Written in honor of Martin Luther’s Reformation. Saved by Grace.

In our current time, Cinderella didn’t just lose her slipper. She lost her sense of self by blending into the sunset of liberal identities. Transgender, homosexuality and furries are living in a fairytale, not fit for children to read. How far is this culture going to wander before it collapses. Sin is crumbling minds and causing people to crawl like insane critters. While we might think this is a new sin under the sun; check out the following Scriptures. Carnality has been falling into these confused pits of perception long ago. 

And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles’ feathers, and his nails like birds’ claws. Daniel 4:32-33

And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. Genesis 19:5

The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 22:5

God Waits

Why be surprised? The sinful nature can’t stop bucking against God’s righteousness. If left unsaved and unsanctified, we would all be untrained and end up using litter boxes. Why? Without God’s intervention, the carnal heart is hard as a hoof and unable to hear the Word. Roaming outside the Highway of Holiness, the feral horse inside rebels and resists the reins of the Spirit. Sinful nature can only wander into corrals of carnality, where corruption circles. Creating a worn out track, the devil takes advantage a person’s weak areas. With full liberty he swings a lasso and drags his victims through the dust. As the ride with sin gets rough and carries on too long, the soul screams in desperation. By the grace of God His gift of repentance is granted and opens the heart’s gate. The Savior’s arm releases sin’s grip and offers the remorseful soul a rope of escape. 

Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope. Isaiah 5:18

It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them in My arms, but they never realized that it was I who healed them. I led them with cords of kindness, with ropes of love; I lifted the yoke from their necks and bent down to feed them. Will they not return to the land of Egypt and be ruled by Assyria because they refused to repent? Hosea 11:3-5 (Berean Standard Version)

I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them. Hosea 11:4 (New International Version)

Giddy Up and Get Out

With most fleshly lusts, sin early on might elevate endorphins. Galloping in ungodliness gives a rush of giddiness but eventually throws its riders into displeasure. Sitting in disgusting ditches, painfully wounded, isn’t God’s plan. The requirement for changing this course or direction is the gift of grace.

What’s in this gift called grace? Repentance and belief. Repentance cuts the reins free from sin and Satan’s hands, and belief in Jesus brings the bridle into Christ’s control. This event cancels carnality and gives every believer a sound mind. Therefore, sinful habits have lost jurisdiction. Why then you may ask, are sincere followers of the Lord still lingering in the carnage corral? Certainly something is missing or messing up this message of grace.

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? Romans 6:1

Lack of Grace or a Little Bit of Law

The Gospel can be easily trodden by humans, burying truth into a mucky path. Some people might not even be aware; for they hear enough grace in a teaching to believe it’s untainted.  While fire and brimstone messages are easily detected, some pulpits pound in law so softly they keep liberty out and self-effort in. It should be no surprise when believers are stuck in sinful habits and never grow in grace. 

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Galatians 3:1-2

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

Can tampering with the Gospel’s purity really hamper the Spirit’s power and progress in a believer’s life? Absolutely. Growth happens in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Period. So, be careful, when you hear messages other than this motivating your motor to rev up and engage in good works.  It is subtle but manipulates the carnal mind. Brainwashing isn’t just for terrorists! Check the oil under your hood. Is it filtered with something other like fear? Why do you do the things you do? Fear of failing God, missing His blessings, disappointing leadership, looking bad, rejection, being misunderstood or judged? If it isn’t a fruit naturally growing in grace, the wrong bit has been placed into your mouth. However, before you develop an attitude that the law is something bad, learn what it is. Actually, the law is very good. It is God’s Word too. Please stay with me and let this not confuse you.

Why the Law?

So why have the law in the first place? Acting as mirror, the Ten Commandments reveal God’s perfect love and mankind’s imperfect condition. Sin is a serious matter, separating people eternally from the Father. Therefore, sin and sinful souls can’t co-exist with a perfect Father.

Because sin can’t generate goodness on his own, the law’s purpose is to reveal the need for help as well as lead unsaved souls to the Savior. To make it brief, the law is actually for unbelievers, my dear reader. Once saved, the focus is to be on the Father’s Son who holds the inheritance of God’s Kingdom. But, be on guard…there are some ill-advised teachers who insist it is used to hammer perfection into their pupils.

And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables. Exodus 32:16

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. Romans 7:5

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

Back to the Corral of Carnality

Instead, of helping their followers, mishandling its use only returns souls to the corral of carnality. Here they begin devising their own workbooks, check lists, committees, action plans to become better, find freedom and keep sin at bay.  Carefully following certain steps written up by man, people buy books, attend seminars and conferences to be closer to God. However, this approach too often falls into the intelligence; propelling the carnal mind into exercising human strength. It’s a fine line even when Scripture highlights the page. Forgetting and forsaking the Spirit’s lead, failure to grow in faith occurs and people keep sucking milk rather than eating meat. Immature babies sit in big people’s bodies before their pastors and leaders. I pen from personal experience. The result? 

Anytime God is pushed out of the pulpits onto a step by step guide, people remain malnourished. Starving sheep sometimes stay in these barren pastures out of obligation, guilt or erroneous messages. Again, I’m not here to bad mouth, but to help. Remember, I fell into the gymnastics of godly living too. This is why I speak so heavily against it. Here is one example. There’s No perfect church.

No Perfect Church But Where’s The Beef?

Pastors guilt sheep into staying with phrases such as don’t leave here because there is no perfect church. Yes, they are right. No such thing exists on earth. However, true sheep aren’t looking at other sheep’s dirty wool, a certain style or a perfect organization when they investigate the church. These reasons don’t cross their minds. They know the depravity of their own soul is as every other and aren’t holding high people expectations. Truth seekers are however searching and expecting their Savior to show up! He is the perfection who Sheep so desperately seek. 

Be honest, if the teaching is compromised, it will bear evidence in lives. Lukewarm churches are for Laodicea. Out of seven churches in Revelation, only two weren’t reprimanded. Christ alone must been preached at Smyrna and Philadelphia. The Holy Spirit who holds such riches and baptizes with fire must have been present.  No doubt the remnant always wants to remain where the true Christ is found.

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16

I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Revelation 2:9

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Revelation 3:7-8

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Luke 3:16

Sheep stay where they are fed well. They need meat rather than staying on a milk diet. Where’s the beef is not far from Paul’s teachings. Without Christ preached in purity, people perish. It is Jesus who will keep His flock gathering together. It may look different from today’s definition and tradition.

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. Hosea 4:6

As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock; Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. Ezekiel 34:8-10

So it is, here are starved sheep, hiding habitual sin under Sunday clothes but wearing religion’s best suit. Doesn’t anybody care? They are sitting in pews or chairs, chained to the dead carnage which Christ already freed! Certainly, Apostle Paul is calling us to revisit his epistles.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Hebrews 5:12

Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. Romans 7:24-25(English Standard Version)

Don’t Let Someone Do Your Homework

Before you let someone do your homework for you, study Scripture. Relying on spoon feedings from others, when Scripture is also to be personally studied, is dangerous. Sermons must affirm and confirm what the Spirit says in the Word. We gather to edify one another. Therefore, if preachers are off the path of grace, parishioners ought to know and alert them. Learn what the Mosaic law is meant for.  Misuse mixes legalism with grace. The result? The sinful nature is stirred up without the Savior in sight and side steps into human strength. Works interferes with salvation and sanctification as well. Sin, my friend, can choose to wear various costumes.

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1 John 2:27

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people. Hebrews 8:10

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. John 1:16-17

You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. Galatians 5:4(English Standard Version)

How Will You Know the Difference?

The Holy Spirit, through the written Scriptures, provides revelation of your Savior. In Him the fullness of the God Head dwells. Everything you need is in Him. Completely finished is the Father’s work in Christ Jesus. This includes the power to perform in and through you, whatever His will commands. If your focus comes off the Son of God, you fall into the works arena. Get back into the gate of grace! Spend time studying the Bible and become familiar with the Shepherd’s voice. As you are groomed in God’s Word, the inward witness will awaken, alert, warn and conform you.  Allow the Lord to lead and let Holy power burst open revelation and change! 

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Colossians 2:9

The Sword Operates

The Sword will shred off costumes, exposing shame of those openly opposing truth or posing as pretenders. May they be gifted to repent so they receive a change of clothing. You, however, stay in stride with the Spirit and He will shine light on error. He will operate with compassion. As the pruning begins, Jesus will snip off the ropes which dirty your robe by dragging you into dogma which begs adherence to religious rules. Freeing you up to rely on Holy Ghost power, the circle of sin is broken.

Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. Revelation 2:16

Therefore, those embarrassing habits you’ve been working on to no avail, neatly hiding under the covers of religiosity and hindering your walk with the Father, will drop to the wayside. One sign you are sitting under legalistic teaching is you are afraid to admit you are struggling. The Word doesn’t condemn, it convicts to remove obstacles and secretly works in new desires. Thus, you cooperate and are being conformed into God’s image. It is delightful to confess, repent and be free.

And yet, the moment the Almighty warrior is pouring His desires into your heart to mold you, Satan and his cohorts draw near. 

Demons Harass Weak Areas

Check inside and out to see if you are entertaining anyone else but Christ. In your mind, work, recreation, relationships, social media, doctrines and so on. Why? Because one foothold is all the enemy needs to slide into your temple.

Ignore devils who throw baited lies and the law into your face. These whispering accusations call you into depression. Demons delight in defeating you with oppressive feelings of inadequacy, guilt and condemnation. 

They also flock where flaunting sin shows up. Perhaps some women might take a look at their wardrobes a little closer. (Any cleavage showing?) Lust loves company and walks in and around temples with unclean shoes. Don’t roll out the welcome mat. Dusty, dry places are demons delight. 

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array. I Timothy 2:9

When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Matthew 12:43

On the flip side, the evil mirror may magnify your talents, looks and good deeds. Like little kids…look at me Heavenly Father and what I’m doing for you… is becoming a popular Facetime activity. 

Be aware of holding the two-sided mirror of shame or admiration. Both cause you to gaze at yourself. Gazing causes adoration. Long looks magnify and develop worship. Whether you are focused on faults or flattery; the glory is taken off of God and onto self. Don’t develop an evil eye. Before you have to pluck it out, turn back to the blood.

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. 1 Chronicles 29:11 (English Standard Version)

The blood speaks louder than bantering devils tempting the flesh. On the cross Jesus hung the sign of true freedom. He is the perfect law of love and liberty. Look to Him and let the demon mirror drop. Don’t pick it up ever again. (Never fret, when God sees what’s really under you’re clothing, He still accepts you and is working on delivering you!)

Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
 Ecclesiastes 9:8

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. Zechariah 3:1 (English Standard Version)

And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” Zechariah 3:5(English Standard Version)

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don’t just hear and forget. James 1:25 (Contemporary English Version)

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27

Believe in the Blood

When you’re redeemed by the blood, the gift of repentance returns you to the Father as the Word washes you clean. Yes, some habitual sin seems to linger long into the dark night, but God is forever waiting. Waiting for you to look at His Son, standing at freedom’s gate. He won’t barge into those corners or closets where dust ball sin collects. Not without your permission to clean them up. Why be held back and compromise the liberty the Lord has already purchased? Remind yourself of the cost. Cheating yourself of the intimacy with the Father isn’t worth pleasuring the flesh.  Also, ensure your heart only hears the truth, and your eyes only see your Savior. He will not only get you out of carnality’s corral but keep you in step with the Spirit.

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:2

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:14

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 (English Standard Version)

You have inherited victory. Victory isn’t just some valiant word, it is Jesus Christ. He is the gate of grace, where you enter the race wearing royal robes of righteousness, not costumes covering up shameful sin. 

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. Philippians 2:16

Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man. Isaiah 47:3

Final Remarks

So, before judging the costumes of wayward souls, check the clothing offered in your own church chairs.  Are you being robed in Christ’s righteousness or receiving filthy rags of good works?  Saving grace extends its works into sanctification as well. So let fruit be fruit and forget your part in making it grow. Your position is to keep peering upon God’s Son, pondering Him in the Word and praying to the Father in His name.  Surrender self-effort. It is the Spirit’s work to peel off those sins defaming your temple. Finally, don’t join the parades, put the rainbow back on God’s throne and pray for those who have lost sight of their birth certificates. Keep the litter boxes for real cats.

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. I Corinthians 3:10

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10

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. Isaiah 64:6

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16

(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Ephesians 5:9

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18