scripture - 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.

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)

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.

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.

Those Pesky UFOs and the Word of God by Shane Sands

Over the last six months a certain topic has come up over and over again. This topic has been brought up on TV shows and there was even a congressional hearing on it. The topic is UFOs. For the Christian, the topic of UFOs can be difficult to examine and even to talk about. Truly, there “seems” to be a large amount of evidence to advance the thesis that UFOs (objects and/or life of an other world origin) are real. But, how do (and should) Christians examine this phenomenon? As you can see, I have entitled this article, “Those Pesky UFOs And The Word Of GOD.” What I will set out to do is examine this topic as well as setting the foundation for all other examinations of topics which can be a challenge to a believer. I hope also to assist you, the reader, with learning how to ask questions, in order to know how to look at GOD’S Word for guidance. Think of it like typing into a search engine; once you know how to phrase the question you can get a better result.

Not too long ago, I was asked by a fellow co-worker, who also professes CHRIST JESUS as LORD, what I thought about UFOs. He, at this point, as far as I know, is still a firm believer in UFOs. From the Word of GOD, I am now even more convinced UFOs are not alien, in nature (i.e. alien life outside our solar system including aircraft also not of this solar system which is not mentioned in GOD’S Word). Before I go further, I want to make clear I am not disparaging my co-worker. I informed him some time ago I would be writing on this topic and showing why UFOs, as the media describes, cannot be. Indeed, the last time I actually had a conversation with someone about UFOs was about 12-13 years ago. I am grateful for him bringing the topic up, because it made me have to go back and re-examine everything so I would know how to articulate clearly on the matter. I will also be sharing this with him, so if I have not represented his position clearly and/or accurately, he can give clarity and I will update immediately. First, his position and then mine:

** He believes UFOs are real due to the vast amount of video and analysis done on those videos, along with other capabilities in tracking and/or identifying objects that have unknown origins. He reconciles GOD’S Word with UFOs by claiming the Bible was only given to men for men. The Bible does not have application or is necessary for those things which lie outside our solar system – really, outside of the earth’s atmosphere. He also believes GOD did create all things. He is clear that GOD has created the universe. He simply believes UFOs are outside of the authority of the bible due to the bible being given to man and not to aliens. **

** I believe that UFOs are not true, in the aspect of there being alien life or technology in the universe which GOD has not disclosed in HIS Word. I also hold and put forth that GOD’S Word is authoritative for all of creation everywhere – that which is seen and unseen. I also hold that GOD does not act in secret towards HIS image bearers – if there is a blessing or judgement to come, or if there are schemes which can be used to lead mankind astray, GOD makes us aware of those things (if not specifically, then in the general broader application). **

Let me begin by sharing a couple of verses from the LORD JESUS.

24 And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to… (Mark 4:24)

18 “So take care how you listen…” (Luke 8:18)

Do you see the difference in the two verses? However, the two separate books and chapters are the same context. Both of these chapters are dealing with the parable of the sower. Specifically, the general context of the above verses is regarding the lamp being placed on a table (freely sowing the Word of GOD to all). Thus, these two verses give us insight/application, on how we should go about studying and/or examining GOD’S Word, materials, documents, or other items. Look at the first word, “what.” It implies the object of information being presented. If you are in medical school, what you listen to are the teachers and text books etc. It also gives indication that there is a hierarchy of authority and importance in the material you examine. The next word is , “how.” This identifies the process or the mode in your listening. Think of reading the Word of GOD. When you open it up, hopefully, you come in a humble manner and seek to have understanding and grow in CHRIST. Now think of reading a comic book – its a different manner than reading the Bible. These are two very different modes or processes in listening, reading, understanding and evaluating. Both the “what” and “how” then give clarity on how we should process and proceed. With that, let us then proceed on how to address the topic of UFOs.

The first place any Christian should go when seeking to have understanding on a specific subject is the Word of GOD and prayer. Seeking the LORD to give you guidance and clarity in how and where to look in HIS Word is of the upmost importance. The main area to explore is asking the following question, “If GOD has made the universe (everything in it and most importantly), is HE is Sovereign over HIS creation?” Yes, we have to begin with creation. Once you have solidified that first question it becomes apparent there is no other “god” and no other “creator” and everything that has been created and come into being (seen and unseen) is by GOD alone, and for GOD alone. The next question that has to be addressed is, “Is the Bible the ‘actual’ Word of GOD?” Here is where the rubber meets the road. If you answer the bible is not really the “actual” Word of GOD – at best, “it is inspired of GOD, but its the word of man” – then you have no basis for objective certainty and you have made GOD a liar. However, if you do hold to the truth that the Bible is the “actual” word of GOD; then your foundation is solid and you have a basis by which to filter the world/creation and all that is in it. Now that those two base lines have been established, the next area to look into is: “Has GOD said anything directly on the subject (in this case UFO’S)?” If HE has, then great, lets see what it says. What is the context and are there any other sections of Scripture that validate the former? If there is not, does GOD give us any guidance that helps to direct us on the topic? Are there any questions to the character of GOD, contrary to the Word of GOD or call into question the existence of GOD? These are types of questions which would help us to identify a deception or lie by the evil one and/or give clarity. So, with that, it s now time to switch gears and just lay things out.

My friend’s thought that the Bible is only for me and not for what is outside our atmosphere is a flawed thought. Is it true the Bible is a self disclosure of GOD to man? Yes, that assertion is true! My friend has, in that limited respect, answered truly. But, it is the wrong question with the wrong focus. The right question is: “Does the Word of GOD change for anyone?” Is GOD ever changing? Let me put it this way, when GOD said whoever sins will die – are there “any” entities anywhere in the entire creation that are not subject to that? The answer is no. How do I know this? GOD. Is there another sentient creation of GOD that has the capacity to sin? Yes, the angels. What happened to the angels when they sinned? They became demons and are sentenced to an eternity of torment in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone. The next consideration is: GOD never changes! So, when GOD declares HIS Word to us, HE is declaring HIS very essence and character – HIS very being – to the extent a creation of HIS can comprehend. Because GOD never changes, HIS Word is authoritative over all that HE has created. Just because GOD disclosed this to us in HIS Word does not mean HIS Word does not have authority over all creation everywhere. GOD simply revealed this part of HIMSELF to us so we might understand HIM more. Look at the following from Psalm 103:

19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.
20 Bless the LORD, you His angels,
Mighty in strength, who perform His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!
21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts,
You who serve Him, doing His will.
22 Bless the LORD, all you works of His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the LORD, O my soul! (Psalm 103:19–22)

The above Scripture clearly indicates that GOD is Sovereign over all, throughout the entire universe – all that is seen and unseen. This means, if there was alien life outside what is disclosed in Scripture, GOD has created it and HE is Sovereign over it. This is an absolute fact according to GOD’S Word. To further expound on this briefly look at the following:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. (John 1:1–3)

Now there can be no misunderstanding everything that has come into being has done so by GOD the FATHER, and the agent which manifested it was GOD, the SON – JESUS. Since HE is the CREATOR, all HIS creations are governed by HIS Sovereignty. Next, in GOD’S Word, does GOD warn us of dangers ahead of time to keep us from sinning? Does GOD reveal to us those things which can cause division, call our faith into question, lead us in deception and have us to stumble? Yes. Throughout GOD’S Word, HE has clearly told us and warned us of what happens if we do not obey HIM. Also, GOD has told us of the lies and deceptions of the devil and his demons. GOD has even told us of the deceptions which will occur in the last days (see Matthew 7,24 and Revelation, just to mention a couple). So, it is fair to say, if there was a creation of GOD’S which was sentient and had the capacity and would be used to tempt us, cause us to stumble and sin, GOD would tell us before hand in HIS Word.

Now, the very foundation of alien life, apart from that which GOD has revealed, comes crumbling down. You see, my friend said UFO’s were not bound by the Word of GOD. However, because UFO’s, reportedly, have already interacted with and thus influenced us already – this then calls into question the very existence of GOD and that HE alone is CREATOR – in other words “did GOD say?”. That is the lie the devil has used, literally from the very beginning. There are, as far as I know, only two sections of Scripture that illustrate alien vehicles. First, Elijah in 2 Kings 2 and second in Ezekiel 1. Both of these sections leave open to me our ability to encounter something from the unseen spiritual world and even a vehicle from that realm, if GOD so wanted it. But, it is clear that the life and vehicles encountered are of the LORD and more than that HE has informed us of them in HIS Word. GOD has not left us in the dark on this matter. So, by the Word of GOD I can say there is alien life – angels and demons. One, angels are for our good and used to conform us to the image of CHRIST. The other is fallen angels which are now demons. These are used to deceive and keep people from GOD. But, there is no indication of any other life form which GOD would have to interact with us and which could be for our benefit or our harm. Indeed, there appears to be video evidence of objects we cannot explain. However, before thinking they are alien we should examine the Word. GOD is faithful! HIS unfailing love is everlasting! If GOD had made another life, outside of our earth, which would eventually interact with us – GOD would have revealed that. HE is a good GOD! HIS Word is authoritative over all of HIS creation – seen and unseen. When we first come to the LORD in HIS Word and prayer we become equipped on how to examine and digest what this dark and evil world would throw at us to try and deceive us. When we come to HIM first to seek and understand we honor HIM and thus honor the FATHER. Let whatever we do always be done to bring GOD glory through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS.

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.

Willing Sacrifices by Holly Sands

Then the Spirit of the LORD was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh and passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites. And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD and said, “If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the LORD’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.” So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the LORD gave them into his hand. And he struck them from Aroer to the neighborhood of Minnith, twenty cities, and as far as Abel-keramim, with a great blow. So the Ammonites were subdued before the people of Israel. Then Jephthah came to his home at Mizpah. And behold, his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and with dances. She was his only child; besides her he had neither son nor daughter. And as soon as he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you have become the cause of great trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth to the LORD, and I cannot take back my vow.” And she said to him, “My father, you have opened your mouth to the LORD; do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, now that the LORD has avenged you on your enemies, on the Ammonites.” So she said to her father, “Let this thing be done for me: leave me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains and weep for my virginity, I and my companions.” So he said, “Go.” Then he sent her away for two months, and she departed, she and her companions, and wept for her virginity on the mountains. And at the end of two months, she returned to her father, who did with her according to his vow that he had made. She had never known a man, and it became a custom in Israel that the daughters of Israel went year by year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year. – Judges 11: 29-40

Have you ever been reading something in the Scriptures that seemed, for lack of a better term, troubling to you? This happened to me this morning while reading the above portion. I quickly read over it and at the onset, it seemed to be something that I would rather not consider – not only was it a tragic story, but horrific to my Western mindset. So, I turned to the next section of scripture that I was scheduled to read. However, as I began the next chapter, it was like a piece of black paper came over my eyes and I could not see anything before me. I sensed the Spirit of God directing me to go back and read the account of Jephthah and understand it.

When I went back and reread it, I was struck by two things: (1) His daughter was his ONLY child; and (2) She was a WILLING sacrifice. It also struck me that God knew ahead of time, before Jephthah made this tragic vow, who would be the first to come out of the house – that it would be his one and only child. Oh, what a test this must have been! How his heart must have broken when she came out the door dancing and celebrating. I can hardly stand to think of it.

Beyond the tragedy of this moment, it reminded me of the account of Abraham with Isaac. Abraham had only one son of the promise who he was willing to offer to God and Isaac was a willing sacrifice to be offered. There is no mention whatsoever of Isaac trying to run away. There is no mention of Isaac squirming to get off the alter. No, he submitted his will to that of his father’s.

Of course, the ultimate example of offering one’s only child is with God and His only Son – Jesus – who was a holy and willing sacrifice – who also submitted His will to that of His Father’s.

In light of these examples, I cannot but help to connect a portion of scripture from the Apostle Paul to these examples of offering and sacrifice.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. – Romans 12:1

We are now to willingly offer ourselves to God. We are to offer ourselves as that sacrifice – our wills, our plans, our hopes, our dreams, our desires, our all – must be laid upon the alter of sacrifice, for the worship and praise of God. And not only are we to offer ourselves, but we must do so willingly, not with a sense of sorrow because it’s the only life we have – but joyfully, knowing that it is His glory we seek and not our own.

You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 2:5

Holly Sands lives in South Carolina at the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains with her loving husband, Shane, and idiot cat, Mister Bojangles. She has been blessed to travel both nationally and internationally with her husband, sharing the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Holly is co-host of the weekly podcast, “That They May All Be One“. New episodes can be heard every Tuesday on your favorite podcast app.

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