LEARN IT EARLY

FEBRUARY 7, 2012

LEARN IT EARLY

Here is what I would do.

First: I would get my little ones to memorize basic Bible verses, (such as, John 3:16; Genesis 1:1; Psalm 119:9 & 11; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 2:13-14). I would help them understand the basic meaning of each passage.

Next: As they get a little older, I would have them memorize longer passages, popular passages (such as, the Ten Commandments; Joshua 1:5-9; Psalm 1; Psalm 23; Psalm 19; the Beatitudes; Romans 6; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 & 51-58; Galatians 5:13-26; Ephesians 2:1-10).

Then: I would have them review what they learned on a regular basis.

Psalms 119:11

(11)  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

The Sooner, The Longer...

As I have gotten older, and especially since my West Nile Virus, I find it more difficult to memorize longer passages. This is partly true because I have so many more things on my mind and activities that require more time. I am guessing this is true with most people.

Anyway, my point is, people should get as much Bible memorization done when they are young.

Also, the sooner we memorize something, the longer it will serve us.

Plus, the fact that the more we memorize, the easier it is to memorize.

2 Timothy 3:15-17

(15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

(16)  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

(17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

There Are No Promises...

It is not always age that limits our abilities, so don't think that you have plenty of time. Do not become the victim of the old saying, "Too soon oldt, too late shmardt."

Ephesians 5:16

(16)  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Upward And Onward In Jesus,

Pastor David L. Gould

EVER FILLED?

FEBRUARY 7, 2012

EVER FILLED?

The old potato-chip commercial said, "You can't eat just one." This is true for all desires. AND... the more you have (of what you want), the more you want to have. Are you driven by your desire for God. Love Him, seek Him with your whole heart, and you shall be filled.

Upward and Onward in Jesus,

Pastor David L. Gould

ON ARNOLD MURRAY

FEBRUARY 4, 2012

ON ARNOLD MURRAY

I just met a man who is deceived by Arnold Murray, the TV religious personality, who teaches a Pre-Adamic human race; the pre-existence of souls; the Serpent Seed doctrine (the erroneous belief that the Serpent, Satan, had sexual relations with Eve, producing Cain); Satan's Seed (present day "Jews," according to Murray's false teaching) escaped flood on Noah's ark: Anglo-Israelism (the anti-Semitic belief that the "real Jews" are Anglos] ; Modalistic Monarchianism (heresy that God is not three Persons, but rather, He takes the mode or identity of three persons); Annihilationism (the false notion that the soul or essence of man ceases to exist, therefore, there is no eternal punishment); Denial of the physical resurrection; Denial of the Rapture, along with other heresies. These people are fully persuaded. So sad.

For the Record

How can people miss the clear teaching of the word of God.
*The Bible does not refer to a pre-Adamic human race.

*There was no pre-existence of souls (Mormon doctrine).

*Eve DID NOT have sex with the Serpent in the Garden of Eden (and ultimately a threesome with Adam), producing Cain.

*The Bible clearly tells us that Cain was the product of Adam and Eve. (Interesting side light; the Mormons believe that Adam sinned in order to save the human race and that he received God's blessing for his sin).

*The Jews are in the linage of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Judah not the evil seed of the Serpent, through Eve.

*British (Anglo) Israelism is an antisemitic repudiation of the revealed word of God, and is taught by SDA and white supremacists, Identity movement.

*The Godhead is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three persons, but one God. Oneness has been a heresy taught since the early days of the Church (Arius and Sabellius among others).

*The Bible clearly teaches that the soul/spirit of man neither sleeps or is annihilated, as is taught by the SDA and the JWs.

*Jesus was raised physically from the dead, contrary to the JWs and we will also be raised from the dead physically. (Remember, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord).

*The order of end times events can only be literally understood if there is a pre-tribulational, pre-millennial rapture. Literal interpretation is a key issue here, which is where reformed and covenant theology errs concerning the second coming events.

Consider...
It is interesting to observe that people who follow cult leaders justify their beliefs because "Dr. Whozit says so." Whereas a Bible believer, even when he is in error, will base his beliefs on what he believes the Bible says.If we readily accept the Bible as its own interpreter and if we accept the Bible as the final and only authoritative revelation of God, we can be lead into God's truth. But if we follow men, instead of God, we may never see the truth.

Upward and Onward in Jesus,

Pastor David L. Gould

PURPLE GORILLA

FEBRUARY 4, 2012

Purple Gorilla

Now that I have said purple gorilla, and if you have thought about a purple gorilla, it will be difficult to not think about a purple gorilla, even if I tell you not to think about a purple gorilla.

Likewise, when a person has been introduced to, and saturated with, false doctrines, it is almost impossible to get that person to read the Bible without the constant presence of those false doctrines. God's truth is viewed through the grimy and distorted lenses of error.

When the church in the west abandoned, traded in, neglected and rejected the Bible and basic Christian truth, the doom of the next generation was secured. It is so difficult to win the deceived to Christ.

Upward and Onward in Jesus,

Pastor David L. Gould

COSTLY ENTANGLEMENTS

FEBRUARY 2, 2012

COSTLY ENTANGLEMENTS

Have you ever been fishing with a person who did not understand the importance of keeping his lines straight? Crossed, tangled lines can happen whether fishing from a pier, beach, anchored boat, drifting or trolling, even with the best of fishermen. However, a novice is more prone to get tangled lines. Many fish are lost or missed while you are trying to clear up the lines, not to mention the loss of equipment and valuable time.

This is true when a Christian allows false doctrine to foul his thinking. It takes time, work, sacrifice and understanding to untangle the confusion that thwarts his growth and service.

Launch Out And Hold Fast

Pastor David L. Gould

THE WAYS AND MEANS OF ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION

FEBRUARY 2, 2012
THE WAYS AND MEANS OF ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION
God's word tells us we can be entirely sanctified in this life, by a work of His grace. God is the Means, while His instruments are His word, our faith and our obedience.

THE PROVISION AND THE PROMISE
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION IS THE WORK OF GOD
SANCTIFIED BY GOD, THE FATHER
1 Thessalonians 5:23
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:20-21
(20) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
(21) Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 5:10
(10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Jude 1:1
(1) Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

SANCTIFIED BY THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST
Hebrews 2:9-11
(9) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
(10) For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
(11) For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Hebrews 10:10
(10) By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:14
(14) For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:29
(29) Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

Hebrews 13:12
(12) Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.

SANCTIFIED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
Romans 15:16
(16) That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

1 Corinthians 6:11
(11) And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

2 Thessalonians 2:13
(13) But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

1 Peter 1:2
(2) Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

INSTRUMENTS OF ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION
Sanctified Through The Word
John 17:17
(17) Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Ephesians 5:26
(26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

James 1:21
(21) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Sanctified Through Faith
Acts 15:9
(9) And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Acts 26:18
(18) To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Sanctified Through Obedience
Acts 5:32
(32) And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

1 Peter 1:22
(22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

Pastor David L. Gould

BEAUTY OF HOLINESS

FEBRUARY 2, 2012

BEAUTY OF HOLINESS
When it is said, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," beauty becomes relative. However, when God is the Beholder, then beauty becomes an absolute. As a tuning fork sets the standard for all the instruments in the orchestra, God sets the standard concerning "Beauty." God says that HOLINESS is beautiful. *see verses below.

What Is Holiness
Holiness is separation from sin and separation to God. Holiness is twofold, being the purified heart and the godly life. God purifies the heart of the Christians from the carnal mind, so that we are dead to sin and alive to God. God empowers the believer to live a life that is pleasing to God, by resisting temptation and obeying God.

Titus 2:14
(14)  Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

DLG note...

Titus 2:14 has a main point with two sub-points:

1. Christ gave Himself for us that He might...

a. Redeem sinners (the lost) from all iniquity (this refers to the initial work of salvation, which includes Justification [including Forgiveness], Regeneration, Adoption, Cleansing).
b. Purify believers from the old man, carnal mind, law of sin and death (Entire Sanctification [through the infilling of the Holy Spirit]), so they will be a distinctive people, zealous of good works.

Since so few Christians ever hear about this deeper work of God's grace there are few who experience and demonstrate such righteousness and passion.

This life of holiness is accompanied by mercy, love, compassion, patience, kindness, courtesy, tenderness. These are some of the traits that God considers beautiful. What a wonderful world this would be if we lived in the beauty of holiness.

*Verses
Offerings Of Praise
1 Chronicles 16:29
(29) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Praise Through Song
2 Chronicles 20:21
(21) And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Glorifying God
Psalms 29:2
(2) Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

The Whole World Should Bow In Awe
Psalms 96:9
(9) O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

The Result Is Unity Among Believers
Psalms 133:1
(1) ...Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Upward and Onward in Jesus,

Pastor David L. Gould

HOLINESS, AN OPPORTUNITY, AN OPTION, AN OBLIGATION

JANUARY 31, 2012
Holiness of heart and life is an Opportunity, an Option and an Obligation.

1- As an Opportunity: God provides holiness of heart as a gift to believers. Through the redemptive work of Christ it is possible for a person who is dead in his sins and trespasses to become a child of God and for a child of God to be purified from all sin and to live a life of godliness in this present evil world. God provides everything that is necessary for life and godliness through Christ. (*see verses below).

2 Peter 1:2-4

(2)  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

(3)  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

(4)  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2- As an Option: God enables believers to choose the way of full salvation. Since God provides the grace to be holy, He also calls us to be holy. It has been said that God's call brings God's enabling. Whenever we are invited or commanded to do the will of God, it is because God is enabling us to freely obey or disobey His will. Whenever we choose to accept His work of grace it is because we are taking advantage of an option provided by God. (**see verses below).

3- As an Obligation: God requires Holiness of heart and life. God provides the way of holiness and God enables us to choose His way of holiness because holiness of heart and life are obligatory for a right relationship with God. (***see verses below).

*OPPORTUNITY... GOD PROVIDES HOLINESS

1 Thessalonians 4:3
(3) For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

Ephesians 5:26-27
(26) That He (Christ) might sanctify and cleanse it (the Church) with the washing of water by the word,
(27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Hebrews 13:20-21
(20) Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
(21) Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

**OPTION... GOD ENABLES US TO CHOOSE HOLINESS
2 Corinthians 7:1
(1) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Matthew 5:6
(6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

1 John 3:3
(3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Isaiah 1:16
(16) Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

***OBLIGATION... GOD REQUIRES HOLINESS
Hebrews 12:14
(14) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Matthew 5:8
(8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
(7) For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
(8) He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

Psalms 24:3-4
(3) Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
(4) He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

Upward and Onward in Jesus,

Pastor David L. Gould

SAIL WITH THE TIDE

JANUARY 30, 2012
Often heard in old seafaring movies, "We sail with the tide." In the days before power boats it was essential to enter and leave a harbor with the right tide, and the help of a favorable wind. I still hope for favorable tide and wind when I am kayaking or sailing.

CHRISTIAN, now is the time to serve the Lord, before the tide ebbs out and the wind is gone.

Launch Out and Hold Fast,

Pastor David L. Gould

THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL AND THE PREACHED WORD

JANUARY 29, 2012

What People Gather

The man would draw nuggets of gold, which he had dug from his mine, and then cast them along life's pathway, as gifts to whoever would take them. Most of the people gathered the scattered debris that blew across the landscape, they gathered the trash left by care-less travelers, they gathered the filth deposited by the refuse dealers. Surprisingly, very few gathered the nuggets. They lived in poverty and darkness, they wore rags, they lost home and covering, they starved and died, because they refused to gather the wealth that was there for the taking. Someone has said that evangelism is, "One hungry man telling another hungry man where to find bread."

Precious few people perceive the power that is packed into the Prophetic and the Proclaimed word of God.

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

The Imagery
The following notes are the background to my imagery. I try to give more than a surface meaning to my allegories and metaphors.

Gold Nuggets... The value of eternal wealth.
Dug From Mine... Derived from dedication and personal sacrifice.
Cast Along Life's Pathway... Shared in the marketplaces, the social settings and the workplaces of life.
Scattered Debris... The humanistic focus on useful resources (education, medicine, law, government, science).
Trash, Careless Travelers... Unessential but useful resources that are neither good nor bad (exaggerated and humanistic focus on sports, recreation, amusement, the arts), and the people whose lives are defined by these resources.
Filth, Refuse Dealers... Vain philosophy, false religion, pornography, destructive elements and the people who promote these things.

Whenever the resources of life become the focus (replacing the focus on eternal truths and Biblical values), they become temporal, secular and counterproductive to a life of real worth.

Launch Out and Hold Fast,

Pastor David L. Goul

AS IN THE DAYS OF NOAH

JANUARY 28, 2012

Some Things Never Change
The neighbor looked at the wild eyed, doomsday preacher and said, "What you say is true about our wicked and violent world, and it only makes sense that God will judge us someday. If I were you I would try to find an escape." The holiness preacher answered with shocked incredulity at the neighbor's remark, and pointed to his boat, saying, "I do have an escape, for me, my wife, my three son's and their wives, and animals galore." The neighbor responded by getting drunk, beating his wife and abusing his children. Some things never change.

A FEW THOUGHTS...

Actually, Noah was a preacher of hope and grace for those who would repent, but there would be judgment for those who resisted and rejected God's call, just as there will be in the future (Mt. 22:14).

Noah Was A Holiness Preacher.
2 Peter 2:5
(5) And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

Note...

Righteousness does not mean simply a legal declaration of justification, it means a Divine imparting of righteousness (holiness).

Strong tells us that the word in this passage (S-1343) comes from a word (S-1342) which means equitable (in character or act), innocent or holy.

Thayer tells us that this word indicates the condition which is acceptable to God; integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting.

The Message And The Messenger
Noah was a holiness preacher, not only because he preached holiness of heart and life, but because he was a recipient of saving grace.

Noah Was A Righteous Man And Perfect In His Generation, And He Walked With God.

Genesis 6:8-9
(8) But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
(9) These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

Noah Was The Heir Of Righteousness (holiness) By Faith.
Hebrews 11:6-7
(6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
(7) By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

More Than Mental Assent

Both sinners and believers are often impressed with the validity of Bible teaching and preaching, but most of them refuse to follow the way of the cross, because they consider the personal cost to be too great.

People have told me that they agree with my message, but if they followed it, they would lose their “stuff,” they would “end up in jail,” they would lose their “families,” they might “be killed” for their faith. Believers have told me that no one else has ever shown them the Biblical truth of holiness of heart and life, but then they return to churches that teach graceless, sinning religion.

Holiness Is Not Just An Option, It Is An Obligation.
Hebrews 12:14
(14) Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

1 John 3:2-10
(2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
(3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
(4) Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
(5) And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
(6) Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
(7) Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
(8) He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
(9) Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
(10) In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

The Christian's answer to a world in chaos (failed education, corrupted government, greed driven economics, pro-sodomy social code, violence, bigotry, sinning religion) is living a life of holiness and perfect love, which flows from a pure heart.

I could quote famous people who contradict these words or explain them away, but I have chosen to believe God and His word.

Indeed, some things never change.

Launch Out and Hold Fast,

Pastor David L. Gould

POEM, 10 LITTLE CHRISTIANS (copied)

JANUARY 26, 2012
A Facebook friend posted a poem I had forgotten about. I hope you enjoy it, but I hope it also stirs you to greater resolve and faith in serving Jesus.

A POEM

Ten Little Christians, standing in a line,
One disliked the pastor, then there were nine.

Nine little Christians stayed up very late,
One slept late on Sunday, then there were eight.

Eight little Christians on their way to Heaven,
One took the low road, then there were seven.

Seven little Christians chirping like some chicks,
One disliked the music then there were six.

Six little Christians seemed very much alive,
But one lost his interest then there were five.

Five little Christians pulling for Heaven's shore,
One stopped to rest then there were four.

Four little Christians, busy as a bee,
One got her feelings hurt, then there were three.

Three little Christians knew not what to do.
One joined the sporting crowd, then there were two.

Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done,
Differed with each other, then there was one.

One little Christian, can't do much 'tis true;
Brought his friend to Bible study--then there were two!

Two earnest Christians, each won one more,
That doubled the number, then there were four!

Four sincere Christians worked early and late,
Each won another, then there were eight!

Eight splendid Christians, if they doubled as before,
In a few short weeks, we'd have 1,024!

In this little jingle, there's a lesson true:

You either belong to the building crew;
Or you belong to the wrecking crew!
How true!
(Author Unknown, edited)

Launch Out and Hold Fast,

Pastor David L. Gould

NOT WITHOUT A PREACHER

JANUARY 24, 2O12

How Sad! People Are Held Captive

I constantly meet people who have been Christians for decades, attending supposedly respected evangelical churches, but have nearly no grace or knowledge of Biblical Christianity. Always learning but never attaining.

Harriet Tubman said,
"I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves."

The Power Of The Gospel
The gospel has the power to deliver.

It can free those who are enslaved, once they realize they are enslaved.

It can regenerate the dead, once they realize they are dead in sins and trespasses.

It can empower the weak, once they realize they are powerless.

It can restore the lost, once they realize they have gone astray.

It can give sight, knowledge, understanding and wisdom to those who realize that they are in spiritual darkness.

When Jesus Launched His Ministry He Read From Isaiah,

Luke 4:18-21

(18)  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

(19)  To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

(20)  And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

(21)  And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Listen To The Preacher With God's Message

Romans 10:14-17

(14)  How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

(15)  And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

(16)  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

(17)  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Launch Out and Hold Fast,

Pastor David L. Gould

FAULTY FOUNDATIONS

JANUARY 28, 2012

TWO DANGEROUS SOURCES

Here are two sources from which you should not get your Theology or Bible training.

1. People who are not proficient in the Bible and the doctrines of the Christian faith.

2. Those who are trained, but do not believe the Bible.

THREE PROBLEMS
1. Many believers today have been given Deformed Theology and Sound Bite Bible teaching, with the result that they don't have the ability or the desire to listen to an in-depth study or explanation. They like cutesy-poo phrases and definitions rather than accurate and thoughtful information.
2. Most people today are focused on human theologies rather than the revealed truths of the Bible. They are impressed with human teachers to the extent that they don't even read or recognize what the Bible actually says. They judge the word of God by some man's view rather than judging men's words by the revelation of God.
3. Studies show that we, almost always, only see the thing or the idea, for which we are looking. When we focus on one subject or object, we do not see other realities, even when they parade directly in from of us. This is what happens when human theology is the focus.

Seeing is Not Always Believing
People are so focused on the principles of sinning religion they do not realize what the Bible actually says, even when they read the words. Often times I read passages to people, and they sit in awe struck silence, because they had read it many times before, but never saw what it said until the focus was taken off of sinning religion.

Therefore they are shocked when they hear that the Bible says, God delivers us from the sinful nature in this present life; that God enables believers to live without sinning; that we can be holy, even as God is holy; that we can be pure, even as He is pure; that we can be righteous, even as He is righteous; that we can be perfect, even as our Father is perfect (in love); that we can be upright.

Sometimes these people say that they have seen what the Bible says, but they dismissed it because the leading minds of the Christian world say that the Bible does not mean what it says on this subject.

"Cutsey Poo" or Catchy Phrases

Forgiven, Not Perfect...

It is popular to say, "I am not perfect, just forgiven." Well, even if they are not perfect, they are lot more than just forgiven. They are Regenerated, they are New Creations, they are Adopted, they are Sanctified (initially), they are Partakers of Divine Nature, they are Partakers of the Holy Spirit, etc. Yet, people think they sound spiritual by saying, "... I am just forgiven." In fact, if they are "just forgiven" they are not are not even saved. Put that on your bumper sticker and flaunt it.

We All Sin, Every Day, In Word, Thought And Deed

It is true that we have all sinned in our past, and it is possible to sin again, but salvation saves us from disobedience now. Also, if we sin every day in word, thought and deed, we are no more saved from sin than the devil. Though we have all sinned, God is glorified by keeping us from sin, as well as forgiving us of our sins. Remember, salvation from sin is salvation from sin's Penalty, Pollution and Power.

There is a false humility in focusing on our failures rather than God's deliverance. We should not ignore or white wash our past or our present failures, but we should not resurrect that which has died with Christ and is forgotten by God. We should not diminish the Great Salvation of Christ by exalting the work of Satan and sin over God's triumphant grace.

We Are Just Sinners; Still In The Flesh; Carnal

While this may be true of the person who says it, it is not true of the person who is walking with God. This is simply an excuse for sin and failure, while trying to look spiritual. It is the same as Flip Wilson saying, "The devil made me do it." Grace is greater than the devil, and grace is greater than our sin.

Without going into an explanation at this point, let me just say that the Bible refutes the idea that those who are saved are "just sinners saved by grace." We are saints, holy ones, partakers of Divine nature, new creatures in Christ. Those who follow Christ fully are delivered from being in the, "Flesh" and being "Carnal."

The blood of Christ saves us from the world, the flesh and the devil. False humility and false doctrine says that God cannot or will not save us from these things in this life, it says only death can save us from. However, the Bible teaches that Christ alone saves from sin, and death is our enemy, not our savior.

We Only Have A Testimony If We Overcome Tests

Another bit of sound bite theology was aimed at me recently. Since I got saved when I was three years old and since I got entirely sanctified during my college days, someone told me that I do not have any real TESTIMONY. The reason; "We have a testimony when we have been delivered from a real TEST, like drugs, alcohol, adultery, crime, perversion..." My response was, "I guess Jesus did not have a testimony either, since He never even had a carnal nature." It seems that a person can only be a valued witness if he has been a sorry scoundrel. The more vile a person has been, the better his TESTimony. Of course, I do not swallow this swill.

I believe God wants to save children early and keep them from being caught up in the ways of the world. According to this point of view, I guess my sins as a small child were not great enough to give me a testimony; I guess that God's keeping me from a life of debauchery is not a great testimony. Yes, I failed God along the way, but He forgave and restored me. My testimony is not based upon my failure, but upon God's grace, mercy, power, love and redemption.

A holy life (lived in the power of Christ) the best testimony. Also, God calls His revelation, His "Testimony." A testimony has more to do with our witness and God's glory than with our guilt; with our victory, than with our failure.

There Has Only Been One Perfect Man

This argument is raised, as if there is any challenge to the Uniqueness of Christ. Actually, there is only One Who is absolutely and inherently perfect, and that is the tri-une God.

Of course we are not inherently perfect, but that does not mean we should be satisfied with being less than God wants us to become. There is a Redemptive Perfection that is available in this life, required of those who are believers in Christ. We cannot glorify both sin and God at the same time. We cannot glorify God by denying His power over sin. We cannot be Biblical and deny (Atonement, Biblical, Christian) Perfection. Biblical Perfection glorifies God and His work of salvation, it does not glorify the believer, anymore than justification glorifies the believer.

There are other such phrases, but you see what I mean by the "one liners," the "sound bite" and the "cutesy poo" theological phrases. These man made, hell born ideas rob both God and man.

Upward and Onward In Jesus,

Pastor David L. Gould