LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU...BY ABALONEKID

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

In this exhortation the apostle Paul is telling the people of God, “Let the mind that is in Christ—the very thinking of Jesus—be your thinking also. His mindset is the one we all are to seek.”

What does it mean to have the mind of Christ? Simply put, it means to think and act as Jesus did. It means making Christ-like decisions that determine how we are to live. It means bringing every faculty of our mind to bear on how we actually can have the mind of Christ.

Every time we look into the mirror of God’s Word, we’re to ask ourselves: “Does what I see about myself reflect the nature and thinking of Christ? Am I changing from image to image, conformed to Jesus’ very likeness by every experience that God brings into my life?”

According to Paul, here is the mindset of Christ. “(He) made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).

Jesus made a decision while he was still in heaven. He made an agreement with the Father to lay down his heavenly glory and come to earth as a man. He was going to descend to the world as a humble servant. And he would seek to minister rather than be ministered to.

For Christ, this meant saying, “I go to do your will, Father.” Indeed, Jesus determined ahead of time, “I am laying down my will in order to do yours, Father. I subjugate my will so that I may embrace yours. Everything I say and do has to come from you. I’m laying down everything to be totally dependent upon you.”

In turn, the Father’s agreement with the Son was to reveal his will to him. God said to him, in essence, “My will won’t ever be hidden from you. You will always know what I am doing. You will have my mind.”

When Paul states boldly, “I have the mind of Christ,” he is declaring, “I too have made myself of no reputation. Like Jesus, I have taken on the role of a servant.” And Paul asserts that the same can hold true for every believer: “We [all can] have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).

SERMON OF THE DAY BY J. VERNON MCGEE

THE STRUGGLE OF A SAVED SOUL

By: J. Vernon McGee

Jesus loves you...do yourself a favor and LOVE HIM IN RETURN!

11 REASONS YOU NEED JESUS CHRIST BY "GRACE AMBASSADORS"

By Justin Johnson

Many see no need for a religious figure who lived two millennia ago. He did not help them get their first job, buy their first house, or find their first wife.

They ask, “what has he ever done for me?”

He does not provide entertainment, cure sickness, distribute money, grant the wishes of dying children, or lower taxes.

They think, “why would I need Jesus if he does not help with the things most important to me?”

Even Christians who claim his name, appoint him their co-pilot, or use him as Saviour don’t feel they need him once they have him in their pile of possessions. While they express praise for him, they can go days, weeks, and months without a single thought of needing Christ for anything. Even ministry work and Bible study can distract us from the need for Christ if it is done as busywork and not with Christ as the goal.

It is a worthwhile question to ask why you need Jesus Christ. Especially, if you think yourself a Christian who already believes in him. Here are 11 reasons you need the Lord Jesus Christ now and forever.

1. Truth

The truth is in Christ. He is the truth. You cannot know the truth without Jesus Christ. Paul says all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in him (Col 2:3; Eph 4:21). To make sense of anything you need Jesus Christ. Your pursuit for truth ends with Christ, and is not exhausted just because you heard the truth of the gospel (1 Tim 2:4).

2. Life

If you are reading this you are alive, and may think that Jesus Christ has nothing to do with it. However, the life you have now was given to you, and it is destined to end. The life that comes through Jesus Christ has no end. If you enjoy life and want it to continue then you need Jesus Christ. There is no life without him. To live is Christ. Eternal life is through him (Rom 6:23).

3. Death

None of us escapes death. The science we have about death tells us we are all dying a little bit each day.There is no science that describes what happens after you die. There is revelation from God who sees the invisible, lives in the immaterial, and knows what happens in secret. In resurrection Jesus Christ defeated death for any man to follow after. Death did not hold him and today he offers this power to all who believe him. Daily life and regeneration is promised to those who live in Christ Jesus.

4. Sin
Everyone sins, including the most self-righteous religionists and church-goers. Without Christ what becomes of our sins? They must be accounted for, and without Christ they are all accounted to you. The judgment has already been made against you, and your sentencing day will arrive when you die. We need the man Christ Jesus to atone for our sins (Rom 5:11). We need Jesus Christ the Son of God to mediate between God and us (1 Tim 2:5). Through Christ’s blood, we have forgiveness. We need Jesus Christ as long as sin is still present, or else it would be unrighteous to forgive anyone for sins.

5. Peace

Peace is allusive in this world where we toil to provide what we need, and there are constantly others who are trying to take what we have. We can have peace with God through Jesus Christ (Rom 5:1). We can also have the peace of God work in us through the Lord Jesus Christ (Phil 4:7). Peace is something every man desires, and yet few have consistently without Christ.

6. Hope

Without Christ the best hope anyone has is to seek as much pleasure as they can before their clock runs out. What vanity! This is little more than the last meal of a man on death row! With Christ we have the hope of glory greater than anything we can achieve on our own. It is the glory of God and the promise of inheritance through Christ.

7. Grace

We would have none of these things if it were not for God’s grace giving them to us freely. How can we buy hope, peace, or another 100 years to our life? We cannot. A just man would uphold the principle of giving people what they deserve, but what if you deserve nothing or worse? What is your net worth then? What of the times you fail, sin, or break the law? No one truly wants what they deserve, they want more. If you are a sinner, you need more. Grace is necessary for you to continue, and the grace of God to you is in Christ Jesus providing what you cannot.

8. Suffering

One of the greatest problems in the world is suffering, and without Christ there is no solution for much of it. Modern science can alleviate some pain and suffering, but cannot eliminate it. How do we deal with it? Christ suffered and died with us when he lived, and now is exalted above all things. He now provides comfort to those who will trust him, learn from him, and join him in the fellowship of his sufferings (2 Cor 1:9; Eph 4:21-22; Phil 3:10).

9. Strength

Some people are stronger than others, but there always seems to be someone or some thing more powerful in this life to overwhelm you. Only some of us have great physical strength. Yet, what of the inner strength needed to make right choices, to live each day, and to resist the evil. How does one go on? Jesus Christ provides this strength when all things are done through him (Phil 4:11-13).

10. Prayer

Someone who does not pray does not think they need God for anything. A prayerful man is a man who sees their need for God. Without Christ there is nothing God can do. Without Christ prayers are heard and not answered. Prayers are answered through Christ in us (Eph 3:11-20).

11. Joy

It is amazing how many people think they do not need the Lord Jesus Christ because they find joy in their life now without him. We might as well say we have no need of the sun because we have light bulbs. The sun lasts much longer, is much brighter, has more benefits, and we only need one! Rejoice in Christ, and your joy will be full. Without Christ, we are playing with sparklers.

Conclusion

Perhaps you don’t think you need Christ because you see Christians who live like they don’t. Do not let this fool you. Many Christians have not yet learned all that they need from him, and are busy seeking their own things and not the things of Christ (Phil 2:21).

We preach the Son of God alive and well, not dead Christianity.
We preach Jesus Christ, not every trivia or mystery from the Bible.
We preach the Lord Jesus Christ, not any denomination, preacher, commentary, philosophy, or opinion.

God can supply all you need, when you acknowledge your need for Jesus Christ. Why would you reject Christ and lack these things?

The need for Christ is greater than the need for anything else, but it is easy to ignore your greatest needs when you don’t know how to meet them. What is most important gets reduced to only those needs that you can fulfill: food, money, temporary happiness. The greatest needs of mankind remain unfulfilled, and your life will be too without Christ.

Your need for Jesus Christ can be met by believing the gospel that Christ supplies everything you need for salvation, life, truth, and joy. Christ can be in you today, providing forgiveness, strength, the hope of glory, and grace freely when you believe he provided what you need.

Every man needs the Lord Jesus Christ. Not every man knows it. Now you know. What will you do now?

Trust the gospel, and receive what God has provided for you in Christ from God’s word rightly divided.

BASIC DISPENSATIONAL LESSONS (VIDEO SERIES LINK)

Learn how to rightly divide the Word of God as commanded in the Word by Grace Ambassadors.  This is a series of videos to teach you how.  Be blessed and very helpful.  God bless all.

BASIC DISPENSATIONAL LESSONS VIDEO SERIES BY GRACE AMBASSADORS

ACTS 2:38 IS NOT PREACHING THE CROSS BY "GRACE AMBASSADORS"

This is not their logo but similar to it.  I made this one and I just somehow don't think they'll mind because they share freely!

By Justin Johnson

“Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” – Acts 2:37-38

If Acts 2:38 is the gospel that saves today, then there is no reason to preach the finished work of the cross for salvation.

After Peter condemned the men of Israel for killing Jesus, who was both Lord and Christ, many in the crowd sought deliverance from their actions. What should they do to save themselves from the wrath of God that would surely come as a result of their rejection of Christ?

Peter’s response did not include trusting the finished work of Christ on the cross. In fact, his response did not include the cross at all!

Repentance and Baptism

Peter did not preach the cross for salvation, but instead called them all to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.

This was the same message of John the Baptist years earlier before the cross of Christ.

“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.” – Mark 1:4

John did not baptize in the name of Jesus, but his baptism did help identify Jesus as the Son of God (John 1:31).

There was one difference to the message John preached. This water baptism was to be “in the name of Jesus Christ.”

The Name of Jesus Christ

Jesus and the disciples baptized with John’s baptism of repentance throughout their three year ministry before the cross. Except their message also included the identification of Jesus as the prophesied Christ.

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” – John 3:18

To be baptized meant they were receiving repentance and remission of sins in preparation for the kingdom come, but also believing that Jesus was Christ the King whom John said would come.

“And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.” – Luke 7:29

Naming Jesus of Nazareth as Israel’s Christ was the purpose of the Lord’s ministry to Israel. It was on this issue that Jesus evaluated how his ministry was being received.

“When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” – Matthew 16:13

All of this was preached before the event of the cross. Moreover, it was preached without the disciples understanding the cross (Matt 16:21-23). The cross was not being preached as the means of salvation unto all. What was preached was the name of Jesus Christ.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

The new thing in Peter’s message at Pentecost was the presence of the promised Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38 adds as a consequence of being baptized with John’s baptism, and naming Jesus as the Christ, which was receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The prophets spoke about the Holy Ghost (including John the Baptist – Matt 3:11). Jesus taught that the Holy Ghost would be necessary for Israel to enter their kingdom.

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” – John 3:5

The Holy Spirit would provide the necessary power for Israel’s new covenant to be fulfilled (Eze 36:26). As God’s purpose for Israel unfolded Acts 2:38 was right on time, but it did not include the revelation of the mystery or the gospel of the cross.

The Missing Cross

By the time Peter preached Acts 2:38, Christ had died and resurrected, but his message was not offering the cross for salvation.

The cross was the means of condemnation. It was another link in a long chain of Israel killing their prophets, and then being called on to repent.

Time was running out for Israel, but God was still giving opportunity for them to be forgiven per request of the Lord.

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” – Luke 23:34

If the preaching of the cross of Christ for salvation is the measure of salvation for today, then Acts 2:38 is not the gospel that saves today.

If Acts 2:38 is the gospel that saves today, then we do not need to understand or preach the finished work of the cross of Christ to save.

God forbid.

“For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” – 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

Peter did not yet know what was later revealed to the apostle Paul about the cross. With a full Bible, we have no excuse today for not reading further than Acts 2:38.

SONG OF THE DAY BY DALLAS HOME: "LIVE WHAT YOU SAY"

Believe it because the world is watching every step you take.  Live a Godly life and be the example you need to be.  You carry the Name of our King so live it, love it and share it.  God bless you all.

MUCH LOVE IN CHRIST JESUS

DALLAS HOLM'S WEBSITE

FREE BIBLE COURSES BY "OUR DAILY BREAD"

I must be honest that although I've read many of their booklets and have not found any obvious errors or false doctrine, I really haven't done a lot of research on them so I don't endorse them but nor do I call them in any way a false teacher.  I'm going to take some of these free courses and am providing you with a link in case you would like to as well.  To my knowledge, all are free and I would love to hear any feedback.  I'm human and not as knowledgeable in God's Word as I wish but we have to start somewhere.  I feel as if I'm going through a growth spurt right now.  Take at your own risk but if you know of any good reason why we should not and can back it up, I beg you to let us know immediately.  Keep in mind, just because you may disagree on a few things doesn't make either of us right or wrong.  Salvation and the Gospel is the main thing and it is by GRACE AND CHRIST JESUS ALONE.  Let me know if you take any classes and please, let's start equipping and encouraging each other to get out there and share the Gospel with others.  We need each other's support and even correction.  Let's never leave our brothers and sisters alone, especially when leading this hard-hearted world to our Savior and King.  

OUR DAILY BREAD - FREE BIBLE COURSES

MUCH LOVE IN CHRIST YESHUA!  SHALOM.

THIS I BELIEVE BY "ABALONEKID"

I highly recommend you read every single thing he writes.  He is one Godly man who I admire and respect.  He has his own special ministry and is one of the best friends I have ever had!  God bless you, Chaim.  Thank you!

Much love to my brethren in Christ Jesus!

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DOUBT YOUR FAITH BY "THE BEAT"

I really like this man's videos and have yet to find anything false or that goes against the Word of God.  His videos are short, positive and extremely helpful in your walk with Christ Jesus.  He always backs up what he says with scripture and is known to call out false prophets, churches, cults and cult-like churches.  He's a wolf hunter and protects the flock!  Enjoy and God bless.

Much love to you all in Christ Jesus, our Lord God and Savior!

First Corinthians 15:1-11