The Pressure to Compromise One thing I have noticed in being in the Apostolic Faith for over 30 years is that the pressure to water down the message comes much more from within than it does without. There always seems to be “firefighter” saints wanting to put a damper on the red hot coals of revival. People that are determined to tell us what we DON’T have to do, rather than answering the cry of the masses, “What MUST we do to be saved?” They claim a “grace awakening”, as though we have not believed in the unmerited favor of God. We absolutely believe in the grace and mercy of God. Mercy is “not getting what you had coming”, and we can all attest to that. Grace is “getting what you did not deserve”, and we all know that we were sinners sentenced to a devil’s hell until Jesus stepped on the scene. They claim that somehow this “revelation” from the teachings in Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, etc. on Grace and Justification by faith somehow nullify the Acts 2:38 message. Friend of mine, you do not even have a book of Romans unless you first house a red hot apostolic revival there. And it is evident by Paul’s words in both chapter 6 and chapter 8 that they had been baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with The Holy Ghost. You do not have a book of Ephesians without them first answering this question, “Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?”, and then going down in water in the name of Jesus Christ and coming up speaking with tongues in Acts 19. Peter, who preached the Acts 2: 38 message, says we are saved by grace (Acts 15:11) and by believing on the Lord (Acts 11: 17). Paul, who preached the same message of Salvation as Peter (Acts 19: 1 – 6), says that we are justified by our faith (Rom. 3:28; 5: 1). Yet neither of these two patriarchs were trying to cancel out their own words, or God’s Salvation plan. They just had an understanding of grace, faith and believing that many others have distorted. The “works” Paul spoke of were clearly the works of the law, and had nothing to do with standards of discipline, holiness, or the Acts 2: 38 message. Those who say we are in “bondage” or “legalism” are also those who are quick to throw out the baby with the bath water. While they claim to rid the church of legalism, they also seem to have an uncanny way of ridding the church of the necessity of the name of Jesus Christ in baptism. That has been my observation over 30 years. Be thankful if you are in a church that teaches grace, but be overwhelmed with joy and appreciation for your Pastor if you are in a place where GRACE TEACHES THE CHURCH: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Titus 2: 11 - 15 Bottom line is, check yourself: Are you preaching the love, mercy, grace, long-suffering of God? Are you preaching “70 x 70” forgiveness? Are you preaching restoration to the backslider? If you are, blessed and highly favored are you!!! However, you MUST continue to be a true man and woman of God and preach true inward holiness and outward separation from the world. God’s Word still declares, “Come out from among them and be ye separate.” A church preaching only rules and regulations drives people away. A church that preaches “anything goes” becomes more of a social club. Find your balance. Love God. Love people. Contend for the Faith. Defend the Truth. Remember where you came from. Take people where you are going. Remember, you do not have “saved by grace through faith” until you have been extended the grace of God and been moved by your faith to obey God’s great Salvation plan. Obedience is not a work. Obedience is not a sacrifice. As a matter of fact, it’s BETTER than sacrifice. Just ask King Saul.
Posted on: Sun, 22 Sep 2013 14:01:08 +0000
Trending Topics
© 2015