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And then what happened? This is the reality for all of us. We all have a "then what happened?" No matter your situation or circumstances...Regardless of your current concerns or worries...In spite of your anxiety and uncertainty, there is always a "then what happened?".

Who Is Your King?

As of today (11/05/2020) we still do not know who the President of the United States is going to be. Even after it is "announced" there is likely to be a contesting and recounts. This level of uncertainty - given all that has led up to this election - is great fodder for worry and fret.

But remember what Jesus said in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7)? He tells us very clearly that our citizenship is first in heaven and our King is God the Father. He rules and reigns over us. God is the One who looks out for us and provides. He is not unaware or unconcerned. The Father does not leave us as orphans to fend for ourselves.

On the contrary, He is our Warrior! God is our Light! Christ is our Savior! What could possibly be better than that?!

Then what? So what?

So we don't yet know who our President will be. Does it matter? Well, yes, absolutely it matters! Does it make a difference? Well again, yes, absolutely! But in the grand scheme of things, Who are you gong to serve? Does your President and country come before your Savior and His Kingdom? I trust not! So what does it really matter?

What can man do to me? If God is for me, who can be against me? Whom will you choose this day to serve?

Good questions, all. And yes, our leaders in this life definitely make a difference. But they do not and shall not determine our faith and obedience. Our alliance and allegiance is to Christ. In the end, regardless of electoral outcomes, our devotion to God is to be unwavering. He gives authority and takes authority away.

And Then What Happened?

We all have a "then what happened?" in our lives. Regardless of circumstance or situation, life goes on. Even in death, there is something beyond.

Now, I agree that I would prefer the blessings or freedom and liberty as we have come to have them. And yes, I believe these are worth sacrificing and dying for under certain conditions. But I will not allow the uncertainty or threat of oppression determine how I live my life. And neither should you!

God is still on His throne! Jesus is still King of kings and Lord of lords! This is a great opportunity for us as Christians to stand up and live like we believe these truths...regardless of who ever sits in the White House.

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Your Vote Matters

You have a responsibility and obligation to vote...if you are a Christian. Our Founding Fathers believed that American patriotism was directly tied to personal faith in Christ. If you're a Christian, then you're a patriot. In fact, according to our Founders, you can't be a true patriot if you're not also a Christian. God has shed His grace on America as much as He has on Christians!

In this 2020 election special episode, I challenge all Christians to take a stand. Not for one political leader but for political ideologies, beliefs, and worldviews. Clearly, one party is much more pro-God and freedom than the other.

This Election Is Special

I know, for the past several election cycles people have been declaring "this is the most important election of our lifetime." Well, I believe that statement is truer today than it ever has been. Our freedoms and Republic are definitely under attack. And the attack is not coming from outside sources...although outside sources are certainly supporting and financing these efforts. The attack is coming from within, from our own citizens who believe (wrongly) that they have the best solutions.

Let me be clear, Jesus is the only true solution to our country's problems. Our problems are inherent in people and only God can change people!

That said, I do believe that one candidate and one party support, promote, and are seeking secure our rights and freedoms more so than the other. Again, let me be clear...Republicans, as a party, stand more for the natural laws of God consistent with the Bible than do Democrats. As long as Democrats, as a party, actively promote and support the killing of the unborn, they will never be worthy of my vote, period!

You're Not Voting For A Man

You're not voting for a man, you're voting for a worldview and philosophy of governing. One party - Republican - believes in governing consistent with the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. These documents are rooted in the Bible, specifically the Law of Moses, with an understanding of grace through Jesus Christ. In fact, many of our laws can be referenced, chapter and verse, directly from Scripture.

The other party - Democrat - seeks to "re-write" the Constitution, "re-interpret" our founding documents, and in several cases, simply to destroy it all. This worldview is godless, atheist, and anti-Christian. Even among their own leaders who claim to be "Christian" (i.e. Catholic), they belittle the faith of fellow Catholics and degrade attempts to live as Christ. God has no place in their world (unless you keep Him in your own basement) and no place in their governing.

They seek to destroy, not build. They want to ruin, not reaffirm. They want power and control, not freedom and self-control. They stand for and represent most all that is anti-Christ. They call good evil and evil good and each does what's right in their own eyes. Sound familiar?!

You Have A Choice

You have a choice, and it may just be the last one you'll ever have. It has been said that you can vote yourself into socialism (i.e. Marxism/communism) but you can't vote yourself out of it. That requires a literal revolution of physical fighting. Don't believe me? Just ask people from those countries who have experienced it.

God has permitted - even dictated - that you were born an American. As such, you have been given great gifts and freedoms. With these also come greater responsibilities. Of the utmost importance is your responsibility to defend and fight to protect these gifts and freedoms.

There has never been a nation like the United States of America in the history of the world.

Do you see what I see? Do you hear what I hear? I know you're thinking of Christmas and the song of the same title but I have a different intent here. Can you see and recognize what is happening in your country? Do you understand what God is doing? Are you even aware that God is the One who is doing it?

Not Always As It Appears

Things are not always as they appear to be. Case in point, what is happening across our great country. It is not only political division between differing ideologies on how to govern. There is not just an uptick in violence. Racial discrepancies have always existed. This is not just the result of hate against a sitting President. There is something more going on and we need to be paying particular attention to it.

This is clearly the case when you have a biblical worldview. When you read the accounts in Scripture of God's repeated warnings, man's failure, and God's response it becomes clear. Our nation is under the judgment of God. As a country, we have spurned God over the past five decades and pushed Him further and further out of our lives. Even in the Church, we are guilty of forgetting our first love and denying the truth. We have openly stopped preaching God's Word in exchange for more palatable "self-help" and "personal improvement" topics. We've neglected the truth for too long.

Shaken To Awaken

A recent catch phrase is to be "woke." Woke means to be enlightened to finally see the oppression of the system that "the man" has imposed. This is especially true with regard to minorities. The problem is that the "woke" are actually blind to what is really happening. Only the redeemed are truly "woke" and see life as it really is.

Do you see? Or do you think you see? Reading through the pages of Scripture, it is difficult not to recognize that God is shaking thing up. Literally! Through the various upheavals, natural disasters, political tensions, and unrest, God is the one doing the shaking. The goal? To wake us up from our slumber.

I am convinced that God is using - through permission and intention - these events to get our attention. Why? For the same reason He did so throughout the Old Testament and New. To call us to repentance and confession. To turn to Him and seek Him that He might relent and heal our land. This was not meant only for the people of Israel. The writer of Hebrews let's us know that God is still at work to call His people to repentance and subsequent faithfulness. We must follow the prayer of Daniel and pray for our country that God would demonstrate, again, His power and love for us. May God bless America.

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Do not be afraid. Pretty straight-forward statement. The phrase is used 365 times throughout the Bible. Coincidence? I don't think so. Three hundred and sixty-five times God tells us - commands us - not to be afraid. And yet, today - especially today (2020) - I see so many people living in fear.

Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself

Paul's admonishment and testimony at the close of Romans 8 is a great platform on which to preach this message. Do not fear! Don't be afraid! And that message has never been more applicable.

With the coming of the "plandemic" - I mean, pandemic - of COVID-19, I have seen far too many people walking around in absolute fear. Fear of death and dying, sure. But also fear of contact, fear of proximity, afraid to even come out of their homes. The worst part is that many of the fearful are Christians. Being afraid is the exact opposite mindset God has called us to have.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was right, fear perpetuates itself. More than that, fear is of the Devil. Make no mistake! Fear comes straight from the pit of hell. Don't believe me? Go back and re-read Genesis 3. Why did Adam hide himself from God? Because he was afraid. Why wasn't he ever afraid before when he was in the presence of God? Because fear didn't come from God, it came from the Serpent.

Don't Be Afraid

Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real. Great definition! Think about it; is that exactly what Satan tried to present to Adam...false evidence as legitimate fact? God literally commands us to not be afraid (see Joshua 1:9). Once a day, every day of the year, God has given us a reminder of this command in His word.

Living in fear is, in fact, sinful. Why? Because it denies the reality and truth of God as well as faith. Remember, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Here's a fact: You cannot have both fear and faith at the same time. Your faith is what overcomes fear. Faith that God is, that He is true, and He is a keeper of His word.

With all the fear-mongering and uncertainty being presented to us, either in the form of virus or politics, it's even more important to have faith. Your faith is your strength, your confidence, and your assurance. It is was gets you through tough times. Don't fall victim to the "victim mentality" and believe these things are "happening to you" because of something lacking in God. Or worse, that you're being punished by Him. Remember last week's episode? God is for you, not against you!

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Study Romans from the Beginning by Clicking Here

God is for you! Is that not the best statement in the world? He is not against you; He is for you. God is on your side. He is your Creator and wants nothing more than to be your Father. The question is not His love you; but your love for Him.

Those Who Love God

Not only has the Father gone to great lengths to bring you back into the Family - not even sparing His own Son (Romans 8:32) - but He promises to work all things for good. Think about that. All things will work out good - even the awful things - for those who love God.

Who are those who love God? According to Jesus in John 14, those who love God are those who keep His commandments. Conversely, those who do not love God are those who do not keep His commandments. Pretty straight forward. Your obedience to God's commands are the evidence and proof of your love for Him. Don't follow Him and it's clear you don't love Him. That simple.

The Reward

So what is the reward for those who love God? How does His reward reflect that God is for you and not against you? Again, simple. He has already pre-determined (i.e. predestined) that you will receive a glorified body just as Jesus has received His.

Remember the context of Romans 6-8. Paul is describing our relationship as redeemed spirits to the Law of God. Our yet-unredeemed-body is still corrupted by sin and resistant to our desire to serve God through obedience. The "reward" for faithfully pursuing holiness - after being justified and born again for this purpose - is exchanging a corrupted flesh for uncorrupted flesh. Our "hope" is the promise of full and complete redemption; a "born again" body to house an-already-born-again-spirit. The Bible calls it our "resurrection from the dead." And as such, Jesus was the first to experience it. Our inheritance is to experience and possess the same.

God Is For You

The evidence of this fact is clear. As the Judge in your trial for sin, He has already determined that, though you are guilty, your penalty has already been paid. Therefore, no charges or accusations against you can result in any eternal punishment. That's the promise of justification.

Likewise, the promise of regeneration and sanctification is that regardless of any circumstances you may encounter; in spite of any and all sufferings, pain, tragedies, or disasters you may experience, God still loves you. His love for you will be made evident through the completion of your redemption. Meaning, you will be glorified and made whole in your salvation.

Nothing is more awesome than that!

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Study Romans From the Beginning - Click Here

When there are no words, God can still hear your heart. Romans 8:26-29 teaches us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us even when we can't find the words.

No Words Necessary

In the same way that our hope sustains and pulls us toward obedience in the midst of present sufferings, the Holy Spirit aids us in our weakness. What weakness? The weakness of our flesh to be obedient. This is the overall condition of our humanity in general. It's our powerlessness at times to overcome temptation. Sometimes there are no words because we do not even know what to pray.

Our spiritual weakness and sin-sickness are still present in our not-yet-redeemed body. The world is full of sin-corruption that draws and pulls away from God. There are times when we do not even know what we should be praying for. In those times, the Holy Spirit comes to our aid.

Holy Spirit Intercession

The Holy Spirit comes to our aid, giving us inward strength at exactly those times when we are in danger of sin and doubt. No words are necessary. In fact, the Holy Spirit's communication with God the Father is beyond words. Words are not necessary because there is oneness of mind. This gives us assurance that in spite of weakness, God has made provision to help us out.

In fact, we are given the promise of "all things working together for good" (Romans 8:28). But the promise is specific. Specific to whom? The promise applies to those "who love God." Who are they? They are the ones who keep the commandments. Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:25). And again, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word...He who does not love Me does not keep My words" (John 14:23-24).

Proof of your love for God is evidenced by your obedience. Notice how obedience continues to be the common thread throughout this section (Romans 6-8). But it is not without encouragement. We are not expected to be perfect nor are we expected to attempt obedience on our own. True, it is our willful intent to choose obedience. But the follow through is done in conjunction with the Holy Spirit. Think about that...the Third Person of the Trinity lives in you to help you pursue obedience! Notice I did not say "pursue perfection." That is no longer a requirement. Persistence and consistency are our goals. Every day, seeking to improve.

In this episode we briefly (wink, wink) review Romans 1-7 and continue to study Romans 8:26-29.

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Study Romans from the Beginning - Click Here

No description is necessary.

Pray for our nation.

Glorification! The full redemption of your whole person. This is your promise. This is your hope.

Three Phases of Salvation

The first phase of your salvation - justification - is the application of Christ's blood your heavenly account. This pays the penalty you owe for your sin. By faith - believing God and what He has said about His Son - your debt is cancelled. The penalty due has been paid if full by the blood of Jesus.

The second phase of your salvation - regeneration - is the conversion of your 'old man' to a 'new creation.' By the power of the Holy Spirit - 'the workmanship of God' - your old self is buried into the death of Jesus. In its place a new life is 'born of the Spirit' and rises from the waters of immersion. In addition, you are sanctified - set apart as holy and sacred - by the gift of the indwelling of the Spirit of God. He now resides in you and serves as the power for you to live a life of obedience. Thus begins your 'progressive sanctification' and lifelong pursuit of holiness.

The final phase of your salvation - glorification - is the replacement of your current sin corrupted body. Your already-made-new spirit presently lives in a yet-made-new body. This body cannot inherit heaven, it's mortal and tied to this world. When you die physically, your already-redeemed-spirit leaves this body and resides with God. You are 'present with the Lord' until such time as you receive your redeemed - glorified/resurrected - body. This glorification is your hope. Glorification is the completion of your salvation. After glorification, your re-united and redeemed spirit and body will then inhabit the 'new earth' prepared for you.

Your Inheritance

Glorification is God's promised inheritance to you. But it is only the beginning. In Romans 8:14-25 Paul describes the eager craving that our body and the world have. Both are waiting for the glorification of the other. Paul calls it our 'hope' and the promised fulfillment of our redemption. It is simply the final stage of our salvation.

First, we are Justified. We are justified by faith through grace in baptism. Then we are 'born again.' We are born of the spirit, converted and regenerated, to live a life consistent with God's law. We receive the indwelling of His Spirit as power and down payment on our final inheritance. Sanctified, we are set apart to live righteous lives that pursue holiness. Finally we will be glorified. Our reward is glorification and a new body to match our already-made-new spirit. In this final form we receive our full inheritance...life eternal in the presence of God with Christ.

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Study Romans from the Beginning - Click Here

Being led by the Holy Spirit is simply being obedient to God's law. No more. No less. It's very simple. But far too many people get hung up on the false teaching that "being led by the Spirit" is some mystical, ethereal experience. Let me be clear...it is not.

Being Led Is Not...

Too often people teach or understand being led by the Spirit as a very spiritual experience. In fact, being led is very practical and very simple. In many circles it is described as a special "anointing" or "sensitivity" or special "filling" of the Holy Spirit. This sounds spiritual, mystical, and very other-worldly. The problem is that it's a false conclusion. This is not what the Bible presents when God tells us how to "be led by the Spirit."

These false conclusions and teachings leave many people waiting for the Spirit to move them to action. The problem is this: He is waiting for you to move to action. Simply put, to be led by the Holy Spirit just means to be obedient to Him. When you are obedient to the law of God, you are being led by the Spirit.

Being Led Is...

Following the leading of the Spirit is simply obedience. Paul tells us in Romans 8:14 that "...all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." The way you know you are, in fact, a child of God (cf. John 1:12) is through your obedience to the law of God. How do you know this? Because Paul says as much in the immediate preceding verse.

Romans 8:13 says, "[if you are living] by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body." It should be clear that "being led by the Spirit" and living "by the Spirit" are functionally the same thing. What is the evidence of these? You are "putting to death the deeds of the body." What are these deed? Well, some Paul has described in Romans 1:18-32 in identifying those who reject God and suppress His truth. But there are other lists as well.

1 Corinthians 6:9-102 Corinthians 12:20Galatians 5:19-21

The point is that the law of God is where we find those things both to do and to avoid. It is interesting that Paul makes a similar argument and statement in Galatians 5:16-18.

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law."

Recall that "walking" consists of our daily action and behavior. Our walk is the same as our conduct. Following the leading of the Spirit simply means our conduct is consistent with the Spirit. More specifically, with His inspired Word (2 Peter 1:21). Notice Paul says "if you are led by the Spirit" and then in the next verse gives the list of what not being led by the Spirit (i.e. being led by the flesh) looks like. It's so plain it's scary.

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Study Romans from the Beginning - Click Here

The necessity of sanctification is often misunderstood or outright ignored by many Christians. Sanctification is indeed necessary as a phase and condition for complete salvation. In fact, without it, your faith will diminish and perhaps disappear altogether. Are you saying a Christian can lose or forfeit their salvation? Nope, I'm not saying that...God is!

The Necessity of Sanctification

God - through the Apostle Paul, and others - clearly tells us that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:14-26). The Book of Hebrews gives us warning upon warning not to "drift" from the faith. More specifically, Paul in Romans 8:12-13 tells us sanctification is not only necessary but is also our decision.

The necessity of sanctification is explained in this passage as the difference between focusing your mind on the flesh or on the spirit. An explanation is given of the difference between the unsaved - those who are of the flesh - and the saved - those who are of the Spirit.

The unsaved (i.e. unregenerated) have no choice but to focus their mind on the things of the body and flesh. They seek out fulfillment of only their personal desires and appetites. In contrast, the saved have a choice as to what they focus their minds (i.e. thinking) on. And this is the key difference between the two.

In the absence of choice, the unsaved simply align with their fleshly desires and world's materialistic fulfillment. But even with a choice, the saved must still personally decide to choose obedience to God (i.e. the things of the Spirit). It is within our power - as Christians/born again/redeemed - to determine what we think about and how we behave. As I have pointed out before: You have absolute control over only two things in your life - what you think and how you behave.

Phase Two of Three

Lest we forget, salvation is given to us in three separate stages. First, recall that sin infects us with a "double-curse." One, we incur a sin debt with a penalty payment due. Two, we become powerless to resist sin and temptation. Phase One of salvation gives us the "double-cure."

First, our penalty is paid in full and we are justified - put in right standing with the law of God. And second, we are born again (i.e. regenerated) and made new. This new spirit (i.e. God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus - Eph. 2:10) gives us the ability to follow the law of God. In addition to this new spirit God grants the gift of His indwelling Spirit. He - the Holy Spirit - in combination with our redeemed spirit - gives us power to overcome sin and temptation as we live.

This is the purpose of the indwelling! The Holy Spirit is given to us so that we might pursue holiness; aka righteousness, holy living, obedience of faith, keeping God's laws, doing good works, being holy as He is holy, etc. The necessity of sanctification could not be more clear.

We do not go from justification to glorification (the third phase) without first growing in sanctification (phase two). Sanctification is a necessary second phase of being saved. We are saved - justification; we are being saved - sanctification; and we will be saved - glorification. The necessity of sanctification is clearly presented when Paul tells us that if a Christian persists in living according to the flesh, they must die. Sounds serious. And it is.

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Study Romans From the Beginning - Click Here