UCJ, Author at United In Christ Jesus

Church! No Way! You Are All Hypocrites!!!!!

Of all the arguments heard about not attending church the title, “Church! No Way! You are all hypocrites!” I think is the one I have heard most at least some form of that statement. A majority of the time, when I hear that excuse, it is merely an attempt to deflect the gospel conversation I am engaged in. But, what is vitally important is to remember and understand there are many who genuinely have this view from personal experiences.

Today, in the western church, I think we are seeing the result of this accusation in the number of people who said they grew up in the church but no longer attend. Likewise, I also believe, we in the church are quick to dismiss this accusation of hypocrisy. Instead of getting the context and understanding we can become quick to think the other individual is only out for an argument or to become divisive. While I agree we should always direct people to Christ Jesus being the head of the church and he is our example. I also know, from Scripture, we are to be the example and represent Christ accurately; as much as we can. Look at the following section from 1 Corinthians 1.

10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you.
12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.”
13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
(1 Corinthians 1:10–13)

Just a few verses before Paul is given such a commendation to the church at Corinth. He description is such, I think a vast majority of churches would like to be spoken of similarly. The immediately Paul starts in his bringing to light all that is occurring and how it is not keeping in step with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. This loving rebuke/reproof happens throughout until the end of chapter 15. How could such a church, gifted as it was, have such devastating issues? Issues which eventually led to it no longer being in existence.

A question I like to ask believers is this, “if a new Christian or an unbeliever was to come up to you and ask what is Christianity really like; could you answer, ‘Watch me!'”? Here is a short video (Here) by D A Carson that puts this question front and center. Its called, “Watch me!” and it is very to the point of the topic. If you cannot answer a person to watch you when they want to know what Christianity is like – why?

Join with me as we examine this accusation and how we, who are called by the name Christian, can insure it is not a part of the gathering we are a part of.

May God the Father be glorified! May Christ Jesus the Lord be honored and exalted! May you, the believer, be encouraged and exhorted! May you, the non-believer, come to Christ Jesus by repentance and faith…God’s grace through that faith to believe on the Lord Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sins and eternal peace with God. Grace and peace to all who are in Christ Jesus the Lord.

Shane Sands is the founder and president of United In Christ Jesus, a gospel evangelism ministry which began in 2010. Shane is husband to Holly, his godly wife of ten years (he defiantly married up). They both live in South Carolina at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with their ever idiotic cat, Mister Bojangles. Shane has been blessed to travel to numerous countries and states, along with his wife, to preach the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

You Poor Stupid Fool Believing In Jesus

“You poor stupid fool believing in Jesus!”, is often what others will say, or something similar, when they find out you are a Christian. By others, I mean non-believers who are hostile to the gospel. Following the Lord Jesus will cost you. The question is are you happy to pay the price?

All to often I hear people who profess to be believers say they don’t speak much about God/the Lord Jesus Christ, but they let their life speak of Him. There is also the wonderful comment mentioned when someone asks a “believer” if they share their faith with others: “Evangelism is not my gifting, I’m better at doing what I know how to do.” However, in Scripture, there is no place where we “only” live out the gospel. We are all called to proclaim the gospel; to go and make disciples…Then we hear in Scripture, “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. We are called to engage the world. Indeed, if we are truly saved our hearts will be burdened to proclaim the excellencies of Christ Jesus the Lord.

When was the last time you suffered for Christ Jesus? When was the last time you were mock, put down – Talked down too…laughed at etc. Do you know God in His Word tells us that we should expect to suffer for Christ, it’s a gift. We should not expect it to be strange when we do suffer. Indeed, we are to consider it a blessing being counted worthy to suffer for the Lord Jesus! Join with me, Shane Sands, as I delve into this often overlooked doctrine – suffering for Jesus.

May the Lord Jesus be honored and exalted! May God the Father be glorified. May the Holy Spirit rejoice as you examine your heart. Here are a few Scripture references used in this video. Grace and peace to all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Proverbs 29:9, 2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29, Hebrews 13:13-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14 and Acts 5:41.

I Don’t Need GOD – I Am My Own god.

Perhaps there is no greater deception the evil one plays on a person than the belief they do not need God. The evil one whispers in a person ears and mind, “I don’t need God – I am my own god.” His desire is to make you believe this lie. It is the same lie he told Eve in the Garden of Eden. Once he has you believing it is all up to you and only you then he has you.

Throughout Scripture it becomes evident the closer a creation comes to God the more that creation wants to become God. How do we then battle this desire of our flesh? How do we stand firm against the schemes of the evil one to abandon God for our own desires?

Join with me as I look at this topic and give clarity on how to win this battle.

From Here To Eternity, by Shane Sands

From here to eternity, where are your eyes focused!? Have you ever asked yourself or wondered why GOD has us to focus so much on the return of the LORD JESUS? Have you considered why the LORD calls us to be so heavenly minded? It happens to be one of the best fruits of spiritual maturity and discernment. We can get a glimpse of this as we examine the growth of a baby into a mature adult. Then we see another example when we look at how employers hire and what they hope to find/develop.

A good example of this kind of maturity and discernment, an employer is looking for, is the ability to know what your boss would expect/ask and before he/she does you have already done it. More so, this is also true of following CHRIST JESUS the LORD. Do you have HIS Word richly dwelling in you so you are able to discern what you should do or how you should act during your stay on earth? Do you filter everything through the lens of the Word of GOD? Does your prayer life consist of you seeking to know the LORD more intimately and walk in a manner worthy of HIS calling and gospel?

Join with me as we examine the parable of the dinner found in Luke chapter 14, especially verse 22, and see how the slaves knew what to do and did it before it was commanded of them.

16 But He said to him, “A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many;
17 and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’
18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first one said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land and I need to go out and look at it; please consider me excused.’
19 “Another one said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please consider me excused.’
20 “Another one said, ‘I have married a wife, and for that reason I cannot come.’
21 “And the slave came back and reported this to his master. Then the head of the household became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’
22 “And the slave said, ‘Master, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’
23 “And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.
24 ‘For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste of my dinner.’ ”
(Luke 14:16–24)

May this also be an encouragement for you to grow in GOD’S Word with the result of your walking in a manner worthy of the LORD. Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

Shane Sands is the founder and president of United In Christ Jesus, a gospel evangelism missions ministry which began in 2010. Shane is husband to Holly, his godly wife of ten years (he defiantly married up). They both live in South Carolina at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with their ever idiotic cat, Mister Bojangles. Shane has been blessed to travel to numerous countries and states, along with his wife, to preach the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Discernment – You Are Always Being Sharpened, by Shane Sands

I suppose, one of the major factors in having proper discernment, is knowing what we allow in our lives and use as the foundation by which we evaluate the world we live in. It is also just as important to know how to listen and evaluate alongside of what you allow in. To this day the single most aggravating comment I have heard from parents is, “I believe in Jesus, I am a Christian. However, I wont push my beliefs on my children. When they get old enough they can research and decide for themselves what they want to believe.” My response is how much do you have to hate your children and want to see them face the wrath of God?!

Discernment begins first and foremost in our own devotion to Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. That devotion is first realized and grown in the Word of God.

Mark 4:24–25 (NASB95): 24 And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides. 25 “For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”

Luke 8:16–18 (NASB95): 16 “Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. 17 “For nothing is hidden that will not become evident, nor anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 “So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.”

Psalm 119:9 (NASB95): 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.

Discernment – A Tale Of Two Kings, by Shane Sands

Discernment, what a word. Season 5, podcast and videos will look at discernment and why there is such a lack of it within the church. An example we can look at is between Saul and David. There are many who say Saul was a believer. We examine both kings and see why only David was a true believer in GOD. The ability to discern this is important to understanding our world and how to navigate through it. Join us as we examine, Discernment – A Tale Of Two Kings.

1 Samuel 15:22-24 (NASB95): 22 Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king.” 24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice.

Shane Sands is the founder and president of United In Christ Jesus, a gospel evangelism missions ministry which began in 2010. Shane is husband to Holly, his godly wife of ten years (he defiantly married up). They both live in South Carolina at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with their ever idiotic cat, Mister Bojangles. Shane has been blessed to travel to numerous countries and states, along with his wife, to preach the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The King and I – A Lesson From The Book of Esther, by Shane Sands

One of the best books in the Bible is also one of the least talked about. I am talking about the book of Esther. It seems odd you can have a book in GOD’S holy word which does not speak HIS name even once. However, after reading it GOD in easily seen throughout. We see HIS compassion, sovereignty, justice and holiness all on display. But one area that needs to be examined is the LORDSHIP of GOD and that is why I have entitled this video, “The King and I – A Less From The Book of Esther”.

Join with us now as we examine from this beautiful book how GOD extends HIS golden scepter of mercy to us every day. All one has to do is reach out and touch it.

2 The king took off his signet ring which he had taken away from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
3 Then Esther spoke again to the king, fell at his feet, wept and implored him to avert the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite and his plot which he had devised against the Jews.
4 The king extended the golden scepter to Esther. So Esther arose and stood before the king.

(Esther 8:2–4)

How Do You Look – by Shane Sands

We spend so much time making sure we look the best we can before heading out into the world. But how much time do you take to make sure you look the best you can in the eyes of GOD? How often do we examine the motives of our hearts? Are we sure we are walking by the Spirit and not the desires of the flesh?

Today, lets examine two necessary items every Christian needs in order to examin themselves. Take time to watch, pray and ask yourself, “Do I look my best?”

Proverbs 27:19 (NASB95): 19 As in water face reflects face,
So the heart of man reflects man.

Hebrews 4:12 (NASB95): 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Making Disciples Where You Are – by Shane Sands

Recently, I was asked by a young man what I thought it meant for a person to be godly or to live godly. My reply, while not fancy with robust words or elegance boiled down to this. One key aspect of a person who is godly and/or living godly is if they are making much of CHRIST JESUS the LORD. Interestingly, when examined, the Scriptures no where encourage or expect a true believer to remain silent. It is quite the opposite, those who are recognized as being true followers of the LORD JESUS are the ones obeying, from love, the great commission to go and make disciples.

Join with me on this short video as we examine what it means to make disciples where you are. We will examine several Scriptures as well as examining several reasons given why people do not share CHRIST JESUS, HIM crucified and HIM risen and returning. May GOD be glorified. May you be encouraged, exhorted and inspired by GOD and for GOD to go forth and proclaim HIS excellencies. Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD. Amen.

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18–20)

14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
15 So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.”
(Romans 1:14–17)

Is This A Place WE Want To Be? Is This Home? By Shane Sands

When I ask you to think about what makes your home a “home” what do you think of? Is it the people? Is it the decor? Is it the aromas? Is it the comfort? Is it all of that and more? Do you think of different seasons and have memories of all the above?

Now, when was the last time you asked if you are a home where GOD wants to be? Have you examined your heart, mind and body and ask is this a temple GOD wants to dwell in? Can you hear GOD ask, “Is this a place WE want to be? Is this home”? Is this home, your body, so inviting, when the door is opened GOD says, “I have come to a place of rest.”?

This video, I go through what has to be in place for GOD to call you HIS temple…HIS home. Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

John 14:23 (NASB95): 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.”

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