Monday, July 7, 2014

Perfeitos em Cristo

This message can also be found in our blog written in English on May 30th, 2010
Escrita por: Tyrone Palmer
Traduzida por: Cynthia Palmer

Nos podemos ser perfeitos nesse mundo? O cliche: "Eu nao sou perfeito", e uma desculpa para continuar vivendo pela nossa carne e a mente carnal? Os Cristaos sao somente pecadores sendo salvos pela graca?

Neste estudo nos veremos o que as Escrituras dizem sobre perfeicao e santificacao em Cristo.

Hebreus 10:11-14

11 Na antiga aliança, os sacerdotes deviam todos os dias executar muitas vezes os mesmos sacrifícios que nunca podiam apagar os pecados. 12 Mas Cristo, tendo oferecido um único sacrifício pelos pecados, válido para sempre, está sentado no lugar de maior honra, à direita de Deus, 13 onde espera que todos os seus inimigos lhe fiquem submetidos sob os seus pés. 14 Por meio daquela única oferta da sua própria vida, Cristo tornou perfeitos ( 5048 completar) para sempre aqueles que estao sendo santificados.

Esta escritura nos diz que o sacrificio de Jesus tornou perfeitos para sempre aqueles que estao sendo santificados. A pergunta entao aqui seria: Nos estamos sendo santificados?

Santificado: 1. fazer santo; consagrado

Sanctify: 1. fazer santo; separado como sagrado; consagrado. 2. purificar ou livrar do pecado: Santificar seus coracoes.

Aqueles que estao em Cristo estao sendo santificados, consagrados, e purificados pela lavagem da agua, pela palavra, pelo sangue de Jesus e o Espirito Santo. Este e um processo continuo (em andamento) mas tem um fim para os que sao escolhidos por Deus, a noiva de Cristo sera sem mancha, sem macula, sem ruga ANTES do retorno de Cristo.

Efesios 5:25-27

25 Vós, maridos, amai a vossas mulheres, como também Cristo amou a igreja, e a si mesmo se entregou por ela, 26 a fim de a santificar, tendo-a purificado com a lavagem da água, pela palavra, 27 para apresentá-la a si mesmo igreja gloriosa, sem mácula, nem ruga, nem qualquer coisa semelhante, mas santa e irrepreensível.

Joao 17:17

17 Santifica-os na verdade, a tua palavra é a verdade.

Nesta escritura, nos aprendemos que nos somos santificados pela verdade, e a verdade nos limpa de toda mentira. Nao somente a  palavra escrita nos santifica quando recebemos a revelacao das escrituras pelo Espirito Santo, mas a palavra falada de Deus tambem nos santifica.

1 Corintios 6:9-11

9 Não sabeis que os injustos não herdarão o reino de Deus? Não vos enganeis: nem os devassos, nem os idólatras, nem os adúlteros, nem os efeminados, nem os sodomitas, 10 nem os ladrões, nem os avarentos, nem os bêbedos, nem os maldizentes, nem os roubadores herdarão o reino de Deus. 11 E tais fostes alguns de vós; mas fostes lavados, mas fostes santificados, mas fostes justificados em nome do Senhor Jesus Cristo e no Espírito do nosso Deus.
Esta escritura nos fala claramente que se nos continuarmos em pecado nos NAO herdaremos o Reino de Deus! Paulo relembra os santos de Corinto sobre esta verdade e os faz saber que eles foram lavados, santificados e justificados em nome do Senhor Jesus Cristo e no Espirito de Deus.

1 Joao 1:7

7 mas, se andarmos na luz, como ele na luz está, temos comunhão uns com os outros, e o sangue de Jesus seu Filho nos purifica de todo pecado.

Tito 2:13-14

13 aguardando a bem-aventurada esperança e o aparecimento da glória do nosso grande Deus e Salvador Cristo Jesus, 14 que se deu a si mesmo por nós para nos remir de toda a iniqüidade, e purificar para si um povo todo seu, zeloso de boas obras.

Colossenses 1:19-29

19 porque aprouve a Deus que nele habitasse toda a plenitude, 20 e que, havendo por ele feito a paz pelo sangue da sua cruz, por meio dele reconciliasse consigo mesmo todas as coisas, tanto as que estão na terra como as que estão nos céus. 21 A vós também, que outrora éreis estranhos, e inimigos no entendimento pelas vossas obras más, 22 agora contudo vos reconciliou no corpo da sua carne, pela morte, a fim de perante ele vos apresentar santos, sem defeito (299 sem mancha, sem falta) e irrepreensíveis (que nao ha nada para repreender ou reprovar), 23 se é que permaneceis na fé, fundados e firmes, não vos deixando apartar da esperança do evangelho que ouvistes, e que foi pregado a toda criatura que há debaixo do céu, e do qual eu, Paulo, fui constituído ministro.

24 Agora me regozijo no meio dos meus sofrimentos por vós, e cumpro na minha carne o que resta das aflições de Cristo, por amor do seu corpo, que é a igreja; 25 da qual eu fui constituído ministro segundo a dispensação de Deus, que me foi concedida para convosco, a fim de cumprir a palavra de Deus, 26 o mistério que esteve oculto dos séculos, e das gerações; mas agora foi manifesto aos seus santos, 27 a quem Deus quis fazer conhecer quais são as riquezas da glória deste mistério entre os gentios, que é Cristo em vós, a esperança da glória; 28 o qual nós anunciamos, admoestando a todo homem, e ensinando a todo homem em toda a sabedoria, para que apresentemos todo homem perfeito (5046 completo, totalmente 
crescido, maduro) em Cristo;29 para isso também trabalho, lutando segundo a sua eficácia, que opera em mim poderosamente.

O Senhor nao esta retornando para um povo que comete pecados e sao cheios de iniquidade no homem interior. Mas Ele quer uma noiva pura, casta que esta se preparando para o Noivo, purificada, santificada, lavada, santa, sem mancha, sem reprovacao, sem repreensao e sem ruga aos Seus olhos.


Em Seu Servico,
Tyrone

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Biblical Conversion To Christ: What Does It Look Like?


 In these last days that we live in, we are witnessing the fulfillment of many biblical prophecies and prophetic words of God and His ministers. One prophetic word given by Paul is clearly coming to pass in this generation.

Paul said this in 2nd Timothy 4:3 

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

How can you reach a person who has turned away from listening to the truth? You can't! Even Jesus couldn't do many works in His hometown because of unbelief, when there is unbelief in the hearts of the hearers there is absolutely nothing anyone can do, including God! Remember God allowed a whole generation of His own people to perish in the desert for unbelief.

So with all the multitudes of people preaching and teaching on 'how to be saved', how can one know the true way to eternal life and entrance into the kingdom of God? Our only true source of Godly direction and answers comes from the scriptures contained in what we call the 'bible'.

Let me start by clarifying what we really should be saying in regards to the salvation of our souls. The scriptures teach us that we are 'converted' to Christ not instantly 'saved' the moment we confess that Jesus is Lord or repeat a so-called 'sinners prayer'. So to say that 'I'm saved', 'I got saved', or 'I've been saved' etc..., is not correct according to the scriptures and therefore a doctrine of man.

The scriptures teach that salvation is an ongoing process once a soul is converted to Christ and enters the kingdom of God. When we read a passage like Romans 10:9 we MUST put the scriptures in context of who is speaking and who is being spoken to!

"because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Taken out of context this scripture has been used erroneously for decades to make people think that they are instantly 'saved' when they profess their belief in Jesus. But look carefully at the words of the text 'you WILL BE saved', that's future tense is it not? Indeed it is, and there is no instant salvation taught anywhere in scripture.

Conversion means: to turn, turn around

Matthew 18:1-4

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Acts 3:17-20

“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,"

John the baptist was sent to prepare the way of the Lord and he was also sent to baptize people with water for repentance, John's baptism in water was the start of a transition period from the Old Covenant, into the New Covenant.

Matthew 3:11

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Question: What does it mean to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and Fire?

The answer is found in Acts 1:4-5,6-8, & Acts 2:1-4

"And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

"So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

"When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."

Question: Can we receive this same baptism with the Holy Spirit and Fire today?

The answer is found in Acts 2:36-39

"Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise (Holy Spirit) is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

The first century Christians experienced a life of power, spiritual gifts, boldness and a love for one another that turned the world upside down! I pray that we will also see days like they did and even greater as this age comes to a close.

In Jesus,
Tyrone



Wednesday, July 2, 2014

How He Loves Us - David Crowder (Matt Chandler & John Piper)


 

Romans 5:6-11

"For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

In Jesus,
Tyrone


Saturday, June 7, 2014

Glory In Suffering - Britt Merrick


 

John 16:33

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Phillipians 1:29 

"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, "

2nd Corinthians 4:17 

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,"

In Jesus,
Tyrone 
 

Saturday, April 19, 2014

My Sheep HEAR My Voice!


John 10:27-30

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”

 How many of you read this scripture and say to yourself, I hear the voice of Jesus because He speaks to me through the scriptures? Or I've heard the voice of Jesus because He speaks to my heart and I feel a leading of the Spirit?

Before I was truly converted to Christ I used to think that I heard the voice of Jesus through the Scriptures, but after I was baptized with the Holy Spirit I literally HEARD the voice of Jesus speaking to me for the first time in my life. To say it was life changing is an understatement, it was earth shattering!

Jesus meant exactly what He said when He spoke the words, "My sheep hear my voice", and He wasn't talking about the scriptures when He said those words to His listeners over two thousand years ago. Understand that the first recorded gospel of the New Testament, (Mark) was not written until at least FIFTY years AFTER the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ! Before one word was written down it was SPOKEN and experienced first!

It should be absolutely common place and normal for the Lord's sheep to hear His voice speaking to them through His Spirit and in their minds as often as He wills, but instead when those who say they literally HEAR the audible voice of God speaking to them, they are looked at as loons, and insane!

But don't we read in scripture of the apostles and disciples of Jesus seeing and HEARING the risen Lord speak to them? Of course we do! So what's the difference between now and then?

I have heard many say that 'we have the bible now, so God doesn't speak audibly to His people anymore'. But doesn't Hebrews 13:8 say this: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 

Jesus said: "MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE"

The question is, have you heard the audible voice of Jesus? If not, what does that tell you?

In Jesus,
Tyrone 

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Are You Ready For God's Answer?


Matthew 19:16-22

Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."

How many times have you prayed to God and asked Him for answers to your problems? How many times have you cried out to God in despair and desperation, asking Him to heal you, help you, deliver and bless you?

And how often was God's answer to your prayers and questions much different than you thought they would be?

More often than not, when God gives you answers to your problems and prayers, it's NOT the way you thought God would answer! (His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts)

And more often than not, His answers cut right through your soul and pierce your heart, we all know the cliche, 'the truth hurts!', indeed it does, and the rich young ruler felt the scalpel cut of the Great Physician Jesus!

The young ruler was bold enough to tell Jesus that he had obeyed all the commandments since his youth and was quick to ask Jesus what he still lacked, and Jesus knows ALL of our hearts! He knew what would challenge the heart of the young ruler, that's why Jesus said to him, 'sell ALL you have and GIVE to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven; AND come, follow me'.

Jesus answered the young man's question, but it wasn't what he wanted to hear, was it? NOPE!

And that's how it is with most of us in these days of excess, and live your best life now. To be perfect in Christ, to be a true disciple of Jesus, and to follow Him, takes DEATH TO SELF, death to your fleshly desires and carnal thinking. We must be willing to give up ALL to follow Jesus, we must be ready to leave everything behind and not look back if He calls us to do so. And we must be ready to suffer loss, affliction, persecution, and even physical death if that's the will of God.

Are you ready for God's answer to your questions? Are you really ready for the truth that will set you free?

In Jesus,
Tyrone