The BIG Picture (Shorts)

Many believers today might be saved, but they do not grow up in Christ. They remain babes in Christ, carnal Christians, because they do not pick up God's Word and study it. According to our key scripture above, “Vanity of the mind” means that believers are empty concerning the truth about Christ, which is the cause of their carnal behaviours. Their understanding is darkened, and they are ignorant of the transforming life of God that can empower them to live a life that is pleasing to Him. Paul continues to confirm that, we have not learned Christ in this way.   It is through learning the Bible, studying it, understanding it, and through obedience to it, allowing it to renew us, and influence us, that we will be empowered to put off the old carnal man with his old desires and by being renewed in the knowledge of the Word, to put on the new man which can walk in an increasing measure of righteousness and godliness towards God. ______________ Please share these with friends and famil...

The liberty of our grace doctrine, given by Christ, is not an invitation to indulge in fleshly desires, but it teaches a transition from carnal babes to the freedom and responsibility of spiritually mature sons, who grow up in godliness, Gal.3:24 and 4:1-7. Paul's grace doctrine challenges the false notions that grace allows believers the freedom to do as they wish. Paul faced false accusations of promoting this view, having been "slanderously reported" in Rom.3:8, but unfortunately, carnal believers continue to exploit their freedom as an excuse for self-indulgence, turning liberty to license, an error as severe as turning from liberty to law. In Eph.4:20, Paul states, "But you have not so learned Christ." This statement, of itself, informs us of the root and fix of this issue. It is only proper doctrine and teaching of the rightly divided Word of truth that can stablish the hearts of babes and motivate them to the deeper things of Christ; the work of faith, ...

In 2Tim.3:16, Paul encourages Timothy to use the scriptures as a powerful tool in his ministry. Teaching (what you need to know): Impartation of knowledge and understanding of God's Word. Teaching guides one in the principles and doctrines of the truth, enabling learning and growth in the faith. Reproof (behaviour; does it match the doctrine?): The act of correcting or pointing out errors in belief or behaviour according to the Word. It's about moral and spiritual discipline aiming to bring one back to the right path when one has strayed. Correction (amendment to match doctrine): It implies rectifying mistakes or misconceptions. It is associated with adjustment to align with one's doctrine. Training in Righteousness (conduct and discipline): Instruction that develops a character that's in accordance with God's standards of righteousness. It involves the pursuit of virtue as defined by the Word. These 4 elements together comprehensively equip believers for every ...

As grace believers, our lives should be separate from the world-system, yet today, godliness seems unfashionable. Increasingly, religious leaders suggest that to engage the world, we must integrate ourselves into it and partake in its activities to get close to the lost. However, believers cannot truly influence the world by blending in. Such conformity is opposed to God's will, as stated in Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, ..." True godliness involves a deliberate separation from worldly influences, which stands out and can profoundly impact those we aim to reach. It embodies spiritual strength, sacrifice, and yes, even persecution for Christ's sake. This concept is echoed in 2 Timothy 3:12: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." This verse serves as a reminder and a challenge to those who exhibit only the appearance of godliness, lacking its true po...