> To them God willed to make known what are the<b> </b>riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles:<b> which is Christ in you, the hope of glory</b>.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b>This unique dimension of
God’s redemptive process is, indeed, the primary distinctive of the New
Testament. The empowerment of the Living
Christ within the believer: this is the
final redemptive piece which makes everything work, which brings everything
together.<b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Benefits of the Spiritual Baptism:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Character Fruit<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It is this integration with the <b><i>character
essence</i> </b>of Christ which enables the believer to bear the <i>“character fruit,”</i> or said another way,
the <i>character traits</i> of His
character. Again, Paul describes this
blessing in Galatians, chapter 5. He
writes, <i>“But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control...”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The New Birth in Real Terms<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This divine partnership is the means
to truly realize the new birth that Jesus spoke of in John, chapter 3, where it
says, <i>“Jesus answered and said to him,
‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the
kingdom of God... That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is
born of the Spirit is spirit.’”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">True Righteousness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, this oneness with Jesus is the
power to fulfill, not just the letter, but the very spirit of God’s law. Paul indicates this in Romans, chapter 8,
where he says, <i>“For the law of the Spirit
of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For
what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending
his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the
flesh:<b> </b><u>That the righteousness of
the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the
Spirit</u>.”</i> (Ref. King James Version)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God's Vision Enabled<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This mysterious merger enables the
realization of God’s redemptive vision of a truly meaningful relationship with a
faith-expressive people. Again, Ezekiel
prophesied of God’s plan for this wondrous transformation of His people long
before it actually unfolded in these New Testament times. God said, through that prophet, “<i>A new
heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will
take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of
flesh. And I will put my spirit within
you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and
do them.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A New Creature<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This amazing <i>superimposition</i> of Christ’s <i>core
essence</i> over that of the believer’s is, indeed, like giving the believer <b><i>a new
character DNA</i></b> which completely redefines him or her. And, it is this <i>“Christ code overwrite,”</i> in their core person which literally transforms
the believer into a new being, ultimately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">An Empowered Faith<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> As noted earlier in this section,
through this character integration with Christ, the believer is not now limited
to merely his own faith. Now, he has access to the divine humility (the
divine faith) as well as the other values of Christ’s character. And this changes everything<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Power Over The Sin Motive<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> At this point, the believer is no
longer at the mercy of that arrogant primary sin motive (<i>my will be done</i>). Now, the
power of Christ’s faith (consistent humility toward the Father’s will) rules in
the believer’s heart, too. So, in
effect, Christ, living within the believer, overpowers the sin value and firmly
establishes the faith value as the ascendant value on the most primary
governing level of the believer’s heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">How This Works<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, let’s unpack, a bit more, this
idea the Living Christ empowering the believer to consistency. As noted earlier, it is the <i>inner dimension</i> of sin, <i>the heart value</i>, which gives rise to the
<i>act</i> of sin, <i>the expression</i>. Therefore,
the ultimate remedy for sin has to be to expel that heart value, that
initiating source of all sin, from the believer’s heart. So again, that sinful heart motive of <i>self-determination</i> becomes God’s first
target in the redemptive process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, as noted in our discussion of
the nature of sin, this value not only exists on the conscious level, but also on
the subconscious level of the heart.
This level is beyond the volitional control of the believer. Her faith operates only on the conscious
level, but it cannot reach this subconscious level. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Paul describes this helplessness in
Romans, chapter 7, as we saw earlier when he says, <i>“For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under
sin. For what I am doing, I do not
understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate,
that I do. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the
law that it is good. But now, it is no
longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to
will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do;
but the evil I will not to do, that I practice." <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The “Target Event”</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, it is the role and mission of
the Living Christ to deal with this subconscious sin motive. He alone can accomplish this work. Thus, after a time of humbling, essentially a
time of asking the believer to confront these still lingering subconscious feelings
of self-sufficiency, the Living Christ chooses a moment to merge with the
believer in Spirit form to end this <b><i>dilemma of a divided heart</i></b>. So, in that moment of merger, He <i>superimposes</i> His character essence,
containing His value system, over that of the believer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> To be sure, this new <i>“character DNA”</i> from Christ, and the
values contained therein, arrive in primordial, or infant, form just as is the
case with our physical DNA. But, with time, this new <i>“Christ code,” </i>ultimately entirely redefines our character
essence. Thus, this merger with the
Living Christ marks the <i>final redemptive
phase</i> of the believer’s renewal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Truly, this redefining merger can
legitimately be called the <b><i>Target Event</i></b> of the New Testament. It is this event which ultimately enables the
believer to experience a true heart-oneness with God in very real terms. And that heart-likeness then becomes the matrix
of a very durable and deeply meaningful daily relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Most Important Result<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> As a result of this event, something
spectacular happens within the believer regarding that latent sin motive on the
subconscious level of her heart. As
explained earlier, the strong faith of Christ decisively overwhelms that
subconscious sin motive (the urgings for self-determination) and establishes
the faith motive (the desire to please God) as the ascendant motive in the
believer’s heart – even on this subconscious level. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> As a result, the believer is no
longer divided in her heart between God’s will and her own. Now, that daily conflict between the <i>subconscious</i> selfishness of the believer
and her <i>conscious</i> desire to agree
with and please God, is ended. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, because her heart is no longer
torn and divided between God and self, there is a true peace within the
believer, herself. And, there is a very
natural serenity in her relationship with God in the absence of that
subconscious conflict. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And this new, <b><i>undivided heart</i></b> fulfills
the very definition of God’s desire for “Holiness” in his people: as it is written, <i>“Be ye holy, for I am holy.”</i>
The idea is that now, finally, through this empowering merger with the
Living Christ, mankind is afforded the opportunity for a heart which has only
one <b><i>primary</i></b>
devotion, God (not God and self) on both its conscious and subconscious level. Now, at last, the believer can experience, in
Christ,<b><i> an <u>undivided</u> devotion</i></b> <b><i>to true goodness</i></b> – which
is, again, the very definition of holiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Old Man, The New Man<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Paul speaks of this transformation in
Christ and its impact in terms of the <i>old
us</i> and the <i>new us</i>. He very eloquently describes this personal
genesis in Romans, chapter 6, where he says, <i>“What shall we say then? Shall we
continue in sin that grace may abound?
Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Or
do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were
baptized into His death? Therefore we
were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised
from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> “For
if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also
shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man
was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we
should no longer be slaves of sin…<sup> </sup><br />
“Let not sin therefore reign
in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness
unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
and your members as instruments
of righteousness unto God.</i><i>”<u><o:p></o:p></u></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Created According to God<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>In Ephesians, chapter 4, Paul goes on to, again, juxtapose the old, <i>self-determined</i> man and the new,
empowered man, who is re-created by the indwelling Christ. He says, <i>“But you have
not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by
Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former
conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and
be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you <u>put on the new man which
was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness.</u></i>”<b> </b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
Free At Last, Free At Last<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In that moment when the subconscious
sin motive ceases to be ascendant in the believer’s heart, the old man is
entirely subjugated and the new man is truly born in the Living Christ. No more is this believer governed in his
subconscious by the impulse of self-determination or the idea of
self-sufficiency. Now, a true humility
before God reigns in his heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, as long as he chooses to be so,
this Christ-empowered believer will be free to follow the impulses of his new,
empowered faith. And that empowered
freedom ultimately enables an entirely new and godly creature and a transformed
life experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> To be sure, there will be some
battles on other, less primary, levels of the heart. There will be other secondary sinful values
to conquer, the children of that original sinful essence. They are the offshoots of that essential sin
value of self-determination that have rooted themselves throughout the various
levels of the heart and life of the believer:
the love of money, inappropriate sexual desires, covetousness etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, it is only a matter of time. Because the root of sin is dead in the
believer’s core person, the offshoots will die also. They will all succumb to that ruling faith motive
in the believer’s heart as the “Christ code” finds ever enlarging expression
both within and without in the believer’s lifestyle realities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Transformative Walk<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It is true that this real transformation
of the believer begins with his personal merger with the Living Christ and the
character impact which we have described.
However, the believer’s transformation by no means ends in the moment of
that merger. Rather, that divine integration
initiates a <b><i>transformative every day walk</i></b> with Christ as any intimate
relationship would necessarily involve. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, indeed, redemption at its core
is ever and unceasingly about intimacy and a deeply meaningful divine companionship. And, as with the building of any important
relationship, it is about an every day process of discovery, and the shared struggles
and joys which bind hearts together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Heart-oneness in the divine
relationship, as in a marriage or child rearing, only comes through this very
active bonding process of sharing life together. No important relationship, and certainly not
the redemptive relationship, can survive compartmentalization, strategic <i>“handling,”</i> or outright estrangement. Those things are actually the bane of a healthy
and deeply meaningful companionship. And,
at the end of it all, redemption is really only about restoring a truly
meaningful friendship with our Creator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Again, It’s Like DNA<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And our growth in that relationship
is, again, easily likened to our physical development. For example, in the case of the physical DNA
code, the genetic message is there from the beginning; but, it only fully
expresses itself with time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, also, is the spiritual
process. Again, we receive Christ’s
character essence, including His values, in a basic form as we experience our
merger with Him. God then uses the
circumstances of life experience to bring <b><i>full expression</i></b> to this “Christ
code.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, just as there are the
inevitable mistakes and setbacks in the physical process of growth and
development, these also occur in the spiritual process of growing up into the
fullness of the Christ character. However, these struggles no more discount the
verity of the Spiritual process than they do the physical process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It is all still the way to
maturity. It is still that all-inclusive
process which brings us to the completion which Paul describes it in Ephesians,
chapter 4, where he says,<i>“ ... unto a
perfect </i>[mature]<i> man, unto the
measure of the stature of the fullness of
Christ...” </i>[Bracket added]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, It’s Never Merely A Growth Process<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> As a final note to these thoughts,
we should also be careful to point out that Christian maturity can never be
thought of as only a growth process or expanded life experience. As noted, it certainly initiates a growth
process; but, to be clear, it is not <u>merely</u> a growth process, and never
can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> There can be no significant character
transformation until there is the new character essence which is supplied by
the indwelling Spirit of Christ. And,
this only occurs through the believer’s personal Spiritual merger with
Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This is why Jesus would say in John,
chapter 15,<i> "Abide in Me, and I in
you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine,
neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him,
bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Without that <i>personal integration with Christ </i>which brings the <b><i>vitality
of the “Vine,”</i></b> to the believer, even very intense human effort at
self-improvement will always prove profoundly insufficient. To be sure, human effort can, in some
measure, make us wiser and enables us to live somewhat more consistently than
if we did not try at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, mere human effort cannot make
us one in heart with God. It cannot
enable us to conquer the primary sin value in the subconscious. It cannot bring us to the empowering faith of
Christ within. It cannot enable a truly
intimate, communion. It cannot bring surpassing
peace within ourselves and with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Jesus said, <i>“I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No man comes to the Father but by me.”</i> Being re-created in Christ is the function of
<b><i>an
integration with Christ</i></b>, not simply trying harder or learning more or
living longer as part of the Church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In the Living Christ: Faith Empowers Grace<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So now, finally, with this surprise,
New Testament remedy for the sin motive – the Living Christ within – God’s
child is able to experience the wonder, and freedom, and <b><i>easy naturalness</i></b> of an
internal heart government of Grace. Gone,
now, is the awkwardness of living by external rules. Now, the innate goodness of Christ has also
become our instinct for good through our Spiritual merger with Him. And those very natural inclinations are now empowered
to consistent expression by the strong faith of Christ which we also now share. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, where once there was this
disabling <i>subconscious</i> disagreement
with what we <i>consciously</i> knew to be
good, now there is the natural aspiration to goodness as well as the power to
perform it. So, just as Paul described,
a Christ empowered believer is able to become the “servant of righteousness.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It Takes Both<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, in very real terms, the Living
Christ truly does complete the redemptive work of God in us. Thus, we can see our Christ, as the <i>“Author”</i> of our faith, through the
reconciling work of His Death on the Cross.
And, we can also see Him as the <i>“Finisher”</i>
of our faith, as the Living Christ of the Resurrection who shares his
empowering divine essence with us. He is
the <i>Beginning</i> of God’s redemptive
work in our hearts; but, He is also the <i>End</i>
of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Obviously, the two roles of Christ complement
each other. The Dying Christ enables the work of the Living Christ. The Living Christ completes the work of the
Dying Christ. And, Christ, in either
role, is indispensable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Christ of the Cross must fix the
consequences of sin, restore relationship, and provide the protection of
imputed righteousness to the believer.
The Living Christ, then, brings the final cleansing of the subconscious sin
motive, and thus, an undivided, fully devoted heart, and ultimately a reality
based righteousness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Without the forgiveness and initial
protection afforded by the Dying Christ, the Living Christ would never have a
chance to do His work. On the other
hand, without the work of the Living Christ, redemption is reduced to a mere
veneer with no substantive impact upon the actual nature of mankind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, truly, in His dual role, Christ
is the “Alpha and Omega” of God’s redemptive work. Christ, in both of His roles, was always
intended to be the means to enable the Father’s original vision of a holy and faith-expressive
people. And, through both of these
distinct roles, He does it superbly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, Let’s Return To – “<i>The Roman
Dilemma”</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Finally, we’re now ready to return
to Romans and explore the true nature of the believer’s inner turmoil, and
again, with some magnification of the details, which Paul exposed there, in
chapter 7. If you remember, this is that
clash between the motive and faith and the motive of self-determination in the
conflicted heart of the believer which the non-responsible gospel contends is
the inescapable daily fate of the anemic believer. Well, already we’ve seen the fallacy of this
contention, many time over. But now,
let’s go discover the fullness of the truth in the next section entitled, <b><i>A
Return To The Roman Dilemma</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><b><u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-7-dark-light-exposing-gospel-of.html" target="_blank">[Continue to Section 7]</a></u></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="DefaultText">
<br /></div>
Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-50084574269326771492017-09-23T16:33:00.002-07:002020-05-03T14:26:10.047-07:00Section 7: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s1600/Eye.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s320/Eye.png" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">A
Return To The Roman Dilemma:</span></i></b><i style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, with the preceding context in
mind, let’s take up where we left off two sections back in chapters 7 of the
book of Romans. And, let’s explore more thoroughly
what we previously called, “The Roman Dilemma.”
Again, the picture of the believer which this passage paints is what non-responsible
theology describes as the normal, sin dominated state of the believer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> However, when this passage is correctly
interpreted, we find just the opposite to be the case. As we proceed on to chapter 8, we discover in
that chapter, God’s final, spectacular redemptive mechanism which absolutely liberates
the believer from this condition. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In truth, the verses which we are about to
consider profoundly embarrass the pitiable <i>pop-gospel</i>
of non-responsibility. And, they thoroughly
discredit its prime tenet: <i>that the believer is <u>ever hopelessly
oppressed</u> by the sin value. </i>In
these chapters, we will limit our consideration to those verses which do this by
clearly exposing the transformative work
of the Living Christ in the believer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, it would seem that one of the better
ways to explore these verses would be to use what preachers call the <i>expository method</i>. This is just a straight forward,
verse-by-verse commentary on what is written.
But, we will also combine with that method a second method to further clarify these verses.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> We will interpret the involved verses
“conceptually.” A <i>conceptual interpretation</i> is a legitimate way to interpret the
Bible so that the interpretation actually communicates what the Bible is
intending to communicate. Some versions of the Bible are actually entirely <i>conceptually translated</i>. It is simply a way to help offset language difficulties
of various kinds, for example, words and frames of reference which are now much less
familiar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Also, combining these two methods
will allow us to easily and accurately <i>plug
in</i> the more communicative terms and more modern frames of reference which
we have been using throughout our previous discussions. For example, when Paul figuratively uses the
word <i>“flesh</i>,” we will use a still
accurate, but generally more communicative concept to convey what he actually
means by that figurative use of the word.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, we will simply list the passage first
– as it is written in the Bible. And
then, we will follow that with expository comments. And then, as a kind of concluding summary, we
will give a <i>conceptual interpretation</i>
of the involved verses. Hopefully, this
formula will allow the scriptures themselves to bring a kind of final clarity
to the beauty of the authentic Gospel while simultaneously exposing the great
failings and fallacy of the antichrist gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now,
Back To The Dilemma: Romans 7: 14-25<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> When we left off, we were looking at
the struggling believer which Paul describes in chapter 7. Now, let’s return to verses 14-23 of that
chapter. Remember that in these verses
Paul assumes the position of the <i>universal
believer</i>. Thus, He identifies here
with all believers, since all believers experience this dilemma in the normal
course of redemption. So, the apostle speaks
as though they were all, one in him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Paul writes in verse 14,<i><sup> </sup>“For we know that the law is spiritual:
but I am carnal, sold under sin. <sup>15.</sup> For what I am doing, I do not
understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate,
that I do. <sup>16 </sup>If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the
law that it is good. <sup>17 </sup>But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. <br />
<sup> 18 </sup>“For I know
that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present
with me, but how to perform
what is good I do not find. <sup>19 </sup>For
the good that I will to do, I
do not do; but the evil I will not to
do, that I practice. <sup>20 </sup>Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it,
but sin that dwells in me. <br />
<sup> 21 </sup>“I find then
a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. <sup>22 </sup>For
I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. <sup>23 </sup>But I
see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing
me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. <sup>24 </sup>O
wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? <sup>25 </sup>I
thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve
the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. </i>(Ref.
Romans 7:14-25 NKJV)<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Carnal State: “The Big In-between"<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The condition which Paul is
describing here is a state of being which the Church typically refers to as <i>“Carnal Christianity.”</i> This carnal phase is actually a phase which
the believer goes through between the time of her conversion to Christ and the
time of her completion in the Living Christ by her Spiritual merger with Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The apostle actually provides
something of a label for this phase of the redemptive process when he says in
verse 14 of this same chapter,<i> “For we
know that the law is spiritual, but I am <u>carnal</u>, sold under sin...” </i> The word <b><i>“Carnal”</i></b> always has to do with
fleshly, physical and/or material desires.<i>
</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, in short, this <b><i>carnal
phase</i></b> is the phase of redemption in which the believer is still
experiencing the impact of that <b><i>essential sin motive</i></b>, in her
subconscious. This is a real conflict
between that deep subliminal instinct to be self-determined and her conscious
desire to be always God-directed in her life.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, this is, indeed, a time when
the believer is often defeated in her faith desire by the<i> subconscious body of very self-centered appetites </i>which live
within her as the offspring of that essential sin motive. It is to these <b><i>selfish subconscious appetites</i></b>
that Paul refers when he uses the term, <b><i>“flesh.”</i></b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, on the deepest governing level
of her heart, the carnal believer is still being strongly driven by the impulse
to be self-determined. So, though the
sin motive has been driven from legitimacy on the conscious level, it continues
to flourish on that subconscious level where the believer is powerless to
subdue it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Obviously, this is a very
challenging and frustrating time for a believer. And, this prompts Paul, in verse 24, to cry
out as a proxy for all believers in this condition,<i> “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of
death?”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It’s no wonder the apostle would
describe this condition as “wretched.”
The believer is actually being constantly torn in her divided heart (the
conscious and the subconscious) between two competing inner heart governments. Essentially, the believer can clearly see the
high road of faith in her conscious mind, but that stubborn “sin voice” in her
subconscious mind is ever forbidding her to walk it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God's Purposes Served<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> While this <i>in-between time</i> is, indeed, a difficult phase for God’s child, we
should note that <b><i>God does use this challenging experience to achieve His redemptive
ends.</i></b> Again, this time is very
analogous to the Jewish Exodus journey recorded in the Old Testament. Like that journey, this <i>“time of the divided heart”</i> becomes the New Testament believer’s
personal “wilderness experience.” Thus,
as was that Exodus journey for the Jews, this is <i>a</i> <i>time of profound
soul-searching and humbling</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It is during this period, which typically
follows not long after our conversion to Christ, that the new believer is asked to confront the
reality of his divided heart. And
through these confrontations he begins to better understand his desperate need
to be done with that <b><i>sin engendering value</i></b> of
self-determination which still lingers deep within his subconscious. So, in all of this, he is being prepared for
his <b><i>liberation</i></b>
through his personal Spiritual merger with the empowering character essence of
the Living Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, The Answer Does Come<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus eventually, when the believer is now in a
very humbled condition, precisely as the apostle describes it, God’s child
begins to tenaciously cry out for his final deliverance from this latent sin
value which divides his conscious and subconscious person. And, very obviously, help is truly needed
here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This condition of division at his
core is simply not something the believer, in and of himself, has the capacity
to remedy. So, spontaneously he cries
out for help. And, ultimately, it is to
this humbled, desperate, insistent cry for help that the Living Christ responds
by giving the gift of His empowering Spirit to the believer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And so, finally, in verse 25, Paul,
himself, seems to freshly comprehend the wonder of God’s mystical deliverance from
this <i>“wretched”</i> condition. And so,
he shouts,<i> “</i><i>I thank God--through Jesus Christ our Lord!</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Conceptual Interpretation: Romans 7:14-25a<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b><i>Conceptual Interpretation: </i></b> <sup>14. </sup><i>“For we know that God’s governing values come from the goodness of the
divine Spirit: but I am governed by a body of selfish appetites.</i> <i><sup>15.</sup></i><i> </i><i>For what I consciously want to do, I do
not do; but instead, I end up doing what I consciously abhor. <br />
<sup>16. </sup>“If, then, I do
what I don’t consciously want to do, then consciously, I agree with God that
his values are good. <sup>17.</sup> But
now, it is not my conscious person
who is in control, but my rebellious subconscious person. <sup>18.</sup> For I
know that in me (that is, in that subconscious body of selfish appetites) nothing
good dwells; for the will to do good is present in my conscious mind, but the means to overcome those wayward
subconscious drives to consistently do what is good I simply cannot find . <br />
<sup>19.</sup> “</i><i>So again, the good that I consciously want to do, I do not do; but the
evil I don’t want to do, that is what I end up doing. </i><i><sup>20.</sup></i><i> So, if I don’t consciously agree with the evil I am doing, it must not
be the conscious me who is driving my actions, but the subconscious me who
remains stubbornly given to determining my own way. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i><i><sup>21.</sup></i><i> “So, I am
seeing then a governing principle in my life:
it is simply that this incorrigibly selfish subconscious me is ever present
with the conscious me, the one who wants to be faithful and do good in my
conscious mind. </i><i><sup>22.</sup></i><i> For I delight
in the good values of God in my conscious person. </i><i><sup>23.</sup></i><i> But, I see another governing principle in my subconscious - that of
self-rule. And it is warring against the aspirations of faith in my conscious mind,
and bringing me under the domination of my subconscious person which still
stubbornly rebels against God’s values and directions. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> <sup>24. </sup>O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver
me from this subconscious body of death? <sup>25a. </sup>I thank God –
deliverance has finally come! through Jesus Christ our Lord.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> After Paul’s tortured outcry in
verse 24 and his spontaneous celebration of deliverance in Christ in the first
part of verse 25, he then gives a kind of summary statement in the last part of
that verse. It is as if he wants to,
again, emphasize the <i>“wretched”</i>
nature of this carnal phase of redemption.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b><i>Conceptual Interpretation continued</i></b> <i><sup>25b.</sup> So, as I am passing through
this “divided-heart phase” of the redemptive process, I joyously embrace God’s
values and directions in my conscious mind.
But, in my subconscious mind, I am still dominated by those entirely
self-centered appetites which spring from that essential sin motive in my
subconscious.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> With this simple summary, we then
move on to chapter 8 where the apostle begins to explain God’s deliverance from
this draining conflict. And, he simply
begins by filling in the primary details behind his spontaneous celebration of
deliverance in verse 25a of chapter 7.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> “Flesh” Guided vs. Spirit Empowered: Romans 8:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Paul writes, <sup>1.</sup> <i>“There is
therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk
according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. <sup>2.</sup> <u>For the
law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin
and death</u>.”</i> (Ref. Romans 8: 1-2 NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
Fallacy Exposed<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, the <b><i>prime tenet</i></b> of the
antichrist’s gospel: the contention that
mankind is hopelessly consigned to the ravages of a chronic and dominant sin value
is exposed as a <b><i>glaring error</i></b> by these opening verses of chapter 8. Rather, we see, there, that the believer, when
empowered by the vitality of Christ’s Spirit, is, indeed, delivered from this
carnal condition of a divided heart and set free from the power of that subconscious
instinct to remain self-directed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And now, through this renewing integration
with the character essence of the Living Jesus, the believer’s heart, her core
person, is no longer divided between a conscious devotion to God and a
subconscious devotion to self. Thus, now
this heart is the very definition of holy: having a <b><i>singular</i></b> <u>primary</u>
devotion (<b><i>singular</i></b> meaning <i>undivided</i>
and <b><i>primary</i></b>
meaning <i>foundational</i>). So, on its most foundational governing level,
this heart is now entirely devoted to humbly pleasing God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, instead of the dark and
defeated non-responsible picture of a completely anemic believer, we start to
get a bright picture of the Christ empowered believer who is no longer dictated
to by his wayward subconscious person.
Indeed, now the believer’s subconscious mind has also embraced the
Lordship of Christ and the desire to be faith-expressive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, in simple terms, what Paul is
describing here is the work of the Living Christ as he penetrates that deeper
level of the believer’s consciousness and subjugates the sin value which still
exists there. And, Christ’s impact
doesn’t stop there. He also,
simultaneously, establishes the Faith Value as the always ascendant and
governing value. So now, this is the
case on both the conscious <u>and subconscious</u> level of the believer’s
heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Conceptual
Interpretation: Romans 8:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Conceptual
Interpretation: </i></b><i><sup>1.</sup></i><i>“There is, therefore,
now, no remaining rebellion in
our core person which warrants God’s condemnation since Christ has subdued that latent sin value in my subconscious and
replaced it with His own superseding faith value. So now, the new
principle which governs my life in Christ is freedom – freedom from the
dominance of the sin value with its demanding selfish appetites. And I am now also free of the consequence of
eternal death toward which that subconscious sin value was driving me. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Inner
Values vs. External Rules: Romans 8: 3-4<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The apostle then goes on to expose
the refreshing superiority of a naturally occurring, grace-based, heart
government in Christ as opposed to one which depends on awkward, non-natural,
externalized rules. In verses 3 and 4 he
says, <sup>3. </sup><i>“For what the law
could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in
the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: <sup>4 </sup>That
the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit.”</i> (Ref.
Romans 8: 3-4 KJV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Two
Essential Objectives <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> What we see being described in the
verses above is the extraordinary work of the Living Christ who does, indeed,
take on <i>the likeness of our sinful flesh</i>
<i>and blood</i> to complete His redemptive
role. And in these verses Paul describes
a Savior who comes <b><i>to do two very essential things, </i></b>simultaneously. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Through the Spiritual merger, the
Living Christ establishes a profound <b><i>contempt</i></b> in the heart of the
believer for that subconscious sin motive of self-determination <i>(“He condemned sin in the flesh”).</i> <i> </i>And, at the same time, he establishes a <b><i>wholehearted</i></b>
(conscious and subconscious) <b><i>devotion to the good valves of His own heart</i></b>,
which the believer now shares<i> (“that the righteousness
of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh <b><u>but according to</u></b><u> <b>the Spirit</b></u><b>”)</b></i><b>.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Conceptual Interpretation: Romans 8: 3-4<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Conceptual Interpretation:</i></b><i> </i><b><i><sup>3. </sup></i></b><i>So, what externalized
values, even the divine externalized values, could never achieve because they
depended on the impossible: the cooperation
of that fleshly subconscious person, who only cares about his own ambitions –
yet still – God has found a way in Christ to achieve the complete (conscious
and subconscious) renewal of our core being.
He has successfully accomplished this transformation by sending His own Son
to live within us, in order to deal with our deep rooted sin motive. Thus, through our Spiritual merger with Christ,
He has entirely subjugated that subconscious sin impulse </i><b><i><sup>4.</sup></i></b><i> While, at the
same time, fulfilling, in us, the righteousness of God’s good values by
internalizing them in our hearts by sharing His character essence. So now, the divine values have finally become
the natural and comfortable driving motives of our heart, entirely replacing
those previous sin-generated selfish appetites. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Sobering
Contrast: Romans 8: 5-9<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Beginning
with verse 5, Paul begins to paint a very stark contrast between the believer
who yet remains in the carnal phase of redemption and the believer who is completed
by the indwelling Spirit of Christ. And obviously,
the statements regarding carnality in these verses also apply equally well to
the unconverted, since non-believers are <u>entirely driven</u> (both consciously
and subconsciously) by the motive of self-determination. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, the apostle
continues, <i><sup>5</sup>“</i><i>For
those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the
flesh, but those who live
according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. <sup>6 </sup>For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. <br />
<sup> 7
</sup>Because the carnal mind is
enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
<sup>8 </sup>So then, those who are in the
flesh cannot please God. <sup>9 </sup>But you
are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in
you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.</i> (Ref. Romans
8: 5-9 NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Statement-Of-Faith
Age<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> We live in an age of Christian redemption
which is, indeed, dominated by the ethos of non-responsibility in the Protestant/
Evangelical Church. It is also a time
which is heavily impacted by the widespread belief that a momentary Statement-of-Faith
in Christ is, essentially, the be-all, end-all of redemption. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, it is hard for most contemporary
Christians to accept the realities which are clearly exposed in these verses. Oh, we typically get that the unconverted are
going to suffer because of their self-determined attitude. But, what we struggle to admit to ourselves
is that these scriptures indicate a similar fate for the incomplete in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Sin Essence
Will Be Eradicated<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, we must remember that the rebellious
instinct of self-determination is ever the essential sin-generating motive, no
matter in what heart, or on what level of the heart it is found. And, it is
God’s stated intention to entirely eradicate that essential motive and all of
its offspring. <i>(Ref. Rev.
21:27)</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Obviously, God’s preference is to do
this by the renewing work of the Living Christ, as we’ve described. But, beyond that, it will also be eradicated by
His final judgement against all who have made themselves <b><i>comfortable </i></b>with the
existence of that instinct in their heart – whether it’s on the conscious or the
subconscious level, or both. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Again, A
Process Requiring Completion<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, we are back to that earlier
imperative: the understanding that
redemption<i> <b>is a process which requires completion</b></i>. And these verses make the importance of that completion
very clear. Thus, in the <i>typical redemptive experience</i>, the
believer’s ultimate security lies her symbiotic relationship with Living Christ.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The “What If’s”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> However, many will no doubt have
some “what if” questions, at this point, about the possibilities of an <i>atypical</i> <i>redemptive experience</i>. For
example, “What if, before the believer experiences her Spiritual completion in
Christ, there is an untimely accident and the believer is suddenly killed.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, the ultimate question here is
not one of unexpected turns in life. It
is one of volition, or willful intent. The
ultimate question is, “If and when death should interrupt the redemptive
process, in what condition will the believer be found? Will she be found apathetic about her
completion in Christ, merely <b><i>comfortably co-existing</i></b> with her,
still, self-determined subconscious person?
Or, will she be found faithfully and actively seeking deliverance from her
divided heart through Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, the important thing, in any
such case, would simply be to always be found faithfully moving through the
redemptive process toward completion. The
danger comes only when, instead, we accustom ourselves to a perpetual state of <b><i>peaceful
co-existence</i></b> with that subconscious sin motive and stop seeking, through
our Spiritual merger with Christ, to become free of it. Sadly, however, that is precisely what the
antichrist gospel prescribes: <i>“Just make yourself comfortable with a <u>dominating</u>
sin motive in your heart; because, you have absolutely no hope of rising above
it.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In any case, <i>true faithfulness</i> <b><i>to</i></b> the redemptive process is all
that is required for the believer’s safety <b><i>during</i></b> the process. So, the best admonition would simply be, <i>“Just embrace and faithfully pursue the
process.” </i>And, trust a just God for the twists, turns, and timing of life’s
providence.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Important
Take-away<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, the important take-away from
these verses in chapter 8 is the need to rise above the intellectual numbness
created by the non-responsible lie. The
idea is simply to honestly read verses 5 through 9 as they actually <i>read</i>.
And then, courageously apply them <u>wherever</u> they actually <i>apply</i>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And certainly, the implications of
these verses are very sobering. They are
intended to be so. And, as such, they are
perfectly suited to awaken the modern Church.
And it needs to be awakened from the widespread intellectual stupor
created by the non-responsible teaching that <i>a</i> <i>minimal investment and involvement</i>
on the part of the believer is acceptable to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Nothing could possibly be further
from the truth. But certainly, real
intellectual honesty and a very high level of personal courage are required to
rise above, not only this, now, long familiar paradigm, but also, the reality
of its easy and wide acceptability.
Nevertheless, such are the challenges of these times for honest hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Conceptual Interpretation: Romans 8: 5-9<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><sup> </sup></i><b><i>Conceptual Translation:</i></b> <i><sup>5. </sup>“For
those who are defined and driven by their selfish appetites set their minds on
the objects of those appetites. But those who are defined and moved by the Spirit
of Christ are enamored by the higher plane of life in the divine Spirit. <sup>6.</sup> For, to give your mind in
service only your own selfish appetites ultimately results in eternal death,
but to give your mind to the higher pursuits of the divine Spirit brings a
meaningful and fulfilling life experience, and a surpassing peace with God, and
a profound peace within.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <sup>7.</sup> But, such things could never occur with the
self-centered heart, for that self-concentric heart is incorrigibly hostile
toward God’s authority, so it can never voluntarily embrace divine values or guidance. <sup>8.</sup> Thus, those who remain
stubbornly devoted only to their own selfish ends can never please God, who highly
treasures the humility of faith, and entirely abhors the arrogance of
self-determination. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <sup>9.</sup> But you, dear believer, are not driven by
such arrogance if, indeed, you are living in the faith-empowering Spirit of
Christ. But, do be warned, dear one. Anyone who has not yet been integrated into
His renewing character essence through the Spiritual merger is not yet fully
accepted by Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Redemption: A Very Serious Business<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>This last statement reminds us that Jesus once said, in the book of
Matthew, chapter 14, <i>“Many are called but
few are chosen.”</i> And, He also said to and of his disciples in John 15, “You
did not choose me, but I chose you…” The
idea is that we make the first choice to embrace the Lordship of Christ, but He
makes the final choice of our acceptance based on our completion of the
redemptive process, i.e., our Spiritual completion in Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, in spite of the teachings of <b><i>minimalism</i></b>
in the non-responsible gospel, the truth is, authentic Christian redemption, involves
<b><i>a
very stringent selection process</i></b>.
That is why Jesus would say in Matthew, chapter 7, <i>“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is
the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is
the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Therefore, all of this just reminds
us that, again, it is imperative that we rise above this apathetic,
non-responsible ethos of our times. It
is urgent that we get beyond the destructive fallacy that the believer’s minimal
investment and involvement in his own redemption is approved by God. The true requirement is an energized and wholehearted
investment in the redemptive process – which is really just an investment in our
friendship with the Living Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
Spirit of Life: Romans 8: 10-11<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, on to verses 10 and 11 where
the apostle speaks of the believer’s power source. The apostle writes, <i><sup>10.</sup></i><sup> </sup><i>“And if Christ is in you, the body is
dead because of sin, but the Spirit is
life because of righteousness. <sup>11. </sup>But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus
from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give
life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” </i>(Ref. Romans 8:10-11 NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> These verses are a confirmation of the
nature and the source of the transformation which the Living Christ brings to
the believer. And this confirmation, one
more time, absolutely refutes the contention of the <i>prime tenet</i> of the non-responsible gospel that the believer is left
permanently powerless after conversion. Indeed, these verses confirm that he or
she is truly energized every day by the shared energy of the Living Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
Conceptual Interpretation: Romans 8:
10-11<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Conceptual
Interpretation:</b> <i><sup>10.</sup> And if the Spirit of Christ lives within you, the physical
body is going to eventually die because of the impact of sin upon it. But, your Spiritual person will live on
because of your righteousness in Christ.
<sup>11.</sup> And, if the Spirit
of God (who is the one who raised Christ from the dead) lives within you, then He
who raised Christ from the dead, can certainly provide a sustaining life-energy
to your physical bodies through His divine Spirit who is living within you. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Vision
Of Renewal: Romans 8: 12-17<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In verses 12-17 the apostle lays out
a very basic vision of what happens, and, in fact, what must happen, in the
process of our completion in Christ. He
writes in those verses,<b> </b><i><sup>12 </sup></i><i>“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live
according to the flesh. <sup>13 </sup>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. <sup>14 </sup>For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are
sons of God. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> <sup>15 </sup>For you did not receive the spirit of
bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry
out, "Abba, Father." <sup>16 </sup>The Spirit Himself bears witness
with our spirit that we are children of God, <br />
<sup>17 </sup>and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with
Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him,
that we may also be glorified together.</i> (Ref. Romans 8:12-17 NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Subjugation
and Empowerment<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In the early verses (12-14) of this passage, which is
something of a summation of the preceding verses, Paul begins by very simply
setting out the obvious conclusion. He
notes that we have no obligations to serve the appetites of the flesh because
that brings death. But then note, He is
very clear that, in the power of the divine Spirit, the believer absolutely has
the power to destroy the influence of those selfish appetites. And, he goes on to indicate that this
ability to act in the divine Spirit actually identifies the true children of
God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So again, in these verses, Paul, once more, absolutely
refutes the prime tenet of the non-responsible redemptive approach. Paul simply allows no room for the claim that
<i>the believer remains powerless and is therefore
permanently doomed to a chronic domination by the sin motive</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Then in the final verses (15-17) of this passage, Paul
sets out a beautiful vision of the real results of the divine empowerment of
the believer by the Living Christ. He
speaks of the wonderful endearment which now exists between the believer and
his Holy Creator and Savior – an endearment which is so empowered and so durable
as to be able even to experience suffering when necessary, and see it only as a
confirming part of our oneness with Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This is a far different picture than the one the
non-responsible gospel paints. That dark
lie can only portray the believer as anemic, and chronically wayward, and very
out of tune with the heart of God, due to his inability to control his
own. What an obvious farce. And, what a shame that so many have bought
into it. To think that such a
relationship would be the best that an almighty God could produce should really
be absolutely <i>“unthinkable.”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="DefaultText" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Conceptual Interpretation: Romans 8: 12-17<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Conceptual
Interpretation:</b> <i><sup>12.</sup> So, based on the previous explanations, brothers and
sisters, it should be easily obvious that we are not at all obligated to that
subconscious sin motive and the selfish appetites it produces to live any
longer under those directives and demands.
<sup>13.</sup> For if you live according to its directives, you will
die. But, if by the power of the divine Spirit
within you, you entirely subjugate the sinful expressions of that old self-determined
subconscious man, you will live. <sup>14.</sup>
And, such is the identifying distinction of the children of God, they
are in a Christ-empowered lock step with the divine Spirit.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> <sup>15.</sup>
For, in Christ, you did not receive the character essence of a slave, to be
always intimidated, but rather, in Christ, you have received the character
essence of an adopted son. And so, in
Christ we spontaneously cry out in the joy and confidence of our heart, Daddy!
Father! <sup>16.</sup> And, in loving
response, the divine Spirit confirms in the inner most part of our character
essence that we are, indeed, the children of God, <sup>17.</sup>And thus, joint
heirs with Christ in the divine heritage.
And so, if we experience some suffering in Christ, it only deepens our
connection to the glory that we shall someday share together.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
“Roman Dilemma”- The Real Picture<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, hopefully by now, regarding this
passage in Romans, it has become easily obvious that Paul is not intending to
portray, as normal, a permanently defeated believer, hopelessly consigned to a
sin dominated heart. Rather, the truth
is, what he is really describing is the Christ-empowered <b><i>deliverance</i></b><i> </i>from that condition. And, it is a deliverance which is immediately
available to every believer through his or her Spiritual merger with Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, in fact, the scriptures have,
by now, many times, confirmed the availability and the importance of
experiencing this deliverance as a normal and indispensable part of the
redemptive process. And, just as many
times, they have refuted the <b><i>Prime Tenet</i></b> of the non-responsible
gospel that<i> after conversion, believers are
simply left abandoned to a feckless faith, entirely under the domination of the
sin motive</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> However, in point of fact, God’s
authentic redemptive plan has never even come close to embracing as acceptable,
this devilish notion of a <b>“<i>permanent broken-ness</i>”</b> on the part
of believers. Rather, God’s plan has
only ever been about a radical and thorough deliverance from that brokenness
through the work of both the Dying Christ of the Cross and the Living Christ of
the Resurrection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Head-To-Head Summary: The True vs. The False
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, is it really true that God has simply assigned a non-responsible
status to believers because He <i>“just
couldn't get it done”</i> with His people?
Did Christ die only to achieve such a feckless <i>fallback position</i>? Is the
Living Christ that powerless? After all
that God has said, and planned, and sacrificed is that all there is to divine
redemption? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The true Gospel message rings with a resounding, “No! This is absolutely not all there is to it.” Rather, the authentic Gospel presents a view
of the immediate and radical renewal of the believer through a matchless Christ
in both of His roles. It contends for a
plan that answers perfectly and thoroughly, not only the human need, but also
the expectations of the Creator for a sensitive and faith-expressive
people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The authentic Gospel speaks of a plan to conquer that
essential sin value, along with all of its secondary offshoots and
expressions. And, the true Gospel allows
no place for a permanent and peaceful coexist with a dominant sin value in the
life of the believer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, the authentic Gospel speaks of a believer who is completely
secure, but not by a heart numbing subscription to the devilish idea of non-responsibility. Nor does it teach us to singularly rely on imputed
righteousness to secure our soul, while disavowing even the possibility of a consistent,
reality based righteousness. Rather, the
true Gospel of Christ shows us a believer who is secured by a vital faith which
absolutely expresses itself consistently and in real terms . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Indeed, the genuine Gospel says nothing of the non-responsibility
of the believer, but it speaks volumes on the subject of actually becoming a
new creature in Christ. The antichrist
gospel says, <i>“Man cannot live without
daily sin; therefore, God cannot and does not require him to do so.”</i> The authentic Gospel, on the other hand, encourages
the believer to embrace, pursue, and experience the divine admonition of old<b>: </b><i>“Be ye holy, for I am holy.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> To counter the lie of a God <i>who just couldn’t pull that off with His people</i>, the true Gospel
would serve notice of the believer-shared power of the Living Christ. And, it very convincingly points us to a redemptive
process which logically proceeds from its beginning in God’s forgiveness to its
magnificent completion in the believer’s empowering Spiritual merger with that
Living Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Again, the revised antichrist gospel layers on error
after error by this progression of thought:
“Because I, even as a believer, cannot conquer the inner sin motive,
then, <b><i>grace</i></b> has to mean <i>mercy</i>,
and <b><i>righteousness</i></b>
can only be <i>imputed</i>, and <b><i>God’s
love</i></b> has to be <i>always unconditional</i>,
and <b><i>faith</i></b>
<i>cannot require expression</i>, so I can
be released from all real accountability, and thereby, measure up under divine
scrutiny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In truth, however, our ability to “<i>measure up”</i> under God’s scrutiny does not rest in these twisted corruptions of redemptive truth. Rather, our ability to stand before God’s final
judgement simply depends on the actual existence of a vital, heart-oneness with
Him through Christ. Thus, “<i>Measuring up</i>” actually comes by simply
embracing God’s true, Christ-empowered, heart-transforming process - not by
mentally excusing ourselves from it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-8-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">[Continue to Section 8]</a></u></b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-29038619707414189012017-09-23T16:29:00.001-07:002018-12-28T07:38:10.081-08:00Section 8: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s1600/Eye.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s320/Eye.png" width="320" /></a></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">An
Important Question: </span></i></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> </b><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Question:</span></b><b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>How do we account for occasional sinful
failures?</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Vessels Of Clay</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Obviously, on any given day, there are various circumstances which can <i>surprise </i>even a believer who has
experienced the Spiritual merger and truly shares in the character essence of
Christ. Why? Because, the reality is, such believer’s still
remain human as they move through the very dynamic process of redemption. They do not become superhuman, even in
Christ, in that they suddenly become impervious to life’s unexpected or
treacherous moments and circumstances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> For example, even a mature,
Spirit-filled believer can be <i>caught off
guard</i>. Or, she can be caught up in a
circumstance which she cannot manage well, simply because the complexity of that
circumstance is beyond her maturity level in Christ. Or, she might simply be physically or
emotionally weary, and therefore, less than at her best. And, a believer may lack good situational
awareness in a given circumstance, and thus, react wrongly to it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> All of these circumstances, and many
more like them, merely serve to remind us that we begin our character
development in Christ at the infant level, just as Jesus indicated when He used
the phrase, “born again.” That phrase
does not convey the idea of maturity, but rather, that we do, indeed, “start at
square one” in the redemptive process and then grow to the consistencies of
maturity. So, as in our physical
development, managing the dynamics of our development in Christ can also sometimes
be <i>pretty</i> <i>tricky</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
War Of The Secondary<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, then there are the <i>Secondary Sin Confrontations</i>. These are sin issues which have been spawned
by the Primary Sin Value and now exist as secondary sin issues on various
levels of awareness in our heart and life.
So, even after Christ has subdued that primary sin value, there are
still these secondary issues which must be confronted and conquered as we grow
to maturity in Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> For example, among many other
possibilities, we might need to confront and conquer motives like materialism,
jealousy, hate, lust, pride, etc., as we discover these secondary sin motives
and their expressions in our heart and life.
But now, we are actually
empowered to do so by the Living Christ.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, not so fast, know this also. Our first attempt to gain those victories may
not always be the only effort which is required, because, even these
confrontations have a higher purpose.
The reality is, even in Christ, especially in Christ, God doesn’t simply
wave a divine wand and make all of our struggles immediately disappear. Rather, He understands and employs the value
of those <b><i>God-shared struggles</i></b> to achieve His higher goals: to develop real depth in our new Christ-based
character, and thus, deepen and strengthen our growing heart-oneness with Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, indeed, in the pursuit of those
higher purposes, there is sometimes the bitterness of occasional failures when
we <b><i>temporarily
</i></b>fall short of our <b><i>faith aspiration</i></b> to always, please
God in our heart and life. But, that anguish, at the end, just becomes part of
the joy of the final victory over those secondary sin issues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Is This A Contradiction?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But wait! How is it any different to say, <i>“The believer may occasionally experience
momentary failures,” </i>than it is to say, as the non-responsible gospel does,
that <i>“We are hopelessly consigned to a
pattern of daily sin?”</i> How can we
recognize one idea, and deny the other?
In truth, these two ideas, don’t even exist on the same plane. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> One important difference must be understood
to sort this out. It is this. An <u>occasional and inadvertent failure</u> in
the <b><i>struggle
to conquer</i></b> the secondary sin issues, is vastly different from a regular
<u>pattern of sin</u> created by a <b><i>comfortable co-existence with a dominant sin
value</i></b> remaining in the heart. The
first circumstance is simply part of the transformative growth struggle of the
faithful believer. But, the latter indicates
a redemptive process <b><i>stalled</i></b> in the carnal phase – at
best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A Cleansing Sub-process<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, it is pretty much self-evident
that, as part of the redemptive process, God has chosen to use various kinds of
challenges, including the secondary sin issues, to cultivate the fullness of
the Christ character within us. And the
apostle, John, in his writing shows us a kind of redemptive <b><i>sub-process</i></b>
for handling occasional failures which occur with these challenges. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In 1 John, chapter 1, the apostle
writes, <i>“If we say that we have no sin,
we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and
just to forgive us our sins <u>and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness</u>.</i>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Always With A View Of Victory <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, notice, while John indicates a
recognition that there will be occasional and inadvertent failures on the part
of the believer, there is also another indication here. Note that what he prescribes is by no means a
consignment of the believer to defeat.
But rather, he prescribes the means by which the believer can obtain
forgiveness, and then continue on to eventual victory over those secondary
issues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> First, John prescribes what should
always be the first initiative of a true and vibrant faith in the face of
failure: essentially he says, <i>“First,
just own it.”</i> The idea is to admit (confess)
our failure to God. So, in his own words,
the apostle says, “<i><u>If we confess our
sins</u>, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin.” </i>But then, the
apostle goes on to let us know that, eventually, as the redemptive process
plays out, the power of Living Christ within will, indeed, <i>“cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”</i> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Larger Conclusions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So hopefully. it is now obvious that
the reality of a consistently faith-expressive and sin-free lifestyle is
completely dependent on our Spiritual merger with the Living Christ. It is through that merger that Christ <b><i>first </i></b>subjugates that <b><i>primary
sin value</i></b> of self-determination on both the conscious and subconscious
levels of the believer’s heart. And it
is through that merger that the believer is also empowered by the shared resources
of the Living Christ, to address the <b><i>secondary</i></b> <b><i>offspring</i></b> of that essential
sin motive on the various awareness levels of his heart and life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So obviously, even the Spirit
empowered believers must continue to live in and honestly confront the
challenges of the real world, every day.
Real life and the human side of the equation are not set aside by our
Spiritual merger with Christ. And, in
fact, it is true. Sometimes we win some,
and sometimes, we <u>temporarily</u> lose some as part of the dynamic realities
of the redemptive process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But, the overarching reality is
this. Christ empowered believers ultimately
always decisively conquer sin in its every form and manifestation on every
level of confrontation. And in the
process of meeting these and all of life’s challenges, we are transformed as our
heart-oneness with Him is deepened with every single life experience that we
share with together, the struggles and the joys, the foxholes and the mountain
tops. In the Living Christ, they are all
simply God’s means to an ultimately deep and durable heart-oneness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sharing
everything, the good and the bad, the easy and the hard, that is just the way
intimate friendships are built – even divine friendships. <b><i>And ultimately, redemption is just about
that friendship</i></b>.<span style="color: magenta;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-9-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">[Continue to Section 9]</a></u></b></span></div>
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Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-14792894064371740682017-09-23T16:23:00.003-07:002018-07-05T15:54:12.772-07:00Section 9: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s1600/Eye.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s320/Eye.png" width="320" /></a></b></div>
<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The
Ultimate Question:</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>As if set in some "house of mirrors," the true process of Christian Redemption has now become hidden among a vast array of twisted, alternative images.</i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One
Simple Question<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> However, one simple question still brings
us to the true process. And, the answer
to this question also entirely determines the tone and quality of our
relationship with God. And, it defines
the priority and direction of both our material and our Spiritual life. And, it is the first determinant as to
whether or not our heart will ever be truly attuned to God’s heart. And, this profoundly simple question, which
resides at the very center of true redemption is simply this, <b><i>“Do
you want to be new?”</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This is a very different question
from, “Do you want to be saved?” Or, “Do
you want God to rescue you from a difficult circumstance?” It is different from, “Do you want to go to
Heaven?” All of these are important
questions and they represent good reasons for responding to Christ. But this question takes us to the very essence
of God’s ultimate redemptive intent in Christ – the renewal of our core person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> If one is not really interested in
wholeheartedly embracing a personal transformation in Christ, then indeed, our
heart will never become truly attuned to God’s.
Nor does the destiny of our soul lie in God’s Heaven. Think these conclusions are exaggerated and
too harsh? They are not. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Jesus said that one must be “<i>born gain.”</i> And, again, as we’ve already
seen, the apostle, Paul, spoke of the believer becoming <i>“A new creation in Christ.”</i> So, the problem here is not an exaggeration of
the importance of the believer’s transformation. The real problem is the amplified lies of the
non-responsible, antichrist based, bogus gospel which dominates our times. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The real problem is that the modern Protestant/
Evangelical Church has widely embraced this giant heresy which gives up on the
human potential, dismantles the import of God’s moral principles, and paints
the believer as hopelessly degenerate.
The real problem is this devilish, <i>“forgiveness
only”</i> gospel which has no substantial view of a <i>here-and-now renewal</i> for the believer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In point of fact, God never intended
forgiveness to become an end in itself.
Forgiveness is really but a beginning place for our journey toward
newness and heart-oneness with Him. Thus,
God's very purpose driven redemptive plan necessarily takes us on beyond that beginning
place of the forgiveness furnished by the Cross of Christ. Ultimately, true redemption takes us to that consummate
event of the New Testament which flows out of the Resurrection and the reality
of a Living Savior. It takes us to our
personal Spiritual merger with Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And through this pinnacle, stand-alone,
redemptive event, which follows our embrace of the Lordship of Christ, we are
integrated into his living character essence.
And through this integration, comes the thorough refreshment of our own heart,
as we experience the impact of the value system of Christ in our core person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, Jesus would pray this prayer
for all of His disciples: He said, <i>“…that they all may be one, as you, Father, are
in me and I in you, that they also may be one in us.”</i> And so, the true Gospel brings us to God’s
true redemptive intention – our heart-oneness with Him through a shared value
system. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And, this very strategic change in
man’s nature, changes everything<span style="color: #00b050;">. </span>It brings a true newness to who we
are. And, with that newness comes a durable
and surpassing peace with God as we now share a heart likeness with Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Thus, the directional flow of the
true Gospel is well defined. It is
simply this constant growth toward heart-oneness with the divine heart. <b><i>But this final result never happens unless that
very foundational question, “Do I want to be new?” is first truthfully answered
in the positive. <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b>And, this defining question is
never entirely answered with mere words.
But, it must also be answered by the pressing reality of a driving
desire within. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, from the very first, it all
comes to this: <b><i>“Do I want to be new?”</i></b>
And, if our answer is <i>a desperate,
“Yes!”</i> then we will easily recognize the worthlessness of the barely
vested, minimally invasive, forgiveness-only emptiness offered by the
antichrist gospel of non-responsibility.
And, we will just as easily sense the inestimable worth of the authentic,
all-in, truly transformative, Christ-empowered redemption which is the genuine New
Testament prescription. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, it is true. In this late hour of redemptive history, we,
are, indeed, faced with a very deceptive choice. On the one hand, we are confronted with a
well-masked lie proposing an easy, do-nothing redemption, but which, in truth, leads
only to Hell, itself. And, on the other
hand, stands the more challenging, but life transforming authentic Gospel - the
Gospel which not only saves our soul but entirely renews our core person to
bring us fully back into a true heart embrace with our Creator. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Thus, the clarified choice really just becomes this – easy
or new?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b><u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-10-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank">[Continue to Section 10]</a></u></b></span></div>
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Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-30149708187786840312017-09-23T16:07:00.003-07:002018-07-05T16:06:09.510-07:00Section 10: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br />“If the light that is in you be darkness, <br /> how great is that darkness?” </i></b></span><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">- Jesus</span></i></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: #70ad47;">[Quick-Link] </span></i></b></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>STUDY OUTLINE</b></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: justify;"> </b></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-1-dark-light-exposing.html" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large; text-indent: -0.25in;" target="_blank"><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 1: </span></u></b><i><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Link</span></u></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b><i>Forward:</i></b>
<b>THE LONG WAY HOME<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo7; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-2-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank"><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 2:<i> </i></span></u></b><i><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Link<b> </b></span></u></i></a><u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-2-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank"> </a><b><o:p></o:p></b></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>GOD’S
EXPECTATIONS:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b>In The Old Testament<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In The New Testament <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Summary and Conclusion<b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l6 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> <a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-3-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank"> </a></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-3-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank"><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 3: </span></u></b><i><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Link</span></u></i></a><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span></u></b><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span>GOD’S
AUTHENTIC REDEMPTIVE PROCESS: </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Shaped By His Expectations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It Is His Plan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It Is a Precise Plan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Plan Employs a Process <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> A Quick Overview of the Redemptive
Process<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It’s All Essential<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Process Requires Completion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>A Father’s Anticipation<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> <a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-4-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank"> </a></span></b><!--[endif]--><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-4-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank"><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 4: </span></u></b><i><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Link</span></u></i></a><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span>THE
WINDS OF CHANGE: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Original Plan<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Christ
Our Perfect Way Back<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But That Was Then...<b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Foundational Idea<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Term Its Self<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The New Version<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> This Changes Everything<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Perfect Example: THE ROMAN
DILEMMA<b>
</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Devil’s Normal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Discrediting The “Non-responsibility”
Idea<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-5-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank"><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 5: </span></u></b><i><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Link</span></u></i></a><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span>REESTABLISHING
SOME CRITICAL CONCEPTS: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> GRACE:</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> An Overspecialization<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Broader Meaning More
Accurate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> A Superior Government<b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> What It Is, What It
Isn't<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><i>How Very Logical<b> </b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> SIN:</b> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Nature of Sin and
The Sin Problem<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Sin Value<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Back
To The Sin Issue <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> God's Primary Target<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Sin Voice: Open
Hostility vs. Quiet Independence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Condemnation, Absent
Expression <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> An Obvious Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>Essential Sin = The Heart Value Of
Self- determination <b> </b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
FAITH: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Faith Is Also Two
Dimensional<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> A Non-responsibility
Twist<b>
</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Perfect Answer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Faith Ultimately
Rules <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> More Will Than Intellect<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Faith That Saves: Influential
Humility<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Influential Humility
Defines The Believer <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>The Great Leap <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> THE NATURE OF GOD’S LOVE:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b>Love And
Respect: Some Interesting Connections<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In
The Nature of God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In
The God’s Word<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In
The Family Structure <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now,
Some Powerful Parallels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Respect
Comes In Three Types:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Based
In Nature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Based
In Position<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Based
In Performance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In
A Word<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now God's Love <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> God's
Love Based In His Nature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> God's
Love Based In His Position<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> God's
Love Based In Performance<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b>Again,
Redefinition<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In
Summary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now,
God’s Love In Action<b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #70ad47;"> <u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-6-dark-light-exposing-gospel-of.html" target="_blank">Section 6: </a></u></span></b><i><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-6-dark-light-exposing-gospel-of.html" target="_blank">Link</a></span></u></i><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-6-dark-light-exposing-gospel-of.html" target="_blank"> </a><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span>THE
DUAL ROLE OF CHRIST: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b>The Magnificent
Savior Of The World <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><b><i>The
Dying Christ: Our Reconciliation </i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Imputed Righteousness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b>A Sidebar:
<i>Imputed Righteousness<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 1.75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->It
is based in the work of Christ, not those of the believer.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 1.75in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo8; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->It
is a transitional protection.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Reality Based Righteousness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The
Spirit Source <b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Imputed vs. Reality
Based<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It’s
By Christ’s Faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> A
Protection Of Ever Diminishing Necessity<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The
Non-responsible Exaggeration<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> A
False Security<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Distortion
= More Distortion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In
Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, Back To The Dying Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><b><i>The
Living Christ: Our Completion <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Believer’s Completion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The
Divine Merger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Implications <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Great Mystery: A Completely
Unique Event <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Benefits of the Baptism<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Character Fruit<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The New Birth In Real
Terms<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> True Righteousness <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> God's Vision Enabled<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> A New Creature<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> An Empowered Faith<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Power Over Sin <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> How This Works<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Target Event<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Most Important
Result <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Old Man, The New Man<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Created According to
God <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Free At Last, Free At
Last<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The
Transformative Walk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Again,
It’s Like DNA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But,
It’s Never Merely A Growth Process<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> In
The Living Christ:Faith Empowers Grace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> It Takes Both<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Now, Let’s Return To – <i>“The Roman Dilemma”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l5 level1 lfo4; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-7-dark-light-exposing-gospel-of.html" target="_blank"><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 7: </span></u></b><i><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Link</span></u></i></a><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span>A
RETURN TO THE ROMAN DILEMMA <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Back To The Dilemma: Romans 7: 14-25<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Carnal State: “The Big In
Between" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> God’s
Purposes Served<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And,
The Answer Does Come<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>The Conceptual Interpretation: Romans 7:14-25<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i><b>“Flesh” Guided vs. Spirit Guided:
Romans 8:1-2 <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Fallacy Exposed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>The Conceptual Interpretation: Romans 8:1-2<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i><b>Inner Values vs. External
Rules: Romans 8: 3-4<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Two
Essential Objectives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>The Conceptual Interpretation: Romans 8: 3-4</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b>A
Sobering Contrast: Romans 8: 5-9<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Statement-Of-Faith Age<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The
Sin Essence Will Be Eradicated<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Again,
A Process Requiring Completion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The
“What If’s”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The
Important Take-away<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>The
Conceptual Interpretation: Romans 8: 5-9<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>Redemption:
A Very Serious Business<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b>The
Spirit of Life: Romans 8: 10-11<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b><i>The
Conceptual Interpretation: Romans 8:
10-11<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b>A Vision Of Renewal: Romans 8:
12-17</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Subjugation and Empowerment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="mso-list: skip; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <i>The Conceptual
Interpretation: Romans 8: 12-17<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>The “Roman Dilemma”- The Real Picture<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b>A Head-To-Head Summary: The True vs. The False<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: -.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The
Final Conclusions<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="mso-list: skip; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>From Dilemma To Dream Come True<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-8-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank"><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 8: </span></u></b><i><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Link</span></u></i></a><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span>AN
IMPORTANT QUESTION: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">The Question: </b><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> How do
we account for occasional sinful failures?</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b>Vessels
Of Clay<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The
War Of The Secondary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Is
This A Contradiction?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> A
Cleansing Sub-process<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Always With A View Of
Victory <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The Larger
Conclusions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-9-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank"><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Section 9: </span></u></b><i><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Link</span></u></i></a><b><u><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"> </span>THE ULTIMATE QUESTION: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b>One Simple
Question<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><a href="http://nutsandbolts77.blogspot.com/2017/09/section-11-dark-light-exposing.html" target="_blank"> [Continue to Section 11 - The Glossary]</a></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-89216605448508488802017-09-23T15:46:00.000-07:002018-08-07T07:45:56.984-07:00Section 11: THE DARK LIGHT: Exposing The Antichrist Virus<div class="DefaultText">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s1600/Eye.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMueessX8lu4TYR9DEePjKA9FfGWaE4nvsnJZOjrhakbekljo2CQ6MaZrQwHIkYBryTkkPWYr-21BIsPNFokN_NYzvu5S6uNQgjkiRNl1p8PCyeN2vq1530qah89b0bo1X3UxojtEfxkP/s320/Eye.png" width="320" /></a></i></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></span>
“If the light that is in you be darkness, </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>how
great is that darkness?” </i></b></span><i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">-Jesus</span></span></i></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #70ad47;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">GLOSSARY OF TERMS<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b><b>ANTICHRIST (Adjective)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
word “antichrist” in this writing is always used as an adjective, never as a
noun. It does not refer to the specific
personality. It is merely a descriptive
word referring to the antichrist ethos, or spirit, or philosophy which gives
rise to the non-responsible gospel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b><b>CARNAL<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Having to do with the physical/ material
appetites. As specifically applied in the
Bible and this work, the term typically describe one who is still primarily
driven by selfish appetites, rather than the more noble motives of the divine
Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> CHARACTER
ESSENCE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our
core metaphysical make up, primarily defined by our values and the personal
traits they produce to uniquely identify us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> CORE
PERSON<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our
most essential being. Figuratively, our
“heart.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> ESSENTIAL
OR PRIMARY SIN VALUE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This
is the most basic sin motive held at the deepest governing level of our subconscious
core person. It is essentially the value
which engenders the desire to self-direct our lives instead of embracing God’s
guidance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> FLESH<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As
used figuratively in the New Testament, the term refers to an inner body or
collection of completely self-concentric appetites which server to motivate
selfish actions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> GOSPEL<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Strictly
rendered, the word means, “The good news.”
Broadly rendered, it is used to denote Christian redemption in general,
including its teachings and dynamics. In
this writing it is also used figuratively to identify the false teachings of
the antichrist which only masquerade as the Gospel of Christ, but are, in
truth, a great heresy. Thus, the phrase “non-responsible
gospel” used in this writing is used with a note of sarcasm to refer to these
heretical teachings. Please notice, in
this use, the word “gospel” is never capitalized, as is a reference to the true
“Gospel” of Christ is, to show respect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> GRACE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
term grace, including its use in the Bible, refers to <i>an innate, or naturally occurring goodness</i>. The pop-definition of
grace is <i>“unmerited favor”</i> which is
really more the definition of “Mercy” when use in the redemptive context. But, <i>grace</i>
is a much larger term than <i>mercy</i>. Grace produces Mercy; but, <i>grace</i> and <i>mercy</i> do not equally interchange, especially in the Bible. It is important that <i>grace</i> be correctly understood as <i>naturally occurring goodness</i> so as not to lose the important
redemptive truth <i>that those who are
Spiritually merged with the character essence of the Living Christ also
experience His natural goodness in their own character through their symbiotic
relationship with Him.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> HEART<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This
word is used <u>figuratively</u> in the Bible to refer to one’s core person,
which would include, of course, the mind, both conscious and subconscious,
one’s value system and the motives or drives which it produces, and one’s
emotional make-up. Our heart is
essentially the non-corporal us, the character essence who is actually housed
within our physical body, but in some since, is separate from it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">HEART-ONENESS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In
this writing, <i>“Heart-oneness with God”</i>
means to share and fully embrace his values and life interpretations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> HOLY
/ HOLINESS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In
the simplest terms, to be “Holy” is <i>to be
singularly devoted to God</i>. In the
case of a believer in Christ, holiness has to do with the condition of his
heart, his core person. A heart becomes
holy before God when, <i>on its most primary
governing level</i>, it is singularly set aside and devoted entirely to Him. In other words, its <i>ultimate and</i> <i>supreme </i>devotion
is completely unshared with anyone or anything else. That highest level of devotion belongs only
to God. So, while on secondary levels of
a believer’s heart a believer may actually embrace many worthy devotions, his family, his job etc., yet, in a holy heart, all of those lesser devotions are
subject to and governed by that more primary devotion to God. And, this is the <b><i>singularity of devotion</i></b> which
the Living Christ enables through our Spiritual merger with His character
essence. As his divine faith supplements
the believer's faith to entirely <i>subjugate that
essential sin motive</i> of self-determination, our heart is then <i>no longer divided between self and God on
its primary governing level</i>. Now,
the core being of the believer is <i>wholly</i>
given to God and thus, it is <i>holy</i>. So, when God says, “Be ye holy, for I am
holy,” the idea is simply that <i>God is
singularly devoted to goodness, thus, we should also be singularly devoted to
God’s goodness on the most primary governing level of our heart</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> INFLUENCE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Influence
is <i>the sum total of our power to effect our
own and the larger reality around us</i>.
A good and accurate concept of <b><i>redemptive faith</i></b> is to understand it
as <i>the willingness to humble our
influence (the sum total of our power) before God’s influence</i>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><b><u><a href="http://specialemphasis.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-main-players-god-holy-spirit.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">[Influence:</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Learn More - Read this Section of "Touching God's Heart"</span></a></u></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><u><a href="http://specialemphasis.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-main-players-god-holy-spirit.html" target="_blank">]</a></u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> MOTIVE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">An
inner stimulation which drives us to an action.
In this writing, the word “Motive” is often used in connection with
“Values” (see below) simply because our values often do produce motives which
drive us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> NON-RESPONSIBLE
/ NON-RESPONSIBILITY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b>These terms are used to label and describe the
antichrist belief system which has as its prime tenet, the idea that <i>since a believer cannot consistently resist
the primary sin motive (the desire to be self-determined) a just God cannot and
does not require him to do so</i>. Thus,
the believer becomes <i>non-responsible</i>
for his sinful lifestyle realities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> REDEMPTIVE
FAITH<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
specific type of faith which saves the soul.
In Christian Redemption, it is a type of trust which engenders a
profound humility. The idea is that <i>Redemptive Faith </i>expresses itself as a
willingness to fully embrace of God’s values and daily directions in one’s
life. Thus, it becomes the highest form
of trust.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> SELF-DETERMINED
/ SELF-DETERMINATION <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To
be self-directed and thus self-sovereign over one’s life. The idea is that one charts his own life
course and develops his own values and prefers not to answer to any others –
specifically God’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> SPIRIT
/ SPIRITUAL<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
best way to conceive of <b><i>“the Spiritual”</i></b> is in terms of <b><i>“Influence.”</i></b> One’s influence is <i>the sum total of his power to effect his own and the larger reality</i>. Thus, stripped to our most abstract nature –
we are each, <i>a very unique and
personalized influence</i>. And, “<b><i>the
spiritual” </i></b><i>is all about the
issues surrounding the nature, quality, and impact of that influence on reality.
</i> So, for now, our spiritual person is
housed within a physical body and a physical dimension of life. Yet, even now, that
spiritual person within us transcends the physical. This is so, in that our spiritual person is
not really identified by physical attributes.
And, he remains, in some sense, a separate core person, merely residing
within that physical house. Instead, our
spiritual person is identified by his <b><i>character essence</i></b><i> <b>–
plus –</b> <b>his influence</b></i> (the
impact of his character essence on reality).
So, in short, <b><i>“the spiritual”</i></b> refers to that
dimension of life which is entirely driven by and concerned with <b><i>the
issues surrounding the idea of influence:</i></b> is it good or bad, strong or weak, oppressed
or free, holy or unholy, humble or arrogant, etc. And, eventually, in Christ, our spiritual
person will, indeed, be ushered into <b><i>a purely spiritual dimension of life</i></b>,
the economy of which, is completely centered around the issues of influence. We typically refer to that coming reality
simply as – “Heaven.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><a href="http://specialemphasis.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-main-players-god-holy-spirit.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">[Influence:</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Learn More - Read this Section of "Touching God's Heart"</span></a></u></b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u><a href="http://specialemphasis.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-main-players-god-holy-spirit.html" target="_blank">]</a></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> SPIRITUAL
BAPTISM / SPIRITUAL MERGER / SPIRITUAL INTEGRATION<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These
terms refer to a unique, stand-alone, redemptive event which occurs after one’s
conversion. In this occurrence, the
divine Spirit effects a merger of the human character essence of the believer
with the divine character essence of the Living Christ. And, through this merger, the believer is
infused with the values of Christ in primordial or infant form. And, the power of those shared divine values
then bring to the believer a liberation from the domination of the essential
sin motive resulting in a consistently faith-expressive life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">SYMBIOTIC / SYMBIOSIS <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Interconnected. In this writing these terms describe the
relationship that exists between the believer and Christ as a result of their
Spiritual merger. This interconnected relationship
between the believer and Christ results in the believer sharing in the
character essence of Christ – including His value system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">TRUTH<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The
correct interpretation of reality. Only
God’s interpretation of reality is the authoritative and decisive interpretation
of life’s circumstances. Thus, only God
is the real Truth Giver. All other
interpretations of reality are merely alternative delusions which serve only to
compete with and /or obscure the Divine Truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b><b>VALUES / VALUE SYSTEM<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="DefaultText" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Values
are our most deeply held life principles, tenets, beliefs, etc. Our value system is the entire collection of
our values, taken together. And, these
guiding life principles are so deeply held and well established in our core
person that they typically function more like instincts than a cognitive
thought process. Our values and our
value system actually constitute a kind of “life filter” which we use to interpret
life. Thus, we pass all of life’s issues
through this interpretive filter to gain a perspective on those issues. So, very obviously, a value system which is
entirely based in divine truth is completely indispensable to the quality of
our relationship with God. Our values
system is the very basis of our heart-oneness (heart agreement) with Him. And, it is the complete and thorough renewal
of our value system which is at the absolute center of God’s redemptive agenda,
and all of the redemptive work of both the Dying and the Living Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-10708240654435286422016-03-07T10:30:00.000-08:002018-02-21T16:30:14.161-08:00Conversion Factors<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Conversion to what? Centigrade to Fahrenheit? Teaspoons to Tablespoons? Well, maybe sometimes, but not in this case. In this case, we are talking about Christian conversion. We are talking about the dramatic change in status which occurs when the non-believer becomes a believer in Christ.<br /><br />But what is the real essence of conversion? What are the mechanics of this shift in our reality? We certainly need to answer those important questions – but, not for a minute or two. First, let’s talk about what conversion involves in terms of the everyday human reality.<br /><br />For example, conversion means you don’t wake up alone anymore. It means that you will never have to face another day, depending only upon yourself, or forsaken to the dilemmas of your own weakness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To experience Christ is to experience the grand privilege of His enduring and empowering friendship, and with that, the confidence and synergy that comes from a life lived as two. It is an existence which is exponentially better than life lived as one.<br /><br />In the everyday, conversion also means a thorough reprieve from our own inner darkness. Whether it’s a latent and unexplainable anger, some ugly appetite, or some unresolved guilt, etc., conversion means – “It’s all solvable.” The reality of life in Christ is that the path is ever upward. In simple terms, under his care, newness of heart and life flourish. <br /><br />Conversion is also the means by which the living Jesus conveys to the believer’s heart, every day, a durable hope for that day, and for the days to come. He whispers confidence in words unspoken, and yet, clearly understood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, by these confirming whispers of love and support, we discover the means to escape the previous patterns of our own stupidity. We are set free from the devilish lies and silly delusions which have, before, led us astray. These things are all replace by new, and fulfilling, and entirely attainable dreams – dreams of substance, which do, indeed, eventually become a personal success story.<br /><br />The simple reality, of which unbelievers are completely unaware, at least in the real terms of daily relationship, is that our Savior lives. And through His constant and invisible presence we are, every day, helped in a thousand ways – far beyond just the needs of our soul. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The world needs a Savior of the soul; and Christ is certainly that. But, in the everyday, our Savior becomes our best friend, our confidante’, our advice giver, our direction provider, our forgiver, and our constant encourager. <br /><br />It’s true; conversion has some mechanics to it. But most days, those mechanics are far less important than the daily result. To live in the light of God’s daily friendship and blessing is the <i>“daily redemption.”</i> It is the redemption, not so much of our soul, as of our life circumstance. <br /><br />Nevertheless, understanding the mechanics of conversion does sometimes expedite this blessing that is – the divine friendship. So, again, what is the real essence of conversion? What are the mechanics of this shift in our reality? Well, to put it simply, it is ultimately just <b><i>a matter of values</i></b>. <br /><br />It works like this. Each human being has a value system which is completely unique to them. And, this value system is composed of a group of deeply held and very basic beliefs, tenets, principles etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">These very primary <i>"instincts"</i> essentially form our guidance system in life. They are our perception mechanism. And thus, our values largely determine our actions and reactions. They form our likes and dislikes. Our values determine what is important and what is not important to us.<br /><br />So, for example, the value system of one person may determine that slavery is horribly wrong. The value system of another may dismiss the moral implications of slavery, altogether. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> And so it goes with all of the issues of life. It is our value system which determines how we feel and behave toward most everything. And it is the absolute uniqueness of our value system which makes us see and react to things differently.<br /><br />So, before we encounter Christ, our value system is very small and subjective. That is, it creates a very me-centered view of life. And, if we do occasionally get briefly beyond this “me” perspective, it is with no small effort and no great consistency. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Always this subjective view of life exerts itself as a background pressure upon who we are and what we do. And it is this specific condition which Jesus begins to address at conversion.<br /><br />The redemption which Christ offers is essentially about giving us a new value system which is based in God’s perspective, rather than our own. And, while we might not actually verbalize it in these terms, yet the reality is, at conversion, we are declaring our willingness to take on this new value system - God’s value system. <br /><br />So, at conversion, the obverse decision is to entrust ourselves to the will of Christ, going forward. But, intrinsic to that decision is the underlying necessity of embracing His values, the same values revealed to us in the Bible. <br /><br />The concept of values, and more specifically, subjective values, explains a lot in our world. For example, when we view the conflict between good and evil, it is really simply a clash of values. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we look at the controversial social issues of our times: abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, legalization of recreational drugs, etc., the controversy is born from a clash of values. The same is true of racial and ethnic tensions, religious differences, as well as political ideologies. It is all about differing values. <br /><br />So, it becomes obvious that, as people, we cannot really resolve our serious differences until we reconcile our values. And God understands that this same dilemma exists between Himself and mankind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> We will never have peace with God until we share a common value system with Him. Thus, the central, underlying issue of conversion is really our willingness to forsake our own flawed value system and embrace His. <br /><br />And, that is exactly the opportunity which God offers to humanity through Christ. It is the opportunity to be reconciled to Him in this enduring way. He is offering us a profoundly peaceful relationship which is well anchored in our common values. So, Paul would write in the Book of Romans, <i>“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord, Jesus Christ...”</i> <br /><br />We actually discover this new and harmonious relationship with God in two stages. The first stage of discovery is, indeed, at conversion. As described, at that conversion moment, we are actually agreeing, in our conscious mind, to begin operating our lives in accordance with His value system. <br /><br />But the conscious mind does not entirely decide the redemptive matter. Even after this conscious decision is made, there remain the issues of the subconscious mind. And those subconscious issues are very real. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Paul paints a clear picture of the subconscious confrontation in Romans, chapter 7, where he writes, <i>“For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But, I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” </i><br /><br />So, beyond the conscious mind, we must also take the decision to embrace God’s values to our subconscious mind. However, the subconscious mind is one over which we have virtually no control. So, what is to be done? <br /><br />In fact, God has devised the perfect solution through the Living Christ. It is our spiritual baptism into His living essence. Through this literal merger of natures, our human nature with His divine nature, the embrace of His value system is effected in our subconscious mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When this happens, the clash of values between God and the individual is finally and <u>entirely</u> settled. And what is left in the wake of this Christ arranged peace is a new and harmonious relationship with God, which reaches to the very core of the believer’s being. <br /><br />Jesus once said, <i>“A house divided against its self cannot stand.”</i> When we share a common value system, whether with people or with God, there is peace and agreement of heart. When we do not, conflict, tension, and division are inescapable. <br /><br />In Christ, God has devised a way to bring about a beautifully harmonious and enduring relationship with those who would be converted from darkness to His light. And ultimately – it is just a matter of Christ implanted values. <br /><br /><b><i> "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you..."</i></b> - Jesus <br /> <br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></div>
Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-86968643143487489992012-04-15T13:03:00.000-07:002018-02-21T16:30:31.180-08:00Lovers Of Truth<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In general, truth is a very desirable thing in life – but not to all, and not all the time. To some, truth is far less attractive than the “rose colored view,” which keeps them ever comfortable, or the “spin view” which provides some circumstantial advantage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Truth, to many, is less desirable than the lie which distorts it to their benefit. And to still others, truth is only as winsome to their heart as it is approving of their actions. But, when truth becomes their <i>corrector</i>, it falls instantly and entirely out of favor. <br /><br />But, maybe we should first simply define truth. For some, that, in itself, becomes a formidable task. But, in fact, it’s not really that difficult – <i>unless, of course, you need it to be.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nevertheless, a good working definition of truth is this: <i><b>“Truth is a correct interpretation of reality.”</b></i> So, if you are telling the truth, you are accurately describing reality. If you are telling a lie, you are distorting reality into something it is not. Simple, huh?<br /><br />The final authority on truth, and thus, the ultimate Assessor of reality, is, of course, God. Sound a little authoritative? Well, He is God. And the divine authority is, absolutely, a part of our truth, that is, <i>if you are into correctly assessing reality</i>.<br /><br />This is why Jesus could describe himself as, <i>“the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”</i> It is because He, as God, determines and decrees the correct view of reality - what is factual and what is false.<br /><br />How we view truth – whether as very pliable or very concrete - says a lot about us. How we deal with truth, whether we embrace and value it or try to escape it, says even more about us. And our thoughts and actions regarding the truth are strong determining factors in how we relate to God, and how He relates to us.<br /><br />This last idea becomes very obvious in 2nd Thessalonians, chapter 2. There, in verse 10, Paul, speaking of the characteristic followers of the antichrist, says that God rejects them because they do not <i>“receive the love of the truth.” </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What is interesting is that God’s rejection is not said to be based in their mistreatment of the truth, itself, – but in the fact that they do not possess a love of the truth. The idea is that they are void of an appreciation for the worth of God’s<i> interpretation</i> of reality. <br /><br />So, it is true. Some much prefer distortion to the divine version of reality. And human beings are free to do that – to a point. We can mentally ignore, and rationalize, and justify away the undesirables in our existence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">We can wrap ourselves in comfortable lies and preferable reinterpretations of the facts. But ultimately, loving and living by God’s truth, His interpretation of reality, is the difference between Heaven and Hell. Simple, huh? </span></div>
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Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-88896403932796217742012-02-07T15:14:00.002-08:002023-02-07T20:04:08.274-08:00100. - Christian Redemption: In A Very Informative Nutshell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>The following Numbered Articles (100.0 - 118.0) are linked to a story, which is an allegory. These articles form that story's allegorical interpretation. The story is entitled, <b>"Odyssey of the Rising."</b> If you would like to read the story in correlation with these individual articles to gain that "story form" continuity and point of view, here is a link to </i></span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://specialemphasis.blogspot.com/2023/02/odyssey-of-rising.html" target="_blank">"The Odyssey of the Rising."</a></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><i><b><span style="color: blue;">100.1 - Christian Redemption - A Process:</span></b> </i>It seems there has always existed <i><b>The Myth of a Magic Milestone</b></i> in religious thought - <i>some easy, momentary remedy which instantly and magically changes everything, forever</i>. But, God's Authentic Plan of Redemption is actually a serious, life-transforming <b><i>process</i></b>, not merely one "magic" moment or event.<br /><br /> Today, it is common, at the grassroots level of the Church, that the Conversion Event, involving only a momentary Statement of Faith in Jesus Christ, almost entirely defines the believer's concept of salvation. However, taken alone, that <i>Conversion Moment</i> does not even come close to adequately defining the believer's <i>required</i> involvement in the redemptive work of Christ. <br /><br />That conversion moment, the moment when we first truly embrace the Lordship of Christ, including His <i>values</i>, His <i>truth</i>, and His <i>daily directions</i> for our life, is, but one milestone in a long redemptive journey. In reality, as we shall see, the work of Christian redemption actually begins well before our conversion and continues far past it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, that progressive personal transformation involves several general <i>phases</i> and other <i>key events</i> in its course. And, these facets are also equally indispensable to our here-and-now personal renewal and the ultimate success of our soul. (Ref. John 15: 1-8)<br /><br />That is not to say that the conversion event is not a unique and important milestone. It most certainly is. It is the wondrous moment when our soul becomes initially <i>safe in Christ</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, this momentous time also has another equally identifying significance. That conversion moment also marks the start of our personal daily participation and investment in a renewing friendship with Christ. And what follows is a simple overview of how that daily divine companionship commonly impacts the faithful believer's life.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: blue;"><i>100.1a There is a Common Path in Christian Redemption:</i> </span></b><br />Obviously, in the details of our lives there are great differences in the way we personally encounter God. But, there is also an Essential Redemptive Path which all faithful believers experience and cherish in common. <br /><br />And, while mere religions and theologies may present humanity with different interpretive perspectives, still that <i>Essential Authentic Path</i>, remains <i><b>The Path</b></i>. And, our various preferences and perceptional variances do not reshape or alter its requirements, even one whit.<br /><br />So, let's look at this precious <i>redemptive experience</i> which is common to all successful believers. Let's explore this basic and unchanging redemptive pathway from beginning to end.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: blue;"><i>100.1b The Simple Overview of Christian Redemption:</i></span></b> And, let's begin with a simple overview of Christian redemption. In the simplest terms, there are <i>two basic needs</i> that we have, regarding our personal redemption. <br /><br /> Those two basic needs are these. One, we need <i>forgiveness</i>, which, in turn, enables a personal reconciliation with God. And two, we need <i>a personal renewal</i> which insures that this new relationship with God is not once again defeated by our old nature and ways. <br /><br />So, in Christ, God has provided <i>two basic answers</i> for these two basic needs. First, He has given us the <i>Dying Christ of the Cross</i> to secure our forgiveness and reconciliation to Himself. And secondly, He has given us the <i>Living Christ of the Resurrection</i>, who is capable of <i>sharing the vitality of His resurrected life</i> with the believer to empower our personal renewal. <br /><br />Thus, through these two redemptive roles, Christ entirely meets those two most over-arching human needs. So, it breaks out this way. The <i>Dying Christ on the Cross</i>, furnishes three essential things to the believer. He or she is provided <i>forgiveness, reconciliation to God</i>, and an <i>imputed</i> (or an assigned) <i>righteousness</i>.<br /><br />And, through the <i>Living Christ of the Resurrection</i> the believer is provided <i>a thorough personal renewal</i>, and through that renewal, <i>a reality based righteousness</i> - thus insuring an enduring and consistently meaningful relationship with our God. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: blue;"><i>100.1c The Three Basic Phases of Christian Redemption:</i></span></b> When we take the <i>"long look"</i> at the redemptive work, we notice that there are really <i>three basic phases</i> to the redemptive process. <b><i>Phase 1</i></b> of the redemptive process is the <i>Reconciliation Phase</i>. This is the earliest time of our encounter with God when the preeminent need is to be reconciled to Him, as mentioned earlier. Thus, <i>the idea of forgiveness</i> largely defines this earliest stage of the redemptive process. <br /><br />Phase 1 then fades into <b style="font-style: italic;">Phase 2</b> of redemption, which is the <i>Renewal Phase</i>. In this phase, the believer is primarily involved with the <i>Christ-empowered renewal of his or her character essence</i>. <br /><br /> This renewal is accomplished by the divinely arranged and very literal <i>merger</i> of the believer's <i>character essence</i> (heart) with that of the Living Christ. This mystical merger is what the Church calls, the <i>"Baptism of the Spirit"</i> or <i>"Spiritual Baptism."</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is through this literal <i>integration</i> with Christ's divine character essence, that He is able to then empower the believer's thorough <i>newness</i>. And this sweeping newness comes, not only to the believer's <i>core person</i>. But, resulting from that inner character renewal, in turn, Christ is also able to then renew the believer's <i>broader life circumstance</i>. <br /><br />This newness actually results from the replacement of the <i>believer's old, self-centered</i> (sin based) <i>value system</i> with the new God-centered (faith based) <i>value system of the living Christ</i>. And, this <i>value system exchange, </i>is the very <i>"epicenter"</i> of the life-changing shift which occurs when we are enjoined to the character essence of the Living Christ through this <i>Spiritual integration</i>. <br /><br /> And, as a result of this seismic inner shift in our personal core government, instantly, the believer starts to experience a profound and very confirming peace with God. This peace is simply the natural outflow of a true <i>heart-oneness with God</i> based in the now shared divine value system of Christ. (Ref. John 3: 3)<br /><br />And eventually, Phase 2 of redemption begins to gradually transition into <b style="font-style: italic;">Phase 3, </b>the <i>Fruitful Phase</i>. This is the phase where the believer is primarily involved in cultivating a <i>fuller expression</i> of the renewed character that the Living Christ is now empowering within him or her. <br /><br /> In this phase, the general emphasis now expands beyond merely the conquest of that inner sin value and its outflows. Since this conquest has now been abundantly empowered through the Spiritual merger, now the focal point begins to also take in the idea of producing new, God-pleasing <i><b>"Character Fruit,"</b></i> made possible by the believer's new, Christ-furnished value system. (Galatians 5: 19-25)<br /><br />So, this is the large divisional overview of God's authentic redemptive design. Now let's look, at the experiential steps involved in these various phases of the redemptive work. This will be <i>a more magnified, or detailed, view</i> of those larger redemptive phases.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: blue;"><i>100.1d The Experiential Steps of Christian Redemption:</i></span></b> So, here is a <i>step-by-step breakdown</i> of what occurs in those general phases of redemption. And, we begin with this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">As mentioned earlier, technically, and traced to its uttermost reaches, the redemptive pathway actually begins well before the conversion moment. It really begins at <i>the judgment seat of God</i>. There, before we embrace the Lordship of Christ, we find ourselves already under the condemnation of our Creator's disapproval. <i> </i>(Ref. John 3:18)<br /><br /> We are not in this jeopardy before Him simply because of one act of disobedience or another. We are not in this position because of chronic moral indiscretions. In fact, our <b><i>actions</i></b> are not the prime issue at all.<br /><br />It is our <b><i>value system</i></b> which is the real issue. And, more precisely, it is our <b><i>Primary Governing Value</i></b> which is really at the root of God's disapproval. We actually find our self in this dangerous place before Him only because we value and embrace, on the most primary governing level of our heart, the <b><i>Essential Sin Value</i></b>, which is the value of <b><i>Self-determination</i></b>. (Ref. Gen.3:4-7)<br /><br />This is the dark value with which humanity was chronically infected in the Garden of Eden through Satan's treachery. It is defined by the idea that, <i>"We, ourselves, and not God, are our own best hope for fulfillment in life."</i> And, this errant perspective then causes us to feel <i>self-sufficient</i> and, thus, completely able to simply abandon God's loving and protective oversight of our life to become entirely self-determined (self-directed) in life. (Ref. Gen.3:4-7)<br /><br />And, in turn, this rebellious attitude causes us to become estranged from God. It causes us, as we live out our lives, to carelessly ignore and transgress His wishes - in service to our own. But, again, those resulting transgressions are only the <i>symptom</i> of the real, the <i>root problem</i> - our love of self-determination. (Ref. Gen. 3: 7-8)<br /><br /> So, it is this inner driving desire for <i><b>"personal sovereignty"</b></i> which is the root cause of man's alienation from his Creator. And, it is this <i>essential sin value</i> which first draws God's disapproval and judgment - not the behavioral actions which this value eventually spawns. Thus, it is this <i>ascendant dark value</i> at which God's redemptive plan first takes aim. <br /><br /> And really, it's pretty simple when you think about it. It is actually so simple, that it becomes one of those "duh!" moments: <i>Solve the inner value problem, and you solve the external behavior problem</i>.<br /><br />Thus, the magnificent heart of our Creator set about to entirely remedy that devastating sinful motive through Christ. Moved by His great love for His creature, the grace (naturally occurring goodness) of God has formulated a plan to entirely resolve this rift in His relationship with mankind through the redemptive work of both <i>the Dying Christ of the Cross</i> and <i>the Living Christ of the Resurrection.</i> And, it is a perfect plan, indeed. And here is how it all unfolds...<br /><br /><b><i> The Common Experiential Steps of the Authentic Path of Christian Redemption ...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /><span style="color: blue;">Within the Forgiveness Phase:</span></i> </b>Typically, our first meaningful awareness of what God is doing to restore our relationship with Him comes as we begin to experience <i><b>the drawing</b></i> of the Holy Spirit. This drawing expresses itself in varied ways from emotional upheaval, to intellectual questioning, to disturbing impacts upon our everyday circumstance. (Ref. Acts 9:1-6)<br /><br /> But, however it unfolds, this divine manipulation is always designed to get our attention. And, as it does so, it begins to heighten our sensitivity to God.<br /><br />Then, if all goes well, as the various facets of our life properly align themselves under the direction of the Holy Spirit, the <i>"conversion chemistry"</i> becomes correct. And, in this God-orchestrated moment of personal clarity, we are able to <i>see and acknowledge the wrongness </i>of our self-determined approach to life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, in that conversion moment, we are able to humbly <i>embrace the Lordship of Christ</i>. And again, what actually validates that moment is our assertion (intuitively, if not cognitively) of our true willingness to <i>thoroughly embrace</i> Christ's value system, His truth, and His daily direction of our lives, going forward.<br /><br />Instantly, something truly wonderful happens. It flows out of our true <b style="font-style: italic;">expression of repentance</b>, that sweeping<i> change of heart </i>which denotes our willingness to entirely forsake the <i>self-determined life-approach</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, it rises from our expression of <b><i>truly redemptive faith</i></b>,<b><i> </i></b><i>a profound humility </i>before God - specifically expressed as that thorough embrace of the Lordship if Christ. Out of these things, <i>forgiveness</i> and a wonderful personal <i>reconciliation</i> to God comes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, along with those things, something else happens. We receive the <i>gift</i> of <i style="font-weight: bold;">imputed righteousness</i> - a righteousness, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">not based in our actual reality, but merely assigned to us. It is simply furnished to us through Christ's death on the Cross</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /> But, the redemptive process is, by no means, finished at this Conversion Moment. Indeed, the Cross and our encounter with <i>the Dying Christ </i>is actually only the <i>beginning point of our own voluntary participation</i> in the redemptive process. Beyond this starting point, we will also, yet, experience the wonderful, <i>here-and-now impacts</i> of Christ's Resurrection.<br /><br />So, from that beginning place of the Cross, the believer now begins to move forward, under the leadership of the Divine Spirit, toward the benefits which the <i>Living Christ of the Resurrection</i> provides to us <i>in this present life.</i> Thus, we move past those <i>first needs</i> of forgiveness and reconciliation, to become involved in the Christ-empowered business of <i>heart </i>(character essence) <i>renewal</i>. <br /><br />So now, we enter that second, that Renewal Phase of redemption. As discussed earlier, and as the name indicates, this phase is, indeed, largely defined by the <i>thorough and durable</i> <i>renewal</i> of the believer's <i>core person</i>, his or her character essence, and in turn then, his or her <i>larger life-circumstance</i>.<br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: blue;"> Within the Renewal Phase: </span></i></b>The Renewal Phase of Redemption is a natural and logical progression since the redemptive work of Christ is not merely designed to remove the <i><b>consequences</b> </i>assigned to that essential sin value of self-determination. But, Christ's work is also designed to ultimately remove <i><b>the essential sin value, itself,</b></i> (and thus, by extension, its daily expressions in our life and behavior). <br /><br /> And obviously, this thorough renewal of the believer's <i>entire life condition</i> is necessary to insure the <b><i>stability</i></b>, the <i>consistent and enduring fulfillment and meaning</i>, of our now newly established relationship with God in Christ. So, indeed, we must logically come to this Renewal Phase of the redemptive process. (Ref. Rom. 8:1-5)<br /><br />And, in this phase, as briefly touched on earlier, the believer is literally empowered to <i>conquer</i> that essential sin motive through the vitality of the Living Christ, via that mystical, Spiritual merger with His empowering character essence. And, through this very real integration with Christ, the believer's character and larger life condition are ultimately entirely renewed. (Ref. Ephesians 2:10 // 2 Corinthians 5:17)<br /><br />And, the details of this renewal experience unfold like this... During the Forgiveness/ Conversion Phase of Redemption, we typically experience a period of great emotional relief and brightness. Yet, as we move into the Renewal Phase, the Divine Spirit leads us into a <i>confrontation with our deeper self </i>where there still remains a dark and powerful <i>residual of the sin value</i> on our <b><i>subconscious level</i></b> - even after we have truly embraced the Lordship of Christ on our <i><b>conscious level</b></i>. <br /><br />Thus, we begin to confront this <i>residual sin motive</i> for self-determination which still haunts us on that lower level of our consciousness - even as a believer. We begin to do battle with this wayward thing that is still <i>"under the skin,"</i> which continues to push us toward our old, self-determined ways, even though, on the conscious level of our mind, we are now <i>fully faith-determined</i> and devoted to pleasing God. (Ref. Romans 7:14-25)<br /><br />So, resulting from the tension of these opposing inner forces (conscious vs. subconscious), we enter what might be described as an <b><i>inner wilderness </i></b>- not unlike that more tangible wilderness described in the book of Exodus in the Bible. And, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">just as in that Old Testament version, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">this time of personal upheaval essentially becomes a time of personal <b><i>Separation</i></b><i><b> to God</b></i> (a time of intense divine scrutiny) and <b><i>Humiliation</i></b> (an honest confrontation of our personal frailties and deficiencies) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />But, it's through this extended and more thorough <i>"humbling process"</i> that we discover our God and ourselves at new levels. And certainly, this discovery process is, for a while, somewhat painful and disconcerting. But, it is also very effective. <br /><br /> If we faithfully follow the leadership of Christ through this trying wilderness time, this unique and purpose-filled experience will <i>empty us of our residual subconscious arrogance and self-assurance</i>. And, in doing so, it prepares us for the absolute <b><i>Target Event</i></b> of the New Testament - <i>our personal character merger with the Living Christ</i>, as mentioned earlier." (Ref. Acts 1: 8 // 2:38-39)<br /><br />Thus, at the end of this very intense humbling process, when <i>God determines</i> that we are ready - it occurs. We experience a personal Spiritual integration with the Living Christ.<br /><br /> Now, empowered by the more powerful character essence of Christ (which is essentially defined by His divine value system), a new Christ-based consistency starts to awaken within the believer. We start to experience the ability to make truly good and godly choices in our everyday life - and <i>to "make them stick"</i> through this new found sufficiency in Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And now, in the power of the Living Christ, the believer starts to rise beyond the mere assignment of righteousness. Now he or she begins to taste the joy of a growing <b><i>Reality-based Righteousness</i></b> in his or her life. (Ref. Romans 8: 1-13)<br /><br />This happens because, through our character merger with Christ, we become literally connected to <b><i>the strong faith value</i></b> (consistent humility toward God the Father) and the <b><i>wonderful grace</i></b> (the naturally occurring goodness), which are present within the character essence of Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thus now, we are no longer merely someone aspiring to righteousness. Rather, we are now actually becoming a consistently righteous person. And we are well sustained in that righteousness by the power of the Living Christ within. (Ref. Ephesians 2:8 // Galatians 2:16 // Philippians 3:9)<br /><br />And, here is an even higher magnification of how and why this redemptive merger with Christ works in this believer empowering way. As a direct result of the Spiritual merger, a very significant thing happens. The Spirit of Christ <i>forcefully removes</i> <i>the essential sin value from ascendancy on the primary governing level of the believer's subconscious</i>. And, in its place, He establishes the now Christ-enriched faith value as the believer's subconscious ruling value. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So now, on the subconscious level, even as on the conscious level, the faith value governs the believer. Now, it is the faith value, not the sin value, which is entirely ascendant both in the believer's conscious, and in his or her subconscious mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />Thus, now there is no more being torn between two governing factions - the conscious intent to be faith-expressive and the subconscious intent to remain self-determined. That frustrating disagreement between <i>God's agenda</i> and <i>our subconsciously self-driven agenda</i>, simply disappears. And finally, in strong league with the Living Christ, <i>our entire person becomes singularly devoted to God</i>. (Ref. Romans 8: 1-13)<br /><br /> And, that singularity of heart is <i>the textbook definition of "a holy heart." </i>To be <b><i>holy</i></b> in heart, in God's eyes, is simply to be completely singular and undivided, in one's <b><i>primary devotion</i></b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The idea is that, on that most primary governing level of the believer's core person, God enjoys our <i>absolutely superseding devotion</i>. Nothing is allow to compete with Him on that level for our love and allegiance. <br /><br /> Certainly, on more secondary levels of the believer's heart there remain other noble devotions. On those shallower levels, we are appropriately devoted to our family, our community, our country, our job etc. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, none of those things, nor any others, are allowed to compete with, or supersede, our devotion to God </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">on that most primary governing level</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> of a truly holy heart. (Ref. Gen. 22:1-12)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />And, beyond all of this, yet another wonderful thing also occurs through our Spiritual integration with Christ. We are also able to share in His <i><b>Grace</b> </i>(the naturally occurring goodness within His divine nature). And, as a result, this fully internalized, Christ-based, <i><b>"instinctive" goodness</b></i> begins to very comfortably guide our choices and our daily steps. <br /><br /> And this inner <i>"Grace Guidance"</i> becomes, for the believer, an exponentially <i>more natural and effective way</i> to guide and govern our daily lives in harmony with God's wishes. Indeed, this new means of <i><b>heart government</b></i> actually works wonderfully well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, it becomes all the more spectacular when compared to the governance of the Old Testament Law. Indeed, the Law was good and holy, but its failing was that it was entirely external to the human heart (and thus, very awkward and unnatural to human nature). So, it largely failed regarding actual behavioral impact.<br /><br />But, through our Spiritual merger with Christ, the <i>righteousness of the law</i> (the divine values) actually become internalized within the human nature. And so, in a very natural and comfortable way, we are now able to governing our lives in an easy and comfortable harmony with God's wishes. This is true because His values have now become our values, through our integration with the Living Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So now, the redemptive process can take on the full volume of the renewal motive. We begin, with real vitality, the divine vitality of Christ within, to confront and expel those residual remnants of the sin value on all of the secondary levels of our core person, and thus, in every aspect of our life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Now, we are able to successfully confront all of those less primary remnants of the self-determination motive. And, we find ourselves actually able to consistently expel them from our life - first as <i>internal motives</i>, and, in turn, as <i>external behavioral actions</i>. <br /><br /> And, as we grow more and more consistent at extricating ourselves from these sinful impacts in the power of the Living Christ, something else happens. The dominant emphasis of the redemptive process <i>expands</i> <i>itself</i>. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: blue;"><i> Within the Fruitful Phase: </i></span></b>Gradually our Spiritual growth in Christ starts to become much more about bearing more and better<i> <b>"character fruit"</b> </i>than merely expelling the remnants of the sin value. And this becomes the much more positive and very refining challenge which primarily occupies the latter and larger part of our spiritual maturity. (Ref. Galatians 5:21)<br /><br />So, in the <i>Fruitful Phase</i>, we experience this shift in emphasis toward the greater fulfillment of Christ's character in us. Thus, we begin to actually realize the <i><b>superlative New Testament promise</b></i> of a<b style="font-style: italic;"> thorough and profound newness of heart and life</b> for the faithful believer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Day by day, under the enriching impact of the daily companionship of the Living Christ, our character essence is renewed. And, as a result, we then realize a renewal in our larger life circumstance.<br />Thus, we begin to naturally reflect God in our values, views, and behavior - experiencing a very <i>tangible oneness</i> - a mature and completing <i><b>harmony of heart with God</b></i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And this Christ-sustained harmony becomes the durable matrix of the believer's very fulfilling daily friendship with God. And on and on this new and deeply fulfilling symbiotic companionship goes, transitioning eventually, even into eternity.<br /><br /><i><b><span style="color: blue;">100.1e A True Redemption:</span></b> </i>Christian Redemption ultimately comes to be the great human success story which only Christ could write - first in His blood on the Cross, and then in the rich vitality of His shared character essence flowing out of the Resurrection. <br /><br /> And, the basic redemptive story always follows this essential, life-transforming pathway. And again, indeed, the details of the redemptive journey are as varied as the individual believers who are involved. But, the <i><b>basic redemptive experience</b></i> remains the same for all who faithfully embrace Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It never varies from what God designed it to be. It is always and forever a beautiful, and graceful, and ever elevating journey in Christ which ultimately brings us fully back into the harmonious and eternal embrace of the God who created us.<br /><br />So, Christian Redemption is not <i>one magic milestone</i>, after all. Rather, it is, indeed, a truly <b><i>magnificent process</i></b> born of God's grace and truth-based love. And, it is a process that, from beginning to end, is based only in the absolute sufficiency of Christ as both the Dying and the Living Savior.<br /><br /> Thus, we must never allow Christian Redemption to become, in our minds, merely the <i>passing milestone</i> of the conversion moment, marked only by <i>a statement of faith</i>, duly noted and reverenced, just before we move on to other life-pursuits. We must always think of it as what it actually is: a life-long, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">truly life-transforming process involving an intimate divine companionship which results in, <b><i>"brand new!" </i></b>for the believer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In any case, however, this is certain. The Path remains <i>the Path</i>. And it does not change to accommodate our druthers or our misinterpretations. <i>Thus, we must be very careful to accommodate its realities and requirements</i>.</span></div>
Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-8168196969006840202012-02-07T15:12:00.001-08:002018-12-26T13:09:28.275-08:00101. - The Destination, The Cost, & Where It All Starts<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i>101.1 The Direction and Destination Of Faith:</i></span></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Truly Redemptive Faith is always moves in a single and constant direction <span style="font-weight: bold;">toward "the light" - </span>the light of <b>Heart-</b><b>Oneness with God</b>. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In John, chapter 17, Jesus said, <i>"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in me through their word; that they all may be one, as you, Father, are in me, and I in you; that they also may be one in us..." </i><br /><br />While the redemptive path might meander from one life lesson to another; while it may move through various phases; nevertheless, as surely as a river flows toward the depths, the redemptive flow always maintains a constant direction. It is always toward this completing <i>oneness of heart</i> with God. <br /><br />This goal entirely establishes the dynamic, the directional flow and purpose, of our salvation. This idea of a mature harmony, our heart in a consistent concert with the heart of God, is the ultimate prize toward which true believers are always moving.<br /><br />This is not, of course, as some world religions hold, oneness in the sense of actual identity. We do not become God. Neither does our own identity or personality cease to distinctly exist in this oneness. <br /><br />Rather, this is a oneness based in shared values, share truth, and shared life perspective, leading to a beautiful relational harmony with God. Consider the larger passage in John, where Jesus says, <i>"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect </i>[mature or complete]<i> in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. " </i>[Brackets added]<br /><br />There are many paths in life. And, some lead to the most pleasant places of comfort, gratification, and joy, at least in the short term. But, if a path does not take us ever toward the beautiful glow of a true "heart oneness" with God (the sharing of His values and truth), it is merely a path of misdirection. It is not the path of true redemption. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: blue;"><i>101.2 - There Is A Cost To Salvation: </i></span></b></span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Christian Redemption always requires two things of the believer: <b>Our Personal Sovereignty</b> and a <b>Daily Faithfulness</b>.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Bible says in Genesis 1, (KJV) <i>"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."</i> <br /><br />From that very moment, man became an <b><i>influence</i></b> in the universe, capable of <i>independent and self determined thoughts and actions</i>. As such, mankind came face to face with the first and most primary question of his existence - <i>"What will I do with my influence?"</i> <br /><br />There are essentially only two options. <b><i>Option 1:</i></b> We can choose to maintain our independence, our <i>personal sovereignty</i>, limited though it may be, and simply express and exert our influence however we see fit. In essence, we are then choosing to be <b><i>"self-determined,"</i></b> and remain the masters of our own destiny. But, the simple reality is that with this choice we estrange ourselves from God's friendship and condemn our soul to an eternal death.<br /><br /> Or...<br /><br /><b><i>Option 2: </i></b>We can choose to humbly surrender our personal influence back to our Creator by embracing the Lordship of Christ. Again, in real terms, this is our agreement to embrace His values, His truth, and His plan for our life. Thus, again, in real terms, we are surrendering our <b><i>personal sovereignty</i></b> and and choosing to become <i>God-directed</i> instead of <i>self-directed.</i> <br /><br />And therein lies the redemptive cost to us. <i>The toll of our redemption is the full surrender of our personal sovereignty.</i> We simply <u>choose</u> to give up our <b><i>right of self-determination</i></b> in order to travel the path of faith. <br /><br />And, this intentional choice to become God directed is, in fact, the precise and only expression of <i><b>humility</b></i> capable of saving the human soul. Indeed, no masking expressions such as shallow homage, or mere lip service, or a self-limited terms of surrender can suffice for this divine requirement of a complete "sell-out." So, in this sense, it is true, our personal redemption through Christ, does, indeed, cost us everything.<br /><br />Thus, in truth, the path marked "Free way" is not the right way after all, though it is widely touted as such. Any path which does not require the complete and consistent surrender of our right of self-determination is not the true path of redemption.<br /><br />Jesus put it this way in Luke, chapter 9, <i>"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save </i>[retain control over] <i>his life will lose it, but whoever loses </i>[surrenders control of] <i>his life for My sake will save it." </i>So, there is, indeed, an initial and a daily cost to the believer who aspires to walk the true redemptive pathway.<br /><br /><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>101.3 The Redemptive Path: God's Intent vs. Human Frailty:</i> </b> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Regarding the true redemptive pathway, if we start by seeing its <b>direction</b> as being set, and its<b> possibilities</b> as being limited by <b>the human frailty, </b>we will become very confused and often misdirected at the very beginning of the redemptive journey.<b> </b> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This constriction usually starts out something like this, <i>"Well, after all, we are only human."</i> The problem with defining where God can take us in this way is that it does not take into account the resources and intentions which a limitless, Almighty God brings to the table. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, in seeking to understand the correct redemptive path, we should always look first to the divine intentions and resources, not to the human frailties. It's God's power which truly defines the scope of redemption, not human limitation. <br /><br />And, the scope of God's aspirations for his people actually fills the Bible. So, let's just begin to get the idea by looking at Ezekiel, chapter 33. Few places in Scripture would afford us a more inspiring picture of God's absolute intention to raise His people to an elevated life plane.<br /><br />God, speaking through the prophet, reveals His plans this way, <i>"...For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."</i> <br /><br />Notice, there is no mention of human limitations in the passage above, and for good reason. Human limitations, though they are a reality, do not alter the larger and more forceful reality of God's capability. <br /><br />Now, let's move briefly to the New Testament. Consider Romans, chapter 8, where Paul writes, <i>"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: <u>That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.</u>"</i> (KJV)<br /><br />Again, God reveals His wonderful intention for renewal. In short, he plans to empower His people to fulfill the "righteousness of the law" through the power of His Spirit. That is the certain outcome of his redemptive work. Human limitation will not defeat that expectancy. <br /><br />And so it goes. When we start with God's intentions, we "cut to the chase" so to speak. In doing so, we are able to see more accurately the sweeping transformation which God envisions for mankind through Christ - in spite of our frailties.<br /><br />And certainly, there are challenges, but the God-declared outcome is all that ultimately matters. We may be weak, but God is strong - a simple statement, but so profoundly true.<br /><br />So, to experience "The Path of the Rising," you cannot follow the small trails defined by human frailty and excuses. They are always too short, too narrow, and the vistas are just too low and uninspiring to fulfill the believer or please God.</span>Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-17929564376081544542012-02-07T15:09:00.000-08:002023-02-08T08:08:05.632-08:00102. - Redemption Is A Serious Selection Process<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i>102.0 Christian Redemption Is A Challenging Process:</i></span></b> </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">The great failing of the modern Church is <b>Under-investment</b>. Contrary to the pop-preaching of our time, the Redemptive Journey does require <b>a high level of personal investment</b> on the part of the believer.</i><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Christian Redemptive Process does, indeed, involve two uncomplicated ingredients: <i><b>Determination</b></i> (strong motive) and <b><i>Stamina</i></b> (sufficient vitality to finish the course). But, i</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">t almost goes without saying, at this point, that neither of these elements exists within the nature of humanity in a measure sufficient to enable a successful completion. But, that sufficiency, in both cases, does exist within the divine nature of the Living Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thus, as previously discussed, through the believer's symbiotic relationship with the Living Christ, in His sufficiency, we are able to faithfully drive forward through the challenges of the authentic redemptive path (process) to actually experience the elevated life plane, a true and thorough newness of heart and life which is pleasing to God. And, we are, indeed, required to do so. </span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>102.1 A Path of Serious Consequence</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nevertheless, obviously, not all who start, do actually succeed in completing the journey to a true and thorough personal newness in the Living Christ. Some do, indeed, <i>"lollygag."</i> And, others choose to simply stop <i>"growing" forward</i> in Him and merely <i>camp out</i> somewhere along the redemptive pathway, in a kind of apathetic stubbornness. And, still others <i>forsake </i>the redemptive process altogether and return to their old <i>self-directed</i> lifestyle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">However, in the face of such temptations, it may help our resolve to remember that the redemptive process, at its core, also remains <b><i>a very serious selection process</i></b>. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In Matthew, chapter 22, Jesus tells a parable of a great King who prepared a wedding feast for His people which demonstrates this idea of <i>selection</i>. The end of the parable goes like this... </span><br />
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<i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">"...Then he </i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">[the king]</span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding. </i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">[Brackets Added]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> " So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.</i> <br /> <br /><i> "So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And, he was speechless. <br /><br /> "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' <u>For many are called, but few are chosen</u>." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i><b><i>The Concept of </i></b><i><b>"Try Outs:"</b> </i> </span><br />
<i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">"...many are called, but few are chosen." - Jesus</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In major league baseball, there is something called, <i>"try outs."</i> These try outs are generally open to the public; and, anyone wishing to go out for a major league team is allowed to do so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">However, <i>"going out for the team"</i> is not the same as <i>making the team</i>. To be selected for the team involves a performance factor. So, while the invitation is open to all, the result is entirely decided by the player's performance. <br /><br />The point is this. We easily embrace this concept of <b><i>selection</i></b> when it comes to sports, etc. But, it seems we are typically very reluctant to accept such an idea in regard to the Christian redemptive process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Nevertheless, it is this reality which drives the statement in the preceding parable that, <i>"many are called, but few are chosen."</i> The indication here, and in many places in the New Testament, is that it is <i>ultimately</i> God who will be doing the choosing, not us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, in fact, this time, this world, this physical dimension of life is but our <b style="font-style: italic;">"try out" opportunity. </b>It is intended to expose those of <i>true devotion</i>, the people who are willing to truly embrace the empowering Lordship of Christ in their lives - including His values, His truth, and His daily life-directions. And, it is true, all who fail to embrace and employ the sufficiency of the Living Christ to successfully come to a new, God-pleasing heart and life will, indeed, fail this "<i>try-out opportunity</i>."<br /><br />So, it actually is perilous to the human soul to ever move far from the awareness that we are, indeed, involved in <i>a truly stringent selection process</i>. And, to approach the redemptive process with casualness or indifference is to guarantee that we will fail that selection process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Path is the Path</i></b><br /><br />The rigors involved in taking <i>The Authentic Redemptive Path, </i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">this <i>elevated</i> and <i>very elevating</i> path,</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> may fly in the face of modern pop-preaching and our more contemporary sense of what is desirable. But, that very ancient Path takes no note, whatsoever, of our <i>modern druthers</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It does not change because we judge it to be, <i>"too demanding."</i> <b>It is <i>The Path</i></b>. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, even in this New Testament age, it continues to involve a <i>good-faith</i> investment, and a very <i><b>expectant</b></i> divine scrutiny. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And certainly, it is a loving scrutiny, always accompanied by the offer of divine empowerment in the Living Christ. But, what God's love is not, and will never be, is <i><b>dismissive of the requirement of a sincere investment in the</b></i><b><i> divine friendship and the redemptive process</i></b> upon which that friendship is based. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, that is why the statement remains true. Indeed, <i>"many are called, but few are chosen." </i>And, that is also why the process fits this description, which Jesus offered in the New Testament, <i>"</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Truly, Christian redemption is a <b><i>process</i></b>. And, it absolutely involves divine <b><i>selection.</i></b> And that selection is <b style="font-style: italic;">stringently </b>based in the <b><i>divine expectation</i></b> of a <b><i>proficient renewal</i></b> of the believer's heart and life flowing out of <b><i>the sufficiency of the Living Christ</i></b>. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-7403372976775481842012-02-07T15:08:00.000-08:002023-02-08T08:09:09.685-08:00103. - The Spiritual Awakening<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;">103.0 The Spiritual Awakening:</span></b> </i> </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Again, our first perception of God's redemptive effort, the place that it really begins to touch us, consciously, is the point at which we start to</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> sense </span><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>the drawing</i></b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> of the Holy Spirit</span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">.</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Jesus said in John, chapter 6, <i>"No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..." </i>As the Holy Spirit draws us to Christ, we start to become more God aware.<br /><br />And, this Spiritual pull unfolds in many varied forms including providential encounters along the way with godly people and/ or media forms of different sorts. Or, it may be the inner rising of recrimination or guilt of some kind. The divine drawing may sometimes involves insecurity, curiosity, desperation, or an awareness of need or inner emptiness. Again, there are many ways that this divine "tractor beam" defines itself. <br /><br />Nevertheless, if all goes well, at some point, the <i><b>"Conversion Chemistry"</b></i> becomes right. Our mental, emotional, and real circumstances all align, under this "<i>divine meddling"</i> in an effort to bring us to a time of perfect personal clarity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And this clarity affords us the "<i style="font-weight: bold;">Conversion opportunity</i>." <b><i> </i></b></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In this time of <i>real, divinely-furnished truth</i>, we find ourselves </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">actually able to honestly respond to God's relational overtures - </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>if we sincerely choose to do so. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is in this time that we are finally able to rise above the satanic delusions to clearly see an accurate comparison between the <i>self-determined life-approach</i> and the <i>Christ-led life-approach</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">. And, in this moment of true clarity, we are finally, then, honestly free to choose as we will between those two life-approaches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><i><b><span style="color: blue;">103.1 - The Nature of the Conversion Moment:</span></b> </i> </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"> If we do choose to embrace the Lordship of Christ, then that moment becomes our <b>"</b></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b>Conversion Moment."</b> It is in this moment that we are "converted" from <b>our own dark delusions</b> <b>of self-sufficiency</b> to the <b>authentic enlightenment of divine truth</b>. </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">And this conversion moment involves two important elements. </i><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i> It involves </i></span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"Repentance," </b>which is simply </i><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">a sweeping change of heart. </b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;">And, it involves</span><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;"> </b><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">"Redemptive faith,"</b><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"> which, in its final analysis, is really <b>a</b> </i><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">specific kind of humility</b><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">. It is that humility which is expressly defined by </i><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>a </i></b><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">surrender of control. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In Christian Redemption, <i><b>repentance</b></i> is a <i>complete philosophical</i> <i>turn around in our conscious mind</i>. And, this profound change of heart is enabled, as described above, by the <b><i>clarity</i></b> afforded during the time of the <i>conversion opportunity</i>. It is during this divinely arranged time that one is able to actually see <i><b>the true wrongness</b></i> of "the Broad Way," that <i>self-directed life-path</i>, which most in the world choose to follow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>R</i></b><b style="font-style: italic;">edemptive faith</b>, on the other hand, is the <i>humble release of control</i> <i>over one's life to the Lordship of the Living Christ</i>. And again, it is the clarity of the conversion opportunity which also affords the believer this ability to see <i><b>the true rightness</b></i> of embracing the Christ-directed life-path to gain His always loving and beneficial oversight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b><span style="color: blue;"><i>103.1a - The Conversion Motion:</i></span></b> </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">As a practical matter, repentance and faith might be very accurately thought of as <b>two sides of the same coin.</b></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That is, these actions essentially occur <i><b>simultaneously</b></i> as two facets of the same <b><i>"Conversion Motion." </i></b> So, it goes like this. As we experience that reversal of our view regarding the self-guided life-approach, we <b><i>turn away</i></b> from </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">that approach (repentance). But, that same motion <b><i>turns us humbly to</i></b> the alternative approach, the Christ-controlled life (faith). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />Another way to express this life-changing pivot is that we <b><i>give up </i></b>our <i>personal sovereignty</i> as an act of repentance, even as we are <b><i>giving over</i></b> our <i>personal sovereignty</i> to Christ as a humble act of soul saving faith. So, in practical terms, this <i>"</i><i>c</i><i>onversion dynamic"</i> is, indeed, essentially, one soul saving motion with two facets. <br /><br /><i><span style="color: blue;"><b>103.1b - The Archetypal Conversion Example:</b></span> </i> </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">We can see <b>a perfect example of this "Repentance/ Faith Dynamic" </b>framed in the words of the apostle, Paul, in the New Testament. </i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In the moment of Paul's <i>conversion</i> from <i>his own darkened understanding </i>to<i> God's true enlightenment in Christ</i>, Paul, asked, <i><b>"Lord, what would you have me do?"</b></i> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ref. Acts 9:6) </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This very simple question is truly fashioned from "<i>redemptive bedrock</i>." It rises starkly from the pages of the New Testament as a shinning monument to the true conversion dynamic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This question clearly indicates to all, those two indispensable things which are so completely necessary to the authenticity of any and every conversion. Paul's example, in these few brief words, leaves no doubt that the proper response to God's redemptive love is simply to lay aside our own life-agenda and humbly embrace that of Christ.<br /><br />And, it is precisely when we truly do these things, that the salvation of our soul occurs - and not before. The <i>divine pardon</i> only happens when we truly <i><b>turn from</b></i> our self-determined course and humbly <b><i>turn to</i></b> a true embrace of Christ's authority over our life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is only at this point that the benefits flowing out of the sacrifice which Christ made on the Cross are applied to one, personally. It is only at this precise point that we are pardoned from the consequences of our previous self-sufficient attitude and lifestyle and reconciled to God through the Dying Christ.</span>Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-7603818448645825542012-02-07T15:07:00.001-08:002023-02-08T08:07:09.448-08:00104. - The Nature Of Faith<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: left;">104.0 - The Two Great Redemptive Issues:</b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; text-align: left;"> The first great element of redemption is, of course, Faith. The second imposing element is Sin. These are the "two great trees" which tower above the landscape of Christian Redemption.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b>104.1 The Nature of Redemptive Faith:</b> When the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith in Luke, chapter 17, he replied, <i>"... So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"</i> The simple word for what Jesus describes here is "Humility." Again, in Luke, chapter 14, Jesus said, <i>"For whoever exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."</i><br /><br />So, from these and other verses in the New Testament, we can easily understand that redemptive faith is essentially a profound humility of a very specific kind. It is a humility which specifically expresses itself as the willing surrender of one's entire influence, all that we are and do, to the Lordship of Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, this surrender necessarily involves real terms. To humbly embrace the Lordship of Christ is to </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">embrace three essential elements: His values, His truth, and His daily guidance for our life.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is the real nature of redemptive faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b> 104.2 - True Conversion:</b> So, in a word, the faith which saves our soul is the willingness to give up our self-sovereignty, our personal control, over our own life. It is the willingness to make our personal influence entirely subject to the influence of Christ by placing ourselves under His control. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b> 104.3 - Intellect vs Will:</b> This is what it means to trust in Christ in a soul saving way. Thus, redemptive faith is far more impactful than simply to believe that Jesus exists, or that He is the one true Savior of the world. The Bible indicates that Satan knows those things beyond the shadow of a doubt. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, in fact, redemptive faith is never so much about what we know of God intellectually, as it is our willingness to humbly act on what we know. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><b> 104.4 - The Duel Nature of Faith:</b> But notice also, the "Dual Nature" of redemptive faith. It exists first in the heart (the character essence) of the believer as an inner heart-value, of humility toward God. And, that inner faith motive then expresses itself in reality in very tangible ways. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In other words redemptive faith begins as simply a value within the heart. But ultimately, our humility expresses itself in the very real terms of both positive character growth and good works in humble obedience to Christ's daily directions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>104.5 - A Christ Empowered Faith:</b> Finally, notice also that the New Testament believer is able to consistently express his or her faith in those real terms, not merely by his or her own puny faith, but based in the empowering faith of Christ. The faith of Christ actually enriches the faith of the believer. And, this becomes the believer's new daily reality as he or she is merged with the character essence of Christ through the Spiritual Baptism which typically occurs sometime shortly after the believer's conversion . </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Lord said this about this wonderful new dimension of power, which is available to the believer through his or her Spiritual merger with Christ. <i>"</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">God spoke of this mysterious, Christ-based, New Testament empowerment even through the Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel, when he said, <i>"</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."</i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /><br /><b>104.6 The Opposition of Sin and Faith:</b> Note then, that Faith is the direct opposite of Sin. Like faith, sin, has two dimensions. So, like faith, sin is first a value or motive in the heart. It is the motive of self-determination. The idea is that this sin heart-value drives us to be arrogantly self-directed in life as opposed to humbly God directed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, this arrogance, created by the sin value of self-determination, ultimately then, expresses itself in the real terms of our real life decisions and actions - causing us to think and act mostly indifferently toward God. So, where the faith value causes us to happily and humbly embrace God in a vital daily relationship, the sin motive causes us to live independently and essentially estranged from Him - giving little or no thought to His wishes or his ways. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">the sin <u>value</u> of self-determination (even before it ever expresses itself in our actions) condemns us before God. However, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">the faith <u>value</u>, a true influential humility toward God, commends us to God as it enable us to embrace His values, truth, and daily directions for our life, through the Living Christ. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, that redeeming faith value then becomes the perfect remedy and deliverance from that soul killing sin value of self-determination. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">True redemptive faith is always profoundly life changing in these most essential ways. It was, absolutely designed by God's love and grace to be </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">so. By its very nature, it simply can do no less.</span><br />
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Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-52659608262854046432012-02-07T15:06:00.000-08:002023-02-08T07:50:39.881-08:00105. - The Nature of Sin<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>105.0 The Nature of Sin, The "Death Tree"</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Obviously <b>Sin,</b> as the counterpoint to <b>Faith,</b> is also </i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>a very primary issue in Christian Redemption. If faith can be accurately characterized as being, essentially, <b>a profound "humility" before God</b>, then <b>Sin</b> can be characterized, equally well, as being <b>"arrogance"</b> <b>before God</b>. So, let's now consider <b>the precise nature</b> of this deadly arrogance. And, perhaps the best way to start, is with an associated idea - the idea of <b>Influence</b>.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In the simplest terms, our <i>personal influence</i> is primarily the power to bend reality to our wishes. That influence may come in many varied forms such as money, political or social clout, or military might. But, in essence, our personal influence is simply the sum total of our ability to effect change in accord with our wishes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">From the beginning of mankind's existence, we have been an <i>independent influence</i> in the Universe. God gives each of us the ability to <i>make independent decisions</i> and <i>take independent actions</i> which truly affect <i>our personal, and the larger reality</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When we understanding the nature and significance of <i>personal influence</i>, we are well positioned to grasp the true nature of the <b><i>essential sin</i></b> which leads to the condemnation of one's soul. And, when we gain that very basic understanding, many, many other things in our spiritual life simply become self-evident.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: blue;">105.1 - The Telling Question:</span></b> </span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">So, in considering the issue of influence, the telling redemptive question becomes, </span><b style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"What will I do with my personal influence?"</i></b><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"> And that question actually entails our </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">self-sovereignty</i><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">, or said another way, our "right" to personally and independently govern our own lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, this revealing question of <i>what we should do with our personal influence</i> really involves only two choices. One, we can elect to humbly return our influence to Christ by embracing His Lordship. Or two, we can prefer to retain our personal sovereignty over our life and simply wield our influence as we, alone, see fit.<br /><br />A preference for the latter, which causes us to reject God's love, authority and guidance in favor of our own willful intentions, is <i><b>the perfect idea of Essential Sin</b></i>. Sin, then, in its <i>most elemental form</i>, is simply this deeply <b><i>instinctive heart-</i></b><b style="font-style: italic;">value </b>of self-sovereignty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, it is this arrogant motive, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>which exists on the deepest governing level of our core person, </i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">that then causes us to see ourselves as <i>self-sufficient</i>. And, ultimately, it is this value which drives us to simply </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">do as we please</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">, without any significant reference to our Creator's wishes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thus, it is this <i>life-</i><i>governing heart value of <b>self-determination</b></i> which first estranges us from our Creator and endangers our soul, and this occurs <b><i>before</i></b> there is any observable expression of this motive as a real behavioral action. Those behavioral deeds are only the product of this more essential governing value. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, it is this deep and driving motive within our core person which is really the "invisible inner essence" of the more visible expressions of sin in our actual behavior. Thus, it is the value, itself, not its resulting actions, which is the <b><i>more primary and enduring wedge</i></b> between God and mankind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, it is this <i>most essential form</i> of sin, the <i><b>sin value</b></i>, at which the redemptive work of Christ <b><i>first</i></b> takes aim. Obviously, the <i>sin value</i> is the foundation from which all else springs. So, the idea in the redemptive work of Christ is really a simple one: <i>First, destroy the foundation, and the elevations which stand upon it will then naturally crumble also.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">105.1a How the Sin Value Presents Itself: </span></i></b>We should also note, however, that this arrogant instinct for self-determination does not always present itself as an ugly, shake-your-fist-in-God's-face kind of expression. It may actually occur as simply <i>a quiet, self assured decision making process</i> in our daily life-pursuit.<br /><br />And, this much more attractive, but still self-guided, course can, indeed, be very moral and socially sensitive. It can be one that practices religion, and quickly acknowledges the goodness of God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But if, in the real terms of everyday life-governance, we continue to rely on our own values, life-interpretations, and self-assured direction - as morally attractive and socially responsible as all of that may be - yet, we remain in peril of soul. This is so because the value of self-determination is still present as the <i>unaddressed</i> essential sin, even though it is beautifully veneered in moral and responsible behavior.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here in lies a great treachery. Redemption is never about <i>good works</i> before it is about <i>a humble heart that truly embraces the Lordship of Christ - His values, His truth, and His daily life-guidance</i>. Again, it is important to remember that the <b><i>first matter </i></b>is always <i>who is truly in charge of your influence</i>, not how responsibly you wield it.<br /><br /><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>105.2 - A Final Clarification:</i></b> </span></span><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">We have already noted that there are, indeed, two distinct dimensions of sin. There is the inner impulse, the sin </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">value</i><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">. And, there is the more concrete expression of that impulse - the </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">act</i><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"> of sin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />It is only as we make this clear distinction between the two dimensions of sin, the<i> <b>motive</b></i> and the <i><b>act</b></i>, that we can begin to understand why that inner sin value is God's primary target in redemption. <i>It is simply because what we do, is always based in who we are.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Thus, the work of Christ is first aimed at changing <i>who we are in our core person</i>; because, that ultimately takes care of what we do, behaviorally. So, God's priority in redemption is to thoroughly remove that <i>self-determination motive from deepest governing level of our core person</i>. It is that <i>value</i> which is the real source of the rift in our relationship with Him, as well as, our day-to-day behavioral problems.<br /><br />Behold, <b><i>"The Great Death Tree of Sin."</i></b> That dark behavioral structure is certainly a blight on the landscape of our life. But we cannot rid our life of that blight by simply cleaning up the above-ground view. We must also kill the root of that hideous thing to be truly rid of it. That unseen root is the real source of its vitality. And, while we, as mere human beings, can't really do that, the Living Christ absolutely can - as we shall see.</span>Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-31376965979229282072012-02-07T15:01:00.000-08:002018-12-29T15:48:15.868-08:00106. - A Geography Refresher<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">106.0 The Long Look: </span></i></b><i>As noted earlier, in Section 100.0, when we take a general overview, we can notice that the redemptive pathway does traverse different kinds of "life-terrain" including some which can be accurately characterized as, <b>"wilderness."</b> <br /><br /> As noted earlier, that redemptive journey actually has three essential phases. Let's now do a quick and somewhat expanded review of those three phases.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">106.1 The Reconciliation Phase: </span></i></b> The first, of course, as mentioned in that earlier section, is the <i>Reconciliation Phase</i>. This is certainly the most easily identified phase. Before anything else can occur, we just need to experience God's forgiveness through the Cross of Christ. And that dramatic occurrence is easily distinctive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">106.2 The Renewal Phase:</span></strong></em> The second phase of the redemptive process is the <i>Renewal Phase</i>. This is, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">in very real terms, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">the truly restorative phase of redemption. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This is where we start to get our messed up emotional, intellectual, psychological, and spiritual "wiring" really straightened out. And, it is in this phase ,that the Living Christ decisively deals with that <i><b>S</b><b>ubconscious</b> Sin Value</i> which continues to plague <i>every believer</i>, even after their sincere, conscious decision to embrace the Lordship of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, this phase can bring the believer to some very challenging <i>"change issues."</i> And, the growth pain connected to these changes can be very disconcerting and lead to what feels very much like an <i><b>"emotional wilderness."</b></i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">106.3 The Fruitful Phase:</span></strong></em> As noted earlier in Section 100, if all goes correctly to this point, and resulting from the believer's <b><i>completion</i></b> through the Spiritual merger, he or she does move through this humbling<i> emotional wilderness </i>time. And, in doing so, we come to the final phase of the redemptive process - the <i>Fruitful Phase</i>. This phase is so labeled for the <i>personal growth</i> which occurs during this time. It's here that we begin to experience a truly <i style="font-weight: bold;">thorough </i>newness of heart and life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">What happens in this <i>final phase</i> of Christian redemption is that <i>the believer simply becomes more mature, and thus stronger, in the Living Christ.</i> And, as we become so, we are enabled, not only to manage to defeat the sin-motive on those secondary levels of heart and life, but also, in the strength of the indwelling Christ, we are able to add more and more God-pleasing character traits (character fruit) to our character essence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The apostle, Paul, mentions some of those character traits in the Book of Galatians, chapter 5. There he says, </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>"But the fruit of the Spirit </i>[of the Living Christ]<i> is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." </i>[Brackets Added]<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, this third phase becomes a time of true <i>"character polishing"</i> in the strength of Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">106.4 There Is Some Issue Overlap: </span></i></b> We should note, however, that while the defining characteristic of each redemptive phase is easily distinguished as we take this less detailed, "long look." Yet, when we take a more detailed look at each phase, we can also easily notice that within these phases there also occurs some <i>"issue mixing and overlap."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">For example, while <i>the conquest of the sin-motive on the secondary levels</i> is certainly at issue in all three redemptive phases, yet, we can also notice in the Fruitful Phase, that the emphasis eventually shifts more toward <i>character building</i>. This can and does happen safely, as it should, because the believer, in this more mature phase of his or her growth in Christ, has grown strong in Him, and is perfectly capable of simultaneously allocating energy to both issues at the appropriate level. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">106.5 In Conclusion:</span> </i></b>So, the redemptive path in one view can be described as simple. Yet, in the more detailed view, it is actually <i>quite sophisticated</i>, taking us through various situational complexities and all kinds of "life-terrain." Nevertheless, this wonderful divine process does eventually, also <i>bring us truly home to <b>a real heart-oneness with God</b></i>. We have but to faithfully lean on our <i>"Strong Guide"</i>- the Living Christ.</span>Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-91843592624373671272012-02-07T15:00:00.000-08:002018-12-29T15:17:29.786-08:00107. - The Perfect Savior<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">107.0 Two Distinct Roles:</span></strong></em> <i>The writer of the Book of Hebrews calls Jesus the "Author and Finisher" of our faith. To fully understand the redemptive intrigue, we must grasp <b>the full scope of the role that Christ plays</b>, or perhaps better said, the <b>dual role</b> that He plays. So, let's look at the "Alpha and Omega," the "Beginning and the End," of our faith. As these titles indicate, we are really looking at one Christ in two distinct roles.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">107.1 The Christ Of The Cross:</span></strong></em> First, consider the Dying Christ, our <i>"Gentle Guide."</i> He is the Christ that we celebrate first. He is the Christ of that magnificent Cross. It is His purpose and work in this early role to satisfy God's justice by dying for our sins in our place. In doing so, He secures our forgiveness and enables our reconciliation to God, the Father. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This Dying Jesus is the Jesus whom we first encounter. He is our peace and our peacemaker. He is our first teacher, to show us God's love and the opportunity that His love offers. This is the Christ that loved us first, and whom we first loved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">107.2 The Christ Of The Resurrection:</span></strong></em> But now, let's consider the Living Christ of the Resurrection, our <i>"Strong Guide."</i> God's authentic redemptive design certainly requires a means of forgiveness and reconciliation for His creature. But, it doesn't stop there. The genuine redemptive agenda also also requires a means for the thorough renewal of humanity. It is not the Dying Christ, of the Cross, but the Living Christ of the resurrection who fill this need. He becomes this Perfect Enabler of a true and thorough newness for humanity - in the here and now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, He accomplishes this transformation of the believer in a very unique way. It is achieved through that divinely arranged merger, the Spiritual merger which we have discussed in previous sections. Literally, this divine merger brings together the frail human nature (character essence) of the believer with the renewing divine nature (character essence) of the Living Christ of the Resurrection. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Again, within the Church, we have come to generally refer to this merger as the believer's <i>"Spiritual baptism into Christ."</i> And, it is in specific reference to this unique merger, that the apostle would write in The Book of Romans, chapter 5, <em>"For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">107.3 The Perfect Redemptive Plan:</span></strong></em> So, the employment of the Savior in these two redemptive roles is perfectly suited to the Father's every redemptive intent, and to humanity's every need. We are not left merely forgiven, and yet still broken. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Rather, God's graceful plan adds to our forgiveness a beautiful restoration, a Christ empowered newness. Such is the magnificent result of the Dying Christ and the Living Christ working in concert in the believer's behalf.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">107.4 In Summary:</span></i></b> In short then, Christ is our all sufficient <i><b>Guide</b> </i>along the redemptive pathway. He first conducts us as <i>The Gentle Dying Christ of the Cross </i>to the place of forgiveness and a sweet reconciliation to God the Father. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, then He assumes the more lengthy and completing redemptive role. He becomes our all sufficient <i>Strong Guide </i>coming out of the Resurrection<i> </i>as the<i> Living Christ </i>to meet our <i>here-and-now</i> need of a <i>thorough and durable newness</i> in service to God's true redemptive expectation of humanity. Jesus</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> literally becomes the sufficiency for our complete personal transformation as our own frail character essence is actually integrated with His empowering divine character essence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It's through this divinely enabled character integration that He entirely rescues the devout believer from the ravages of that </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">essential sin-value of self-determination</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> on both the conscious and the subconscious level of our heart. Thus, He brings a true and elevating newness to our heart </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(core person)</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">, and, in turn, to our real life behavior and circumstance. </span>Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203915675730627826.post-24575702568037763932012-02-07T14:57:00.001-08:002018-12-29T17:08:50.675-08:00108. - The Two Great Shaping Forces<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">108.0 An Old Testament Example:</span></strong></em> <i>In the Old Testament book of </i><b style="font-style: italic;">Exodus,</b><i> we are shown an historical picture of the Hebrew people as they became immersed in their </i><b style="font-style: italic;">Exodus journey</b><i>. In that reading we are actually given a great </i><b style="font-style: italic;">object lesson </b><i>for New Testament believers. That lesson has to do with the wilderness area which lay between Egypt, their departure point, and the Land of Promise, in Palestine, their ultimate destination. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Here is how Moses, himself, assessed that wilderness journey in Deuteronomy, chapter 8. He says, <i>"And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, <b>to humble you and test you</b>, <b>to know what was in your heart</b>, whether you would keep His commandments or not.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">"So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><em><strong>108.1 The Two Shaping Forces of the Wilderness:</strong></em> </span> There are two dimensions of that redemptive Jewish journey which stand out above all others. First, it was a time of <b style="font-style: italic;">Separation </b><u>to</u> God.<b style="font-style: italic;"> </b> And second, it was a time of <b style="font-style: italic;">Humiliation </b><u>before</u> God.<b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>These two <b><i>shaping forces</i></b> played a key role in transforming the Hebrew people into God's holy (thoroughly devoted) people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, we can also notice these same <i>two shaping impacts</i> operating within the New Testament redemptive journey - to that same end. We typically find these molding influences, as was the case in that Jewish journey, working simultaneously to draw from the New Testament believer, <i>a whole new perspective </i>on life and <i>a beautiful new level of responsiveness</i> to God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">108.2 Sister Wind #1, Separation - From & To:</span></strong></em> And notice, with regard to the idea of Se<i>paration</i>, that this condition is a two sided coin. Israel's movement into the wilderness simultaneously involved both a <b><i>"from"</i></b> and <b><i>"to"</i></b> facet. The withdrawal movement <b> <i>from</i></b> the Egyptian world was actually in lockstep with their movement <b><i>toward</i> </b>God and the new and better world that He had planned for them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, that is also precisely how godly separation works in these New Testament times. We, as the Church of Jesus Christ, are called to, as Paul puts it in 2 Corinthians, chapter 6, " <em>'Come out from among them and be separate,' says the Lord. 'Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,' says the Lord Almighty."</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, we are called upon to separate ourselves - in heart (in values) - from the "worldly" economy. The "world," or the "worldly," are simply terms used in the Bible, and commonly used by the Church, to denote <i>anything in the physical economy that refuses to recognize and/or respond to God.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> But notice, while we are called upon to be separated from the world; at the same time, the ultimate purpose is to move closer to God. The idea, of course, is to simply create a condition which enables the believer to embrace God in a more personally intimate way and on a much more meaningful level. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> So, there it is. Always, along the authentic redemptive pathway there comes this <i>from/ to decision and movement,</i> intended to bring us to this place of <i>personal seclusion</i> with our Creator. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">108.3 The Residual Blessing:</span></i></b> And, we should note that this <i>initial wilderness seclusion</i> actually results in a life-long, residual blessing. This happens because, even though the this wilderness experience, itself, will eventually pass into our rear-view mirror, <i>the love of drawing aside to God</i> <i>in a very private and personal way</i> never will. This very fulfilling relational practice will remain, actually, forever. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, when we parse the reason, it's not "rocket science," really. These times of seclusion with our Creator/ Savior remain precious to us because, once tasted, the joy, renewal, and meaning which these times yield, become addictive. How could </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">this tender, one-on-one closeness with God not become spontaneously ingrained as </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">the most cherished aspect</i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> of our personal relationship with Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">108.4 The New Testament Definition:</span></i></b> But again, this very enhanced personal access springs first from that <i>separation dynamic</i> involved in our New Testament wilderness experience. And, that experience is always defined by a true <b><i>withdrawal</i></b> of the heart </span><i style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>from</b></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> a <i>God-ignoring world</i> </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">(withdrawal = a willful ejection of the world's ugly distractions and values). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, that movement then simultaneously results</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> in the motion <b><i>toward</i></b> a personal seclusion with God (to carefully focus on His ways and values). Thus, this <i>New Testament Wilderness </i>is much more about<i> the trajectory of the heart </i>than the<i> traversing of geography.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Again, God's own loving directive from the pages of the New Testament is quite clear and succinct, </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">" </span><em style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">'Come out from among them and be separate,' says the Lord. 'Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,' says the Lord Almighty."</em><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><b><span style="color: blue;">108.5 Behold The Patriarchs:</span></b></em> This transformative wilderness time is easily identified in the biblical narrative. From Moses, to Abraham, to Jesus, to Paul, the Apostle, we can easily notice this prominent wilderness period occurring in the life of the godly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">It is a time when they withdraw from their normal worldly fragmentation and give themselves to God in a more focused and deeply personal way. And, this period of personal seclusion became for them, as it does for the New Testament believer, a very defining, or perhaps better said, <i>re-defining</i> time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><em><strong>108.6 The General Idea:</strong></em> </span>So, the path to heart-oneness with God always goes right through this <i>"Wilderness Of Separation."</i> Jesus, Himself, was called the Nazarene, meaning, <i>"the separated one or the branch."</i> And, the Spirit of Christ, operating upon the believer will certainly draw each of us to his or her own personal wilderness experience. Then, in that place of personal seclusion, will occur something else: <b><i>the mother of all reality checks</i></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">108.7 Sister Wind # 2, Humiliation:</span></strong></em> The wilderness time of the redemptive process also involves <i>a much greater level of personal exposure</i>. This personal <i><b>"outing"</b></i> of <i>all that we truly are</i>, causes us to come to know both ourselves and God much better. The short name for this somewhat stressful exercise is simply, <b><i>Humiliation</i></b> - the second great shaping influence which God employs as part of the redemptive process. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">This <i><b>"Humbling Process" </b></i>is what Moses describes above when, again, he said about that Jewish Exodus journey, <em>"So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know..."</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">108.8 The Driving Motive Behind the Humbling:</span></strong></em> And, the motive for this humbling is also revealed. Moses continues, <i>"that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The simple truth is that humanity is notorious for having <i>a small awareness level</i> when it comes to reality. Very often, we assume that we have a complete picture, when, in fact, we do not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, for example, we go to a new job expecting to "make our mark" quickly. And, because we think we know exactly what needs to be done, we plunge right in to "work our magic." And, when the situation "goes South," we are forced to analyze what went wrong. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">All too often, we come to the very problem that we are discussing as the cause. We discover that <i>we simply did not have a good grasp of <b>the larger reality</b></i>, we did not see the whole picture. We thought we knew - but we didn't. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, the office politics, or the quirkiness of the boss, or the unwritten rules of the business, "ate our lunch." Those things were the part of the picture of which we were ignorant; even though, we thought we saw it all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">That same shortcoming also exists for humanity on the metaphysical plane. In fact, it is probably safe to say that it is at its worst there. When it comes to our relationship with God, especially in the beginning, we always think we "get it," but we never really do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, it is this very flawed awareness level, especially regarding who we <i>really</i> are in relationship to who God <i>really</i> is, that is Humanity's chronic and universal failing. Thus, the <i>"The Humbling Process"</i> becomes necessary. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">108.9 Humiliation's Essential Purpose, Place, and Benefit:</span></i></b> Though somewhat counter-intuitive, the actual <b><i>elevating purpose</i></b> of our wilderness humiliation is still what it always was. And, the <i>personal</i> process is for us, exactly what the <i>corporate</i> process was for the emerging Jewish nation in that original Exodus wilderness. It is, as Moses indicated, to make us <i><b>"to know,"</b></i> to help us see the larger picture. So, the humbling process, even today, remains <i>a somewhat painful reality check </i>that introduces us to the true picture of <i>our <b>smallness</b> as compared to God's <b>bigness</b></i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In truth, this humiliation is not pleasant. It is not easy to endure. And, it is <b><i>not negotiable</i></b>. Thus, this humbling process is always a part of the redemptive wilderness experience which is always a part of the authentic redemptive pathway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But, this expanded humbling is, at its conclusion, <i><b>beneficial in the extreme</b></i>. This often scary, troublesome, hang-on-for-dear-life experience not only enlightens us, but it brings us in close, it facilitates a deep, and intimate, and accurate knowing of our God - and of ourselves, for that matter. Thus, this humbling process ultimately forges the strongest kind of relational bond - one based in truth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">108.10 The Nitty-Gritty Mechanics:</span></strong></em> It works like this. As we are forced to see our own frailties and shortcomings, our arrogance begins to melt away. We start to see the part of reality that we were unaware of before - our own smallness, again, in comparison to the hugeness of God. Thus, our awareness of the actual reality becomes enlarged and more accurate, albeit, through a bit of personal discomfort.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In simple terms, the humbling process just makes us "little in our own sight." We were always small, but the problem was we simply couldn't see it. Through this time of divine humbling, we not only discover this reality, but we are also able to truly actualize it within ourselves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="color: blue;">108.11 The Wilderness Transformation:</span></strong></em> And, this true, and more pervasive and profound humility has the power to transform the human existence. So, as we experience it, we are positioned to become people of real gravity, import, and character.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">And, indeed, it is only <i>on the back side </i>of this wilderness of our separation, having fully endured the humbling process, that we can experience that high plane of personal intimacy with our Creator/ Savior God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">So, there they are, the two great preparatory forces of our definition in Christ. Separation and Humiliation, these are <i>"The Sister Winds," </i>working in concert to push us forward in the redemptive process. They </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">empty us of our self, that we may ultimately be filled with Spiritual essence of the Living Christ and thereby know a true heart-oneness with God.</span>Larry Burnetthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17910480952271312620noreply@blogger.com