|
Review content:
Our position and standing with God AND within the Kingdom of God is based on and solely upon what Christ did for us through his death, burial and resurrection and our acceptance thereof. Grace... what Christ did - not of our own works. \r
\r
When I attended this church, it was all 'works' based to get a better place in the Kingdom of God - but after leaving, I learned that is not scriptural. And, the works were to be within the 4 walls of the church only and its members. Based on the works mentality, all of us were like work horses, striving and simply wearing ourselves out. \r
\r
But Jesus said “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt 11:28)\r
\r
Looking back, where was the joy unspeakable that drew others to Christ? How did we lift up Jesus in our lives so that others would be drawn to him? (John 12:32) Because relationships outside of the church were not allowed and elitism was practiced and preached regularly, we never impacted those hurting around us! \r
\r
The Spirit of the Living God lives in us to be change agents in our world and to be vessels of healing and life to those around us. \r
\r
Living a Spirit led but Bible centered life is exciting and full of joy and awe inspiring every single day! \r
\r
For those still at this church and its affiliates, your fellow Christians who have left are NOT your enemy - we are still your family. We pray for you to be released from the bondage of works, seclusion, alienation and elitism. \r
\r
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)\r
\r
God bless you and may you come into the fullness of life in Christ and with your ALL of your family and friends.\r
\r
--- Lastly, may you prayerfully consider the following and ask God to show you His will for your life --- \r
\r
Ephesians 2:4-9\r
\r
But God—so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us, even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved ([a]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation).\r
\r
And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us [b]joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One). He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.\r
\r
For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] \r
|