Bible - 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.

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 – 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.

How Did We Get The Bible

One of the most important topics a Christian must have a good grasp of and be able to defend is where we got our Bible. How did we get the Bible? How did God have His Word preserved throughout the ages? There is no easy shortcut to this subject. Please take the time, pray and think through the material provided. There is one section, in the Dan Wallace debate (last video) talking about the “Gospel of Snoopy” experiment. James White also brings out multiple streams of documents coming from different locations. Extremely convincing! **See all the videos at the bottom of this blog.**

Remember, we are called to contend earnestly for the faith. You are not responsible for opening the eyes of others that is a work of God alone. You are responsible to present the material correctly and to stand firm. But, it also means to use wisdom before engaging a person (Do not cast your pearls before swine). The goal then is to glorify God, try to explain and love your neighbor and be a witness for those who may be watching/listening. Be equipped, train others that we may all stand firm.

One great aspect of the Word of God and its preservation, from 303 to 313 (10 years) it was a crime to be a Christian. There was an onslaught to eradicate Christianity. With all the destruction to documents, death of people and widespread abuse…the Bible still stands firm and reliable and is in essence the very Words written by the original authors…it is a miracle that it remains today! Grace and peace to all who are in Christ Jesus the Lord! Amen.

Are There Contradictions in The Bible, Especially In The Gospels – No

One of the most used objections to the Bible, from unbelievers, is it is full of contradictions, especially in the gospels. There are also a growing body of those who profess to be believers who do not hold to the Bible as being inerrant infallible Word of GOD.

How do you address and help others to understand there are no contradictions. How do you help correct those who profess to understand GOD cannot lie and so HIS Word is without error?

This short video, I pray, will do both. May GOD use it to HIS glory and the exaltation of HIS SON the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Amen.

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 (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 Word Of God – The Bible

One area, of great sadness, I encounter when speaking to fellow believers regarding their walk with the LORD JESUS CHRIST, is their daily reading (or lack there of) of HIS Word, the Word of GOD – the Bible.

A recent survey found that a very low number of “Christians” read their Bibles regularly outside of church. Making this survey all the more alarming is the definition or standard given. A regular Bible reader is defined as a person who reads their Bible more than four times a year outside of church. Wow! So much can be said about this, but the one which jumps out at me is lack of love for GOD.

This short video we look at why reading the Word of GOD – the Bible is the expectation and necessary for the believer. It is not something we add on, but what builds us up in respect to salvation.

13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

(1 Thessalonians 2:13)

The Gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ!

As we begin season four of the “That They May All Be One” podcast focusing on lost truths of the Christian faith. Sadly, I feel, one truth that has been watered down or even neglected is the gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST! You might say that cannot be or that I am just being over dramatic. However, there has been such a decline in the reading and teaching of GOD’S holy Word coupled with “easy believe-ism” in this western culture many Christians cannot even tell someone what it is. This video goes through it and explains the following Scriptures, so you may know and I pray believe with all your heart the gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Amen

1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand,
2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

(1 Corinthians 15:1–5)

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