Want to Reign in Life?

Want to reign in life?

   We all want to be successful and overcome the obstacles and challenges that we are faced with in this life. Conventional wisdom declares that we must strive, be intentional, determined, and faithful (or lucky), in order to have a successful life; but there is a better way to reign in this life, and the pay-off is guaranteed by the word of God himself!.

"For if by one man's offense death reigned by one [referring to Adam]; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. Rom. 5:17

   All those who believe and have accepted the gift of righteousness that was made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus, have an abundance of grace. Your life can be successful and you can reign in this life, when you realize how much Jesus has done for you, and how much he truly loves you. Eternal life includes the 'here and now'.

   Jesus died to save all men, and his free gift of righteousness is available to all who will receive the "abundance of grace"! Those who insist upon establishing their own righteousness, will never partake of the righteousness that is given freely through grace and received by faith.

   Jesus came to save sinners, therefore; the self righteous, and those who are content with their fallen state, will not see the need to rely on God's grace and his free gift of eternal life.

   This grace that saves us, is the unmerited favor and unconditional love that God has extended to all who will receive it. By receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior and your Redeemer, you unlock all the treasures of salvation that your heavenly Father has stockpiled for you!

"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who has called us to glory and virtue:" 2Peter 1:2,3

   Too often, we Born Again believers, are content to rely on our own limited resources, and we don't dip into that stockpile of grace that is our inheritance in Christ. We accept that we are saved by grace, but we try to continue on with our lives, relying on our own strength and our own habitual way of doing things. It's 'business as usual', until there is a crisis of some sort, then we storm the gates of heaven for relief and rescue.

   We can avoid all sorts of problems and trouble, by simply relying on the wisdom and direction that God has promised to give us freely by grace. We can truly reign in this life by trusting in Jesus! No matter where you are, or what your situation, Your heavenly Father loves you and wants the best for you. Your failures and setbacks will be turned around as you rely on his grace to sustain and help you! You will find all the endurance and the joy that you need to take you through all of your present trials, and you will find yourself giving glory to God for the victories that will follow.

   Our heavenly Father has given us his word, in the pages of the Bible, to show us his ways, and his grace toward us. His unconditional love is revealed to us as we read the promises and instructions there.

   He has also sent his Spirit to interpret what we have read, and to open our understanding to his truth. The Spirit also reveals Jesus to us, in the Bible, and in our everyday lives. He will speak to your heart when you need direction or comfort. He will give you insight into your circumstances, and help you make better decisions. The Holy Spirit is your helper, he will show you options and opportunities, and give you the wisdom and the strength to make positive changes in your life.

   We can reign in this life by learning to step aside and allow the will of God to operate in us and through us. His kingdom is the realm that we now live in, and He is our source of supply and our wisdom!

   He is never surprised or baffled by anything that happens, He is in control of your future, and you can trust him totally. Fear and anger are a direct result of a lack of trust in his love and his grace; His resources are not limited to what you can see or imagine! Your job might not always be there for you, but Jehovah Jireh, 'The Lord Who Provides' is always here for those who trust him. Our confidence is in him, not in our own limited abilities.

   We all have different struggles in this life, but Jesus is our victory! Our past hurts, and our messed up thinking, can be overcome as we yield to the rule of grace in our hearts, and our minds can be transformed as we absorb his truth. If you are willing to change, He will bring you into maturity and make you an asset to the kingdom. You don't have to hang on to your miserable old stubborn ways, you can be free and have his peace ruling your heart and mind!

   The promise is for this life, you don't have to wait until you die and go to heaven, you can reign through Grace Power right now!

©2011 Rev. Charles J. Loubert

Good Government Guaranteed

Good Government Guaranteed

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father,The Prince of Peace."

   There is a Governor whose name is above all names, and his reign is eternal, his wisdom and power exceeds that of all earthly rulers.

   Presidents, dictators, and kings all have only a few years to rule before death removes them from this earth, but there is a man who has conquered even death, and he is the governor of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is both God and man, he is the King over all Kings and the Lord of all Lords.

   The Kingdom of heaven is not merely the place where Believers go when they die, but it signifies the the rule and influence of God in the present and future world, and His influence in the heart of the believer. Just like leaven in a batch of bread, will change the nature of the dough, so also the word of God and his Spirit transforms the child of God from within; and the believer becomes a positive force in his or her world.

   Jesus wants to govern us from within, and shed his love abroad in our hearts by the presence of his Holy Spirit. As we yield to the reign of God over our lives, we are conformed to the image of Christ, and we are able to influence the world around us. The rule and love of God can be manifested through us as we yield to him.

   His light will show us where we have pockets of resistance to his will, and his grace gives us the desire and power to change! He is our teacher, our defender, our peace, and our righteousness! You can rest in the grace of God and let him take charge of governing your words and actions!

   The government is on HIS shoulders, not your shoulders. Quit trying to give him advice on how to run his kingdom, and just enjoy the ride. It's not your job to tell everyone around you what to do and how to do it, you are called to love and edify your brothers and sisters. Jesus is the governor, and he knows what he is doing at all times. He wants all of us to enjoy fellowship with him and to trust him. He came to give us abundant life and to save us from our own unruly and unwise ways.

   We see a great mystery in this passage in Isaiah: how can the same person be a child,and the everlasting Father at the same time? The Mighty God and Prince of Peace became a man, born as a baby in Bethlehem, and fulfilled all of the detailed prophecies that foretold his birth, life, death, and resurrection. Jesus, our redeemer, completed his mission to save us from our sin, and now he sits at the Father's right hand, as our advocate and intercessor.

   I thank God that he has given us his Spirit and his Word to reveal his goodness and grace to us. The eye of faith can see what the limited human mind can not even begin to believe or comprehend! You don't need to understand all that your Heavenly father is doing in your life, you only need to trust his ability to govern wisely, and you will rest in the peace that comes from believing him.

   The people who hold power in the world are fallen, fallible, and not always benevolent in their purpose. Good government is an elusive and unstable commodity in this world, but in the kingdom of heaven, good government is guaranteed by the very nature of our king! God is love, and as he gains our cooperation and obedience, he can reign over the works of darkness in us, and around us.

   Jesus came into the world to save sinners; his grace and forgiveness are free to all who want it. Let Him govern you and give you the grace to prosper, in spite of your circumstances and your faults. Aspire to walk worthy of the Kingdom that you are called to, as a child of God, and as a subject of the Prince Of Peace.

   As our counselor, the Spirit of God will guide us and comfort us in all that we do. Wisdom is the inheritance of every child of God who will allow himself to be governed by King Jesus. He governs by love and not by coercion. The Mighty God governs us from within, through the power of grace. "For it is God who works in you, both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

   The Prince of Peace has come to reconcile us to God. Let go of your rebellion and your lawlessness. Let King Jesus reign in your heart, and allow him to ease your mind of all burdens. He said, " Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest, Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

   There is no need to be ruled by your selfish weaknesses and your addictions; you can choose King Jesus, and let his love restore you and heal you. His grace will govern you and keep you for all eternity, when you choose to wear his yoke, and allow him to be your 'Mighty God'. 

   Grace and peace came through Jesus Christ- that's how he governs!

©2011 Rev. Charles J. Loubert

Kindness Through Grace

Kindness Through Grace

Eph. 2:7,8 "That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

God expresses his abundant grace, by the kindness that he shows to us, through our Savior Jesus. We are saved, healed, redeemed, rescued, preserved and forgiven, because our Heavenly Father chose to love us when we were yet sinners. If we weren't sinners, there would be no need for forgiveness, but thank God that he saw our condition and made a way for us to be reconciled to him.

His kindness has made it possible for you to have an intimate relationship with him; an ongoing and un-interrupted relationship with him! Jesus is your advocate with the Father, and he said he would never leave or forsake us! If you believe that his word is true, and that his kindness is meant for you, You can be saved by faith in him. His kindness is free for the asking! " And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."(Rev. 22:17b)

There is a purpose for this kindness that has been shown to us. We are new creations in Christ, created to show kindness to the people around us. We are created for "good works."

Eph.2:10 " For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto [for] good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

You are a unique work of art, created by God! His purpose for you, is to touch the world around you with his unconditional love, through your kindness and good works. You are created to pass on the kindness that He has shown to you!

Let God have his way in your heart, and let him heal the hurts and emotional scars in you, so that you can be a light in your world. You can show the the world that God is love, by being kind and forgiving. ( A grumpy, stingy Christian, is not passing God's grace on to others.)

Do the world a favor- put others first, practice preemptive kindness, and unconditional good will. Be helpful, not critical. It's your job to show kindness to the undeserving and to the unworthy! Be slow to take offense, and quick to compliment. Be a willing servant, not a resentful employee.

It's not your job to point out people's mistakes and sins, It's your job to point people to Jesus, and show them kindness. Be somebody's answer to prayer! You just might be the one who God wants to use, to reach someone with a smile or a pat on the back!

As you grow in grace and in the knowledge of his will, you will find out that it's important how you treat the people around you. Let Jesus live big in you, so you can learn to be kind, and a little bit more friendly.

  Don't waste your time trying to find your 'destiny', or your 'ministry', or your 'talent'; God will send you plenty of opportunities to serve him by being kind to the people who you encounter every day. The Lord will direct your path as you rest in him, and show his grace to those around you.

You were created in Christ Jesus to do good works and to point people toward Jesus.

God Bless you in your walk with Him!

©2011 Rev. Charles J. Loubert

Accepted in the Beloved

Accepted in the Beloved

Eph. 1:4-6 "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved.

Who is 'the beloved' ? When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, they heard a voice from Heaven say, "This is my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". Then, at the mount of transfiguration, Peter, James, and John heard the voice of God again when he said, "This is my Beloved Son, hear him." Jesus, mankind's representative and Savior, is "The Beloved" !

Before you were even born, at the foundation of the age, your heavenly father made a plan to adopt you into his family, and make you a part of the body of Christ. There is no reason to doubt your standing with God! You are accepted in the beloved! It was the Father's good pleasure to accept you into his family!

The Greek word for 'accepted', is also translated as 'highly favored' in Luke 1:28, when the angel Gabriel greeted Mary and said, "Hail, thou art highly favored, the Lord is with thee:" You also are highly favored! You are one of God's favorite people! The Lord is with you!

By believing in Jesus and accepting the fact that he took your place and suffered for your sins, you are given a new life in Christ. Don't disqualify yourself for any reason! You are eligible to receive eternal life, because God's grace [his undeserved favor and good will] is free to all who will believe him, and accept his wonderful gift. (Rom.10:9,13)

Your need for a savior, and your inability to keep God's rules and commandments, qualifies you for eternal life, and for the total forgiveness of all your sins! Jesus came to save sinners!When you dare to believe the good news of your redemption, you are adopted into God’s immediate family, and you are pleasing to the Heavenly Father because of your faith in his son Jesus the Messiah.

Nothing can change that fact! No one can take your salvation away, and no sin is bigger than God's grace and mercy! Nothing can separate you from the love of God! (Rom.8:38,39)

Brother or sister: when you have failed or fallen short of what you think God expects of you, remember that you are still accepted in the Beloved! Don't let the enemy use your sins or mistakes as an opportunity to fill you with discouragement and condemnation. Acknowledge your sin to your Heavenly Father, and accept the fact that your sins were forgiven and taken away at Calvary; Accept by faith, that you are accepted in the Beloved- in spite of your guilty feelings, and your unworthiness.

When you are told by misguided teachers, that God will not hear you or accept you because you have sinned, just remember, that, you are "Accepted in the Beloved"! When you were still a sinner, and dead in your sins, God loved you and sent his son to be your savior.

Your salvation and forgiveness was a 'done deal' when Jesus rose, victorious, from the grave! By accepting what God has done on your behalf, you have placed your faith in him and reaped the benefits of his grace and unconditional love.

When you pray, remember that you are one of God's favorite people, you are accepted in the Beloved, and God hears your heart's cry. You can have boldness and confidence before your Heavenly Father, because Jesus has paved the way into the throne room of God. Your petitions are presented with faith, when you understand your favored status with God. (Keep in mind always, that your access to the throne is because of what Jesus has done, and not because you have deserved special favor by your own merits or good works!)

Eph.3:12 ESV "in whom [in Christ] we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."

Heb. 4:16 KJV "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Accept the fact that you are accepted in the Beloved !

©2011 Rev. Charles J. Loubert

Wells of Salvation

Wells Of Salvation 1-19-10

Isa 12:2 "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation."

Isa 12:3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

   Isaiah chapter 12 is a song of praise that Isaiah wrote to celebrate the deliverance and salvation of Israel and his trust in the Lord Jehovah; even though he knew that Israel and Judah was soon to be taken into captivity by the Babylonians.

  Isaiah acknowledges Jehovah as his salvation and declares his trust in him. We should also declare our trust in the Lord when things on the horizon are looking ominous. We can trust and not be afraid for the Lord is our strength and our song. There are two other places in the bible where the writers declare the LORD (Jehovah) to be our 'strength and song'. (See: Exodus 15:2, and Psalms 118:14 .)

   Dire circumstances are never bigger than the God that we serve! Let us declare him to be our salvation and rest in his strength! Draw water from the inexhaustible wells of salvation; drink freely of the water of life, and determine to enjoy the abundant life that he has promised us. In spite of any problems that we are faced with, He has promised that he would never leave us or forsake us; nothing can separate us from his love!

   Sometimes we claim the Lord as our strength, but we forget that he is also our song and our source of joy. He wants to flood us with his joy in the midst of our problems, give us strength to overcome, and give us a song to heal our grief and misery.

   The original Hebrew word which is translated as 'salvation' has whole range of meanings: it is more than a promise that we will go to heaven when we die! 'Salvation' [yshuah] means deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity, health, help, and salvation; according to Strong's dictionary of Hebrew words. Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means 'Jehovah Saves'. Jesus is our salvation; he is our deliverance, our health, our prosperity, our help and our victory! Jesus said “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jn.16:33

   This salvation that Jesus has secured for us by his Blood, is a complete salvation, and all who trust him, will enjoy the benefits of his grace in this life, as well as in the next, when we are long gone from here.

© 2010 Rev. Charles J. Loubert

Let Peace Rule Your Heart

Let Peace Rule Your Heart

Col.3:14,15 "And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

It sounds too simple doesn't it: put on charity, and let peace rule: It really is that simple!

   You put on charity; and you allow the peace of God to rule in your heart. If you are a new creation in Christ, you have a choice in these matters! You don't have to be tossed around by the storms of life, and by the obnoxious people in your path. Inner peace is your inheritance from your Heavenly Father. No matter what is going on around you, your Heavenly Father is there with you and his Spirit is in you, to bring you through it, and make you an overcomer!

   When you receive Christ as your lord and savior, you are equipped with all the love and peace that you will ever need. The love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who transforms the human spirit at the time of the new birth. When you put on Christ, you have put on his charity (love). God is love, and you are in Christ- there is no lack of love in Christ!

   Where there is love, peace will rule! How could it be otherwise? I'm talking about the real peace that comes from Jesus, not the 'peace' that is dependent on right circumstances, and favorable situations. The peace that is to rule the believers heart is not dependent upon outer conditions, it is a result of the abundant life of God, which courses through the heart of the Christian who is saved by grace, and has learned to rest in God's unconditional love.

Rom. 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

   A kingdom is ruled by a king, and our King Jesus is "The Prince Of Peace" !

   Our part, is to allow King Jesus to rule us, to let his peace rule our hearts. Our normal state is one of peace! Our 'default mode' is peace and joy. Our peace of mind and our awareness of God's presence seem to depart, when our focus is directed to the appearance of things, and away from the facts of our redemption in Christ. It is our undisciplined thinking habits, and our ignorance of God's word and his nature, that cause the turmoil in our minds and hearts when we are faced with conflict and problems.

   When you 'put on charity', you have focused your faith on the fact that Jesus loves you, and dwells in you, and he will never leave you or forsake you. Charity is God's unconditional love ! You are the object of his love, and the conduit of his love for the others around you. Knowing that you are loved, in spite of your failings and sins, will give you peace in all circumstances.

   When you believe that God loves you unconditionally, you are able to love others unconditionally. your peace of mind is not tied to your circumstances, or to to the way you are treated by others. When Jesus is your foundation in this life, you can know that your hard times are always temporary!.

Your awareness of peace is not based on your feelings, or your present situation, it is accessed by faith in God's promises, and held onto by the perseverance that his grace provides.

Jesus said. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

   When things are not going well, and people have disappointed you, you must believe the promise of peace that Jesus has given us. You won't always automatically feel peaceful, but you can rely on the Holy Spirit to supply what you feel is lacking. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, which God has supplied to his children by grace. Sometimes fruit seems to take a long time to develop; but in Jesus, our harvest is sure and abundant. As a result of the eternal life given to you at the time of your new birth, you have all things that pertain to life and godliness! (1 Peter 1:2,3)

   People who feel condemned and unworthy, tend to condemn others and to make life miserable for those around them. Those people who know the secret of God's grace and his unconditional love, are a joy to be around. When the peace of God is active in your life, you will be a problem solver and a peacemaker. those who lack peace, are problem makers and abusive to others in their words and their actions.

   I thank God that he has made a way for us to overcome our guilt and condemnation, by giving us the gift of his righteousness, and removing our sin problem at Calvary! Because of what he has done, we are able to enjoy the peace which he provides, and be a blessing to our friends and family. If you are mean-spirited and envious and sarcastic, you don't have to stay miserable, you can allow yourself to be ruled by God's freely given peace.

   His grace is free for the taking, you can change if you will let Jesus have his way in your life, and quit trying to do it all yourself. Let his peace rule you, and enjoy resting in his love!

©2011 Rev. Charles J. Loubert

Our God Carries Us

Our God Carries Us

Isa 46:1 Bel bows down; Nebo stoops; their idols are on beasts and livestock; these things you carry are borne as burdens on weary beasts.

Isa 46:2 They stoop; they bow down together; they cannot save the burden, but themselves go into captivity.

Isa 46:3 "Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb;

Isa 46:4 even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

   Bel and Nebo were false gods that were worshiped by the Babylonians of Isaiah's day. Since they had no life of their own, they had to be transported on the backs of animals. The prophet compares those who worship false gods to the beasts of burden who carried Bel and Nebo. Their gods could not prevent the Babylonians from being defeated and carried off by their enemies.

   When we hold on to falsehoods, false gods, and false belief systems, we labor under a burden. Great effort must be exerted to maintain and reinforce anything that is not true in itself. When the only reality or value of a belief system or an object, is that which we have attached to it, we must continually nurture and defend it. When we cling to false attitudes, beliefs, philosophies, or objects of worship, we become like a weary beast; tired of our lot in life, but unable or unwilling to lay down our heavy burden.

   We strive to fulfill the requirements of our burdensome beliefs, and always seem to fall short of our expectations, never quite seeing the results of our efforts. Often we don't see the nature of the heavy load that we are carrying, we just know that we are tired and hurting.

   Jesus is saying to us “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matt.11:28-30 ESV)

   Jesus is our burden-bearer; we don't carry him around like some kind of heavy weight, he carries us! “...He is my glory and the lifter of my head!”(Psalms 3:3)

When we are yoked to him, we find out that he is the one who is carrying all the weight, we are just along for the ride.

   I praise my God for his grace and mercy! He is Jehovah, the great I AM; He is True and Faithful. He has carried me from before I was born, and he will carry me to old age and beyond into everlasting life with him! I don't have to strive to make him real, he is reality! He is all and in all! He is true and righteous, He is King over all kings, and all things were made by Him. I didn't make my God, he made me! His undeserved favor (grace) is the ship that carries me over the waters of this confusing and turbulent life.

Serving our God is not a burden to the Christian who understands grace! The kingdom of heaven is righteousness, peace and joy! (see: Rom.14:7) “Moses gave the law, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (Jn.1:17) The law of sin and death is a burden of self-effort and failure. We are always coming up short of perfection and truth, but the grace of God relieves us of the guilt and the condemnation of our failure to measure up. We like sheep have gone astray, but our Good Shepard has sought us out, to lift us up on his shoulders and carry us to glory!

   Jesus took on himself the burden of our sins and griefs. He took upon himself the punishment that we deserve, and has set us free by imparting to us his righteousness! There is no need to carry around feelings of guilt, regret, or failure; thank God for his mercy, accept his grace, and enjoy your life with Him.

   Don't let ego and false pride convince you that you can be your own savior! You and I are abject failures when it comes to true morality and spirituality. Jesus is our only hope of redemption.

   Don't let any modern day scribes or pharisees put their burdens of old covenant law, and condemnation on your shoulders. You are not strong enough or wise enough to carry a load that they can't and won't lift for themselves.  Don't allow well-meaning leaders to weigh you down with useless traditions, or beat you up with the letter of the law. Study the bible for yourself, especially the letters of Paul, and learn to rightly divide the word. Search the old and new testaments for the grace and mercy of our God. He has hidden himself, like a priceless treasure, throughout the bible, for his children to discover and enjoy, in this life- and for the rest of all eternity!

  Immanuel, God with us (Matt.1:21-23), is our truth and our light. He is our burden bearer, and the lifter of our head. Cast your cares on him, trust him to work out all your problems, and his peace will guard your heart and mind. When we are weak, He is our strength. When we fail, He picks us up and carries us; he dusts us off and reminds us that we are righteous in Him. He doesn't condemn us for the sin which he has already forgiven, He gives us grace to overcome it, and walks with us through it all. He has said “I will never leave you or forsake you.”(Heb.13:5, Josh.1:5)

   You can't lose, when you choose Jesus to be your redeemer and your burden-bearer! Nothing can separate us from him! He has even taken away our sins, in order to make it possible for us to inherit his kingdom. He has done it all! He has made us, He will carry us, and He will save us!

©2010Charles J. Loubert

Eternal Life Is A Gift

Eternal Life Is A gift

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

   This eternal life, which God gives to all who will receive it, is a gift, not something that can be earned or deserved by merit. A gift is paid for by the one who gives it, and is given freely and willingly to the one one who receives it. If I paid for something that I received, it would not be a gift!

   Jesus gave himself willingly at the cross, so that you and I could be partakers of his life. Jesus paid your sin-debt, and he has given you the gift of righteousness, if you choose to receive it.

   Because you have been made righteous by the sacrifice of Jesus, you are able to receive the gift of eternal life, and that life is found only in and through Jesus. He is the only way!

   Eternal Life is not only the promise of a home in heaven, it is the very life of God residing in the spirit of the born-again believer! The life of God spills over into all parts of our lives and makes us "more than conquerors", because our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally and un-reservedly.

   Eternal life doesn't come and go, according to your behavior, or your efforts; 'eternal' means eternal !! God doesn't play games with his gifts of grace, he doesn't take back what he has freely given, even when we don't seem to value it like we should. True grace doesn't withdraw when conditions aren't met, or gratitude isn't expressed! You need what God has, and that makes you eligible to receive from him. To him that knocketh, the door shall be opened!

   Eternal life won't leak out if the vessel is a little cracked or dirty. God is every where, and his life cannot be contained or limited! Our Heavenly Father put his life into us so that he could spill out like a river, and soak those around us with his life!

   Life is in Christ, and we who believe, are in Christ. The life that we live is " in him, through him, and to him."

   You can't see eternal life, but you can observe the effects of it in the lives of those who have received it. When a person has been truly born-again of the Spirit, their life will change! The life of God has been infused into the believer's heart, and he has a new view of life, and a new desire to please his Heavenly Father. The influence of this new, eternal life, will continue to guide and shape the child of God throughout the rest of this earthly life, and all that comes after it.

   Once the new birth takes place in the spirit of the believer, there needs to be a transformation in the mind and emotions of the child of God, in order for that abiding life to have greater influence over the thoughts and actions of the Christian. The mind must be renewed by the influence of the Word of God and by the Holy Spirit, so that faith and love can have it's way in the believer. 

  Eternal life cannot be learned or earned, as though it is a college degree that you can attain to, or some kind of 'self realization' experience. Eternal life is a gift that you are eligible to receive from your creator, by putting your faith in Jesus, the Savior that died and rose from the dead, to secure your place in his kingdom. He loves you and wants you to be his friend and brother (or sister) forever.

   The good news of the gospel is, that you can have eternal life right now, if you desire it and believe that God's love has made his life available to you- freely and without reservation. Church attendance and good works won't make you eligible to receive eternal life, it is only given on the basis of grace, as a free gift from God through His son Jesus Christ.

   Don't make the mistake of accepting a narrow traditional definition of what eternal life is. There is no limit to what God can do, and there is no limit on his love for all people. Everything that he wants to give to us, and everything that he wants to do in us, is made possible by his abiding life.

Don't disqualify yourself from receiving his grace! " Whosoever shall call on the Lord shall be saved!" (Rom.10:13) He wants to be your Shepherd and your provider; for eternity and for right now!

   Don't make heaven your goal, make Jesus your goal! He'll take care of everything! Trust him with your life and commit your soul to him.

©2011 Rev. Charles J. Loubert

Two Kinds Of hope

Two Kinds Of Hope

Rom 4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

   What is hope, and how is it relevant to the Christian? I saw something about hope in the book of Romans this morning, and I wanted to share it. I hope this will further our understanding of God's faithfulness.

   I looked up the word for hope in Strong’s Concordance, I used e-sword (which I highly recommend, by the way), and I found out that the two words rendered as hope in this verse, are the same Greek word, even though the context indicates two kinds of hope. Hope is defined as "confidence", or "expectation". Combining the two, I see 'confident expectation' as a good way to say it.

   How can hope be against hope? The marginal notes in my bible write it as hope, contrary to hope. One hope was more credible to Abraham than the other hope, and He made a choice to believe in the second hope.

   The first hope which we see, is an expectation which was based on Abraham's perception of his situation, as registered by his senses and his natural logic. Logic and sensory input said that it's too late in life to have a child with Sarah, she's past child bearing age.

  The second hope that we see, is based on the promise of God, and Abraham chose to believe in the promise, is spite of, and contrary to, what his natural mind told him. Abraham was faced with two definitions of reality; the natural, apparant truth, and the truth according to God's definition of how things are.

   By choosing to believe God, Abraham was considered to be righteous in God's eyes. By choosing to accept God's definition of who you are, you also become righteous. Your confidence and your expectation is in God, and HE will bring you into greater truth and light . HE will make the changes that are necessary, in order for you to be conformed into his image.

   Put your hope in your God, and you will not be ashamed or disappointed!

Rom 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:

Rom 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Rom 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Rom 4:22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

   True Christian hope, puts our focus on Jesus, and not on our perceived circumstances or on our ability to make things happen. We have a confident expectation of grace from God, because we believe his word, and we are fully persuaded that he is able and willing to do what he has promised. We know from the promises of the New Covenant, that God is love, and he is looking for someone who will take him up on his offer of grace. Our heavenly Father is always looking for someone to bless!

  [Don't be a sourpuss who tells people that God is ticked off at the world, and he is always looking for a reason to spank his children with sickness, poverty, and trouble so they will learn to respect and obey him.]

   Hope is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit, in Galatians 5:22: therefore we know that God is the source of hope, and He is our source and our expectation.

   Our God-given hope gives our faith something to reach for. Hebrews 11:1 says "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen." Later in Hebrews 11:11, we read that Sarah judged him who had promised, to be faithful, even though her womb was as good as dead.

Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 

 

   Hope isn't just 'wishful thinking', it is putting your confidence in our Loving God, and expecting that everything will be all right! Our lives are in his capable hands, rest in his grace, and expect your life to get better, no matter what your present situation looks like!

   Dare to believe God, and his joy and peace will be multiplied in your life as you put your hope in the "God of hope.

©2011 Rev. Chuck  Loubert

Where's The Grace?

Where's the Grace?

   My wife and I have been searching for a new home church for about two months now, and I have visited quite a number of churches in my area. I heard some great worship music, saw well planned services, heard earnest and erudite sermons, but found little that really fed my spirit and soul. The word of grace, that always points to Jesus and his unconditional love, is not often emphasized in the churches that I have been to lately. It should not be so difficult to find a group of Christians who believe and preach the Gospel. I have heard quite a few rambling sermons with little bible content. I have also heard smooth-talking preachers tell their people that God loves them, and then, attempt to exhort them, by applying the precepts of the law to show them how inadequate their performance as Christians has been. They mix law and grace, thus creating condemnation in the minds of the flock, and negating the overcoming power of God's grace.

   Rarely do I hear the focus being put on Jesus, what he has done for us at Calvary, and what he is doing in us today. Most of the preachers that I have heard lately, have focused on what God's people should do, or have failed to do. In often subtle ways, God's people are being taught that the blessings of God are given conditionally, based on our performance, and earned by good works.

  We are justified by faith, our righteousness is a gift which is given to us by the grace of God, and not earned or deserved. We are also kept by His power; Jesus is our sanctification- "Christ in you the hope of glory".

   What is wrong with the idea of resting in the grace of our Redeemer, and trusting Him with our souls? Many preachers offer grace and forgiveness to the 'sinner', but deny it to the born-again believer! Don't you know that you are kept by his unconditional love, and not by your attempts at law keeping and performance? Grace is unmerited favor, that means that you don't have to earn his love, you only have to believe him and accept him, in order to enjoy the benefits of his love. Jesus loves all people! He loved us when we were yet sinners, and he loves His children unconditionally! We are accepted in the beloved!

   Our sin problem was removed at Calvary, sin no longer separates us from God, only our unbelief can prevent us from enjoying the benefits that he wants to lavish upon us. 

 

   Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness, Are we so deluded as to believe that our righteousness can be earned by the keeping of precepts and by striving to perform? We are saved by grace through faith, not by works, lest anyone should boast! Jesus is our righteousness and our sanctification! (see 1Cor.1:30)

   Preachers, quit telling your people that they must work to keep their standing with God, and start telling them how much they are loved! We love him because he first loved us!

   Many churches today think that having the right programs, the most effective media tricks, and the best contemporary music will build their congregations and attract the right sort of people. Religion is in danger of becoming an arm of the entertainment business, where churches compete for warm bodies to fill the pews and pay for lavish 'campuses', and for the salaries of trained religious operatives. 

   Please forgive me, if you think I am on a 'rant', but I don't like it when I see sincere people of God, being led away from the narrow gate of God's grace. People with hungry hearts are being fed junk food, rather than the Bread Of Life. Let's start pointing people to the living God who loved us so much that he sent his only begotten son to take away our sins.

   Preachers and teachers; let's quit frustrating the grace of God, by telling the saints to strive and plead for the redemptive riches that have already been given to them. Quit fostering a climate of unbelief by casting doubt on the finished work of Jesus. We are justified and saved by faith, not by our self-righteous works. God's plan and his wonderful provision for us is already perfect! He doesn't need our input, our advice, our penance, or our programs. It's our trust and our belief in his unconditional love, that opens the doors of heaven and releases his abundance to us.

   I am trusting the Holy Spirit to lead my wife and I in the direction that he has for us, and I know that he will complete that which he has begun in us. For it is God that works in us, both to will, and to do that which pleases him.

   God bless you and lead you deeper into His grace!

©2011 Rev. Charles J. Loubert

His Rest Shall be Glorious!

His Rest Shall Be Glorious

Isaiah 11:10 "And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign [banner] for the people; to it [lit. 'to him'} shall the gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious."

This verse is part of a detailed prophecy concerning Joshua, the Son Of David, Messiah to the people of Israel, and Savior of the world. Jesus is the banner we should all be gathering to. He is our spiritual point of reference, he is our Rock and our Refuge!

   We are to gather to the person of Jesus Christ himself, not to doctrines, belief systems, methodologies, creeds, or cliques! There is no rest to be found by embracing a belief system that was handed down to you from someone else. When you are primarily identified with a denomination, a tradition, or a particular system of theology, you will feel compelled to defend it, and much of your identity will be invested into that system.

Jesus is the believers' truth! He needs no defense and no apologies. We are to proclaim Jesus and gather ourselves to Him ! 

 

Jesus said:

John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

John 5:40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

When we read the scriptures, we should be looking for Jesus there! Don't read the bible

only in order to reinforce your pet doctrines, or to find proof that will back up your side of 

an argument. Let the word of God feed your spirit and strengthen your faith in the Living God.

The word of God is alive, and it is given to equip you for everyday life and it's conflicts. The

good news of our salvation, and the revelation of our Savior is contained in there. Our fight 

is not against people, it is against spiritual wickedness, and unbelief. 

  The Old testament looks forward to the coming of Messiah, and the new testament

reveals Him to us. he is our Risen Savior and our heavenly intercessor. He is the Living

God who wants to be active and involved in our lives.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd; He is our way, our truth, and our life! He is our resting place and , "His rest is glorious' !

Joh 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

Joh 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

For a great picture of the rest that we can enjoy in Jesus, read the 23rd Psalm. Our Shepherd personally leads us and gives us rest, restoration, and righteous paths to walk in.He has prepared us a table in the presence of our enemies, and we can partake confidently of the eternal life that can only come from him.

Jesus is the Branch that makes the water sweet, he makes his living water to spring up inside us and quench our thirst for God.

Jesus came to save the whole world! In our text, Isaiah specifically says that the Gentiles will seek his rest! Everybody is included! Jews and non-Jews alike are called to enjoy fellowship and forgiveness in Christ. Whosoever will, can receive eternal life from our wonderful savior.

Isa 55:1 "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

We are saved by grace! anyone can freely enjoy the benefits of eternal life through faith in Jesus. gather yourselves to Him! Let him be your banner and your glorious resting place. there is rest in no other. Jesus is Emmanuel -'God with us'! He came to bring us grace and truth! He is present to heal us. He is here to dwell in us and fill us with his life and power!

No matter how bad things around you look, you can find rest in Jesus. You can rest in the eye of the storm, confident that he will keep you in his favor. You will emerge from your trials victorious and more than a conqueror, because your Heavenly Father loves you, and his love never fails. You can lose everything, and yet still find rest in Jesus! When you make 'The root Of Jesse' your banner and rallying flag, the rest you will find will be glorious! By focusing on Him, rather than your problems, you will find a new peace of mind, and grace to overcome all obstacles.

Eternal life is right now, not in some hazy and uncertain future! build your life around Jesus, and enjoy fellowship with him right now, don't wait for heaven, to begin enjoying eternity. Christ in you, is your hope of glory, not the 'sweet bye-in-bye'! Let Him flood you with his life, and receive his gift of grace today, and rest your future in His hands.

Don't rely on your feelings; trust in His word to tell you who you are in Jesus, and who you can be in this kingdom life. Don't be limited in your thinking, let the word of God expand your faith and renew your mind to accept all the goodness that he wants for you!

There remains a rest for the people of God, and his rest is glorious!

©2011 Rev. Charles J. Loubert