Why Faith?

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Why is faith a necessary action in daily Christian lifestyles?  This question is often unspoken.  Yet I have come to realize that when it is left unsaid, life continues on human will which is limited.  Without faith in Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior in your life, death and eternity, a person is left to fend for themselves throughout the course of life. Depression, anxiety, fear, doubt and anger are issues of an absence of faith.

The Bible speaks to us about faith in Hebrews the 11th chapter. This chapter is often referred to as “the hall of faith” as it depicts multiple instances where faith is the guiding force bringing God’s will for mankind into existence.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

The Greek word for faith is pistis. The meaning is the conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it

  1. relating to God

    1. the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ

  2. relating to Christ

    1. a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God

The only way to tap into God’s determined will for our lives is by faith.  Any attempts to know, understand and manifest His will absent of faith is without merit in God’s sight.  We always need a secure positioning in our core belief system to realize God’s presence, power and peace in our lives. This necessity is established in and through our faith.
Why faith? It is the substance of everything we hope for.  Substance in the Greek is hypostasis a compound word derived from hypo meaning under and histemi meaning to cause or make to stand, to place, put, set
 God = Elohim the plural of El (1 of the names of Deity; the Creator found in Genesis 1 and the Creator’s connection to the created including man, namely Jesus Christ, the Son of God)
The Greek word for evidence is elegchos meaning that by which a thing is proven; a conviction or proof.  The apostle Paul simplified the development and growth of faith in this passage in Romans 10:17 (NET) “Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.“
You must know who you believe in. The only way to get to know God, His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit is through reading and hearing the Word of God rightly-divided.
Faith comes through hearing/reading the Word of God
Faith comes through hearing/reading the Word of God
All of the proof of God’s abilities are contained in His Word. You can’t believe in what you don’t know.  And you can’t survive on yesterday’s meal today. Your faith in God is the culminating effect of getting to know God through His Word on a daily basis.

Why faith? Faith in God and His Sovereignty over His Creations is the process by which we have access into this grace in which we stand. Trust in the foundational substance of all of God’s Spiritual resources by His substantial qualities, nature and persons of His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit establishes our faith, confidence, hope, strength and Power to be victorious in our Christian lives from day to day.

We trust in the actual existence of God, confirmed in Jesus Christ who loved us and gave Himself for us giving us newness of life by the regeneration of our spirits.  Through our daily surrender to Him by faith our spirits are renewed, our minds are transformed and our bodies become representative of His life  IN us. We become new creations IN Christ. This is the fundamental meaning of our directive to “get & stay IN Position!” Being justified by this faith, we have peace with God and we become joint heirs with Jesus Christ making us more than conquerors through Him that loved us.

Rev. D
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Spiritual Warfare

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This is a truth. I pray you will be blessed as you maintain your spiritual walk in 2015 living the Conqueror Lifestyle.
Stay in the race!

Unashamed of Jesus's avatarUnashamed of Jesus

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

There is much more to this world than meets the eye, there is a spiritual world full of good and evil which drives everything. Once you understand this, you understand how powerless and vulnerable we are on our own.

But if you walk with God he will protect you and give you wisdom to avoid the traps of Satan. Think about the problems or obstacles in your life, what is the driving force behind them? The answer is Satan, we are under attack.

(1 John 5:19) “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”

The world is under Satans control, if you don’t believe me take…

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God’s Priceless Gift

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Now that Christmas is over many of you received all kinds of gifts – expensive, inexpensive, thoughtful, thoughtless, etc. – which you are now getting accustomed to having. For example, someone got a new coat and is getting used to it being in their closet. Now he can include it in his selection of outerwear choices or, more simply, she now has a coat to wear as opposed to not having one prior to the gifting. Anyway you look at it, the coat is a blessing and its new owner continues to receive the benefits of the blessing every time he/she wears it and it actually protects her from the elements of the world – the cold, rain, snow, high winds and stormy weather.

gift_box_red_bowGod‘s priceless gift, Jesus Christ, who’s birth we are to celebrate on Christmas day, is a far better gift than any earthly gift we can receive. But once Christmas is over, and the earthly gifts have lost their splendor, many people are still uncertain about the reason for the season. They go on living life, trying to be righteous in themselves, doing the best they believe they can to get on God’s good side. Many are attending all sorts of religious assemblies to manifest a sense of spiritual praise that is heavily influenced by human practices that ease God (who created the Heavens and the Earth) out and allowing for the God of this world – Satan – to have his way. Others are maintaining some appearances of goodness which they feel is their reasonable service to get to Heaven, when all the while they live in  fear, terror, and absolute abandon to the truth of their spiritual salvation and their place in eternal life.

The idea of Heaven seems to be a potential place of arrival often overshadowed by the fantasy of alternative ideas made possible by human imagination. Ecumenical ideas exist -brought about by devout, scholarly theologians – which offer competing approaches to reaching Heaven that are based in worldliness rather than God’s Word. Furthermore, the denouncement of Hell as being a real destination in God’s Word continues to have a growing audience.  it is much more comfortable to assert that Hell is here on Earth. Once the Word of God is challenged as one of many sources for man to understand the future, all kinds of human approaches to Hell become viable alternatives.  Human hope purports Hell as an uncertain aspect of the future that won’t be as bad as it is described. The worldwide deception of the existence of Hell is obviously winning as people are more focused on getting their Earthly wealth and prosperity, and living their best life now rather than getting ready for Judgement Day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ, the priceless gift of God, is Lord.

Thankfully, God’s grace is still making ways for His priceless gift to save lives. You may know someone, or you yourself may have found this “shot” in order to be a recipient of God’s gift to humans. Let any and all know that this good news is available. Here is how His priceless Gift can be yours too:

By faith you can receive His gift – which has 2 parts!
By faith, believe that Jesus Christ was born to die on the cross for your sin- past, present & future – and He was buried and rose up from the grave and now sits on the right hand of the Father making intercession for you daily.    ***He loves you unconditionally.***    As you trust Him daily in your prayers to Him  (end your prayers “in Jesus name Amen.”)  your faith will mature & your life will be enriched more than you can possibly imagine. That’s Part #1 – forgiveness of sin.
Part # 2 is the best one – you are GUARANTEED Eternal Life IN Heaven.  By faith you know that you will spend your life after this life with Him in Heaven.


Here are some verses to help u in your developing faith:
Romans 10:9– 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.
 10 For with the heart one believes and thus has righteousness and with the mouth one confesses and thus has salvation.                       Rom 10:17 Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.
Romans 12:1-2

Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice — alive, holy, and pleasing to God — which is your reasonable service.
12:2 Do not be conformed to this present world,but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God — what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel that I preached to you, that you received and on which you stand,
2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message I preached to you — unless you believed in vain.
3 For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received — that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures,
4 and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures


Galatians 2:20&21 20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God,who loved me and gave himself for me.
21 I do not set aside God’s grace, because if righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing!


Ephesians 2:8-10 (gift part #1) 8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God;
9 it is not from works, so that no one can boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.


Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of (faith) witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us,
:2 keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

I John 1:8-10 8 If we say we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9 But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar and his word is not in us.

 

1John 5:13 (gift part #2) Assurance of Eternal Life    I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

May the grace of God wrap you in His everlasting care from this day forward. If we never meet in this Earthly life we will praise God together eternally in Heaven.
God bless you & Happy New Year.


Conqueror Ministries is always available for you to experience getting the “more” in Romans 8:37 on a daily basis.

The Lie and The Truth Personified

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Merry Christmas to you all. On this Christmas Eve of 2014 we must acknowledge the many examples of the presence of evil in this world we live in. It is everywhere! Evil is defined as morally bad or causing harm or injury to someone; arising from actual or imputed bad character or conduct, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary. Every fire that takes lives, every murder, every abduction, assault, robbery, attack, etc. depicts the  continual onslaught of evil exposing the consistent pattern of the father of lies – Satan – having a field day in this world. There is something inherent about the holiday season where he turns up his displays of evil as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Uncle Ralph has something to say about this that exposes us to the person of Christ as “The Truth” and the person of Satan as “The Lie.”  These evil events require a spiritual outlook comprised of truth relative to the Word of God, not more human opinions, outlooks and explanations. Be enlightened, be blessed, be more than a conqueror through Him that loved us.

 

What is happening to our deteriorating society? If you are 40 years old and younger, you probably cannot see it. But if you are 45 years old and older, you quite possibly know what I am refering to.The deterioration is causing a breakdown in how people treat one another. There is an increase in disrespect for our fellow human beings demonstrated in our speech as well as our actions towards each other. When we fail to realize who is represented in the overall demise of mankind, we have in fact fallen for the deceptive tactics perpetrated by the father of “The Lie.”

Jesus Christ says,”You are of your father the Devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He (the Devil) was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with [The Truth], because there is no Truth in him. When he speaks [The Lie], he speaks out of his own character (or his own nature), for he is a liar and the father of lies.”John 8:44 ESV Ask yourself, “who was Jesus talking to?” Was it, thieves, murderers, liars, prostitutes, drunkards, or maybe fighters against Christ. Not at all. You will be amazed to know He was talking to the religious intelligence of His day: the CHURCH GOERS (the Pharisee’s, the Scribes, and the Sadducee)! The religious world today still represents a great deal of the evil deception that is so cunning that people are driven away from The Truth to be in connection with The Lie.  truth and liesWe need to personally acknowledge what we find in this verse: we have {The Truth} and {The Lie}. The Truth personified in the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Lie personified in the Devil.

Now you must ask yourself, “What is THE LIE?” The answer to that question is found in Romans 1: 25,  Because they (man) exchanged ‘The Truth’ about God for ‘The Lie’ and worshiped and served the creature (man) rather than THE CREATOR, who is blessed forever!  This lie is universal.  Ask yourself, “Where did this lie originate?” Look to scripture for the answers and read in Isaiah 14:12-14 that the King of Babylon is spoken of, but Satan is the unseen energizer who is really being spoken of. And there are 5 “I Wills” that Lucifer declares. I believe this is when “sin ” i.e. “The Lie” began. So the Lie originated in the spirit world, when a created being made the blasphemous claim of Deity, attempting to usurp authority over the Creator! You will get a clear introduction to the personification of The Lie via Scripture.

Isaiah 14:12-14 KJV How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! (13) For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: (14) I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

The Lie continues to manifest in man today. In short, the lie is comprised of the following statements:

 “I don’t need God.”

“I am a god unto myself.”

“I can create my own destiny.”

“My future is up to me.”

“I can speak my blessing into existence.” 

“If I believe it I can be it.” 

“No one tells me what to do!”

 

The Lie was used to introduce sin into the world. All of the evil that was pronounced in the Enemy now becomes manifested in man through sin as found in Genesis 2-3. Adam, in his created body absent of sin, is given a command by the LORD not to eat of the “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.” But in Genesis 3:1-6 we read “the Serpent”(The Lie =The Devil/Satan/Lucifer)  approaches Adam’s wife “Eve,” entices her through the use of The Lie to eat of the tree. The manifestation of evil or sin occurred when she gives the fruit to Adam and he (willfully) eats, having been told by the LORD that if he eats he will surely die! Adam is the cause of evil existing in every human being on this earth as it is established in Romans 5:12 KJV, Wherefore, as by ‘ One Man‘ sin entered into the world (of men), and death by sin (transgressing God’s Holy Law-“thou shalt not eat”), and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned. “The Lie” entered the human race, and has been and will continue until the fullness of time is come. Mankind in his/her human condition, a foreigner of The Truth, is capable of all forms of evil based on the innate presence of sin.

This is why we have a holiday known as Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ, was first announced in Genesis 3:15. The Lie knew that The Truth would come and bruise the head of the serpent – The Lie. The Enemy did his best to thwart the plan of God to redeem mankind back into right relationship with Him as it was originally with Adam. Yet no man knew of the entire plan of the prophecy told throughout the Old Testament. The birth of The Truth was not only a fulfillment of prophecy it was the beginning of a new round in the war between The Truth and The Lie.

When Jesus was about to begin His earthly ministry he went into the wilderness to fast for 40 days. There The Truth came in direct contact with The Lie. After a series of proposed temptations to Christ, all of which were combated against with the quoting of The Truth – The Word/The Bible -The Lie leaves and The Truth is ministered to by angels from above. The Lie showed up as opposition to The Truth’s very existence throughout the three and one half years of His walk among the Jews exposing The Truth. At the apex of His ministry – when Jesus Christ raised Lazarus from the dead – he declared in John 11:25 I am the resurrection, and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. He later declared to Thomas in John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Jesus Christ would go on to be crucified, buried and then resurrect from the grave. These predetermined acts demonstrate God’s Eternal plan for the redemption of mankind by way of His Son – through the shedding of the blood for forgiveness of sins and the resurrection. His fulfilling of the Law and completion of the plan gives man the option of being renewed/regenerated/revived in his/her spirit and mind. This blessed gift is made available to all mankind through the Spirit of Christ taking up residency, living in them through the power of the Holy Spirit. Man can now, BY FAITH, believe in the finished work of the Cross and receive the gifts of Salvation and Eternal Life.

In the midst of all the Heavenly benefits of salvation at work in mankind who by faith believe in the power of the Cross and the resurrection of The Truth, there is also many who are not willing, totally disinterested in The Truth and who have an Eternal attachment to The Lie. The World view of this warfare is so inundated with deception that is often overlooked. We, who have experienced the gift of spiritual regeneration and a renewing of the mind, and who no longer live to fulfill the flesh but instead live to fulfill the Spirit in us daily, will always be in the presence of those who are attached to The Lie until we get to Heaven. It is good to know that the warfare is already won. Jesus Christ defeated Satan at the Cross. The upcoming events to fulfill this prophecy is yet to come. In the meantime, the Apostle Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to pen this account for us to know why all of the manifestations of Evil are present in the world today. We must wait for the Day of the Lord in which The Lie’s will no longer be of any significance on this Earth. Until then we have The Truth of God’s Word teaching us how to prepare for this blessed Day.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 NET
(1) Now regarding the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to be with him, we ask you, brothers and sisters  

(2) not to be easily shaken from your composure or disturbed by any kind of spirit or message or letter allegedly from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here.

(3) Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not arrive until the rebellion comes and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.
(4) He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, and as a result he takes his seat in God’s temple, displaying himself as God.
(5) Surely you recall that I used to tell you these things while I was still with you.
(6) And so you know what holds him back,so that he will be revealed in his own time.
(7) For the hidden power of lawlessness (The Lie) is already at work. However, the one who holds him back (The Truth) will do so until he is taken out of the way,
(8) and then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will destroy by the breath of his mouth and wipe out by the manifestation of his arrival.
(9) The arrival of the lawless one will be by Satan’s working with all kinds of miracles and signs and false wonders,
(10) and with every kind of evil deception directed against those who are perishing, because they found no place in their hearts for the truth so as to be saved.
(11) Consequently God sends on them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false.
(12) And so all of them who have not believed the truth but have delighted in evil will be condemned.

I pray that you will be a proponent for The Truth and make known the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to whomever you can. Through the grace of God currently presiding over us all we can know just how real He can and will be to us when we have faith in Him daily. He is the best gift you can ever give to anyone – Jesus Christ, The Truth.

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C.H. Spurgeon: “Thou, Lord, [Will] Bless the Righteous.” (An Exposition on Psalm 5:8-12).

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I hope you will enjoy this article I just read. The message comes through loud and clear – human happiness can not compare to God’s gift of spiritual joy.
Merry Christmas!
Darrin

Why We Need Grace

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Many people use the phrase “But for the grace of God, but for the grace of Godthere go I” as a way of expressing their personal account of God’s grace in and over their life. But my Uncle Junior has taken this personal account to another level by posing the question “Why do we need grace?”   His answers are truthful and will compel you to be more deliberate in your use of this popular phrase. I am so grateful to him for his willingness to be of service to Conqueror Ministries by way of his writings. We will continue to deliver them to you even in the New Year.  Please keep reading and get his spiritual shot of encouragement to trust God more.

At this time I want to thank you, our readers, for continuing to stop by and choose a spiritual shot.  May the God of all grace strengthen you, protect you and bless you during this holiday season and may the gift of a New Year be filled with precious accounts of His faithfulness in your life.
Stay in the race!
Darrin

 

So why is Grace so needed? 

Jesus said in John 6:37-44 KJV (37)All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. (38) For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. (39) And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. (40) And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (41) The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. (42) And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? (43) Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. (44) No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:65 KJV And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

This is not to be misunderstood – NO MAN can come to Christ unless he has been effectually drawn to Him by God the Father. This is why we need God’s grace.

Every man who is so drawn will be endowed with the matchless grace of God through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The gift of Eternal life also demonstrates His grace when He exchanges our human, sinful bodies for a glorified body, just like Christ’s at His resurrection, when we begin our eternal life. There are no exceptions to this clear teaching from God’s Word (the Bible).

Of course most men think of themselves as “good” and “capable of doing good” and they are able to go to God on their own, whenever they feel the need to.   This is the epitome of human deception. In your flesh you can NOT please God, nor can your human works make a difference to God.

 

But Scripture, which should be our final authority, proves man is a liar and unable to please God, as demonstrated below:

“Men are evil continually” Genesis 6:5 KJV And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

” Men love evil and hate good” Psalms 52:3 KJV Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.

” Men unable to go to God” (John 6:65 given earlier)

“Men in the flesh (unregenerate state) cannot please God” Romans 8:7-8 KJV Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

” Men are under Satan’s control” 1 John 5:19 KJV And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

So as we consider the matter of God’s grace,and why we so badly need it, review this conclusion thoroughly.

“No one can come to God the Son unless God the Father enables him.” 

Ephesians 1:1-14 KJV Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: (2) Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (7) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (8) Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; (9) Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: (10) That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (11) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (13) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (14) Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

We need the grace of God to realize who we can become IN Christ! The only reason anyone comes to Jesus Christ is because the Father has drawn him. Through Christ we are made complete and fit for the Master’s use. Our standing is made perfect in God’s sight through our faith in Jesus Christ and we are justified to find peace with God. We can live undefeated lives as we realize we are “more than conquerors through Him that loved us.”

Merry Christmas!

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When Anger Arises

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Today I received true spiritual inspiration from Shannon’s Blog. During the holiday season anger is an inevitable emotion we will encounter. This post is solution based, as is the blog Revelations In Writing, and it is for this reason I am passing it on to you. I pray it will minister to your hearts and minds the truth of this valuable Pauline message given to us for this current age we live in.
Be blessed.
Stay in the race!
Darrin

Revelations in Writing's avatarRevelations In Writing

In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. – (Ephesians 4:26-27)

Anger can be a tricky topic. Just as any other emotion, there are times when anger is an appropriate response to a given situation. That being said, it is always a matter of how we handle our anger that determines whether or not we are responding in righteousness, or running on the road to ruin. Bottling builds bitterness, and outburts wreak havoc, yet Paul says to deal with anger immediately. Ideally, our objective ought to be to approach the offender in love, with the intent of reconciliation, not retaliation. If a resolution is not readily available, we can, at the very least, submit the situation to our Savior in prayer. As we speak out the words of anger, hurt and frustration…

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Defining “Grace”

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After much time living life, ministering the Gospel of the grace of God along the Eastern Seaboard and representing the Conqueror Lifestyle, there is much that I must do to catch up here on ConquerorShots. God willing you will come by and get more “shots” for your spirit as God gives me the wisdom to serve them up.

Thankfully, my Uncle (mom’s brother) has agreed to contribute to ConquerorShots. He prepared a series of posts that I am grateful to publish on his behalf. Thank God for email, it still has significant purpose in the world of internet communications.  What is Grace? is the first of several posts on the way from Uncle Ralph (AKA Uncle June) who the Lord has gifted with a message of truth that will inspire you to work out your own salvation.

Philippians 2:12 “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (with fear and trembling, used to describe the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfil his duty – http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Phl&c=2&v=12&t=KJV#s=t_conc_1105012)

Thank you for continuing to stop by. Stay in the race! D

We often hear the word “Grace” but what exactly is it? Grace is the unmerited favor of God. It is where God shows us mercy, kindness, and patience instead of the judgement that we deserve for sinning against Him.grace

God’s grace cannot be earned by our actions or sincerity. It cannot be lost by our rebellion or sin. Grace is based on the character of God and not on our sincerity, performance, or ability to keep the Law of God. Otherwise, grace would not be grace. Here are some Biblical examples:

[Romans 11;6], ” But if it is by Grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace.”

[Galatians 2:21], ” I do not nullify the Grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the Law (our own good works), then Christ died needlessly.”

[2 Timothy 1:9], ” who has saved us, and called (chosen) us with a Holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and Grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.”

If it were not for God’s Grace, we would not ever be saved from His righteous judgement. It was the Grace of God that worked in Christ who bore our sins in His body on the Cross.

 

1 Peter 2:24 KJV   Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

God’s grace makes it so that we might be forgiven and justified (i.e. declared righteous before a Holy God) by faith (Romans 3:23-28, 5:1 Read these verses often). And it is because of God’s gracious kindness to all who put their trust in His work on the Cross, they will receive forgiveness, Salvation from their sins, regeneration (i.e. God the Holy Spirit comes within you to impart new life: you are “Born-again), and the Eternal love of God epitomized in the precious gift of Eternal Life.

Again, God’s kindness to us is based on His character not on ours. His Grace to us is completely and totally an act of His free will and not based on any ability, merit, or performance of our own. God’s Grace is also manifested to the unbelievers also. Ultimately, all people deserve the judgement of God because all people have sinned.

 

Romans 3:23 KJV
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

But, God does not execute His judgement upon all people right away. Instead, He is exceedingly patient and kind towards them. Please consider what Jesus said regarding loving our enemies even as God loves the unrighteous.

 

Matthew 5:43-48 KJV Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. (44) But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (45) That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (46) For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? (47) And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? (48) Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

May God’s Word fill your heart with a desire to seek Him, and Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior.
Uncle Ralph
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How Do You Handle the Issue of Sexuality in 2014?

Posted on by conquerorshots

Everywhere you go someone else is promoting the homosexual lifestyle. If you are in any way uncomfortable with the discussion, what do you say? How do you respond to this ongoing socially relevant identification? More importantly, do you know what God has to say about it? If so, how do you stand for the truth of God’s Word and not be offensive to someone who has misconstrued the written word of the Bible? Better still, what do you do if the person you are speaking to does not even believe in the Bible?

For a compelling perspective on the historicity of homosexuality, specific Biblical analysis and a loving response to its increasing popularity I am posting this truthful Christian message to provide some life-changing honesty for you to answer all the questions above and more. Your sexuality IQ will be much appreciated by this content.

I pray that you will have an improved appreciation for the issues of sin and how it affects us through the judgement of others. homosexuality has taken on an identity that is increasingly permissive to humans while it is still sinful to God. We divide ourselves from the very people who are in our lives – broken, flawed, lost i.e. conquered by sin all because of their actions and we forget they too are created by God.  From a Biblical perspective, sexuality is a sin issue. Christianity is the antidote to sin. We are ALL born in sin. Therefore, you can not choose to identify someone by their sin. Furthermore, God is either the source of your spiritual life or He is not! If you truly buy into your need for a Savior because of your personal sin life, God is everything to you.  But if you do NOT buy into the Biblical content on sin then you are left with individual human perspectives. God has no official say. One is born homosexual today and perhaps one can also be born a witch or warlock tomorrow. Your human intellect and rationalization decides. You won’t concur with the notion that in God’s sight “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” The moment we speak of what God has said about this specific matter, we see the glaring, diabolical opposition that pushes for its social relevance. Humans characterize sin to disavow God’s supremacy over it. Are you included?

Perhaps, like me, you too were once just like them “lost in your trespasses and sin…” and now, as a, good, wholesome Christian, you walk around with the antidote for sin in you and are now completely unwilling to reveal it to them because of your personal criticism. Enough is enough!  If you can share the good news of Jesus Christ that saved you, JUST DO IT! The saving is God’s business anyway. God can change anyone just like He changed me and you.

Stay in the race!

D

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Humble Thanks

Posted on by conquerorshots

After much time spent on releasing our second book “Qualities of a Conqueror Vol. 1” and experiencing real change personally, the Lord God Almighty beckoned me to write here. God willing ConquerorShots will regularly coincide with our “#TellUrSelf tweets.”  Ultimately you will experience spiritual delicacies to enhance your experience living the Conqueror Lifestyle. Our goal is to make it easier for you to get familiar with our Christian brand through our books, ConquerorShots, upcoming workshops and teaching materials and more all to enhance your walk with God through Christ Jesus one day at a time.

 

Psalm 136:26 NET BIBLE Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his loyal love endures! If you have never read this chapter we suggest you do so and make it a regular reading for your personal gratitude prayers. Giving thanks, i.e. gratitude, is a necessary daily experience children of God, MTaCs, practice. We learn that in giving thanks we find the production of the fruit of the Spirit manifesting in amazing circumstances. God, who created the Heavens and the Earth, you and I and everything we appreciate while we are living day by day, is worthy of our daily gratitude because of His loyal love. The NET Bible uses the word loyal so perfectly here. No matter what we do, or do not do, in the way of service to God and others, God’s love for us NEVER changes! He is the most loyal love I have ever known.

 

When we put emphasis on gratitude for the material, human accomplishments – education, money, success, children, spouses, careers, houses, land, cars, boats, vacations et al – we are subject to the evil of deception and confusion as we focus on the Earthly rather than the Heavenly.  This is where the application of “Humble Thanks” is best realized. When you are in spiritual acceptance of your NEED for a Savior, and Jesus Christ is REAL to you, you willingly humble your human nature under the authority of God.

Wenceslas Hollar - The kneeling sinner
Wenceslas Hollar – The kneeling sinner (Photo credit: Wikipedia) A Depiction of Humble Thanks to God

By regular confession of sins, transgressions, iniquity, guilt,shame and fear before Him in prayer and thanksgiving for the simplest of blessings you come to realize through your need for His providence, you will humble yourself under God’s mighty hand for His continual protection and power in your life and the lives of others. The air you breath, the blood running warm in your veins, the activity of your limbs and your mind being sane and at peace become blessings of enormous praiseworthiness.

 

In humble thanks to God’s loyal love which endures through any and all human conditions, your gratitude will always be acceptable to God and it will reflect His love off of you into many other lives, situations, circumstances and conditions here on Earth. Heaven is our home but the Earth is our training ground. Be humble before God as your realize your spiritual training. Every scripture in Psalm 136 KJV ends with “His mercy endureth for ever” to emphasize that all of the human accomplishments acknowledged in the list exist because of the eternal endurance of God’s faithful, goodness and kindness towards His children. Give humble thanks daily and create your own list – IT WORKS!

 

Stay in the race!

 

Darrin

 

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