Hope you’ll indulge me while I pop a few buttons here…

As a proud grandparent, I would be remiss not to post a delightful memory to enjoy over and over again!

Our granddaughter, Tia, attended a week-long summer strings camp along with ~20 other students for just 3 hours each day.   The result was a delightful and amazing performance.  I say amazing because one would never guess that all the music was new to them on Monday morning but by Friday, they absolutely delighted parents, grandparents and friends by treating them to a beautiful, beautiful concert. 

[Please click on the screen to view concert video.]

Thank you, Jennifer Thomas!  ...and thank you, Tia! We're so very proud of you for what you have accomplished with the violin. 

Grandma Burch,
Tia and Grandma Sirovy

Tia and Grandpa Sirovy

Tia and Jennifer Thomas

Concert tee shirt

Concert Program

Why we should do our own homework...

Understanding right division protects a believer from being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine when difficult times come…and come they will! 

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to ESTABLISH you, and to COMFORT you concerning your faith:  THAT NO MAN SHOULD BE MOVED BY THESE AFFLICTIONS: for yourselves KNOW we are APPOINTED thereunto.  For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.   [1 Thessalonians 3:2-4 KJB]

It was once said of creation…   “God made it, it was good; sin came and it’s groaning; Christ will come and it will be glorious!”

We’re in the ‘groaning’ stage right now.  The liberty of the creature from the groaning of sin, comes when the glory of the Saviour comes.  In the meantime, because of every day of grace, God has to postpone liberating creation.

So why does he delay?   To extend one more day of grace, to bring more members into the body of Christ and let the body of Christ to be perfected!    When you understand that, when you understand what God is doing in this dispensation of grace, we can rejoice in our afflictions.

Reality living is looking at what is going on in life right now and recognizing:  “This isn’t forever!  This tribulation and suffering works patience.”  Instead of troubles and difficulties destroying us, we shouldn’t focus on the problems.  The answer isn’t in the problems!  Rather focus on the Answer: Christ!  “His grace is sufficient.”   Then you’ll be able to view life’s tribulations for what they are: opportunities to learn and to grow and develop the mindset God would have us think upon. 

For I reckon that the SUFFERINGS OF THIS PRESENT TIME are NOT WORTHY TO BE COMPARED with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  [Romans 8:18 KJB]

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our LIGHT AFFLICTION, WHICH IS BUT FOR A MOMENT, WORKETH for us a FAR MORE EXCEEDING AND ETERNAL WEIGHT of glory;  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. [2 Cor 4:16-18 KJB]

Partial notes from Pastor Richard Jordan’s message:  “2012 and Us”

TGIF!!!

(Picture from www.goodpet.com)

TGIF:  Thank God, I’m free!!!

For he that is dead is freed from sin.  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  [Romans 6:7, 18, 22 KJB]

Hallelujah!!!

Have a grace-filled day, led by the Spirit, in the Lord Jesus Christ!

;j an

Take him down!!!

Religion keeps Christ on the cross.  But Christ is NO longer on the cruel cross of Calvary!  

Though still fully God, he became a man to pay our sin debt by shedding his blood; and we know God the Father accepted it as payment in full by raising him from the grave!

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: [1 Cor 15:3-4 KJB]

Christ did the work, all we have to do is believe and accept it as the gift of God, which it is…

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast. [Ephesians 2:8-9 KJB]

Don't leave your bible closed! 

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. [Isaiah 1:18 KJB]

Open it and see for yourself…

Christ is no longer on the cross!  

He is risen,

HE IS RISEN, IN DEED!!

Religion vs. The gospel of grace

When you went to church and listened to a sermon, who got magnified? 

You and how special you are in God's eyes?

(Sorry…there are no verses to support that.  Rather, this is what he says about mankind:  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections:  [Romans 1:24-26 KJB])

Or..

God and how special the cross work of his Son is?  

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  [Romans 5:7-9 KJB]

Which gospel was preached?  

The gospel of the kingdom of heaven given to the 12 apostles for the 12 tribes of the nation Israel found in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John? 

Or…

Was it “The gospel” of grace given to 1 apostle, Paul, for the ‘one new man’—the church, the body of Christ? 

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I [Paul] delivered unto you FIRST of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:  … Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  [1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Ephesians 2:15 KJB]

Scripture teaches us that God’s word is pure and that we should view God’s word as he does and magnify it above what man says contrary to it. 

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. …  I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. [Romans 3:4; Psalm 138:2 KJB]

Therefore, let us…

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.  And their word will eat as doth a canker:  … For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  … Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) [1 Timothy 2:16, 17a; Romans 16:18; Philippians 3:19 KJB]

Religious denominations (divisions) emphasize man’s outward show of works (in the flesh) whereas Grace is all about God’s working in us by his Spirit through his word when we take him at (believe) his word.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: …  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. … That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  …  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. [Ephesians 6:17; Romans 8:1, 4; Galatians 5:16 KJB] 

It is vital that we receive the word of God from faithful men apt to teach, rightly dividing the word of truth and then search the scriptures for ourselves whether what they say lines up with what God says—every word of it!!

It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. …because,  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect [mature], throughly furnished unto all good works. [Matthew 4:4 KJB]

Want a life changing experience?  Don’t just believe in God, BELIEVE GOD!!   …you’ll be glad you did!

Grace and peace!

;j an

Without Paul

Did you ever stop to think about…

What information would YOU be missing without Paul’s revelation from the risen Christ?

God tells us that the MYSTERY was an entire BODY of truth that he gave to ONE apostle and that information is found in Romans thru Philemon.

It actually consists of fourteen doctrines NOT FOUND anywhere else in God’s Word.

Without the "preaching of Jesus Christ ACCORDING TO THE REVELATION of the MYSTERY..." Romans 16:25 we would HAVE NO…

"Body of Christ"

"present dispensation of grace"

"gospel of the grace of God",

"temporary setting aside of the nation Israel",

"equality of Jew and gentile",

"One baptism" of Eph 4:5,

"new commission to preach the gospel",

"heavenly position of the believer",

"Christ as the head of the Body",

"coming of Christ in the air for his church",

"judgment seat of Christ",

"different ministry of the Holy Spirit",

"full and complete revelation"

That’s a lot of important teaching that wouldn’t even be IN the bible if it wasn't for God giving to Paul a NEW message, for a NEW CREATION, for a NEW program never before given to anyone.

…from a friend's Facebook posting

Where would we be without Paul?   

It’s been said that the books of Paul don’t even belong in the bible.     

But, without Paul, where would we be? We as gentiles would be without hope just like we were in time past when we…

…walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: …in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath…

Without Paul whom the risen, ascended Lord Jesus Christ entrusted the ministry of the dispensation of the grace of God (though he’d committed the unpardonable sin, blaspheming against the Holy Spirit), we would have no hope in this world or the next.  But praise God…

…who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast. [Ephesians 2:3-9 KJB]

Do we worship Paul?  

Israel didn’t worship Moses, but they knew if they hoped to have a relationship with God they better follow him, as he was God’s spokesman to them.  Well, neither do we worship God's spokesman to us in this present dispensation of grace.  Rather, we acknowledge Paul’s unique and distinct ministry (magnifying his office) and—as scripture teaches—follow him as he follows the Lord’s words given to him for us.

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.   [1 Corinthians 14:37 KJB]

Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.  (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [Philippians 3:16-18 KJB]

To God be the glory for great things he has done!

Grace to you through our Lord Jesus Christ!

;j an

P.S.  Another item to add to the list above is that we would have no "understanding" [Rom 1:31a KJB]

It is through Paul (who, by the way would not have us be "ignorant brethern") that we have the promise of the Lord that he will give understanding.

Consider what I say; and the Lord [will] give thee understanding in all things. [2 Timothy 2:7 KJB]

Exposing false doctrine

Below is a post from a Facebook posting by Christine Angel…

I am grateful I'm no longer tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine.

 

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; [Ephesians 4:14 KJB]

Superstitious Christians

I’m often asked why the doctrines I believe and teach are so offensive to other Christians. The answer is simple. The true grace doctrine for this dispensation of the grace of God, in which we live, leaves no room for religious superstitions. Most every Christian is superstitious, and I’m not. That’s the rub.

Are you a superstitious Christian? Do you pray that God will keep it from raining on your picnic or child’s birthday party? Do you give your money to God so He won’t cause your car to break down or some other unexpected expense to come into your life? If you turn down a charity, do you fear that your child might get sick with that disease? Do you beg God to forgive you of your sins so He won’t beat you with His rod? Do you think something bad might happen to you if you miss too many Sundays of church? If this resembles your thought process, then you are a superstitious Christian.

My most recent run in with Christian superstition was this past Sunday at church, when one of the teachers spoke in the service. He told us that God is the source of the bad things that happen in our lives, based on Philippians 2:13. That would be fine if this verse, or any verse in Paul’s epistles, taught such a thing.

This gentleman, like most pastor /teachers, always take Biblical truths from God’s prophetic program for Israel and mixes them with the pure grace doctrines of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. This produces false doctrine, and false doctrine perpetuates Christian superstition. Christian superstition comes from the failure to acknowledge the distinctions that God has laid out in His Book.

For instance, if you mix something from God’s law doctrines for Israel, with God’s grace doctrines for the Church, the Body of Christ, you have added leaven to Paul’s pure grace doctrine and ruin the peace, joy, and stability that result from understanding how God is working today. 

Today, Christians do not experience the refining chastising and testing from God. God’s Word alone is sufficient for reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, so you better rightly divide the Word of Truth, and find out what God is doing today.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  [2 Timothy 3:16; 2:15 KJB]

Don’t be a superstitious Christian! Leave that to the Pagans!

Basic Distinctions Between Prophecy and the Mystery

Ever stop to think...

When we hold the pure word of God [Authorized Version] in our hands, we are face to face with the Word, himself.  When it speaks, and we with readiness of mind receive it--rightly divided, we can expect to be gain understanding  as the Holy Ghost teaches us.

We have his precious word on it!!!       

     The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. [Psalm 12:6 KJB] 

     For now [early on before Paul coming to all his visions and revelations of Jesus Christ] we see through a glass, darkly; but then [when the scriptures are complete] face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." [1 Corinthians 13:12]

     In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [Johnn 1:1 KJB]

   Nevertheless what saith the scripture?... [Galatians 4:30a KJB]

     These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.  [Acts 17:11 KJB]

     Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  [2 Timthy 2:15 KJB]

     Consider what I say; and the Lord [will] give thee understanding in all things. [2 Timothy 2:7 KJB]

     Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. [1 Corinthians 2:13 KJB]

For we have in our hands…

     … the mind of Christ.  [1 Corinthians 2:16 KJB]

  

To God be the glory!