PASTOR'S OUTLINE

GRACE AND HOLINESS
PART TWO

RLJ-672

July 11,1999

We have learned that we are saved by GRACE- Romans 3:20-31, but we are also told that God EXPECT US TO LIVE IN HOLINESS! 1 Peter 1:13-16
For many years pastors have told us, that according to the book of Acts,chapter 15, the Gentiles are exempt for the LAWS OF GOD. And that Gentile Christians only need to follow the instructions given in verse 20: abstain from pollution’s of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. If this is true Christians should cut 80% out from the New Testament, since most of the New Testament deals with how a Christian should live, behave and respond to daily events in the world. Is there something wrong with the Bible? The answer is NO!

Here is the truth: When the event took place described in the Book of Acts chapter 15, none of the Gospels had been written down and none of the New Testament letters including the Book of Revelation had been written. Approximately 15 years had elapsed since the Ascension of Jesus, most of the Apostles were still alive on the earth and they all thought that in their lifetime Jesus would come back and set up his kingdom. As more and more Gentiles were saved and added to the Church, it soon became clear to the Apostles that they had made a big mistake, and that the Gentiles must be discipled just as Jesus had told them- Matt.28:18-20

It is the apostle Peter himself that shortly before his death writes that it is urgent and necessary to have things written down and clarified - 2 Peter 1:1-15

Before we move on and examine exactly what the Bible wants us to do in our daily Lives, let us look at two foundation stones in our Christian life:

1) GUARDING THE ANOINTING - John 15:1-10
The anointing of God depends upon the guidance received from God. This takes place when the Christian is walking in obedience. To walk in this kind of obedience is to walk in the LIGHT OF GOD - 1 John 1:4-7
Many Christians do not understand how precious the Guidance from God is, and by not appreciating it, they are in reality despising it! Hebr.12:14-29

REMEMBER THIS: GOD DOES NOT WASTE HIS ANOINTING! 1 Samuel I 5:22-29

2) EACH PERSON IS UNIQUE IN THE EYES OF GOD! 1 Peter 2:1-20
It is important that each Christian understands that he is not the "center of the universe." God is working all over the earth at all times, building his kingdom THROUGH ALL CHRISTIANS, since the foundation of the world!

Do you have an ear to hear to hear?

To be continued....