Why is Abandoning the Cross a Dangerous thing?

It was a perilous time for the early Galatian church.  Having so recently accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ, they were bombarded by false teachers.  Paul recognized the danger of adding legalism to the gospel message.  Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on the cross had ripped asunder the veil standing between God and mankind.  There could be no other means of salvation.  The law had failed; because, the human heart could never attain the righteousness required to commune with a perfectly righteous and just God.  Jesus Christ, left His throne in heaven to walk among men, to suffer, and then to die on a cross, providing the propitiation for our sins. To add anything to that completed work is a heresy; just, as it is a heresy to abandon the cross.  Abandoning the gospel of the Cross is dangerous; because, there is no other means of salvation for sinful man.

Paul did not mince words as he went directly to the heart of the issue.  “I am amazed that you are turning away so soon from God who, in his love and mercy, invited you to share the eternal life he gives through Christ; you are already following a different “way to heaven,” which really doesn’t go to heaven at all.  For there is no other way than the one we showed you; you are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ” (Galatians 1:6-7, TLB).  Abandoning the Cross, the truth of God; is a very dangerous thing; because, there is no other means by which humans may be saved.

Abandoning the Gospel Message of the Cross? We must Never!

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How to Teach the Gospel of Jesus with Authority

Paul’s authority to teach the gospel was under attack by the Judaizers.  However, he was more concerned  that the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ was under direct attack.  The Judaizers attacked the foundation of the gospel of Grace alone for salvation in the early churches in Galatia.  They taught salvation by grace plus works by submitting the people to the Jewish law.  He came to the defense of the Gospel message in his letter to the Galatians.  First, he defended his authority as the twelfth apostle, chosen by Jesus Christ.  Judas was no longer the twelfth apostle. Therefore, the twelfth apostle to replace him, was chosen by Jesus Christ. Paul’s authority to be named among the twelve did not come by being chosen by men; rather, he was chosen by the risen Lord.  Any authority to teach the true gospel message, must come from God Himself.

Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) (Galatians 1:1).  Paul began his letter by going directly to the core.  No one has the authority to teach any gospel or message beyond the truth that Jesus Christ is the only means to salvation, as He had presented, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).  If we teach any message beyond that which the inerrant word of God presents, we have failed.  Always, we must be aware and diligent to study God’s word, guided by the Holy Spirit; so as not to apply man’s psychology or thoughts.  We must prayerfully study so as to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Authority to Teach the Gospel

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How to Live as Christians by Grace Alone

The gospel of Jesus Christ is our only hope for salvation.  A gospel of Grace Alone founded upon God’s love.  There are many who would want to add to that gospel, declaring that we must once more be subject to the very law which never had the power to save us.  Our pride filled hearts wants to believe that we can of our own strength live a life of righteousness, presenting to God our good works as an example of our worthiness.  Yet, if that were true; why would Jesus have died for our sins?  As Christians, yes, we are to aspire to good works; but not by our own strength.  We must grow in the Grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Then, and only then can we shine forth as beacons of hope to the world.

Because our salvation is through Grace alone, we earnestly desire to love Him more.  That love with the guidance of the Holy Spirit that indwells us transforms our hearts to be more like Him, which is something we cannot due of our own strength and volition.  As long as we think we can conquer sin of our own accord, we will fail desperately in our efforts.  However, when we embrace the truth of the gospel, our own helplessness forces us to turn to Him to be our strength, our guide, our hope, and our resource to live the life He intended us to.  Only when we let go of our own pride, clinging to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord; can we begin to live out our true identity founded in Christ Jesus as Christians.

GRACE ALONE

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Our Glorious King is Risen Indeed

Today we celebrate Easter. A celebration of the truth that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, conquering death and the consequences of sin; so that, we might walk for eternity with Him.  That is, all who believe and accept this Gracious gift so freely given.  Our Glorious King is Risen Indeed.  The Glory of God never shone so bright as Jesus willingly took upon Himself our sin and shame, as I pointed out in the last post.  Yet, the story did not end there.   It only began as a new day, a new covenant by which sinful man can be forgiven by faith; because of God’s grace.  For Jesus Christ on the third day rose from the grave, victorious over sin and death.  In Christ, we have new life! I wrote this poem yesterday to express that truth.
My Glorious King

By Effie Darlene Barba

 

My Sovereign Lord and King

Who joins me in my suffering

He’s ever present at my side

That in His joy I might abide

 

My Glorious King hung on a cross

And never thought about His loss

By reason of His love for me

He paid my price, my penalty

 

So, willingly He left His throne

That I might never be alone

And when this life brings pain and tears

He’s there to quiet all my fears

 

He took upon Himself my strife

To give to me eternal life

He cloaked me in His righteousness

That I might know His love and bliss

 

And on that cross His Glory shone

And ne’er a victim, did bemoan

His fate He chose with open arms

To free me from my own sin’s harms

 

He rose again, oh Glorious Day

To bring me life and light the way

That ever present I might be

Wrapped in His love eternally

 

And thus, it is, I love Him so

That willingly I to must go

Where ever He would bid me to

For He is all that I pursue

 

He is the treasure that I seek

The strength I need, for I am weak

He is the love my heart desires

The only one my soul requires

Ephesians 2: (AMP)

And you [He made alive when you] were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you once walked. You were following the ways of this world [influenced by this present age], in accordance with the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit who is now at work in the disobedient [the unbelieving, who fight against the purposes of God]. 3 Among these [unbelievers] we all once lived in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by the sinful self], indulging the desires of [a]human nature [without the Holy Spirit] and [the impulses] of the [sinful] mind. We were, by nature, children [under the sentence] of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind]. 

4 But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for by His grace—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment). 6 And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus, 7 [and He did this] so that in the ages to come He might [clearly] show the immeasurable and unsurpassed riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus [by providing for our redemption].

 8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; 9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. 10 For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

Abiding, Steadfast JoyABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

 

 

 


WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

Or for inspirational photos or home decor click here.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

CREDITS

Amplified Bible (AMP)

Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.

Feature Photo from Goodsalt.com and used by permission.  It is subject to copyright laws

 

How is the Glory of God Displayed on the Cross?

When you look at the cross, what do you see?  Do you see the pain and suffering of Jesus Christ or do you see His Glory displayed there?  At any point, Jesus could have said, “no”.  As Sovereign Lord, He could have; but, instead He chose to willingly accept all the pain, rejection, and the humility of the cross.  He did so to provide a means of salvation for you and me.  When Judas came with the soldiers to capture Him, He went out to meet them.  He did not wait for them to take Him.  Instead, He went to them and asked, “Whom seek ye?” (John 18:4).  As they answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth”, He replied, “I AM He” (John 18:5).  The Great I AM stood before them, ready to go the cross, the Glory of God shone forth.

Hearing these words, they step backwards, falling on their backs (John 18:6).  His Divine Power and Glory shone forth, such that they fell. He could have overtaken them. Furthermore, He could have called a legion of angels to defend Him; but, He did not.  Willingly, He stepped forward; allowing them to bind Him and take Him to trial.  Six trials later, Pilate declared Him innocent; yet, He was beaten, spat upon, and nailed to a cruel cross.  He remained in control, even of His cruel death upon that cross.  Choosing the moment and the time of His own death.  As He proclaimed to Pilate, “Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above” (John 19:11).  “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth” (John 18:37).

The Glory of God Displayed on the Cross

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