Discipline

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbAsH4a3T_g&list=PLA6SWXeYAHgFlY5T7-A6HMF8W6GAGOVqZ&index=4&t=0s

Weeping Willow Tree

A weeping willow grew in the front yard of the cabin in Bass Hollow where I grew up for sixteen years. My mother loved us six siblings, she was well educated, and familiar with Dr. Spock's teaching on permissive child care.  But she is an ardent believer in Jesus, and she believed in discipline. The keen willow branch on bare legs was effective, I can attest.  She also washed out my mouth with soap for saying vulgar words like sh*t.

She was a great Bible student and teacher, and understood that discipline was connected with love.  I hope that more believers today can come to understand that letting people do as they please is not a demonstration of love.

It is true that God demonstrated punishment for sin, visiting the sins of people upon their offspring to the third and fourth generations.  The wages of sin is death. The Bible is filled with stories about how people were punished for sins. And one great story is how He punished His own people, Israel, for their sins, eventually leading to their being scattered into remote nations for more than 1800 years, from 135 ad to 1948.  Read Deut 28:15-68. 

The writer of Hebrews calls believers to respect discipline.

The Call to Endurance

12:1 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus,[a] the source and perfecter[b] of our faith. For the joy that lay before him,[c] he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Fatherly Discipline

3 For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up. 4 In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:

My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly
or lose heart when you are reproved by him,
6 for the Lord disciplines the one he loves
and punishes every son he receives.[d]

7 Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline—which all receive[e]—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness. 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

12 Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated[f] but healed instead.
Warning against Rejecting God’s Grace

14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.15 Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many. 16 And make sure that there isn’t any immoral[g] or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal. 17 For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance.

18 For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, 19 to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of words. Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, 20 for they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.[h] 21 The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear.[i] 22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels, a festive gathering,23 to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written[j] in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel.

25 See to it that you do not reject the one who speaks. For if they did not escape when they rejected him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven. 26 His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.[k] 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

This language does not sound permissive. We are to serve Him with reverence and awe.  Do not fear the one who can destroy our physical life, but reverence God, Who will punish the wicked.

And Bernie Sanders gets zero support from Apostle Paul, as the Apostle instructed the believers at Thessaloniki to work with their own hands to provide their needs and the needs of the helpless. 

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Pray for Us2 Thessalonians 3:1 In addition, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not all have faith.[a] 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen and guard you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance.

Warning against Irresponsible Behavior

6 Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister who is idle and does not live according to the tradition received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you should imitate us: We were not idle among you; 8 we did not eat anyone’s food free of charge; instead, we labored and toiled,working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 It is not that we don’t have the right to support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate us. 10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” 11 For we hear that there are some among you who are idle. They are not busy but busybodies. 12 Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and provide for themselves.[b] 13 But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.

14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take note of that person; don’t associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet don’t consider him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Permissiveness finds no support in the Bible.  We are encouraged to live lives of disciplined goodness, so that Jesus is exalted. 

The rule of law in society is given by God so that we can live orderly and productive lives.  The modern madness that rejects Biblical moral values and fights against them is from Satan.  He is the enemy of all that is good.  Some of you need to wake up and decide what side you are on.  Permissiveness is not love.  My mother did much better than Benjamin Spock. 

Thank God for the willow branch on my bare legs.  And thank God for mother's hug that always followed my tears.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycz4s2xwDhc

The Big Lie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IvMaq4MtdI&list=PLPhb5GPf3Rfc944An2iDh_kTHkrKhoCED&index=87&t=0s


20 Isaiah 5: 20  Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who substitute darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who substitute bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.
21 21 Woe to those who consider themselves wise
and judge themselves clever.[i]

Satan encouraged Eve to believe the big lie. God's word is not important, you can do your own thing. If it looks good, tastes good, and makes you proud, then do it. This is the foundation of existentialism. The big lie that God has not spoken, and so mankind is free to run things by human will and deceit.

Satan knew he was lying. He is the father of liars. And he seems to understand our weakness, that we want to do as we please.

The Temptation and the Fall

Gen 3:1  Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You can’t eat from any tree in the garden’?”

2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. 3 But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’”

4 “No! You will not die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “In fact, God knows that when[a] you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God,[b] knowing good and evil.” 6 The woman saw that the tree was good for food and delightful to look at, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

Disregard for God's instruction led to shame.  Adam and Eve were cast out of the garden, and Pandora's box was opened.  They hid from God, attempted to clothe themselves with leaves.  But their own work was not sufficient.  God made them some suitable clothing, picturing the provision for salvation He would accomplish through His Son.

https://rgonce.blogspot.com/2013/03/pictures-of-salvation.html


A great challenge of our time is the often virulent conversation regards our government.  Good people on both sides feel that they are right in their affirmations of what is best for our nation. But sadly, many have neglected the clear teaching of the Bible.  

Romans 13 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
A Christian’s Duties to the State

13 Let everyone submit to the governing authorities, since there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are instituted by God. 2 So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. 4 For it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 5 Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath but also because of your conscience. 6 And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s servants, continually attending to these tasks.[a] 7 Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect, and honor to those you owe honor.

The attempts to overturn the election of Donald Trump as president of USA seems founded in human frustration. Many have decided that President Trump is morally unqualified to serve as President, and have employed dishonorable tactics in support of their perhaps well meant intentions. Many of my friends and relatives have been a part of the clamor demanding that Trump be removed.  And many have cast aspersions upon those who support Trump, implying that we are unchristian because we continue to support our President despite his imperfections. 

Sometimes I wonder at the shallowness of such thinking.  If past mistakes disqualify one from serving as President, then who can be qualified?  Certainly neither Solomon nor David could meet the test.  And there is no way that Samson belongs in the faith hall of fame, Hebrews chapter 11.

https://www.biblica.com/articles/7-things-you-didnt-learn-about-samson-in-sunday-school/

Yes, God has often used imperfect men to accomplish good things.  In fact, imperfect is the only humankind available since Eve and the garden of Eden.  But Apostle Paul admonishes believers to honor the Roman rulers, who were Pagans, and who demanded the worship of the Roman Emperor.  Their role in maintaining the rule of law and social order was a blessing to mankind, as it enabled the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to England, and to India, and to places in between.

Yes, government authority has a purpose of maintaining order and the rule of law.  Rebellion against that order even for the purpose of maintaining personal preferences is a dangerous thing.  

The popularity of secular humanist globalism and celebration of mankind's responsibility to save the universe from ourselves by eating only vegetables and refraining from use of carbon fuels with the Green New Deal seem a bit fantastic to some of us. I have witnessed the burning of the grass in Africa every winter, where the smoke hides the sun for days as last year's grass is burned away to make room for new grass. And I am still burning wood for heat. Primitive cultures are not ready for the Green New Deal.

Constant overstatement of the threat of global warming and sea level rise grate on my nerves.  Yes, the sea level is rising about 1/8th inch each year, mostly from the warmer sea temperature.  Warmer sea produces more evaporation and more rain, and more snow in the the polar regions.  Increased snow volume offsets the increased melt from warmer temperatures, and the ice levels in some of the world's glaciers has actually increased, in spite of the higher melting rate. 

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/nasa-study-mass-gains-of-antarctic-ice-sheet-greater-than-losses

The big problem is that some of y'all have forgotten, or never knew, Who is in charge.  Mankind has been given dominion over the earth, but our power is very limited.  One huge volcanic eruption can emit more pollution in one day than all our USA automobiles in one year.  Several volcanic eruptions can emit enough particulates into the upper atmosphere to lower global temperatures dramatically.

https://www.livescience.com/18205-ice-age-volcanoes-sea-ice.html

God, who created the heavens and the earth, is ultimately in charge.  And we will be blessed if we work to please Him by being good stewards of the earth, and by having genuine concern for each other.  However, we need to remember Who is really in control.  And going against His instructions is a sure way to destruction.  Gender is derived from how we are born, and is not to be decided by feelings. Men may have made a great mess of things, but who knows what things would be like if women like some recently elected Democrats had been in charge?

It was Eve who messed up in the beginning, so y'all women deserve us men. 

So, what is the conclusion of the whole matter?  

Ecc 12:13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all[e] humanity. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycz4s2xwDhc

Knowing Truth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBcO-uoaFeY&list=PLPhb5GPf3Rfc944An2iDh_kTHkrKhoCED&index=37


Prov 12:17 Whoever speaks the truth declares what is right,
but a false witness speaks deceit.

Truth and Freedom

John 8:30 As he was saying these things, many believed in him.

31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you continue in my word,[c] you really are my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 18:36 “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is,[e] my kingdom is not from here.”

37 “You are a king then?” Pilate asked.

“You say that I’m a king,” Jesus replied. “I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

38 “What is truth?” said Pilate.

Mankind has struggled with this question, "What is truth"?

The modern answer is that there is no truth, but only supposition.  Everyone has their own "truth" that they believe, and we should not be critical of each other's ideas.

In a world without "Truth", one religion is just as good or bad as another, and no one is allowed to propose that there is such a thing as true religion.  Mohammad, Moses, and Jesus demand equal respect, and so do Buddha and Zarathustra, not to mention Confucius and Karl Marx.

That is the crazy world we have inherited from the secular humanists, those "intellectuals" who have taken over our educational institutions, who say there is no God. 

They also say there is no truth, and prove their lack of understanding by constantly changing their minds about how things are. The multiplied theories of evolution as a source of life prove that the general theory of evolution is not based upon observed facts.  Facts speak of how things are in reality, and they do not change.  We may discover more facts over time, but new facts will support old facts, and truth does not change.

Of course our understanding of how things are changes often, as we grow and learn. And humans do not know all reality, and we are not authority on truth. 

But one man was there in the beginning, present as the Logos during the creation.. All things were created by Him. 

John 1 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
Prologue

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created. 4 In him was life,[a] and that life was the light of men. 5 That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome[b] it.

6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him.[c] 8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. 9 The true light that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.[d]

10 He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be[e] children of God, to those who believe in his name, 13 who were born, not of natural descent,[f] or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man,[g] but of God.

14 The Word became flesh and dwelt[h] among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son[i] from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified concerning him and exclaimed, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘The one coming after me ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’”) 16 Indeed, we have all received grace upon[j] grace from his fullness, 17 for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side[k]— he has revealed him.

But how can you and I know that Jesus is himself God?  We must look at the evidence.  The blood of believers shed in the first century reveals the reality of the resurrection..  Those who knew Jesus, and who saw Him following His resurrection, and who gave their lives in testimony to this truth, have passed down to us their testimony in the pages of inspired writings of the Apostles. 

Thomas Sees and Believes

John 20:24 But Thomas (called “Twin”[d]), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were telling him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.”

28 Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed.[e]Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

The Purpose of This Gospel

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,[f] and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Yes, Thomas is a great example of someone who saw and believed.  A friend of mine gives a handed down story from his ancestors in India about Thomas's visit to India.

https://rgonce.blogspot.com/2015/01/because-he-lives.html

And we can know truth by knowing Jesus.  He is truth personified. He is the real thing. As we follow him, we experience truth and reality.   His word is truth, and we should study and learn, not trusting our opinions as truth, but laying the revelations side by side, and becoming immersed in the story.  As we walk with Him, encouraged by the Holy Spirit He gives to all who are born again into the kingdom of God, we know Jesus, and so we know the truth. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF6aBDS3drA

Scapegoat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZoKX5-q2x4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opgFgY4rnU4





http://www.shalom.org.uk/sidra/documents/documents/YomKippur5.htm

Lev 16:6 “Aaron will present the bull for his sin offering and make atonement for himself and his household. 7 Next he will take the two goats and place them before the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 8 After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one lot for the Lord and the other for an uninhabitable place,[b][c] 9 he is to present the goat chosen by lot for the Lord and sacrifice it as a sin offering. 10 But the goat chosen by lot for an uninhabitable place is to be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement with it by sending it into the wilderness for an uninhabitable place.

11 “When Aaron presents the bull for his sin offering and makes atonement for himself and his household, he will slaughter the bull for his sin offering. 12 Then he is to take a firepan full of blazing coals from the altar before the Lord and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and bring them inside the curtain. 13 He is to put the incense on the fire before the Lord, so that the cloud of incense covers the mercy seat that is over the testimony, or else he will die.14 He is to take some of the bull’s blood and sprinkle it with his finger against the east side of the mercy seat; then he will sprinkle some of the blood with his finger before the mercy seat seven times.

15 “When he slaughters the male goat for the people’s sin offering and brings its blood inside the curtain, he will do the same with its blood as he did with the bull’s blood: He is to sprinkle it against the mercy seat and in front of it. 16 He will make atonement for the most holy place in this way for all their sins because of the Israelites’ impurities and rebellious acts. He will do the same for the tent of meeting that remains among them, because it is surrounded by their impurities. 17 No one may be in the tent of meeting from the time he enters to make atonement in the most holy place until he leaves after he has made atonement for himself, his household, and the whole assembly of Israel. 18 Then he will go out to the altar that is before the Lord and make atonement for it. He is to take some of the bull’s blood and some of the goat’s blood and put it on the horns on all sides of the altar. 19 He is to sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse and set it apart from the Israelites’ impurities.

20 “When he has finished making atonement for the most holy place, the tent of meeting, and the altar, he is to present the live male goat. 21 Aaron will lay both his hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the Israelites’ iniquities and rebellious acts—all their sins. He is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness by the man appointed for the task.[d] 22 The goat will carry all their iniquities into a desolate land, and the man will release it there.

The desolate land to which the goat would be released might be by the Dead Sea, as pictured in the famous painting above. The idea was that the goat bearing the sins of the people would die. The wages of sin is death.

All the sacrifices of Leviticus are pictures of the offering of Jesus the Messiah.  He is the Passover Lamb.  He is the firstfruits resurrected on the day after the first Sabbath following the Passover.  He is the Scapegoat, bearing the sins of the people on that terrible hill outside the city.  

Isaiah 53:4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,
and he carried our pains;
but we in turn regarded him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion,

crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on him,
and we are healed by his wounds.
6 We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished him
for[c] the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth.
Like a lamb led to the slaughter
and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
8 He was taken away because of oppression and judgment;
and who considered his fate?[d]
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
he was struck because of my people’s rebellion.

Yes, while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us.  We are blessed who believe and accept His love for us.  

John 3 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Jesus and Nicodemus

3 There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”

3 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

4 “How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”

5 Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit.7 Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again.8 The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

9 “How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus.

10 “Are you a teacher[b] of Israel and don’t know these things?” Jesus replied. 11 “Truly I tell you, we speak what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you do not accept our testimony. 12 If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? 13 No one has ascendedinto heaven except the one who descended from heaven —the Son of Man.[c]

14 “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him may[d]have eternal life. 16 For God loved the world in this way:[e] He gave[f]his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.18 Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZoKX5-q2x4

Near the Cross

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5C9FfVA-OI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpVCeHRkWcY



Near the Cross
by Randolph Gonce, April 13, 2019

Jesus, keep me near the cross.  
Let me hang my head in shame, 
as I remember You bore my blame 
upon that tree on Calvary.

And may I clearly see
the love that You have for me
by hanging on that cruel tree
at Calvary.

Help me change my mind from sin,
longing deeply from within,
for a new life that began
at Calvary.

Plunged me in the fountain free,
being fully immersed in Thee,
so that my sins did flee; 
fully cleansed at Calvary.

Immersed in water in Your name,
your promises to claim,
by fully trusting in Your aim
at Calvary.

Help me walk with You each day,
bearing my cross upon the way,
knowing I must suffer too,
with You at Calvary.

On that day when You return,
the temporary things will burn,
and all who trust in You will see,
glorification from Calvary.

And we will live eternally
by the river of life that flows, 
giving life to all He knows,
by His blood at Calvary.

Jesus made peace by His sacrifice for sins upon the cross.  The wages of sin is death.  Sin separates us from God.  All have sinned and missed the mark of righteousness. A sufficient sacrifice was required to pay the price for the sins of all human kind.  Read Isaiah 53 and Psalms 22.

The sacrifice of Jesus is pictured by the Passover Lamb, the Scapegoat, and the ram that took Isaac's place on the altar.  See  https://rgonce.blogspot.com/2013/03/pictures-of-salvation.html

Col 1:13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Preeminence of Christ

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Yes, the gospel is a bloody message. Those who do not believe are offended by it. But for all who believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, it is a glorious message. It speaks of God's love for us. It opens the door to righteousness to all who truly believe and trust in Him.

Philippians 2 English Standard Version (ESV)


Christ's Example of Humility

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,[b] 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,[c] being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Yes, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. When He comes in His glory, the temporary things will melt. And those who trust in Him will be glorified and be caught up to meet Him in the air.. 1 Thes 4.

Gal 6:14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which[b] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

As I take up my cross daily, and follow Jesus, seeking to please Him, I am strengthened by His Holy Spirit, Who reminds me of what I have learned from the Holy Scriptures. He gives me strength and encouragement. He gives me hope centered in the resurrection. Jesus was taken down from the cross, buried, and rose from the grave early Sunday morning, and moved my vision to the open grave. His resurrection gives hope of eternal life to all who truly trust in Him.

https://rgonce.blogspot.com/2013/03/jesus-in-hades.html

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGq0J9IGmxQ

Bonafide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QekPh9XfhM0&list=PLPhb5GPf3Rfc944An2iDh_kTHkrKhoCED&index=23&t=0s


adjective: bonafide
1. genuine; real.
"only bona fide members of the company are allowed to use the logo"

synonyms: authentic, genuine, real, true, actual, sterling, sound, legal, legitimate, lawful, valid, unadulterated, unalloyed, proper, straight, fair and square.

So who is a genuine follower of our Lord Jesus Christ?  Who is a legal, legitimate, lawful believer? Who is a bonafide Christian?

Jesus taught that not all who claim him are genuine.  Some do not even know Him. Some are not legit.

Entering the Kingdom

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. 14 How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.

15 “Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves. 16 You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit; neither can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’

Actions determine and manifest reality.  Claiming to be genuine must be made real by what we do.  James, bother of Jesus, speaks clearly about what is a demonstration of true fidelity.  What we do and who we care for shows if we are truly following Jesus.

James 1 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Greeting

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:

To the twelve tribes dispersed abroad.

Greetings.

Trials and Maturity

2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, 8 being double-minded and unstable in all his ways.

9 Let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his exaltation, 10 but let the rich boast in his humiliation because he will pass away like a flower of the field. 11 For the sun rises and, together with the scorching wind, dries up the grass; its flower falls off, and its beautiful appearance perishes. In the same way, the rich person will wither away while pursuing his activities.

12 Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. 15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.18 By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Hearing and Doing the Word

19 My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,20 for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of person he was. 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

26 If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Bonafide faith in Jesus shows itself in action.  What we say is not as real as what we do.  People hear what we say, and they see what we do.  Seeing is believing, we like to say in Crow Creek Valley.  But John said that those who have not seen, and yet believe the message of the Apostles, are bonafide. 

Thomas Sees and Believes

24 But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were telling him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.”

28 Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

The Purpose of This Gospel

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

The genuine follower of Jesus has life in His name.  The words of Jesus and the Apostles were written down and delivered to us so that we may believe that Jesus is the Messiah.  As Apostle Paul said, God chose the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God

18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved. 19 For it is written,

I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and I will set aside the intelligence of the intelligent.

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish? 21 For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of what is preached. 22 For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. 24 Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, 25 because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

The bonafide message emphasizes giving up self and trusting life in the Son.  Paul explains the message clearly. 

1 Corinthians 15 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

Resurrection Essential to the Gospel

15 Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me.

A message by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message.  The same message preached by Peter on the day of Pentecost.  

36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

Call to Repentance

37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Brothers, what should we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!” 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.

Those who accepted the message were baptized.  Immersed in water.  Why?  Because it was what Jesus had commanded. 

The Great Commission

Matt 28:16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Great Commission

Mark 16:14 Later he appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table. He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he had risen. 15 Then he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Submitting to the true message with real obedient faith produces genuine Christians.  There is no faith alone, only obedient faith, because Jesus asks us to do something specific to make things bonafide.  It is simple.  Submission of our will by doing something that is not humanly rational shows our trust. 

https://rgonce.blogspot.com/2013/03/pictures-of-salvation.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlq7hjZazPY&list=PLPhb5GPf3Rfc944An2iDh_kTHkrKhoCED&index=34&t=0s