COME!

“Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.  And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following Him, He said to them, ‘What do you seek?’  They said to Him, ‘Rabbi’ (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), ‘where are You staying?’ Jesus said to them, “COME AND SEE!” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day…”   John chapter One

 

Jesus noticing that others are following and seeking Him affirms them to COME!

And they went!

 

Isaiah the Old Testament prophet often proclaimed many many prophecies of Christ and His coming. The first and second advent of Christ was Isaiah’s plea and cry.

Encouraging and affirming those who are looking and seeking, that their hope is in His coming and pleading again and again for the people and readers to COME!

 

“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. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy?   

Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love.  For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” verses in Isaiah 55:1-13

 

Eyewitness Account

The angel spoke to Mary Magdalene, who had come with other women to adorn the dead body of Jesus with spices, and fragrant herbs.  After the great earthquake,  after the angel descended from heaven and after the angel rolled away the stone from the grave…the angel comforted the women in their sorrow and fear then immediately tells them to COME, to SEE as verification of the promises of Christ’s resurrection.  Don’t just take my word for it.  But COME! Not only were they to come and see, they were to go and tell others to come and see “But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.^”  Matthew 28:1-8

 

Future Hope

In Revelation, the last book of the Bible, the author John who walked with Christ, wrote his account in the gospels and was the last disciple to live, then die on earth, being resurrected and joining Christ in heaven…He concludes in Revelation, this glorious hope for each believer by encouraging them and anyone else within hearing and reading range to COME!

In chapter 22

 “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”

 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

 

Jesus declares with much assurance that He is coming and is wanting others to come to Him!  Sunday Nov. 30 marks the first day of Advent season.  Advent means the coming of Christ   The first advent is when he came as a baby in a manager, grew up on this earth for the purpose of saving people from their sins. The second coming of Christ is at the incarnation as judge on the last day

 

Sounding the Calls to Come

Will you come and see? Jesus has personally invited you to investigate, know,

and learn of Him.  Lingering by remaining near Him.  He has not just called those mentioned in the gospel of John.  He has called YOU!  COME!

 

Will you believe in all the prophesies of Isaiah, following his voice of coming, partaking, drinking and feeding yourself on His word.  It is FREE, no payment required just a willingness to COME!

 

Will you listen to the voice of the angel who also spoke to Mary Magdalene, to COME, to SEE as verification of the promises of Christ’s resurrection. Then to go and tell others to come and see.

 

The simple word of “come” is so powerful.  The personal invitation is so honorable.

During this Advent season that we are approaching would you consider the words of these eye witnesses

Will you Come?  

Will you See?

Will you Go?

Will you Tell?

 

©Copyright 2014 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved.                                                             

© Copyright 2014 Deep Roots in Christ Ministries. All Rights Reserved

 

About the author:

Simone Lake is a Christ follower, bride of Pastor Dr. John Lake, Bible teacher and a passionate pray-er. Visit her: www.deeprootsin christ.com, www.simonelake.com, facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and audio: http://deeprootsinchrist.sermon.net/

The Grand Finale of Sola’s

It is no coincidence that we enter the month known for giving thanks, with our final Sola. A grand celebration... Solo Christo.  This sola is the holy truth teaching of Christ and Him being the ONLY mediator between God and man, and that there is salvation through no other but through Jesus Christ alone.

Thanksgiving and Praise is the ONLY response to a holy God for sending His Son, Jesus on the cross to die for the sins of mankind.  Thanksgiving and praise again when Jesus rose from the dead. His resurrection conquered the grave but set an example of how those who believe, Solo Christo, will follow and be raised up from the dead like Christ.  Thanksgiving and Praise for His ascension, not only did he conquer the grave and rose from the dead, He ascended to the throne of God the Father sitting on His right side.  And Thanksgiving and high praise to the Savior of the world whose current job task is to intercede and pray for us, sitting on the throne. He is Alive! The redemption has been completed.  It is finished!  Thank You Jesus!  Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!!! Glory to God in the Highest!!!

Validation of Scripture:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”  John 1:14

 

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32 

 

"Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.  If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also.”  John 14: 6-7

 

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty. John 6:35

 

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever

follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

 

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and

find pasture. John 10:9  

 

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 

 

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even

though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25-26 

 

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father

except through me.” John 14:6

 
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

The Holy Scriptures alongside the truth of Christ sitting on the right hand side of God confirms how important it is to not only believe in Solo Christo but to cling to it with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength.  Not only cling to it, but follow and live out the truths found in the Bible as evidence of your belief of a risen Savior. As one knowing that there is no other name than Jesus in which a man can be saved.

 

WRAP UP

Sola Scriptura is Latin for Scripture alone, birthed out of the hearts of God’s people for the purpose of drawing them to the holy scriptures of God and nothing else. Crucial after heresy and false teachings begin to sneak into the church, turning others from God’s holy truth.

 

Soli Deo Gloria which means “For the Glory of God Alone”  This IS the reasonable service for those who are the sinners turned servants and saints of the most high God. These do all things for His glory and for kingdom of God.

 

Sola Fide interpreted by faith alone…central doctrinal issue for Christians  Excluding the false teaching that good works is necessary for salvation, Sola Fide confirms that justification is received by faith ONLY without any need, deeds or acts of good works.  This is also known as the “doctrine by which the church stands or falls.”  May the church of this 20^th century present age stand in the faith of Christ and Christ alone!

 

Sola Gratia.  This Latin word means grace alone.  This describes us as sinners and clearly identifies God as the source of salvation of sinners by His grace and His grace alone.  A sinner is not accepted by God on account of the change that the believer has done by his own works instead, it is by God's grace, confirming that anyone is accepted into God’s loving arms without any regard for the merit of his works.  Of course this person must believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved…

Solo Christo

This sola is the holy truth teaching of Christ and Him being the ONLY mediator between God and man, and that there is salvation through no other but through Jesus Christ alone.

Our response? Thanksgiving and praise the ONLY response to a holy God for sending His Son, Jesus on the cross to die for the sins of mankind.  Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!!! Glory to God in the Highest!!!

Questions:

Who do you say that Christ is?  

 

Is He God in the flesh, Savior of the world offering salvation by grace alone by all who believes?

OR do you believe that Jesus is NOT God and instead you believe that you must do works for acceptance?

 

My pray is that you select the first.  There is no other name in which you can be saved and that name is Jesus.  Select Him because He selected you first as evident of a blood stained hill…upon a cross…where He died for your sins.  Choose life, Eternal life with Christ Jesus our Lord!

 

 

©Copyright 2014 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2014 Deep Roots in Christ Ministries. All Rights Reserved

 

About the author:
Simone Lake is a Christ follower, bride of Pastor Dr. John Lake, Bible teacher and a passionate pray-er. Visit her: www.deeprootsin christ.com, www.simonelake.com, facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and audio: http://deeprootsinchrist.sermon.net/.
 

Our Journey of the Sola’s

The past couple of months, I invited you to join me in a series of “Solo’s”. In July was our introductory welcome to the Sola’s by investigating together what Sola Scriptura means.  It is Latin for Scripture alone.  I shared how this term arose out of Christian history during the great reformation of the sixteenth century and birthed out of the hearts of God’s people for the purpose of drawing them to the holy scriptures of God and nothing but.  This term was defined and created by the Westminster Divines, during the Protestant Reformation after heresy and false teachings begin to sneak into the church and believer’s hearts began corrupting the sacred teachings of the Bible and the holiness of Christ, turning others from God’s holy truth.

 

In August, we focused on Soli Deo Gloria which means “For the Glory of God Alone” but also translated as “Glory to God Alone”. The application of this term has been used by great composers such as George Frideric Handel who wrote the wonderful Handel’s Messiah to which people around the world join in praise to God every year, since its inauguration, during the Christmas season.  Handel made sure the purpose, clarification and understanding of his musical work was produced solely for the purpose of praising God and NOTHING else.  This IS the reasonable service for those who are the sinners turned servants and saints of the most high God. These do all things for His glory and for kingdom of God.

 

September was the month we studied deeper with the phrase Sola Fide…by faith alone…sometimes called “the material cause or principle”, became the central doctrinal issue for many Christian reformers throughout the history in 16^th century.  Excluding the false teaching that good works is necessary for salvation, Sola Fide confirms that justification is received by faith ONLY without any need, deeds or acts of good works.  Martin Luther, the great reformers, often called Sola Fide the “doctrine by which the church stands or falls.”  May the church of this 20^th century present age stand in the faith of Christ and Christ alone!

 

October brings us to the fourth out of five “sola’s!  Sola Gratia.  This Latin word means grace alone.  This describes us as sinners and clearly identifies God as the salvation of sinners by His grace and His grace alone.  A sinner is not accepted by God on account of the change that the believer has done by his own works instead, it is by God's grace, confirming that anyone  is accepted into God’s loving arms without any regard for the merit of his works.  Of course this person must believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in order to be saved…

 

I know what it means but what does it mean?

Most of us have heard of the word grace and use it in a everyday format such as

saying a prayer before eating a meal, training children to have patience with

their siblings or even when we counsel a loved one in a situation when they are treated unfairly, yet through calming the emotions of our loved one, we encourage them to let the offender  “off the hook”  by giving them grace, overlooking the problem and remembering that we most often have acted in the same way sometime in our life.

 

The Merriam-Webster’s  dictionary describes grace as unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification. A virtue coming from God and a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace.

 

The Greek transliteration for the word grace is charis, used 156 times in the New Testament.  It comes from the root word of  χαίρω which is used 74 times in the NT

These translations include definitions such as:

Grace= which means that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech.  Good will, loving-kindness, favor =which means of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues.  Thanks= (for benefits, services, favors), recompense, reward. What is due to grace=  1) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace 2)  the token or proof of grace, benefit, bounty, a gift of grace.

 

G. W. Wright says it right

G.W Wright in writings pens this phrase…

“When a person works an eight-hour day and receives a fair day’s pay for his time, that is a wage. When a person competes with an opponent and receives a trophy for his performance that is a prize. When a person receives appropriate recognition for his long service or high achievements that is an award. But when a person is not capable of earning a wage, can win no prize, and deserves no award—yet receives such a gift anyway—that is a good picture of God’s unmerited favor. This is what we mean when we talk about the grace of God.”

 

Moving from Salvation to Sanctification

Once a person accepts Christ as their Lord and Savior they are saved from their sins and eternal damnation and instead welcomed into the kingdom of God.  Which by the way all of heaven rejoices when one sinner becomes a saint and has a great big party!  (Read Like chapter 15 ) This is salvation in Christ and him alone.  Now that a person has repented from their sins, saved by the blood of Christ and welcomed into the kingdom of God, now what do they do now?  We workout our own salvation through following the example of Christ, not via our own efforts, but only through the grace of God.  Sola Gratia clarifies the difference between salvation in Christ, and the sanctification of Christ. Through the grace of God He spiritual grows us through the Holy Spirit, not through our own works preparing us for glorification, but through God and Him alone, so no one gets the glory but Him.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you each one!

 

 

Resource:  Clip-Art Features for Church Newsletters, G.W. Knight, p. 53

 

©Copyright 2014 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2014 Deep Roots in Christ Ministries. All Rights Reserved

 

 

About the author:

Simone Lake is a Christ follower, bride of Pastor Dr. John Lake, Bible teacher and a passionate pray-er. Visit her: www.deeprootsin christ.com, www.simonelake.com, facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Solo Fide!

Recently during a pastor and pastor’s wife retreat, my husband and I enjoyed a wonderful and much needed get away filled with refreshing, relaxation, respite, instruction, encouragement, laughter and very delicious food!  During one evening session, there was entertainment…a master illusionist (MI for short), who was skilled in the art of deceiving others for show.  Normally I do not care for this type of entertainment, I would prefer the opera like gatherings such as Handel’s Messiah or some other form of art such as a ballet, music concert, etc.

But as I begin to watch him, I became intrigued.  Not so much at what he was doing but HOW he did it.  Not so much why he did a trick but WHERE the precise timing of his hands where and WHEN he timed distractions throughout each illusion .

As a spectator, my new assignment along with other members in the audience quickly shifted from sitting back and being entertained to how we can discern and catch the sleight of hands in the process. 

One thing that fascinated me about this MI was that it was so incredibly easy for him to deceive us…over and over and over again with the same simple set of rules he was very skilled in: human manipulation, reading of body language and studying of human behavior.  Even though we all knew we were being deceived…no one could quite figure out how it was done.

Christ, the greatest Gift

At the end of this entertainment the MI, received a standing ovation, filled with applause, awe, wonderment and puzzlement…I walked away with this thought… Spiritually speaking, this is what is happening currently all over the world. Satan the great MI, works overtime to deceive others in refusing the greatest gift given to mankind…

Christ and his bloody death on the cross for the remission of sins.  Others are deceived by thinking Christ has not risen, denying He is currently sitting on the right hand side of God and still others are fooled by not having faith in Christ and Him alone as key in their salvation process, but tricked into thinking that they must do additional works, deed, and rules, falsely accepting that we as humans can add to God’s already perfect equation of faith in Christ alone.

Thank God for the Five Solae of the Protestant Reformation.  Thank God for a group of godly men who could see that foul, evil, sneaky, sleight of hand of satan and put a halt to those lies, leading to utter destruction and instead  bringing the holy truth of God through the Bible  and in clear Christian theological doctrine, bring not only clarity, but the good news of salvation by faith in Christ alone.

Recap and Review:

The past couple of months, I invited you to join me in a series of “Solo’s”. In July we looked at Sola Scriptura which is Latin for Scripture alone.  I shared how this term arose out of history during the great reformation of the sixteenth century and birthed out of the hearts of God’s people for the purpose of drawing them to the holy scriptures of God and nothing but.  This term was defined and created by the Westminster Divines, during the Protestant Reformation after heresy and false teachings begin to sneak into the church and believer’s hearts began corrupting the sacred teachings of the Bible and the holiness of Christ, turning others from God’s holy truth.

In August, we will be looking at Soli Deo Gloria which means For the Glory of God Alone but also translated as Glory to God alone. The application of this term has been used by great composers such as George Frideric Handel who wrote the wonderful Handel’s Messiah to which people around the world join in praise to God every year, since its inauguration, during the Christmas season.  Handel made sure the purpose, clarification and understanding of his musical work was produced solely for the purpose of praising God and NOTHING else.

This month we will look at Sola Fide…by faith alone…sometimes called the material cause or principle, became the central doctrinal issue for many reformers.  Excluding the false teaching that good works is necessary for salvation, Sola Fide confirms that justification is received by faith only without any need, deeds or acts of good works.  Martin Luther, the great reformers, often called Sola Fide the “doctrine by which the church stands or falls.”

The Core Root Of Christianity

Faith in Christ alone is based completely and only on the finished work of Christ. It is a divine work God instituted and promised to His people and all who believe many centuries ago as prophesied in the Old Testament.  This is a clear distinct separation of every other religion.  All other religions are based on human effort and achievement, deceiving people into believing that in somehow, in some way, they can add to the perfect work ordained by God…and much like the MI, find themselves spiraling down in a preoccupation of a sinner’s effort to be holy on based on their own efforts.

It is justification by faith alone in Christ that clearly leads the way in Christianity.

Jesus taught justification by faith alone

Apostle Paul had the same tasks as the Reformers…

Looking through his epistles, Paul and the other authors of books in the New Testament, where dealing with the same error found in every false cult and false religion. Pleading in their writings for the audience not to be deceived by these MI who come in with the purpose of deceiving Christians from their faith in Christ.

My greatest concern is even now as I write this article, that Christians are being so deceived and poisoned by the lies and deception and twisting of scripture.

My friend DO NOT be deceived by the MI of this world.  CLING to Christ alone, through faith alone to the glory of God alone and no other.

Jesus himself says “He who believes [ in me as the Son of God]  and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

If you would like to learn more, contact me via my facebook page

Calendar:

Bible Study:  The Gospel of Mark - Tuesdays 9:00am to 11:00am
            Check website for more info.  www.churchonrandallplace.org
Bible Study:  The Chaplaincy of Christ:  The Gospel of Luke
Audio Teachings on prayer and various speaking:  http://deeprootsinchrist.sermon.net

 

© Copyright 2014 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2014 Deep Roots in Christ Ministries. All Rights Reserved

About the author:

Simone Lake is a Christ follower, bride of Pastor Dr. John Lake, Bible teacher and a passionate pray-er. Visit her: www.deeprootsin christ.com, www.simonelake.com, facebook Twitter and LinkedIn.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Recently on my facebook, one of my friends shared  “what was on her mind.”

What was on her mind was a video she posted of her rather large retriever dog taking a “selfie” with clothes, makeup (including false eye lashes) not to mention all these additional items… posing for a glam shot with this utter look of arrogant confidence.  Hilarious! The human clothes didn’t even fit!  As a dog lover myself I could not hold back my laugher as I said out loud “There is something shamefully wrong with this picture!”  It was almost as if the caption read. “Don’t you think I am beautiful?  Don’t you care about ever single detail of my life?  My whole existence is based on your human opinion of me.” 

 

This parody was obviously poking fun at all the ways humans are focused on themselves with every kind of format, style, technology of “selfie” out there in this world!  The sad part is that human opinion is ranked as number one in how a person, thinks, and views themselves and the world.  Not only shamefully wrong but completely scary especially when it comes to our souls because the world view is completely contrary to the Biblical view.

 

Thank God that this world is not the end and there is a heaven to look forward to!

A glorious expectation of those who believe and follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior

But the true question is…What are you doing down here on earth to prepare you for heaven?

 

Remembrance and Review:

Last month, I invited you to join me in a series of “Solo’s”. In July we looked at Sola Scriptura which is Latin for Scripture alone.  I shared how this term arose out of history during the great reformation of the sixteenth century and birthed out of the hearts of God’s people for the purpose of drawing them to the holy scriptures of God and nothing but.  This term was defined and created by the Westminster Divines, during the Protestant Reformation after heresy and false teachings begin to sneak into the church and believer’s hearts began corrupting the sacred teachings of the Bible and the holiness of Christ, turning others from God’s holy truth.

This month we will be looking at Soli Deo Gloria which means For the Glory of God Alone but also translated as Glory to God alone. The application of this term has been used by great composers such as George Frideric Handel who wrote the wonderful Handel’s Messiah to which people around the world join in praise to God every year, since its inauguration, during the Christmas season.  Handel made sure the purpose, clarification and understanding of his musical work was produced solely for the purpose of praising God and NOTHING else.

 

God’s glory, 1700’s and Lord’s Prayer  

So perhaps you are thinking how does the glory of God and a musical score, from the 1700’s have to do with me? A whole lot!  Matter of fact 100% of the very core of our life depends on it! It is all summed up with the three terms of salvation, sanctification and glorification.  Once we come to know the Lord as our personal Savior and Lord we give up our life and what we want to do and live completely by His word (the Bible) and His will, guided and lead by the Holy Spirit…Who is now living inside every believer of Christ. Sanctification is the process of continual growth in divine grace because of your personal commitment after baptism and conversion to Christ…to live for Him as Lord.

 

So what does this actually mean?  It means that after we are believers and followers in Christ we need to start living and following the example of Christ.  God alone has sanctified us through the precious blood of Christ shed on the cross for our sins.  But we have to do our part in submitting to, agreeing with and living our lives in accordance with God’s word.  We need to make our minds up that we will not be focused on ourselves- “spiritual selfies” constantly focused on our flesh, what we want , the world, … but instead focusing on God’s glory and following our great Example-Christ!

 

From Selfies to God’s glory

 

Matthew chapter 6:9-15,   is a great model prayer for us to start focusing on God and leaving ourselves far behind.  Jesus gives us the perfect model prayer to mesh with the heartbeat of God and focus on God and his glory.   This is commonly known as the Lord’s prayer as well as my prayer for each of you.

 

What NOT to do:

Verse 9-“So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you  ask Him.” “Pray, then, in this way:” Jesus is telling his disciples, DO NOT follow the  people who follow the things of the world…  The biblical selfies but instead look to God to meet your needs.

 

Thanksgiving and Declaration of Allegiance to Loyalty

Verse 10 “Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven”Worship God is our first and foremost duty in following Soli Deo  Gloria…glorifying God and who He is! 

 

Intercession and Petition

Verse  11  ‘Give us this day our daily bread.

Confession and Forgiveness

Verse 12 -15 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And do not

lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the

power  and the glory forever. Amen.’ “For if you forgive others for their

transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  “But if you do not

forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

 

May we live our lives in complete Soli Deo Gloria! Unto the Lord in all we say and do!

CALENDAR

1.  Bible Study:  Prayer Tuesdays 9:00am to 11:00am starting in Sept.  2014

            Check website for more info.  www.churchonrandallplace.org

2.  Apologetics Teachings/Courses starting in Sept. 2014- contact Simone for more info.

3.  Audio Teachings on prayer and various speaking:

             http://deeprootsinchrist.sermon.net

 

 

 

©Copyright 2014 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright 2014 Deep Roots in Christ Ministries. All Rights Reserved

 

About the author:

Simone Lake is a Christ follower, bride of Pastor Dr. John Lake, Bible teacher and a passionate pray-er. Visit her: www.deeprootsin christ.com, www.simonelake.com, facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sola Scriptura

 

Sola Scriptura is Latin for Scripture Alone.  This term arose out of history during the great reformation of the sixteenth century and birthed out of the hearts of God’s people for the purpose of drawing them to the holy scriptures of God and nothing but.  This term was defined and created by the Westminster Divines after heresy and false teachings begin to sneak into the church and believer’s hearts begin corrupting the sacred teachings of the Bible and the holiness of Christ, turning others from God’s holy truth.

 

In addition, there are four other phrases including;

Soli Deo Gloria! For the Glory of God Alone Westminster Divines

Solo Christo! By Christ's Work Alone are We Saved

Sola Gratia: Salvation by Grace Alone

Sola Fide: Justification by Faith Alone

 

In church history, never has there been a more Bible-centered, Bible-oriented, focus than these statements above.  We will focus on Sola Scriptura today.

 

The threat at the time that Sola Scriptura (and currently in our day) was manmade laws and rules that directly attacked Christ words of “It is finished.” when He shed His blood on the cross.  Other people who fought against the Bible, wanted to add to the Holy Scripture by requiring unbiblical standards, thus the term Sola Scriptura.

 

Instead of believing in the name of Jesus by faith through grace, others declared that the blood of Christ and the grace of God was not sufficient for our sins.  Instead, other things such as good works, church membership, church attendance, baptism, marriage, last rites, indulgences, treasury of merit, etc., etc. and the list goes on…But those true to God declared that the Word of God, the Bible, we must believe and obey alone nothing more nothing less.

 

Salvation the one true saving gospel is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone.

 

In Revelation, the last book of the Bible, quotes:

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.  He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!  The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”  Revelation 22:18

 

II Timothy 3:16 states that - “All Scripture is inspired by God.” 

So that means that every book of the Bible, chapter, verse, every jot and tittle within the canon, of Scripture is inspired by God and came from his voice.  The inspiration came from

God, not the authors and the scripture itself was an inspiration to us all even to this day

Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”  Every word of Scripture comes out of the mouth of God. A divine revelation in the Bible has come down from God above.
John 6:63 states that “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.”
Looking Backward:

In the early AD 60’s, Apostle Paul had this same heart cry when he wrote to his beloved Colossians, the ones who He birthed in Christ on his 3^rd missionary trip.  These living in Colosse had also turned from Sola Scriptura; they had allowed others to defraud them of God’s word.  Instead of grasping the full complete gospel that Paul preached,

When he first went to Colossae, those there has slowly turned and started believing in those who would speak, enticing words leading astray others with vain philosophy, judgment of men improper worship rituals and doctrine of men.

 

Paul when writing this letter clearly solidifies with great strategy who Christ is and

beckons them to return to what he taught them.  Christ first and Christ alone.

He reiterates that:

A.  Christ is Preeminent in Creation

B.  Christ is Preeminent in Redemption

C.  Christ is Preeminent in the Church

 

Paul encourages them by reminding them of their freedom in Christ from:

A.  Enticing Words

B.  Vain Philosophy

C.  Judgment of Men

D.  Improper Worship

E.  Doctrines of Men

 

Paul restates who they are as a believer in Christ by:

A.  Putting off the Old Man

B.  Putting on the New Man

C.  Holiness in Family Life

D.  Holiness in Work Life

E.  Holiness in Public Life

 

It is Christ who reigns supreme over all!  Sola Scriptura declares of Christ and Him alone.

 

If you have not done so yet, my prayer for you is to come to know Christ as your Lord Savior, that you would acknowledge Him as One who is reigning supreme over all .

You can know him as

 

As Paul writes this prayer to those in Colosse, I echo that same prayer for you

 

^“ I have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.  He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:9–14

   

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© Copyright 2012 Deep Roots in Christ Ministries. All Rights Reserved