Check out the embedded video on abiding in Christ.

Just launched a new video teaching series called "TruthNHim"; you can find it on YouTube under the "LiveNHim" channel. TruthNHim videos are short teaching videos on specific verses or topics in Scripture centered around God's grace and our new life in Christ. Our first one focuses on Abiding in Christ (an often misunderstood concept and overcomplicated by many). I hope you enjoy the series. Come check us out on http://www.youtube.com/user/LiveNHim.

Just added this to the FAQ page...it seems to be coming up a bit more. I haven't added much to the FAQs in a long time so thought this would be fitting. It is a simple and short response to a question I hear often...undoubtably an insufficient answer to such a big theological question but none the less, here it is.

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My faith or God's gift?
OK, this is a loaded question. The answer is, in my opinion, both. I won't get into the many, many years of theological debate re: predestination vs. free will (I've provided a few thoughts on the subject elsewhere). In general, we all have the God given ability to believe or have faith as a function of our will. Some would say our mind and will are tainted by sin and bend away from faith in Christ, thus God gives us His faith to believe (or chooses to make us righteous so we can believe thus the predestination angle). I take a slightly different approach…"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself" (John 12:32 NAS95S). I believe that God is drawing ALL men to Himself as a result of Christ's work on the cross. ALL men, however, must then choose to believe (and many will not). Some might argue that type of faith, as I have defined it, is a work of man and we all know "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9 NAS95S). The sticking point here is that the word “gift” is not referencing "faith" but rather His grace and salvation. Salvation is not a work we do it is a gift of God that we receive by faith.

“being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ. Jesus” (Rom 3:24 NAS95S)...note that the "justification" is the gift here as a result of the cross.

“For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” (Rom 5:17 NAS95S)...note that "righteousness" is the gift that we "receive".

One other thought…God has also defined faith in the scriptures as choosing to believe. “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Rom 4:5 NAS95S). "Believes in Him" is defined as "his faith" and further defined as "the one who does not work". Believing is not a work, it is called faith.

So, my faith or God's gift?…how 'bout BOTH.

What a great message this morning at Browns Bridge Community Church by Ben Crawshaw (alias Mr. Takeout as many of us with kids may know him). If you're in the area, check out the "Solomon Says" series July 12, 19, 26 at Browns Bridge, Northpoint or Buckhead church. So many folks struggle with "Approval" and have struggled for years. Ben pointed out a great verse in Proverbs 29:25 that explains "To fear anyone will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe [TNIV]". Don't you just love Proverbs...short, sweet and right to the point. The "need for approval" is often fueled by a fear of rejection and as the verse says, is simply a trap. We end up doing things we might not do because we crave that approval so much and in the end, it was never worth the sacrifice of our conscience. I've fallen in the approval trap more times than I care to admit and I'm sure you have as well. Feeling and experiencing the approval of others in not wrong in and of itself, in fact, it feels great but you'll never fill that "need" of acceptance and approval on your own. Jesus Christ, through His death, burial and resurrection, has already accepted you "in Christ". As a believer, you have God's approval and acceptance right now apart from anything you can or ever will do. As Proverbs 29:25 continues, "whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe". Are you trusting Him for your approval and acceptance? Will you choose the truth that you have nothing more to prove to God since Jesus did it all on your behalf (unless you think you can add something Jesus forgot or failed to accomplish)? As you start to wrap your brain around this truth your "need" to chase approval from others will start to diminish. Right now allow Christ to transform you from chasing approval to receiving His love.

I've been reading through the book of Hebrews and again find myself at Hebrews 10:26. For many, this is a very tough passage to dissect. Although there are many smart commentators out there, if you're looking for a simple approach to understanding these verses, you've come to the right place (simple is about as much as my brain can muster). The author of Hebrews, speaking to an apparent Jewish audience mixed with believers and unbelievers alike, articulates some awesome insight around the new covenant vs. the old and specifically in this chapter, one sacrifice (of Christ) vs. many sacrifices (as performed by the Levitical priests). I love the following verses:

“By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” (Heb 10:10-14 NAS95S)

I believe the author is leveraging the "old system (Heb 10:1)" of Jewish laws and sacrifices to explain the reality of Christ and His grace. For some believers in the crowd, the author is replacing some of the old thinking with new truth. For the unbelievers in the crowd, the author is providing the big picture and persuading them to come to faith in Christ. The author sums up to this point that “where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.” (Heb 10:18 NAS95S). Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross is a once and done deal...there are no more offerings necessary to deal with the sin issue (Jesus is the reality and fulfillment of the old system of sacrifices and law). Next, the author appeals to the non-believers in the audience with some additional application of course for those who know Christ. I believe Hebrews 10:19-25 is part invitation to accept Christ and part exhortation to keep the faith. He encourages the non-believers to come in "through the veil" with "full assurance of faith" for the cleansing of their soul (pointing to the ceremonial washings and sprinkling of blood). I read this as "come on in to forgiveness and new life by grace through faith in Christ"...a Jew would never think to go behind the curtain to the holy of holies but now that veil has been torn through the death of Christ with an invitation for all to enter in. The author further exhorts all to hold fast their faith without wavering during the difficult times ahead because God is faithful no matter what happens; he also reminds them to encourage one another and not forsake meeting together. What a great invitation and encouraging message, but the reality is there are many who will not believe.

For those who choose not to believe ("sinning willfully" as described in Heb 10:26) and come "through the veil" (i.e., via the sacrifice of Christ) after hearing and receiving the truth in various forms (written and oral), "there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES (Hebrews 10:26-27 NAS95S)." If you are "in Christ" you are NOT God's adversary...on the contrary, you are sanctified and forgiven (I do not see this at all as a believer who went AWOL back to their former life...we're talking someone who, after hearing the truth, simply rejects Christ's offer of forgiveness and life)! If you reject the truth and sacrifice of Jesus at the cross, there's no other way to deal with your sin. The author further clarifies in Hebrews 10:28-31with a comparison of the severity of breaking the law of Moses as determined by two or three witnesses verses one "who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace." The person in question here has "regarded as unclean [or common, ineffective] the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified" and in rejecting Christ, "insulted the Spirit of grace" (Hebrews 10:29 NASB95S)". Breaking the Law of Moses was bad, but rejecting the offer of grace and forgiveness in Christ has eternal consequences.

Well, I'll stop at this point...I'm sure many of you have some great additional insights other than what I've shared above. I hope you found it helpful as you study this important chapter of the Bible. Talk with you soon.

I just heard a message the other day on 1 Corinthians 10:13...good message and very targeted illustrations. I thought I'd give a few thoughts as well.

When you look at 1 Corinthians 10 you'll notice Paul making reference to Israel coming out of captivity and into the wilderness (with the ultimate goal of the Promised Land). While in the wilderness, Paul draws our attention to some pretty rough times for Israel. In fact, 10:6 says "now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved." Paul is about to give us some highlight (or low lights) in hopes we will not repeat history! Remember, they were in the wilderness and even after seeing incredible miracles were confused, stressed out, unsure of their future and more. Israel turned away from dependence on God and turned to idols (something they could see and touch which actually gave them a false sense of control). Bad decision that led to all sorts of issues and temptations including immorality, complaining and even putting God to the test! Verse 12 warns us to be careful and alert lest we fall (sometimes when we think everything is going our way the bottom can drop out along with our faith). Fall into what you might ask? Well, perhaps fall into the same lack of dependence on Christ when circumstances begin spinning out of our control! After that warning from Paul we come to 1 Corinthians 10:13.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NAS95S)

First, the word temptation..."peirasmo".

3986. peirasmo/ß peirasmos, pi-ras-mos´; from 3985; a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity: — temptation, x try. [Strong's Exhaustive Concordance]

Trials and temptation go hand in hand (Temptation may not always involve a specific trial or adversity but trials and adversity always bring with them some type of temptation). Temptation is the internal struggle to trust God and His way or me and my way...the "trial" is the external circumstances influencing that internal struggle. "Peirasmo" is translated both "temptation" and "trial" or "test" so the context drives our understanding of the word. In 1 Corinthians 10 the context involves trials and the corresponding temptations.

Adversity in our life offers unique opportunities for temptation. Israel was going though some tough times and yielded to temptation in turning away from their complete dependence on God. In verse 13 I believe the Lord is telling us that similar trials and the corresponding temptations we experience have been faced by others ("common to man"), just like in Israel (wandering in the wilderness, uncertainty, lack of control, where will I get my next meal, et. al.). The driving point of 10:13 is the fact that through it all,

GOD IS FAITHFUL

Israel was blinded to the fact of God's faithfulness (we get that way too, especially when we focus on everything that's going wrong). We can be comforted, however, that God is sovereign over the trials of life and does provide a "way of escape" so we can endure them. Now, does God allow things in our life we believe are unbearable that eventually break us?...absolutely! Brokenness in depending on ourself will drive us to trust HIm as our very Life...that is the plan! The Israelites felt trapped with no where to turn...perhaps you feel that way as well (don't worry, remember, it's common to all of us). What do we learn from Israel? Don't fall into the same temptation; remember that God is faithful. The over arching temptation here is trusting yourself or others vs. God; the "way of escape" is not just the end of the trial but also the solution "so that you will be able to endure it". What is the solution or "way of escape" for me to endure the trials in my life? Well, the strategy in every temptation and the solution to endure any trial IS our faithful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Himself! When we turn our attention, trust, faith to Christ we are entering into His victory through the cross and He will endure the trials and adversity through us. It is a faith transaction with our faithful God; He promises to provide "a way of escape" no matter how unbearable it feels...our job is to trust His faithfulness and grace through the trial.

Remember, Paul understands this from personal experience. Paul had a major illness he described as a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor. 12:7-10)...many believe he had severe problems with his eyes. Paul asked God to heal him as we all would in that situation. God instead gave him another way of escape...His grace. Paul could endure because God's grace is sufficient. Christ has already overcome trials and temptation in this life, we simply need to rest in His grace as Paul did and enter into Christ's victory by faith. When we scheme and try and devise our own escape routes from various trials, we often wind up in a worse or more complicated predicament.

You endure the trial and/or adversity and experience victory over the unique temptations that come with it through dependence on our victorious Christ.

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2-3 NAS95S).

Now, in terms of some practical examples, remember that you're not the odd man out in terms of problems:

If your marriage is in trouble, God is still faithful; don't think you're the only one going through this type of trial.
If you're out of work or your career is going nowhere, God is still faithful and many are in the same boat as you are.
If your finances are going south and you just don't know what to do, God is still faithful.

Each one of the above circumstances or trials will have unique temptations that come with the territory and are all "common to man". It's possible that any of the above or many others I could mention will seemingly bring you to the end of your rope and feel like they are more than you can bear...that's OK, the faster the better. Once you let go of your rope and trust your loving Savior Who is always faithful, you have found the "way of escape" to endure it "in Christ"...His Life working in and through you in the midst of the trial. Since HE is "[providing] the way of escape", why not trust the Provider vs. going your own way; His grace is ALWAYS sufficient no matter what happens.

Trials and adversity hurt, there's no question about that. Trusting Christ in the midst of difficulty and hardship is not easy (just look around in your average church if you don't believe me). As 1 Corinthians 10:14 reminds us, “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” Depending on anything or anyone else is what got Israel in trouble...let's learn from their mistake and trust Christ no matter what the circumstance. Always remember...He is faithful.

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“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28 NAS95S)

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1Pet 5:6-7 NAS95S)

“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Cor 15:57 NAS95S)

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." (1John 5:4 NAS95S)
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I just saw an internet video talking about "unsaved believers" (people who trusted Christ but are not actually saved)...don't believe it! Granted, there are those who claim to be Christians who have never trusted Christ's death, burial and resurrection as payment for their sin but this video attempts to minimize faith in Christ and scare folks into righteous behavior by telling them they are not really "saved" unless they are living right. Remember, man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart (1 Sam 16:7)...works are important but they are not the defining issue around a person's salvation. Over the last 30 years I've seen all kinds of "salvation police" telling folks they are not really saved 'cause they haven't met some standard of consistent behavior...don't get fooled by these folks. God's grace is so amazing and so free to all who will receive it that some well meaning people get scared and try to help out God (they don't want to espouse "cheap grace" as they put it). God's grace is most certainly free but in no way cheap (it cost Christ everything). Grace and freedom in Christ can be scary; let God take responsibility for each His beloved children and don't fall into the "salvation police" trap. Love, encourage and build up each other in the faith.

I was reading over Romans 14 and was reminded about the "bottom line" of our Christian walk. It's found in verse 17.

“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
(Rom 14:17 NLT)

For some the message you need to hear around this verse is, don't major on the minor issues of what you or others eat or drink (or any other religious law) but rather, focus on living out of the very life of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God is expressing the life of Christ in everything we do and everywhere we go. If you're saying, I already understand that and I'm free and don't abide by all those rules and regulations on what I eat, drink, etc. Well, there is another message here perhaps for you. Are you the one who is repeatedly "breaking the religious rules" to make a point about God's grace? Take a look at verses 15 & 20 (I just picked out a few verses here but read the whole passage, it's a great message).

“And if another Christian is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died.”
(Rom 14:15 NLT)

“Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, there is nothing wrong with these things in themselves. But it is wrong to eat anything if it makes another person stumble.”
(Rom 14:20 NLT)

You don't need to have a kind of "in your face" grace approach exclaiming your freedom to those who "just don't quite get it". Now, there may be a time where you do need to take a stand on God's grace and freedom in the church, but I'm talking everyday life here. The general rule of thumb when it comes to personal relationships with those who do not understand God's incredible gift of grace for living is simply more "grace". What does that look like? We're to act "in love", even to the point of refraining from a freedom we think is perfectly fine to protect our relationship with other believers. It's a humble, accepting and encouraging approach to those who might differ with us. Limiting your freedom on behalf of another is not a compromise of grace but more a sacrifice of love. Allow Christ to love through you...at times, it will be a sacrifice.

I was reading through Romans from the NLT and came across Romans 13:14. Now, in the NAS translation it reads, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts" (that's basically the way I've always read that passage). After reading the NLT translation, I wanted to dive in again to this verse. The NLT2004 reads, "Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires". When I put these translations together, the Vernon version reads to "put on and clothe yourself with the life and presence of Lord Jesus, allowing Him to control and live through you; stop thinking on ways to indulge your fleshly desires". I think it gets better when you look at some of the words with just your basic Strong's concordance or greek dictionary. The idea of "putting on" is the idea "to clothe...(in the sense of sinking into a garment)".

1746. enduo, en-doo´-o; from 1722 and 1416 (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively): — array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on.

Have you ever had a garment that you just sink into? It's almost a part of you; comfortable, warm, familiar...it''s just you. The illustration here is more than simply putting on a lifeless set of clothes, but rather entering or "sinking in" to the very life of Christ (clothes are static; the Life of Christ is dynamic!); the idea of resting in His love, forgiveness, omnipotence, provision, mercy, grace and again, His very Life. The decision is clear, we can either "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and allow Him to "take control" OR we can think on ways to meet our needs and satisfy our flesh (whether that flesh looks good or bad). The phrase "make no provision" is the idea of "forethought" and is in the present tense reminding us not to continually think and plan ways to satisfy our flesh.

4307. pronoia, pron´-oy-ah; from 4306; forethought, i.e. provident care or supply: — providence, provision.

If you try and not think about something by definition you're already thinking about it! So, the lesson here is to put on, sink in, enter in and simply rest in the life of Jesus Christ vs. a life of trying to avoid thinking about all that other stuff. Allow Him to express His very Life through you. If you find yourself thinking, scheming, or planning about ways to get your needs met, perhaps that's a clue your not resting in the very Life of Christ provided for you at the cross. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against planning or goals, but are you setting goals and planning out of the fullness of who you are in Christ or out of perceived need to become something or gain something that you already have in Him? Don't get too caught up in the self analysis trap, meditate on Romans 13:14 and just sink back into the life of Christ and enjoy the rest He has provided.

Consider Psalms 69:33 “For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise His who are prisoners.” I love this verse, in fact, I choose it as a memory verse for a study in our small group. Often we wonder if it’s ok to be “needy” or express our needs. We sometimes think or believe that we must act “perfectly” or “never let them see you sweat” but I’m hear to tell you, God hears the needy. In fact, the verse goes on to tell us that God does not despise us when we are prisoners!

Have you been held captive by the enemy in a certain besetting sin? Perhaps you feel trapped in a job or relationship or even ministry! God does not despise, look down or condemn you...you are His child and He knows exactly where you are. Share you need, surrender your situation and allow Christ to work through you right where you are.

Read Galatians 5:16-25; it is a familiar passage that can be summarized with “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” [5:16]. It can be confusing when 5:17 says “the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit” yet in 5:24 “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”. What’s the deal? I accepted Christ as my Savior, I “belong to Jesus” so have I actually “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”? I don’t act that way sometimes. And what about 5:21 where Paul is referring to the deeds of the flesh and says “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”? I know some Christians who practice “outbursts of anger”...will they “not inherit the kingdom of God”? Let’s take a quick look here.

The word “flesh” is a broad term and is typically translated from the greek word sarx (G4561] where Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines:
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such): — carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).

So “flesh” can mean or refer to:
1. Our physical bodies - Luke 24:39, 1 Cor, 15:39 & 50
2. Our human heritage - Rom. 1:3, 4:1
3. Our old self/old nature/old way - Rom. 7:5, 8:4-9

Again, “flesh” is a broad term that can refer to the “old self”, “old nature” or “old man” depending on your translation as well as the “WAY” of the “old self” in our thinking and behaving. As always, the context of scripture will help you derive the correct meaning.

What was crucified with Christ? Rom. 6: 6 provides the answer. Our “old self” which was the embodiment of sin...our sin nature...the very essence of who we were before Christ. It was the engine or generator of your old way. As a believer, your old self is literally dead and gone; that’s what Gal. 5:24 is referring to (”crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” referencing the “old self” or nature). How did you crucify the flesh? By believing in Christ, accepting His forgiveness and receiving His new life. Ok, you might say, I get it! But what about Gal. 5:17? It sounds like the “flesh” is very much alive. Remember, “flesh” is a broad term as I mentioned above. How does the “flesh [set] its desire against the Spirit” in the context of a believer?

Well, God gave us an incredible gift in the human body and brain. Every action, thought, desire is recorded on the human hard drive of the brain. The “old self” or nature is dead (that’s what happens when you get crucified...you don’t typically recover) and you have been raised up a brand new self or nature. Those old desires, habits and behaviors have been recorded and can and will resurface...that broad term “flesh” or old ways of thinking and behaving will set its desire against the Spirit but the truth is, you are “dead” to that stuff! There is no real power to make you act or think in the “old way”, in fact, quite the opposite. You have the omnipotent power and Life of Christ in you to think and live a brand new life. When you choose to “walk according to the spirit” you are operationalizing the truth of your co-crucifixion, will bear the “fruit of the Spirit” and experience His victory!

Paul encourages the Galatians in 5:25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit”; as believers, we are “led by the spirit” [5:18] and “live by the Spirit” [5:25] so our choice in day to day life is to “walk by the Spirit”. Don’t choose to walk in your old way of thinking and behaving...that old self was crucified...you’re dead to sin and alive to Christ!

So the big picture...Paul shows us two groups identified by “the deeds of the flesh” and “the fruit of the Spirit”. The deeds of the flesh group characterizes someone who does not know Christ. The problem here is that Christians can sometimes “look” like that group when they are not walking after the Spirit allowing Christ to manifest His Life through them. Paul reminds the Galatians in 5:21 “that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”. If you accepted Christ as your Savior, you’re not in this group (although at times you may certainly look like it!). This is the same language he used in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. The “unrighteous” (read unbeliever) will not inherit the Kingdom of God and the deeds of the flesh mentioned here describe the life of one who is not “in Christ”. Our goal is to walk in truth as the new creation we truly are not in the old way of the flesh. Paul tells them, don’t walk like these guys, it’s not who you are! Realize the truth of your new identity “in Christ” and allow the fruit of the Spirit [Gal. 5:22-23] to permeate through all that you think and do. Don’t try and produce the fruit, surrender to Him and you will simply bear it in and through your life.

You “crucified the flesh” or old nature when you accepted Christ or “believed”; you “crucify” the flesh or old way of thinking and behaving in the same way...believe. Believe the truth of your co-crucifixion and new identity in Christ. Believe the truth that God has forgiven you, accepted you and loves you apart from your performance. Believe and choose to allow Christ to live His life through you...that’s “walking in the Spirit”!!