These Things are True of Every Real Christian – None are True of the Abuser

~ Jeff Crippen ~ 5 Comments

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. (Romans 8:1-9)

I trust that all of us who believe the Bible is the inerrant, authoritative Word of God will agree that this passage of Scripture describes several things that are true of EVERY Christian with no exception. Understanding this will set you free of many of the ploys of the enemy, and from those of his agents, abusers. Look for yourself in the text above and check it out. The Apostle Paul tells us that –

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Parable of the 10 Virgins – CRC Sunday Sermon

~ Jeff Crippen ~ Leave a comment

May 17, 2020

Pastoral Reading
Psalm 96:1-8

Opening Hymn
Psalm 96:9-13 (Psalter #96B)

In beautiful and holy robes bring worship to the Lord
All earth, before Him stand in awe; Proclaim, “The Lord is King!”
Controlled by Him, the world stands firm; His judgments justice bring.

Let heav’ns be glad and earth rejoice in vast expanse untold
Let seas speak out with endless roar, let fields and all they hold
Their glory give; let trees and woods with rustling boughs give praise.

Let all prepare to greet the Lord, because He coming is.
He surely comes to judge the earth. And righteousness is His.
He’ll nations judge with faithfulness, the world with justice bless.

Prayer
Focus this week: Joey Childers, age 14

Congregational Hymns
One There is Above All Others (Trinity #186)
It is Well With my Soul (Trinity #691)

Offering Hymn
My Soul Finds Rest (HMA #92)

Scripture Reading
Matthew 13:18-30

Preaching the Word
The Parable of the 10 Virgins – Matthew 25:1-13

Closing Hymn
Keep Watching and be Ready (CRC Hymnal #12)

(links to hymns and the sermon are in blue font)

The Dangers of being Drawn off Mission – Read this Article by Sam Powell

~ Jeff Crippen ~ Leave a comment

Sam Powell has written a blog post that is important for us all to read. He has been pressured more than once (as have I) by adherents of various schools of conspiracy claims to read a littany of articles on the subject and, essentially, join the team and focus on warning others about various secretive conspiracies.  But our role as pastors requires us to stay on target and not get sidetracked from our mission, which is to preach the gospel of Christ and teach His people His Word.

In my opinion, these kinds of rabbit trails are what Paul warned Timothy about:

1 Timothy 1:3-5 ESV  As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine,  (4)  nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.  (5)  The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

You will understand more when you read Sam’s article since he does such a great job stating the issues.  Here is the link to his post:

Abuse and Conspiracy Theories

Thank you Pastor Powell!