New Creature

What's New?


"Therefore if any man be in Christ,

He is a new creature:

Old things are passed away;
Behold, all things are become new."
2 Corinthians 5:17






The first question someone should ask themselves when they pray to Christ for forgiveness and eternal life is: What’s new?

What is different about me now compared to before I received Christ as my Lord and Savior.
How have I changed?

For me, I immediately felt different. I knew change had come into my life. My wife noticed it right away. Anyone who knows me well would tell you; “when Bob became a Christian, he became a completely different person.” In many ways that is true, but others might say he is the same old Bob West. Well I know that is not true but in reality the change is a result of what Jesus did for me on the cross ... not what others think or see.

So what is true? The problem is that others look at us and they see the same old person with all of our shortcomings and rough edges. And when we look at our self honestly we must admit many of our same old bad habits, sins, and failings still cause us to stumble and fall. Others (especially those who have rejected Christ) doubt and point out our failings as evidence that for them somehow reinforces their own unbelief; and sometimes even we begin to doubt that we have changed.

But wait a minute. God cannot lie. His Word is Truth and he says: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

So if this applies to me, what does it mean?

First of all it does apply to me ... I am “in Christ.”

What does Bob is a new creature mean?
What old things are passed away?
What does all things have become new mean?
And why isn’t this clear to myself and everyone else?


Okay let’s start with the first most important question. Do you truly believe?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-14

Do you really believe this is truth? When we receive Christ as Lord and Savior, we are receiving this Truth.
If you claim to be a Christian but reject this basic Truth what does that make you? A Christian ... or a hypocrite?

Can someone receive Christ and then just believe whatever he wishes, as many would contend? Here is the rub: Jesus says; “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you.” John 14:16-17

If as Jesus promised, you have the Holy Spirit in you, abiding with you forever … will not the Spirit of Truth convict you in your heart continually if you choose to believe or do whatever you feel like?

Why is this important?

Well let’s look back to the first truth promise that we read:

“if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature”

Have you ever even considered yourself to be a creature of any sort? For most of us the answer to this question would be: no. And why is that? Well most of us have a definition of creature that would be some sort of a science fiction creature. That just seems bizarre to most of us.

Let’s look at Webster’s definition to get a clearer understanding of this:
Definition of CREATURE:
1: something created either animate or inanimate: such as: a lower animal, especially a farm animal; or a human being; or creatures of fantasy.
2: one that is the servile dependent or tool of another.

Now are you getting the picture? First of all creatures are something created. How can someone believe that he is a new creature, or an old creature for that matter, if he doesn’t believe he was created by the Creator; and how can a person be a Christian if He rejects the Word that is the Truth that became flesh and dwelled among us, died on the cross for our sins, and saves us eternally through His never-ending Grace?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:1-3

Evolution is the conscious rejection of the Creator of all things. Evolution is a doctrine of demons. This is why we must always reject the theory of evolution. To do otherwise is in fact to reject our Savior who died on the cross for our sins. If a person has the Holy Spirit, and he is accepting the false theory of evolution, he will never be at peace. The Holy Spirit will not allow for him to rest there. If someone says he is a Christian, and also says he believes evolution is truth, I cannot judge him,but I certainly do judge his false conclusion ... I am convinced he is quite likely not a Christian.

All right now … you are a new creature as opposed to the old creature you were before becoming born again of the Spirit. “Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

How is this new creature different? Well first and foremost he has the Holy Spirit abiding in him. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive.” John 14:16-17. The Holy Spirit will give us comfort in all of our daily challenges. When we rest in Him and His Word we are abiding above the cares of the world. He will help us to understand His eternal Truth and its application in our daily lives as we walk in the World.

When we set our mind on Christ, His Word and the things of the Spirit, we may seem peculiar to others because we have newly found confidence and conviction. Others cannot understand because "the things of the Spirit are foolishness to them." Jesus made this clear: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" and "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive." And Jesus also said; "If the world hate you, you know that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." John 15:18-19

God's Word, His eternal Truth which is foolishness to the unbelieving, becomes clear and easily understood to those who trust Christ and His Word. "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual (the new creature) judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:14-16

Did you get that new creature? We have the Mind of Christ. Now that is a promise we all must stand upon.

Are you feeling better about your ability to understand the Truth?

YOU HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST ...


Now back to Webster's definition of Creature:

"one that is the servile dependent or tool of another."

The apostles considered themselves as bond servants or slaves to Christ Jesus and His Gospel.
What about you? Do you still see yourself as an American ... free to do whatever and whenever you wish?


“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10. This new creature is to do good works, not in order to be saved; but rather as the love of Christ controls us … as the mission and ministry of reconciliation that He has given each of us.

And how is all of this to play out for us new creatures?

For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 2 Corinthians 5:14-16

Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

"But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation" 1 Peter 2:9-12


Meditate on this one … New Creature.

“For the love of Christ controls us ... Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh ... or from a worldly point of view”

God Bless you my friends, Bob

Abiding In Christ

… but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth to those things which are before,


I press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.


Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded:
and if in any thing you be otherwise minded,
God shall reveal even this to you.
Philippians 3:13-15




What's going on?


A number of friends have asked me; “why have I not seen many posts these past few months?”

Well I have been busy with a new business and that is a good thing. On another positive note, every hour, people from all over the world ... from remote corners of the world are reading my posts ... every hour of every day, somewhere several people open and read one of my posts. This brings me great encouragement. Paradox Principles is a blessing which God has provided to me during my wilderness experience. But now I am back, and today I will try to be transparent and explain the personal trials I have been going through and how the Lord has delivered me again and again and again ... as I determined to “Abide in Christ.”

So that no one might get confused here, resting in Christ is where the peace, rest, power, and confidence are found. Read this verse:

“If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3


When Thomas Edison was asked by a reporter; “sir, how does it feel to have failed 10,000 times in your attempt to invent the incandescent light bulb? Edison replied; “Sir, you are young and have much to learn. I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”

It is my understanding that Edison was not a believer and so his solution was simple: grind it out, never give up, and keep experimenting until you find the solution. This is the tendency that all responsible men follow unconsciously ... in their human nature.

Obviously when coming from the great Thomas Edison this is excellent advice for success ... from a human or natural man's perspective.
But as Christians, we have a better way. We are to Abide Above and rest in Christ. He will guide us and work out that which is best for each of us. " Old things (the ways of the world) have passed away ... new things (the ways of the Spirit) have come" 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

As Christians we often fall into this same old human nature habit. But as we grow spiritually we come to understand that we can have instant rest when we choose to abide above, and to: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” Miles J. Stanford wrote two of my favorite books entitled “Abide Above” and the “Principle of Position.” If you are interested, I highly recommend “the Complete Green Letters” which includes both of these books for less than ten dollars on Amazon.com

So now … on to my personal story of defeat and victory. It has now been almost six years since I had a quintuple heart bypass surgery that has allowed me to continue along this roller-coaster journey called life.

I felt reasonably secure in my 1.4 million dollar home and with enough cash in the bank to live comfortably without working for years. I was enjoying a career as a successful real estate mortgage broker and could easily earn as much money as I needed, whenever I desired. Naturally after my surgery, I decided to take some time off for recuperation. Well when I decided to go back to work ... everyone knows about the financial market crash that suddenly hit us, and that all of us are still experiencing.

I am sure my story is like millions of others across America whose lives have been disrupted, and things will never be the same. The difference as made evident by Thomas Edison above is in how we look at life’s setbacks. To some degree I responded to the crisis in a way similar to Edison … I figured out a solution and acted accordingly. But more importantly, I also chose to “Abide Above” which allowed me to live above the problems of the world. It was not clear to me that God needed for me to completely "Abide Above" before he would deliver me this time.

I immediately downsized my lifestyle and moved into a $210,000 home which is hard to find in Southern California, and we planned to ride out the storm and go back into the real estate business. I never imagined at the time that the real estate and real estate loan industry would not likely come back during my working career. But in the year that followed, that became apparent. Also it became apparent that after 40 years of being self-employed and in sales management where I never needed to be concerned about a job that things had changed and at my age new career options were extremely limited.

Five years later, our reserves were gone and from a human perspective things looked very bleak. we had lost everything. But we hung onto the one thing we can never lose: Jesus Christ. The Lord provided us with a place to rest. Two different Christian friends unexpectedly wrote us sizable checks as gifts that allowed for us to survive. We will never forget this generosity and love as Christ moved on their hearts.

During the past five years I have explored dozens of new career options which include: life insurance sales, retirement planning, B paper loan marketing, Isogenics, home improvement sales, Credit Card processing, Wow Mobile Phone sales, Kangen Water, ACN video phone marketing, video message email marketing, Lead Net Pro, Next day client list marketing, Numis coins, Online RE loans, reverse mortgages, and various other online store ideas. The list goes on and on. I did my best to try not to burden my friends with these ideas but in any event I apologize for any inconvenience I might have caused. And I thank you for your prayers.

The good news is that during this wilderness period, I have grown in my relationship with Christ. My true friends have been made known to me. And God has shown me how to rest in His love and to have His victory in the face of defeat. I have basically lost everything and gotten to the end of my reserves and Jesus Christ as he promised has always provided, protected and delivered me.

And when I least expected God provided the solution. Day by day we received clarity on which steps to take. And now he has given me a new career. I have nothing to sell to my friends and family. God has provided everything we need. I already have more customers than I can handle and they are sending money into my account seven days a week. Cheryl and I are now in a position where we can choose to live wherever we wish and do our new business from there. At present, we plan to move back to Orange County where we will be close to our family; and additionally our extended family at Coast Bible Church whom we miss and love much.

Freedom … that is what is on the other side of unexpected defeat. Peace and rest is what we are promised when we “Abide in Christ.” My new travel business is clearly a gift from God. That is the only way I can explain it. One door leads to the next. I am helping people again and that is invigorating and inspiring. Sales are growing dramatically from one month to the next.

In closing, these are uncertain times. I will never take God’s blessings for granted again ... and I will Never, never ... never give up … Abide in Christ my friends. I am now 65 and in poor health, and we have created a very profitable new business, with minimal investment, no experience, and very limited travel industry knowledge. Honest quality service from real people; only the best products; and savings to every customer are a business model that is unique in every industry. You just need to find the right application. Abiding in Christ allows for us to rest while we wait for His leading.

We must never forget … memorize this one:

“But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

God Bless you my friends, Bob

Another Gospel 2

However, then, when you knew not God,
you did service to them which by nature are no gods.

But now, after that you have known God,
or rather are known of God,
how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements,

whereunto you desire again to be in bondage?
You observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Galatians 4:8-10



What was Paul referring to here as “weak and beggarly elements”
... that which he said were leading some back into bondage?

Are we in danger of falling into this same deception today?
Of course we are ... in a thousand different ways.


Well, I would think that this would be apparent to all, after my previous post entitled “Another Gospel”
but there are many sincere teachers out there and I fear some are confused.



I will attempt to help clarify this dispute that has arisen among some followers of Christ in a men's Bible study that I attend.


Here is what one Christian friend wrote this past week in questioning the verse above.

"Is the verse in Galatians 4:9 calling the Sabbath, one of God's 10 Commandments - weak and beggarly? Simple question; and the answer is either yes or no. If Paul is classifying scripture - God's Word - as revealed in the Old Testament as weak and beggarly; then I think we need to really understand how scripture, which is what the feasts are, and what the Sabbath is derived from has become known to be weak and beggarly. It doesn't rationally follow in my mind. Paul must be talking about other things. I don't think Paul would call Scripture weak and beggarly."
(end quote)

I can only imagine the Galatians getting off track here as well. Men have been attempting to understand the things of the Spirit logically since the beginning of time. It is how we are wired. But logic and rationale are not the ways of the Spirit.

The things of the Spirit at times make all the sense in the world, but all of God’s Word is Truth; and Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit are eternal Truth, whether we understand or believe or follow; or not.

Whenever anyone adds anything to the Gospel of Christ, it becomes “Another Gospel” which leads followers away from Christ and the Truth. The problem here was: the adding of Old Testament law which had been replaced by the Gospel, together with the new Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ; and the result being: Another Gospel. This new false man-made gospel is that which is weak and beggarly. The law is still God’s Truth but God through Paul gave clarification to understanding the Gospel of Christ.

Men get hung up on rationale and logic when trying to understand the things of the Spirit. I could name hundreds of things of the Spirit that make no sense to me at all, from a worldly point of view; but on the other hand, they make all the sense in the world when I simply accept them as God’s Truth. This is the meaning of accepting Christ; and the Truth and Promises of His Word by faith.


Some things of the Spirit will never make sense to us rationally or logically. Our minds are limited and one dimensional. Most things of the Spirit are beyond our rational comprehension. For example, we are told: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9. And this: "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." Rom 11:6.

From a human perspective this is totally illogical. It only makes sense that we go to heaven because of the good things that we have done, but God has given us a new gospel that we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ; not works. The only deeds that save us were performed by Jesus on the cross at Calvary.

Without Christ, man's condition is hopeless; our rational thinking is foolishness.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calls on your name, that stirs up himself to take hold of you: for you have hid your face from us, and have consumed us, because of our iniquities. Isaiah 64:6-7



What a friend said here is Truth: "We don’t obey God’s Law to be saved; we obey God’s Law because we are saved!" In order to be Ambassadors for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation we should all do the best we can to not be a hypocrite and to follow Christ. But this is accomplished not by rigidly following the Old Testament laws but rather by standing upon this undeniable New Testament Truth."

"Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 10Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Rom 13:8-10

The all-inclusive truth is: "and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."

Only God knows our hearts and minds and gives us understanding through the guidance and power of His Spirit and his Holy Word. At times, we are not even able to understand the motives of our own heart. Only God knows: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:9-10. The things of the Spirit are never-ending; beyond our human comprehension, and they are impossible to understand ... logically.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 14

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim 3:16-17

On the basis of this truth, all of God's word is Truth including all of the law and all of Paul's letters and therefore, context is the key. In the context of the "gospel of salvation by grace through faith" the 613 Mosaic laws including the Sabbaths and feast days are weak and beggarly when added to the Gospel of Christ unto salvation and righteousness. This is about context and does not change that all of God's Word including the Old Testament which remains forever God’s eternal Truth.

But Living out the Old Testament laws has nothing to do with our salvation or our righteousness as born again believers. That thinking is out of context with the Gospel. We have a new Gospel and a new covenant. It is now, natural for us in the Spirit to not want to do the things of the flesh as born again believers because: "the old things have passed away and new things have come"


"For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

We cannot live out the law ... the Love of Christ is the answer to any and all other commandments. Only His Spirit and His Word can result in His Righteousness coming alive within each of us. Any Good works that we might gain credit for are a result of what the Savior did for us at Calvary.

God Bless you my friends, Bob

Another Gospel

I marvel that you are so soon removed
from Him that called you into the grace of Christ,

to Another Gospel.

... but there be some that trouble you,
and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

But though we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel to you
than that which we have preached to you,
let him be accursed.


As we said before, so say I now again,
if any man preach any other gospel to you
than that you have received,
let him be accursed. Galatians 1:6-9


Here is the problem we face today: Religions have corrupted the Truth of God.
Thousands of religions and denominations are teaching Another Gospel.


Have you been misguided by Religions created by men; or is your belief system centered in the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Paul confronted this problem nineteen hundred years ago, and the deception has now grown to thousands of potentially false religions and hundreds of deceptive denominations. These other gospels keep followers busy following man-made rules, rites, rituals, and false teachings. But the Truth, according to the Gospel of Christ is that men can do NOTHING in order to be worthy of salvation, and eternal life. It is the free gift of God: “that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16


These teachers of another gospel were challenging the truth of Paul’s teaching and so first, he clarifies his apostleship to the gentiles, and points out that he was called directly by Jesus Christ; transformed by the renewing of his mind; and then sent out by Christ to proclaim the gospel. This was his ministry to the lost gentiles. Paul had a divine appointment and was not merely a teacher appointed by men, and he was not stating his personal opinions. Christ was speaking through Him. Paul was carrying out the mission Christ had given him.

Paul then explains in verses 6-9 that men were preaching another gospel and he made it clear that if any man was preaching a gospel contrary to salvation by grace alone … let him be accursed. This false teaching was a step backwards into the false teaching that Christ has delivered us from; and even some of the church leaders including Peter were being influenced.

For emphasis, Paul repeats: let him be accursed. The Greek word anathema used here for accursed means: estrangement from Christ and His salvation, and being given over to a divine condemnation. To take the stand Paul took back then would be like standing up in church and telling those who are perverting the Truth of Christianity: you are anti-Christ; or you are teaching doctrines of demons. Can you imagine the reaction a Christian would get in response to those words today?

So much for the left's call for tolerance and political correctness.

Now can you understand why those promoting another gospel in today's world ...
would also be so totally devoted to the doctrines of tolerance and political correctness?

We should always be respectful and loving to others and support everyone's right to freedom of religion ... but all religions are not truth, and are surely not equal, and false Christianity absolutely deserves: NO RESPECT or tolerance.


Don’t be confused here though. Once a person believes on the name of the Son of God, he may "know" that he has eternal life. This salvation is past tense. The danger is for someone to believe on the gospel of Christ … and then add any other conditions. "and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Galatians 2:20-21

For Jewish Christians this meant adding circumcision. A common teaching of men today would be that a Christian would need to believe in Jesus ... plus also follow the Ten Commandments in order to receive eternal life. This is also another gospel. The Ten Commandments are God's eternal truth and we are to follow them to become the righteousness of Christ in Him; but they are not conditions to salvation.
The point is that Jesus death on the cross releases us from the curse of the law. To add any part of the law to the good news is the same as adding circumcision to the gospel. Let that man be accursed.

Well, does this mean that I am saying we don't need to follow the Ten Commandments? Never! 

That would be the path of a hypocrite. For one to follow that path diminishes the mission, and witness that Christ has given each of us.

For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God. For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:20-21


What was different about this other gospel? They were teaching that in order to be a true believer, the new gentile converts needed to be circumcised. Now how does this translate to our society today? Answer: in a thousand different ways. Some say you must go to church on Sunday to be saved, and others might say Saturday. Some give testimony of another prophet or an angel. Others believe you must continually be forgiven of your sins by their minister or priest. Others teach that you must be a member of a certain denomination, and agree to religiously follow their teachings. Others may say we just practice loving other people. Some say you must be baptized to be saved. It really doesn’t matter what new condition a religion or denomination adds to their belief system … according to Paul they are all the same when they do it: accursed.

Paul pointed out that we are justified through faith in Jesus Christ and not by works of the law. Adding any works of the law changed the gospel of grace since by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live to God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Galatians 2:18-20

A key point that many believers have yet to understand is that when we trusted Christ as Savior … at that moment, we are one with him eternally. We are saved eternally. He sacrifice has paid the price for our sins. We are forgiven. It is finished. We are still here in our earthly bodies but He is now living through us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We are justified on the basis of his payment for our sins ... past, present, and future for eternity.
Nothing can ever separate us from His Love. He bought us for an enormous price at Calvary.

This Truth is clarified further here:
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Hebrews 6:17-19

God Bless you my friends, Bob
Talavera.bob@gmail.com

Core Values 2

Then said Jesus
to those Jews which believed on him,

if you continue in my word,
then are you my disciples indeed;


and you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32

A Christian Worldview


A couple of days ago I got a call from an out of town visiting friend asking me if I would like to join him for a free round of golf. I explained that I don’t play golf much anymore and my game has suffered greatly; but the chance to spend the day with him, and talk all about the good old days would be a thrill for me.

We had a great time, and I actually hit a few good shots. For the most part we talked about basically everything except Christianity. My friend has made it clear that he is Jewish and has no desire to discuss religion. I am sensitive to this; but after a couple of hours he began talking about Palm Desert and retiring here. I told my friend that we are planning to move back to Orange County. Why would you do that he asked … just when I am planning on retiring here. I explained we want to be close to our family, and then I explained that I can’t find a church here that I am encouraged about.

He asked; “well aren’t there a lot of Christian churches here?” And I replied; “yes, but most of them are committed to teaching that I can't help but find exception with. Personally, I would rather listen to sound teaching online; but we miss the fellowship with other like-minded Christians here.” He then asked; “what is the difference?” I then explained that many of the churches were following a seeker friendly, or Saddleback Church model. My friend lives a few miles from Saddleback Church and this talk raised his curiosity, and he asked me to explain.

I simply said; “you are a conservative, how would you describe Arnold Swartzenneger?” “He is a liberal was his quick reply.” “Yes I said; but worse yet, he pretended to be a conservative to get elected ... and this is the same problem that has infected the church.” “They have dumbed the teaching down to be politically correct and tolerant and the result is like a Swartzenegger.” My friend clearly understood.

Next I explained; “The new gimmick is called the emerging church which they are also calling the new reformation.” The idea is that believers are divided over men’s various religions and views; and that now they think we can solve all of the world’s major problems by bringing the religions together around good principles that good people can all agree upon.”

“That will never happen,” my friend quickly replied. “And more importantly, it is contrary to the clear teachings of Christianity,” I said.

Nowhere in the Bible are we instructed to join together with false religions, and nowhere in the Bible are Christians encouraged to replace the gospel of salvation with a ministry of solving all of the major problems of the world. The mission Jesus gave all Christians is clear and simple.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, all power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you: and, see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

This was as far as we talked about religion but I clearly made a point with my friend. All Christians do not believe the same, and I reinforced a point he already knew; I have very little tolerance for hypocrisy, regardless of the good intentions. But don’t these churches have good intentions, you ask? Well I imagine they do but they have allowed the teachings of men and their religions to become more important than God’s eternal truth, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. A totally worthy goal for a politician can easily be the worst kind of hypocrisy for a Christian and especially a teacher or pastor of others.

So what should the worldview of Christians be? What should be the most important things that Christians should be focused upon? That is why I intend to spend the majority of this year on core values. These are truths Jesus and His Holy Word teach us that are not negotiable. If we believe the truth that God is the Word; and the Word is Truth; and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us then you understand three core values.

Now our Lord and Savior has given us a promise: This is also a primary core value that I will focus on here briefly. It is foretold in the Old Testament and promised again in the New Testament.

What is it; you ask?

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

God will Rapture all believers in Christ.

This is a most important Truth that is at the heart of a Biblical Christian Worldview. It is a Core Value... Christians need to be reminded of it continually so that they are better able to keep their thinking and priorities in context. Our life here is only a momentary stop on an eternal journey as children of the Creator of the universe. He has a mission for each of us while we are here, these are core values.

Be honest about this. When was the last time you heard teaching in your church about the rapture or the mission Christ has for you here on earth? Well that explains my frustration with organized religion.

Some would have us think that we need to have a new reformation, and that Protestants and Catholics, and many other false beliefs should join together for the good of all. That is heresy. This would only work if all converted to become followers of Christ and humbled their religions to the Truth of God’s Word. And that will never happen, as my agnostic Jewish friend stated. But, there is one key exception to my friend’s statement, that God's Word makes clear.

“For it is written; As I live, said the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:11

Let’s talk briefly about the Rapture.

The Rapture is a moment in time when the Church (The Body of Christ) will be instantly removed or transported from the earth to heaven sometime before the Great Tribulation is brought upon the earth.


Why is it important for Christians to have an understanding of and strong belief that Jesus will rapture the church? When you have an understanding of the rapture and believe that it will and can happen at any moment, everything of this world is humbled to the context of this coming reality. This anticipation should enter every area of life. Even death is humbled to this teaching. Those who don’t believe in Christ or the Truth of His Words think it is foolish; and therefore Christians will have a foolish and ineffective witness if they do not believe.


You are called to share the gospel. Your witness would greatly lose its power without understanding and faith here.


The Rapture of The Church will be the next big event on God's Calendar? Those who have not believed on Jesus Christ and been born again spiritually ... will be left behind. Therefore, those of us who have Christ’s love for others in our heart would surely want for all to know the Truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and to be saved, rather than lost.

Some would say ... how can you be so sure? I say, how can we be born again and not be sure. Either Jesus Christ is the Truth or He lied. If he lied, my faith is destroyed, plain and simple. Jesus is eternal Truth and therefore can never lie. Everything he teaches is Truth. Eternal Truth is never changing.

The Rapture will include all living Christians regardless of their spiritual temperament. The test on whether a believer will be raptured is not in the believer’s present behavior ... it is solely in the finished work of the Savior at the cross. It is not one's spiritual condition ... but their spiritual position in Christ that assures their inclusion in the rapture of the Church.

When was the last time you shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with an unbeliever? There may be only one person or a thousand that God wants to speak to through you. Sometimes the conversation comes easy and at other times, there could be a closed mind, like my friend. But God spoke to my friend while we were golfing; make no mistake about that. Without my unwavering conviction and stand against false teaching and hypocrisy, my words would have had no credibility with him whatsoever.

Jesus Christ is coming! The Rapture of the Church will happen in the twinkling of an eye. This truth is critical when sharing the gospel to the world in which we live with a greater sense of urgency. Biblical Christians are not here to focus on the cares of the world, we are here as ambassadors for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation, and the two different sets of priorities will always conflict with one another. We are to: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2.

We are to abide above.


When will the rapture happen? It is imminent. This means it could happen at any moment. Everything that needs to occur prior to the Rapture of the church has already occurred.

Who will be caught up in the Rapture? First the dead in Christ, and then the living in Christ will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. These believers are the church. This church is not subject to the various organized religions and their teachings. All religions are subject to Christ and His Word.

Who will be left behind? All who rejected the gospel of Jesus Christ.

So what are we Christians to do now until the Rapture occurs?

“You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep; sleep in the night; and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.”
1 Thessalonians 5:5-10

First we must understand who we are. As children of light, we must know God’s Truth. We are not of this world or "the night." We must not be asleep regarding the gospel and his imminent Rapture of the church.

“The word rapture is an old English word which means to be caught away. The word itself is not in our King James Bible, but the definition of the word is there. “and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain SHALL BE CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds”

To fall asleep to this promise, leads to apathy, which compromises our faith, and our witness. Disillusionment sets in as we focus on the affairs of the world and strive for personal accomplishment. The Doctrine of the Rapture sets our mind on the things above and helps reorders our priorities.

The question we must all answer is this: Do you want to be characterized by the deeds of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit? The Rapture of the church is not just a minor doctrine. It is at the heart of a Christian’s belief system. If proven untrue, my faith would be destroyed. When we allow for our focus to drift … unconsciously our priorities easily become compromised and our faith weakened. The next thing you know, one is following a well-meaning … but a doctrine of demons, nonetheless.

Is your mind set on the things of the world or on the things above? The rapture is our supernatural entry into the eternal things above. For now our mind is to be transformed by renewing it with God’s Truth by the power and leading of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.

God bless you my friends, Bob

Reference: College of the Open Bible; Dr. Arthur Belanger

A Spiritual Dilemma

Then said Jesus
to those Jews which believed on him,

if you continue in my word,
then are you my disciples indeed;


and you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32



LEGALISM OR HYPOCRISY?


FREEDOM: THE PROMISE IN THE VERSE ABOVE … How can I follow Christ and still do all of the things I want to do?
Well if you become transformed by a renewed mind: your values, desires, feeling, priorities, friends, and goals and plans will surely change.
This is the dilemma we are faced with when we decide to follow Christ as our Lord and Savior.


I wanted to pause here in the middle my previous post on Core Values … lest some might be concerned that I am in danger of falling into legalism. Whenever we work at becoming disciplined, we are in danger of becoming legalistic.

So what is the better way … hypocrisy? That is the path often taken by many professing Christians.

Being transformed is being faithful to the one who died on the cross for me. I choose neither legalism or hypocrisy …

I chose Christ … eternally; just as he chose me. It is finished.

And He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
2 Corinthians 5:15


This is not a new dilemma as Paul clarifies here:
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Romans 6:1-2

For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. Romans 7:15


Don't be confused here. Salvation and discipleship are two different questions. One is about being born again, and the other is about growing in the Spirit. Although many try, no man has ever been good enough to be saved on his own. Our eternal justification comes as a result of Christ's death on the cross for us, not on the basis of our works or good deeds. But we are born again to do good works. This is why Christ came to earth. This salvation is by His grace, it is a free gift ... there is nothing we can do to increase or improve it ... and we can never lose it.

Jesus said "it is finished" on the cross, and He meant it. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.
His sacrifice for us is the anchor of our soul. We are heirs to his promise and it is impossible for Him to lie.
Our sins past, present, and future were forgiven the day we received Him as our eternal Savior.


The freedom Jesus promises above ... comes to those who believe on Him, and those who continue in His Word. These are conditions. Then, you are His disciples and then you have His freedom. What freedom, you ask ... the freedom to know the eternal Truth. And to be His Ambassador and minister of reconciliation. What could possibly be more valuable than that. The Creator of all things has given each of us a mission. Teaching or living otherwise is hypocrisy. And I am afraid this hypocrisy includes many of today’s most widely followed religions and Christian leaders.


Are millions of committed believers worldwide following false or heretical teachers? You tell me.
Many would say; "we are not to question our church." The Truth is to the contrary.
We are encouraged to be Bereans and to test our teachers by the Truth.
Have you carefully considered the doctrines being taught in your church?


I have visited supposedly the biggest and most successful churches in the world.
Are they really leading their followers in the way of Christ, or in the ways of men?
Every Christian and every church should be asking this question continually.

Would Christ praise your church? Then you should be on your knees with thanksgiving daily.
If not, then you should be on your knees praying for direction from the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.
We should be both challenging and encouraging our leaders.

Okay now, back to Core Values. How do we become transformed by the renewing of our minds without becoming legalistic? First, Jesus teaches us we must all be born again. I realize this sounds elementary to some, but it is the first step. I'll never forget the woman named Terry who had been faithfully attending her church for over thirty years who asked me; "why hasn't my church ever explained this to me?" as I read the Words of Jesus where He explains to Nicodemus that we must be born again.

Next, please note ... all those with other beliefs, religions, philosophies, and corruptions of Christianity are lost for eternity without Christ … condemned to hell.

We cannot mix these other beliefs with Christianity without being a hypocrite and promoting false religion.
Men's ideas have no bearing on the eternal Truth. We can understand it, but we can never alter it.

This is Truth ... stop twisting the truth. Does this bother you?

Why do you think Americans are so confused ... lies and manipulations have become commonplace.
Men's opinions are accepted in place of God's Word and guide one's life.
Here is an example: recently a Christian told me;
"I don't know how you can be a Christian without believing the teachings of environmentalism."

And our politicians seldom seem to stop to utter the truth. They just make it up.


Oops … I know some of you will say (including some who are Christians) that I am being legalistic and judgmental, that I lack tolerance.


Well, can you please explain these words of Christ to me.

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said to him, truly, truly, I say to you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, truly, truly, I say to you, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said to you; you must be born again.” John 3:1-7

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:16-18

Now Jesus was speaking here to a religious leader of His chosen people, and he is telling him that he knows nothing about spiritual things. He is lost. The blind leading the blind. Where does that leave those who are not Jews, and those following other gods? How can Christians stand on this Truth, and then in the next moment reject it? Now, do you still think my statement is judgmental? Well no ... you might say? Jesus says; “we must be born again, and that he that believes not is condemned already” and therefore ... I am not being judgmental … right?

Then why is this not being taught in many churches? I could give you ten pathetic examples of world renowned Christians trying to blend in with the teachings of the world and be tolerant. This Truth was the first thing Jesus told the first religious leader that came to Him for counsel. Well these words are not politically correct. We need to be tolerant, you say? But I ask you; “is it “loving our neighbor” to not tell him the truth ... to smile and say nothing, as he accepts teachings that lead to hell? Is it “loving our neighbor” to not question another’s false religion? Is it "loving our neighbors" to give a man food or medical care without explaining the gospel because we don't want to make waves? Is it “loving our neighbor” to not confront heresy or false teachings ... and to sit quietly in church and allow others to be led astray, by Christian pastors?

Is it loving our neighbors to remain silent as a million babies a year are legally murdered in America?
Why don't Christians have as much compassion for unborn babies as PETA has for chickens or pigs?


How can one become free if he is a slave to the teachings of the Bible you might ask? Isn't this a form of bondage? A slave to a life of sin is never free. True freedom is a victory over one’s pride and lusts … the ability to Abide Above here and now provides victory over all things through Christ who gives us strength.

Those who accept Christ and then go on about their lives ignoring God’s revealed Truth are hypocrites, and a disgrace the cause of Christ.
Merely attending a church on Sunday will not change this reality.

Responsibleness is a key to freedom. Legalism is trying to hold others accountable to your beliefs. Legalism is strict conformity to the letter of the law rather than the Spirit. God's way of love is different than legalism.

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law. For this, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, You shall not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Love works no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8-10



When we are eternally in heaven with Christ, there will be no evil, no sin, and no lies … there will only be life, truth, goodness, peace, joy, and love. We also are told that for the remainder of our life here on earth that the love of Christ is to control us; we are new; that the old ways have passed away, and new ways have come; we are to be ambassadors for Christ with a ministry of reconciliation; “He has made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-21.

That’s too hard for me you say? No problem, Jesus has an answer for that challenge too.

If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you. John 15:15-17

You are free to choose … who will be the god of your life; you or Christ?
True freedom is a victory over one’s pride and lusts … the ability to Abide Above here and now. He provides the victory ---
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Abide Above

Peace and Joy to you my friends, Bob

Core Values

Then said Jesus
to those Jews which believed on him,

If you continue in my word,
then are you my disciples indeed;


And you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:31-32



What are your Core Values?

Who are you at your core?

Yesterday, I read an article describing President Obama as: “a man of peerless eloquence … who if re-elected, will be recapitalized; and what he has already done will become entrenched and made irreversible.”

Although I think much of that is absurd, I guess what the writer is saying is that Obama’s political capital would be reconfirmed, and that he then would have a mandate to do whatever he decides is best for all of us; regardless of the truth, regardless of the constitution, and regardless of that which is actually best for us all. Now the little of that which is true … is truly frightening.

The ignorant majority vote on the basis of false promises, and all suffer the consequences of their foolishness.

“He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20

When President Obama was elected three years ago, many people had an excuse … they really didn’t know who he was or what he stood for.
Hope and change sounded good but actually this catchy slogan could mean just about anything. But they can’t claim that once again.

Now ... we all know what Obama stands for. His appointments and his actions have made that perfectly clear.

We must consider his actions rather than his words. For example, does Obama care about putting Americans back to work? His rejection of the Canadian pipeline clearly says: NO. He cares much more about the views of the environmentalists and the donations of his union supporters.

Actions speak louder than words.

President Obama’s core values are apparent to all. His decisions are filtered through the doctrines of union leaders, environmentalism, Marxism, socialism, and many other views that are contrary to the teachings of God’s Word.

Unless we take a stand ...
these opposing views will become our children's and grand-children's core values ...
and will to a large degree … rule their lives.

If those in power were to have their way; I am convinced that in the near future,
it will be against the law if one does not follow their doctrines of tolerance and political correctness.
To use an incandescent light-bulb; or to own an unregistered gun will be a crime.
The future will most likely regulate eating, parental, and birth control rights.

This is why it is so important to understand what a leader believes. Extreme views bring extreme results.
The fact that someone claims to be a Christian could mean many things … many of which are the opposite of what the Bible teaches.
God wants us now more than ever, to look into his word for guidance. Our leaders are lost … we cannot look to them.

The idea of the liberal view of religious tolerance is a perfect example. Liberals would somehow define religious tolerance as a rule to give validation to all religious beliefs; rather than simply having tolerance for everyone’s right to believe or practice whatever religion or philosophy they choose.

On the one hand, I can have tolerance for a religion that rejects Jesus Christ and believes otherwise; but at the same time, I have no tolerance for those calling clearly anti-Christian beliefs: Christianity. Liberals of course have no tolerance whatsoever for those of us that reject their definition of tolerance as babble and hypocrisy.

In response to this liberal foolishness I ask ...
Should Jews be tolerant to Muslims calling themselves Jews or visa verse?
Should Christians be tolerant of Atheists calling themselves Christians?
I know this sounds crazy but some are now calling themselves Christian atheists.
We should be true to our beliefs.
We cannot say we are a Christian and believe in evolution without being a hypocrite.

What are your Core Values?

So let’s get to the point.
What should a true Christian’s Core Values be?
What values should we use to measure first ourselves ...
and then those who teach our children,
and lead our churches, as well as our political leaders?

Our options in the coming presidential election are clearly lacking.
But in any event, we should all be considering each persons core values as we search for the one most qualified.

Question: As a true Christian, what should your Core Values be?

Answer: Only God’s Word can truly answer this question. God’s Truth is true regardless of our beliefs, feelings, or religious training. We are all qualified to look into God’s Word and listen to the Holy Spirit. And we are all free to our opinions, but our feelings and personal opinions are of minimal importance when compared to God’s eternal Word.

The Truths listed below are meant to be a list of key verses that all true Christians should know and stand upon. Though clearly not complete, this list can be used as a chain reference to explain what you believe, and why you believe it. In the coming months, I will use these verses one by one as topics for future individual blog posts. Here are the Core Values that the Holy Spirit and God’s Word have led me to present to you:
1. We have the Truth! Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth. John 17:17 God’s Word is used to sanctify us, to purify us, to consecrate us. God’s Word is Holy. We are to be sanctified or set us apart for sacred use. As Christians, His Word is our basis that everything we believe and our beliefs must be measured up against the eternal truth. God’s eternal Truth is our source of all knowledge, wisdom and understanding. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. God is all, God created all! In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:1-4
3. The Evil one is clever and present! Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, Yes, has God said, You shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Genesis 3:1
4. Lust and Pride! And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also to her husband with her; and he did eat.
5. The fall and the Curse! To the woman God said, I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in sorrow you shall bring forth children; and your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you. And to Adam he said, Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, You shall not eat of it: cursed is the ground for your sake; in sorrow shall you eat of it all the days of your life; Genesis 3:16-17
6. The Covenant! And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be you perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. Neither shall your name any more be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made you. I will make you exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come out of you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you, and to your seed after you.
7. The Law! And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the LORD your God … You shall have no other gods before me … You shall not make to you any graven image … You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; … Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy …Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long … You shall not kill … You shall not commit adultery … You shall not steal … You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor … You shall not covet any thing that is your neighbor's.
8. Visions, Dreams, Angels! Yes, while I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give you skill and understanding. At the beginning of your supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show you; for you are greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. Daniel 9:21-23
9. The Coming King! Yet have I set my king on my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD has said to me, You are my Son; this day have I begotten you. Ask of me, and I shall give you the heathen for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.
Psalms 2: 6-8
10. The Prince of Peace! For to us a child is born, to us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from now on even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it has lighted on Israel.
11. The Miracle Birth! behold, the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, you son of David, fear not to take to you Mary your wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:20-23
12. The Living Truth! And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
13. We Must Be Born Again! Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3.
14. His Sacrifice for Men! And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:14-17
15. Only One Way To Heaven! He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:18
16. Miraculous Healings! And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years … Jesus said to him, Rise, take up your bed, and walk. John 5:5-8. And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. John 6:2
17. Jesus and God Are One! Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. John 5:18
18. The Promise Of Christ! Truly, truly, I say to you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death to life. John 5:24
19. Eternal Life! Truly, truly, I say to you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. John 5:25
20. Hypocrites Condemned! Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And you will not come to me, that you might have life. I receive not honor from men. But I know you, that you have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father's name, and you receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive. John 5:39-43

These coming months are going to be fun for me.
There are clearly thousands of verses that could be added. I am listing verses that focus on important Bible teachings that explain God’s plan for our lives here and in eternity. This list is to be used as a reference. Many more could be included. I am now only at the beginning of the New Testament and part 2 of this core values list will follow. Don’t hesitate to email me your favorites for addition to the list.

God bless you my friends, Bob

Be An Encourager

If you then be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above,
where Christ sits on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above,
not on things on the earth.

For you are dead,
and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3




Are you feeling down? Then you only need to think up!

I must admit … this past month has been most discouraging for me. My answer to these feelings was to study the things of Heaven, God’s Word, and the miracles of Christ. He lifted me up. This is the only way that we can defeat the devil’s plan of discouragement.

Abide Above.

Praise God ... my encouragement has been restored.

Most will agree that these are discouraging times. There is so much going on all around us that will bring us down, if we allow it.
The news coming in from all directions is one big downer.

But is that really true? No, No, NO! That is the lie that our enemy wants us to us focus on. That’s it: keep us focused on the news of the day … this is always his strategy to bring us down. His plan is to rob us of our peace, our joy, and our encouragement. But, to the contrary, there is also good news … that never ends!!!

So, what are we Americans to do, if we are to win against our enemy?

Think about it.
How do others react to a person who is an encourager in times of discouragement?

Well that’s easy; don’t you think?
People are naturally drawn to those who lift them up when they are down.

When their mind is focused on their problems which appear to be hopeless, they are brought down further, and they become negative.

On the other hand, everyone wants to see the light in the darkness.

Everyone wants to be encouraged.

People are drawn to encouraging words like a magnet.

That is the news for our politicians who are looking for the way to rally the people around them.

When you are an encourager, you give others hope, you give others courage to stand against the problems of the day.

The people want to rally around the good, the clean, the pure, the powerful, and the positive message of an encouraging leader.

But they don’t want false promises from a phony politician.

So, why can’t these politicians seem to capture the minds of the people, the way Churchill did; or Reagan did; or Obama did, three years ago? Why can’t people today unite and stand behind one person and move forward to victory for America? There is a big difference between false hopes (hope and change) and the eternal truth. And the people are wary of lies and political rhetoric.

When a leader puts a positive spin on a message that lacks substance ... to support his words, this will not work the second time around, with intelligent people … not after three years of lies and manipulations. The people want substance.
So the question today is: what are we Christians to do if we are to win against our enemies and be the encouragers God wants us to be?

Abide Above!

So … how do we Abide Above?

First we must seek those things which are Above, and set our affection on those things that are Above … not on the things of the earth.

This can only be found in God’s Word and accomplished through the leading of the Holy Spirit.

This is confusing because most of us don’t have any idea regarding those things which are above, from a human perspective.
And our natural tendency is to approach everything from a natural or human perspective rather than spiritual.

So as a result, what are we most likely to do?
We focus on the things of the earth. We are likely to turn on the TV; or go surfing on Facebook.

This past month, I have been reading a book about heaven. I have learned much that I never knew about the things of heaven.

This is how we seek those things which are above. We read about what God’s Word says about them, we meditate on these things, we pray about them, and we set our affection on those things; rather than the things of the world.

The world would convince us of the opposite; that we need to buy things we cannot afford, with money we do not have. Then, we will have something to get stressed out over, and to worry about.

Where is your mind focused, most of the time?
Would you like to be encouraged?
Would you like to be an encourager to everyone that you come into contact with?

That’s easy … change your focus.

Let your mind dwell on these things:
whatever is true …
whatever is honorable …
whatever is right …
whatever is pure …
whatever is lovely …
whatever is of good repute …
if there is any excellence …
and if anything worthy of praise …
dwell on these things …
the things you have learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me …
practice these things …
and the God of peace will be with you.

This is it my friends: Abide Above!

All of these the things are from above.

When you meditate on these things or let your mind dwell or focus on these things … you will be encouraged, and then you will be an encourager, and a source of encouragement to everyone you come into contact with.

Others will be drawn to you like a magnet. Why?
God’s Grace, Hope, Peace and Joy are what everyone wants and needs.

Christ and His Word and the things above are one and the same. If we want to seek those things which are above, we must meditate, focus, and set our affections on Christ and His Word, not on the things or problems of this world.

For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
This is where we find hope and change and encouragement.
Meditate on the good news of Christ.

 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle [spirit] be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

Everything else is dissipation.

God bless you my friends, Bob
Recommended reading: Heaven by Randy Alcorn