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		<title>Calvary Loveland</title>
		<description>Christian church providing Godly worship and verse by verse teaching.</description>
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		<link>https://calvaryloveland.org</link>
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			<title>The Lifelong Journey of Becoming Like Christ</title>
						<description><![CDATA[Progressive Sanctification: The Lifelong Journey of Becoming Like ChristText: Philippians 2:12–13“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”1. Understanding SanctificationThe word sanctification ...]]></description>
			<link>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/10/18/the-lifelong-journey-of-becoming-like-christ</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 18 Oct 2025 09:53:37 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/10/18/the-lifelong-journey-of-becoming-like-christ</guid>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="sp-section sp-scheme-0" data-index="2" data-scheme="0"><div class="sp-section-slide"  data-label="Main" ><div class="sp-section-content" ><div class="sp-grid sp-col sp-col-24"><div class="sp-block sp-image-block " data-type="image" data-id="0" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style=""><div class="sp-image-holder" style="background-image:url(https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png);"  data-source="F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_2500.png" data-fill="true"><img src="https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png" class="fill" alt="" /><div class="sp-image-title"></div><div class="sp-image-caption"></div></div></div></div><div class="sp-block sp-text-block " data-type="text" data-id="1" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style="">Progressive Sanctification: The Lifelong Journey of Becoming Like Christ<br><br>Text: Philippians 2:12–13<br>“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”<br><br><b><u>1. Understanding Sanctification</u></b><br>The word sanctification comes from the Greek hagiasmos, meaning “to make holy” or “to set apart.” In salvation, there are three aspects of sanctification:<br><ul type="disc"><li>Positional Sanctification: The moment we are born again, we are set apart for God. We are justified—declared righteous—through faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11).</li><li>Progressive Sanctification: The ongoing process by which the Holy Spirit transforms believers into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).</li><li>Ultimate Sanctification (Glorification): When Christ returns and believers are made perfect in holiness (1 John 3:2).</li></ul>This blog focuses on progressive sanctification—the believer’s daily transformation into Christlikeness.<br><br><b><u>2. The Dual Role in Sanctification — God’s Power and Our Responsibility</u></b><br>Paul’s words in Philippians 2:12–13 reveal a divine partnership.<br>We are commanded to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling,” not to earn it, but to live out the reality of what God has already worked within us.<br><ul type="disc"><li>Our Responsibility: “Work out” means to bring to completion or fullness. It’s an active command—discipline, obedience, and intentional pursuit of godliness.<br>Hebrews 12:14 reminds us, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”</li><li>God’s Role: The beautiful truth is that God Himself empowers this process. “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” The Spirit gives us both the desire and the ability to grow.</li></ul>This truth protects us from both legalism (trying to earn holiness) and laziness (doing nothing and calling it grace).<br><br><b><u>3. The Purpose of Progressive Sanctification</u></b><br>God’s purpose for every believer is crystal clear: to be conformed to the image of His Son.<br>Romans 8:29 says, “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”<br>Sanctification is not merely behavioral change—it’s the inner transformation of the heart. God doesn’t just want better behavior; He wants a renewed mind, a changed heart, and a new nature that reflects Christ.<br><br><b><u>4. How Progressive Sanctification Happens</u></b><br>God has provided means through which the Holy Spirit continually refines us:<br><ol start="1" type="1"><li>The Word of God – “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)<br>The Bible renews the mind and exposes sin while teaching righteousness. Every time we read it with a humble heart, the Spirit chisels us a little more into Christ’s likeness.</li><li>Prayer – A lifestyle of prayer keeps our hearts tender and dependent. Prayer aligns our will with God’s and keeps our conscience sensitive to His correction (Philippians 4:6–7).</li><li>Obedience – Sanctification cannot progress without obedience. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)</li><li>Christian Fellowship – God never designed sanctification to happen in isolation. Hebrews 10:24–25 calls us to encourage one another toward love and good works.</li><li>Trials and Discipline – God uses hardships to refine us. Hebrews 12:10–11 says discipline “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”</li></ol><br><b><u>5. The Direction, Not Perfection, of Sanctification</u></b><br>It’s essential to understand that sanctification is not instant perfection, but constant direction.<br>Believers will stumble, struggle, and fail—but the true believer cannot remain comfortable in sin. The Spirit convicts, corrects, and restores. The Christian life is a progression from immaturity to maturity, from self to Christ, from sin to holiness.<br>Proverbs 4:18 beautifully illustrates this:<br>“The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.”<br>Each step may seem small, but it’s always forward, always upward, always toward Christ.<br><br><b><u>6. Progressive Sanctification as Evidence of Genuine Salvation</u></b><br>The presence of ongoing transformation is the greatest assurance that salvation is real.<br>If the Holy Spirit has taken residence within us, He will not leave us unchanged.<br>Paul wrote in Romans 8:9,<br>“If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”<br>And again in 2 Corinthians 5:17,<br>“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”<br>A person truly born of the Spirit will demonstrate growth, not perfection—but direction.<br><ul type="disc"><li>They will hunger for God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2).</li><li>They will grieve over sin (Psalm 51:17).</li><li>They will increasingly display the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).</li><li>They will persevere through trials (James 1:2–4).</li></ul>Sanctification is the Spirit’s ongoing testimony that we belong to Christ. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6:<br>“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”<br>If there is no change—no hunger for holiness, no conviction of sin, no fruit—it’s not that sanctification has stalled; it’s that regeneration likely never occurred (1 John 2:3–6).<br><br><b><u>7. Practical Application: Living Out Progressive Sanctification</u></b><br><ol start="1" type="1"><li>Examine Your Growth:<br>Ask yourself regularly, “Am I growing in grace? Do I love Jesus more today than last year?”</li><li>Submit Daily to the Spirit:<br>Yield your heart each morning. Say, “Lord, shape me today to look more like You.”</li><li>Feed on the Word:<br>Replace worldly noise with divine truth. What you feed will grow—feed the Spirit, not the flesh (Galatians 6:8).</li><li>Walk in Humility:<br>Sanctification requires dependence. Pride halts progress; humility invites grace (James 4:6).</li><li>Keep Eternity in View:<br>Remember that sanctification is preparing you for glory. Each trial, each pruning moment, is shaping you for heaven.</li></ol><br><b><u>Conclusion</u></b><br>Progressive sanctification is the heartbeat of the Christian life—a beautiful, sometimes painful process in which the Spirit of God molds us into the likeness of Jesus. It’s a lifelong pursuit that demands effort but depends on grace.<br>We may stumble along the way, but true believers never turn back. The Spirit within us ensures that though we fall, we rise again—always moving forward, always growing, always shining brighter for the glory of God.</div></div></div></div></div></section>]]></content:encoded>
					<comments>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/10/18/the-lifelong-journey-of-becoming-like-christ#comments</comments>
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			<title>The Spirit of Lawlessness and the Stage for Gog and Magog</title>
						<description><![CDATA[The Bible has never been silent about the condition of the world in the last days. The prophets, Jesus Christ, and the Apostles all spoke with urgency about a time when deception would saturate the earth, lawlessness would abound, and nations would gather against Israel. We are witnessing this unfold before our eyes.The Prophets: Isaiah and EzekielIsaiah described the moral collapse of nations tha...]]></description>
			<link>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/09/26/the-spirit-of-lawlessness-and-the-stage-for-gog-and-magog</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2025 11:14:12 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/09/26/the-spirit-of-lawlessness-and-the-stage-for-gog-and-magog</guid>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="sp-section sp-scheme-0" data-index="2" data-scheme="0"><div class="sp-section-slide"  data-label="Main" ><div class="sp-section-content" ><div class="sp-grid sp-col sp-col-24"><div class="sp-block sp-image-block " data-type="image" data-id="0" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style=""><div class="sp-image-holder" style="background-image:url(https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png);"  data-source="F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_2500.png" data-fill="true"><img src="https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png" class="fill" alt="" /><div class="sp-image-title"></div><div class="sp-image-caption"></div></div></div></div><div class="sp-block sp-text-block " data-type="text" data-id="1" style=""><div class="sp-block-content"  style="">The Bible has never been silent about the condition of the world in the last days. The prophets, Jesus Christ, and the Apostles all spoke with urgency about a time when deception would saturate the earth, lawlessness would abound, and nations would gather against Israel. We are witnessing this unfold before our eyes.<br><br><b>The Prophets: Isaiah and Ezekiel</b><br><br><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Isaiah described the moral collapse of nations that reject God: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness…” (Isaiah 5:20).</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">This is not just about personal sin but about systems of governance, culture, and media being inverted by demonic influence—evil being rebranded as good. The prophet also warned: “The earth lies defiled under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant” (Isaiah 24:5).</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Ezekiel gives one of the clearest pictures of the coming war that will ignite global attention:</div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">“The word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal; prophesy against him’” (Ezekiel 38:1–2).</div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Ezekiel names the coalition nations that will come with Gog against Israel:</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 40px;"><br></div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 40px;"><ul><li>Persia (modern Iran)</li><li>Cush (Sudan/Ethiopia region)</li><li>Put (Libya/North Africa)</li><li>Gomer (parts of Turkey)</li><li>Beth-Togarmah (Turkey/Central Asia)</li></ul></div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Notably, no nation defends Israel during this invasion: “Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions, will say to you, ‘Have you come to seize spoil?’” (Ezekiel 38:13).</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">This is a mere protest, not intervention.</div><br><b>Jesus’ Warning: Lawlessness and Deception</b><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Jesus Himself warned that before His return, the spiritual climate would be marked by deception and lawlessness: “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">He also warned of false prophets and false messiahs who would mislead many (Matthew 24:4–5, 24). This deception has infiltrated both culture and religion, conditioning humanity to embrace lies and reject truth.</div><br><b>Paul’s Urgency: The Mystery of Lawlessness Already at Work</b><br><br><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Paul picked up this theme with sobering clarity: “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work…” (2 Thessalonians 2:7).</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">This “mystery” refers to the spirit of rebellion against God’s order already active in the world, preparing the way for the man of lawlessness—the Antichrist (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4). Paul also warned: “The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3–4).</div><br><b>False Teachers and False Believers: Corrupting the Church</b><br><br><div style="margin-left: 20px;">For two millennia, Satan has not only attacked from outside the church but has infiltrated it from within. Jesus warned: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Paul also warned elders of Ephesus: “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29–30).</div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Peter echoed this: “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…” (2 Peter 2:1).</div><div style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">For 2,000 years, false teachers have sown compromise, error, and worldliness into the church, conditioning believers to be soft on sin, tolerant of heresy, and ultimately blind to Israel’s role in God’s prophetic plan. The goal is clear: when the world turns against Israel, much of the church will be too deceived, distracted, or compromised to stand with God’s chosen people.</div><br><b>The Devil’s Strategy: Manipulating the Systems of the World</b><br><br><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Satan’s goal has always been to oppose God’s covenant people and thwart His redemptive plan. Revelation 12 shows the dragon’s war against Israel and the saints.</div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">“Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring…” (Revelation 12:17).</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">For decades Muslim nations have spewed hatred against Israel, but only recently has this rhetoric been normalized in Western culture. Israel’s defensive actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis are being reframed as aggression—an inversion of truth Isaiah warned about (Isaiah 5:20).</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Even “conservative” voices once thought to support Israel—such as Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson—have begun amplifying anti-Israel narratives. Social media influencers are piling on, repeating falsehoods crafted to sway public opinion. The President of the United States is also shifting America’s position away from Israel. This is Satan’s propaganda campaign and the catalyst for the Gog from the land of Magog war.</div><br><b>Prophecy and Current Events: The Gog-Magog Alignment</b><br><br><div style="margin-left: 20px;">The nations named in Ezekiel 38 are aligning before our eyes:</div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Iran (Persia): Leading the charge with its funding of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.</div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Russia (Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal): Deepening alliances with Iran and Turkey, while seeking a role as Israel’s adversary.</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Turkey (Gomer, Beth-Togarmah): Once aligned with the West, now openly hostile to Israel.</div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">North African nations (Put, Cush): Radicalized and aligned with Islamic anti-Israel rhetoric.</div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Meanwhile, America—the strongest historic ally of Israel—is cooling in its support. Younger generations are increasingly anti-Israel due to media manipulation, campus indoctrination, and church silence. This fulfills Ezekiel’s vision: nations will protest but not defend (Ezekiel 38:13).</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">The stage is set.</div><br><b>The Church’s Silence: A Prophetic Failure<br></b><div style="margin-left: 20px;">One of the most alarming aspects of our time is not merely the deception of the world but the silence of the Church. Many Christians are ignorant of the spiritual war raging around them. Pastors fear being “political” and end up being unbiblical by failing to defend God’s Word and His people.</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Isaiah 56:10 speaks to this tragic failure: “His watchmen are blind; they are all without knowledge; they are all silent dogs; they cannot bark…”</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">This silence paves the way for anti-Israel sentiment, setting the stage for the Gog-Magog war, the rise of the Antichrist, and the seven-year Tribulation.</div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">An Urgent Call to Wake Up</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">Scripture warns and equips us to discern the times. We cannot afford to be naïve:</div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">This means actively discerning truth from lies, boldly standing with Israel as God’s covenant people (Genesis 12:3), and proclaiming the gospel without compromise in a world hostile to truth. The Church must wake up to the prophetic significance of current events, reject deception, and prepare for the return of Christ.</div><br><b>Conclusion: Be Watchful, Stand Firm</b><br><br><div style="margin-left: 20px;">The prophetic clock is ticking. We are watching the chessboard of the last days being set. As believers, our response must be:&nbsp;</div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><ul><li>Watchfulness (Matthew 24:42)</li><li>Steadfastness in the faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)</li><li>Bold proclamation of truth (2 Timothy 4:2)</li><li>Active support for God’s purposes in Israel (Romans 11:25–29)</li></ul></div><div data-empty="true" style="margin-left: 20px;"><br></div><div style="margin-left: 20px;">The mystery of lawlessness is already at work. The coalition of Ezekiel 38 is aligning. False teachers have softened the church for centuries. The propaganda war is turning the world against Israel. The Church cannot remain silent. The time to wake up is now.</div></div></div></div></div></div></section>]]></content:encoded>
					<comments>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/09/26/the-spirit-of-lawlessness-and-the-stage-for-gog-and-magog#comments</comments>
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			<title>The Gift of Second Chances: A Biblical Reflection on 1 John 1:9</title>
						<description><![CDATA[One of the greatest blessings of being a follower of Jesus Christ is the reality of divine forgiveness—not just once, but again and again. In a world where people are often defined by their failures and labeled by their past, the gospel declares a freeing and powerful truth: in Christ, we are never without hope, even after we’ve fallen.Scripture acknowledges the reality of our human condition. God...]]></description>
			<link>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/07/12/the-gift-of-second-chances-a-biblical-reflection-on-1-john-1-9</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 12 Jul 2025 10:03:25 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/07/12/the-gift-of-second-chances-a-biblical-reflection-on-1-john-1-9</guid>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="sp-section sp-scheme-0" data-index="2" data-scheme="0"><div class="sp-section-slide"  data-label="Main" ><div class="sp-section-content" ><div class="sp-grid sp-col sp-col-24"><div class="sp-block sp-image-block " data-type="image" data-id="0" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style=""><div class="sp-image-holder" style="background-image:url(https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png);"  data-source="F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_2500.png" data-fill="true"><img src="https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png" class="fill" alt="" /><div class="sp-image-title"></div><div class="sp-image-caption"></div></div></div></div><div class="sp-block sp-text-block " data-type="text" data-id="1" style=""><div class="sp-block-content"  style="">One of the greatest blessings of being a follower of Jesus Christ is the reality of divine forgiveness—not just once, but again and again. In a world where people are often defined by their failures and labeled by their past, the gospel declares a freeing and powerful truth: in Christ, we are never without hope, even after we’ve fallen.<br><br>Scripture acknowledges the reality of our human condition. God doesn’t overlook our frailty or pretend we are flawless. He knows we are dust (Psalm 103:14). He understands our struggles with sin, temptation, emotion, and inconsistency. Even the most faithful among us stumble. We battle thoughts we shouldn’t think, speak words we later regret, and act in ways that betray our profession of faith.<br><br>Yet, in His mercy, God never abandons His children to despair. He lovingly calls us to come back—to confess, to be cleansed, and to begin again.<br>1 John 1:9 – A Promise of Restoration<br><br>"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." – 1 John 1:9 (ESV)<br><br>This verse is a foundational promise for every believer. Let’s break it down:<br><ul type="disc"><li>“If we confess our sins” – This is not about mere admission or regret. The Greek word for confess (homologeo) means to “say the same thing,” to agree with God about the seriousness of our sin. This begins with self-examination. Being honest with ourselves about our character, conduct, behavior and words. Recognizing that we have fallen short in comparison to God’s standards. Confession involves honesty, humility, and a heart that turns away from sin and back to God. It’s not about making excuses—it’s about realignment with God’s holiness.</li><li>“He is faithful and just” – God’s forgiveness is not based on our worthiness but on His character. He is faithful—meaning He keeps His covenant promises. And He is just—meaning He doesn’t overlook sin but has already poured out His judgment on Christ at the cross. Because of Jesus, forgiveness isn’t just possible—it’s right.</li><li>“To forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” – God does more than remove guilt; He cleanses. This speaks to restoration, purity, and renewal. It’s not simply a reset; it’s a transformation.</li></ul><br><b>Second Chances Are God's Specialty</b><br>The Bible is filled with stories of people who blew it—sometimes spectacularly—and yet found grace:<br><br><ul type="disc"><li>David, a man after God’s heart, committed adultery and murder, but was restored (Psalm 51).</li><li>Peter, who denied Jesus three times, was recommissioned to feed Christ’s sheep (John 21).</li><li>Paul, once a violent persecutor, became the apostle of grace.</li></ul><br>These weren’t just second chances; they were new chapters written by a merciful God. That same opportunity is offered to you and me.<br><br><b>Repentance Restores Fellowship, Not Always Consequences</b><br><br>While God’s forgiveness is immediate and complete when we confess our sins, forgiveness does not always remove the consequences of our actions. This is a crucial truth to understand.<br><br>Sin often leaves behind a trail—broken trust, wounded relationships, and lasting effects. Just as King David was forgiven after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:13), he still faced devastating consequences in his family and kingdom. God, in His mercy, removed David’s guilt, but the natural fallout of his actions remained.<br><br>Repentance is not a “get out of trouble free” card. Rather, it’s a returning to right relationship with God, a restoration of intimacy that sin had interrupted. As 1 John 1:9 declares, when we confess, He cleanses us and renews us—but He may still allow us to walk through the outcomes of our choices, not as punishment, but often as part of our growth, healing, and testimony.<br><br>Importantly, genuine repentance includes not only confession to God but often reconciliation with others. If we’ve hurt someone, repentance means seeking their forgiveness, making amends when possible, and living in a way that reflects true heart change.<br><br><b>Yet even in the aftermath, we are not without hope.</b><br><br>God’s favor rests on the humble. His grace empowers us to walk forward, to rebuild what’s been broken, and to reflect His glory even in the ruins. What the enemy intended for destruction, God can redeem for His purposes (Genesis 50:20).<br><br>So take heart—if you’ve failed, yes, there may be consequences, but God’s forgiveness is real, and His fellowship is restored the moment we turn back to Him.<br>Starting Anew Every Day<br><br>As believers, we are not defined by our worst moments. When we sin, the enemy tries to whisper shame: “God is done with you.” But the cross shouts louder: “It is finished!” Jesus paid for it all.<br><br>God does not turn His face from the repentant. Instead, He welcomes us with open arms, not to condemn, but to cleanse. And when we are cleansed, we are commissioned again—refreshed, redirected, and ready to walk forward in grace.<br><br><b>A Final Word of Encouragement</b><br><br>If you feel like you’ve failed God—again—take heart. Confess your sin. Lean on His faithfulness. Let Him wash you clean. Your failure is not final, and your story is not over.<br>Every time we turn to God in honest repentance, we encounter not judgment, but grace. That’s the power of 1 John 1:9. That’s the power of the gospel.<br><br>God doesn’t just give second chances—He gives new beginnings.</div></div></div></div></div></section>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title>When We Drift: Finding Our Way Back to Christ</title>
						<description><![CDATA[“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18Let’s be honest—none of us are immune. There are many sincere, Jesus-loving believers who once walked closely with the Lord, who now find themselves caught in a fog of spiritual dullness, emotional weariness, and quiet compromise. Perhaps it started subtly: a little distraction here, a small excuse there. A desir...]]></description>
			<link>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/04/22/when-we-drift-finding-our-way-back-to-christ</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2025 12:59:01 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/04/22/when-we-drift-finding-our-way-back-to-christ</guid>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="sp-section sp-scheme-0" data-index="2" data-scheme="0"><div class="sp-section-slide"  data-label="Main" ><div class="sp-section-content" ><div class="sp-grid sp-col sp-col-24"><div class="sp-block sp-image-block " data-type="image" data-id="0" style=""><div class="sp-block-content"  style=""><div class="sp-image-holder" style="background-image:url(https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png);"  data-source="F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_2500.png" data-fill="true"><img src="https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png" class="fill" alt="" /><div class="sp-image-title"></div><div class="sp-image-caption"></div></div></div></div><div class="sp-block sp-text-block " data-type="text" data-id="1" style="text-align:left;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style="">“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18<br><br>Let’s be honest—none of us are immune. There are many sincere, Jesus-loving believers who once walked closely with the Lord, who now find themselves caught in a fog of spiritual dullness, emotional weariness, and quiet compromise. Perhaps it started subtly: a little distraction here, a small excuse there. A desire to be accepted, a fear of being alone, a longing for something more, or a fear of losing someone close. Over time, they slowly gave in—bit by bit—to fleshly desires and worldly pressures.<br><br>And now? They feel distant. Guilty. Confused. Lonely. Even angry, anxious, or numb. Maybe that’s where you are today.<br><br>If that’s you, hear this loud and clear: You are not alone, and God has not abandoned you.<br>God’s Love Hasn’t Changed<br><br>In a world of shifting allegiances and fleeting feelings, God’s love remains steadfast. He is not shocked by your struggles or disappointed in your honesty. He invites you—again and again—to return to Him.<br><br>“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.” — Jeremiah 31:3<br><br>Our walk with Christ isn’t measured by flawlessness but by faith. He knew we would stumble—and He went to the Cross anyway. It’s there, at the foot of the Cross, where we are reminded that our worth is not based on our perfection, but on His finished work.<br><br><b><u>When Conviction Feels Like Guilt<br></u></b>Those inner stirrings—what we often call guilt—may actually be the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit. He doesn’t convict to condemn but to call you home.<br><br>“For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” — Hebrews 12:6<br><br>Conviction is a gift. It reveals the gap between who we are and who we were created to be—not to shame us, but to lead us to repentance and restoration.<br><br><u><b>God Desires Restoration, Not Just Remorse</b></u><br>Repentance is more than feeling sorry. It’s a decision to turn—to abandon our sin and return to the arms of our Father. And every time we do, we find Him already waiting, arms open wide.<br><br>“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9<br><br>Jesus desires more than your religious routine—He wants your heart. He died to restore your relationship with the Father, and that restoration also extends to the people around you.<br><br>“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” — Romans 12:18<br>Our Faith Is About Direction, Not Perfection<br><br>We all fall short. But the goal isn’t to pretend we don’t—the goal is to keep getting up, keep running to Jesus, and keep choosing Him day after day.<br><br>“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” — Philippians 3:12<br><br>Your identity is not in your past failures or present feelings. Your identity is in Christ—sealed by His blood, secured by His resurrection, and sustained by His Spirit.<br>“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17<br><br><b><u>Joy Comes When We Realize Who We Are in Christ</u></b><br>There is joy—deep, soul-restoring joy—in understanding your position in Christ. You are forgiven, adopted, redeemed, and loved—not because of your efforts, but because of His.<br><br>“So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” — Galatians 4:7<br><br>Circumstances shift. Emotions waver. But God’s promises are fixed. His grace is enough. His love is unwavering. And His presence is constant.<br>“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5<br><br><b><u>Come Home, Child of God</u></b><br>If you’ve drifted, it’s not too late. Jesus is calling. Come home. You don’t have to keep living under the weight of guilt, fear, or defeat. Lay it down. Pick up grace. And walk—imperfectly, humbly, but confidently—in the direction of Jesus.<br><br>He hasn’t given up on you. So don’t give up on Him.<br><br>Let this be the day you turn back with your whole heart. Let this be the day that joy, peace, and purpose are renewed. Your faith isn’t about being flawless—it’s about pressing forward in the power and promises of Christ.</div></div></div></div></div></section>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title>Render to Cesar What is Cesar'....</title>
						<description><![CDATA[Sadly, there appears to be confusion within evangelical circles regarding the current legislation in the Colorado House of Representatives SB25-183, regarding taxpayer funded abortions and if Christians should comply. When people quote Matthew 22:21, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” they often use it out of context to justify blind compliance—e...]]></description>
			<link>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/04/14/render-to-cesar-what-is-cesar</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:49:42 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/04/14/render-to-cesar-what-is-cesar</guid>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="sp-section sp-scheme-0" data-index="2" data-scheme="0"><div class="sp-section-slide"  data-label="Main" ><div class="sp-section-content" ><div class="sp-grid sp-col sp-col-24"><div class="sp-block sp-image-block " data-type="image" data-id="0" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style=""><div class="sp-image-holder" style="background-image:url(https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png);"  data-source="F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_2500.png" data-fill="true"><img src="https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png" class="fill" alt="" /><div class="sp-image-title"></div><div class="sp-image-caption"></div></div></div></div><div class="sp-block sp-text-block " data-type="text" data-id="1" style=""><div class="sp-block-content"  style="">Sadly, there appears to be confusion within evangelical circles regarding the current legislation in the Colorado House of Representatives SB25-183, regarding taxpayer funded abortions and if Christians should comply. When people quote Matthew 22:21, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s,” they often use it out of context to justify blind compliance—even when the government is pushing laws or policies that directly violate the Word of God.<br><br>The following outlines the biblical perspective:<br><br><b><u>1. Understand the Context of Matthew 22:21</u></b><br>Jesus’ statement in Matthew 22:15–22 was a response to a trap. The Pharisees and Herodians were trying to get Jesus to either:<br><br><ul type="disc"><li>Offend the Roman authorities by speaking against taxes, or</li><li>Offend the Jewish people by appearing to support the oppressive Roman occupation.</li></ul><br>Jesus asked for a denarius—a Roman coin—and asked whose image was on it. “Caesar’s,” they said. Then He said: “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” — Matthew 22:21<br><br>Jesus wasn’t endorsing everything Rome did. He was making a distinction between what belongs to human authority and what belongs to God. We owe taxes for civil order, but we owe ultimate allegiance to God.<br><br><b><u>2. The Higher Authority is Always God</u></b><br>When human laws conflict with God’s commandments, Scripture is crystal clear:<br>“We must obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29<br><br>Peter and the apostles were told by religious authorities to stop preaching in Jesus’ name. Their response wasn’t disrespectful—but it was firm. God’s authority supersedes all earthly rulers.<br><br>This principle is seen repeatedly throughout Scripture:<br><br><ul type="disc"><li>Daniel refused to obey the king’s command to stop praying (Daniel 6).</li><li>The Hebrew midwives in Exodus 1 disobeyed Pharaoh’s order to kill Hebrew babies.</li><li>Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow to the golden image (Daniel 3).</li></ul><br><b><u>3. Romans 13: Misused, Not Misunderstood</u></b><br>People also quote Romans 13:1-7, which speaks about submitting to governing authorities. But that passage doesn’t mean unquestioned obedience to every law, especially when:<br><br><ul type="disc"><li>The government becomes a terror to good works, not to evil (v.3).</li><li>The government punishes righteousness and rewards wickedness.</li></ul><br>Romans 13 assumes the government is functioning within God’s design—as a servant of God for good. When that role is corrupted, believers have a biblical right—and obligation—to resist in godly ways.<br><br><b><u>4. Regarding Taxes and Abortion Funding</u></b><br>So, what if Caesar demands your money to fund the killing of innocent children?<br>Abortion is not a political issue—it’s a moral and biblical one.<br><br>“You shall not murder.” — Exodus 20:13<br>“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” — Jeremiah 1:5<br>“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.” — Proverbs 24:11<br><br>Giving tax money to a government that uses it to kill babies clearly violates God’s moral law.<br>Now, most of us can’t opt out of the tax system, but we are commanded by God to be both salt and light. We are commanded to stand in the gap and defend the weak against injustices. Therefore, we can resist in these ways:<br><br><ul type="disc"><li>Publicly oppose and speak truth - love (Ephesians 5:11)</li><li>Vote righteously and stand for godly legislation</li><li>Support alternatives that promote life (pregnancy centers, adoption, etc.)</li><li>Appeal laws and make use of legal exemptions when possible</li><li>Pray and intercede for national repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14)</li></ul><br><b><u>How to Respond Biblically</u></b><br>So if someone says: “Didn’t Jesus say to give to Caesar?”<br><br>You can respond like this:<br>“Yes, Jesus did say to render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar—but He also said to render to God what is God’s. Life belongs to God, not Caesar. I will submit to governing authorities so long as they don’t ask me to sin. But when they use my money to fund the killing of innocent babies or mutilate the human body in an attempt to distort God's design of male and female, they have overstepped their God-given authority, and I will resist in every legal, biblical, and godly way—because I must obey God rather than man.”</div></div></div></div></div></section>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title>Colorado Leadership Weighs Taxpayer Funded Abortions</title>
						<description><![CDATA[In the next couple days, Colorado legislation will be considering the approval of taxpayer-funded abortions. I will be visiting the State Capital, beginning tomorrow to listen to these debates and wanted to provide my thoughts. It is imperative we step back and ask a crucial question: Should everyone be forced to pay for the personal choices of others, especially when those choices end a human lif...]]></description>
			<link>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/25/colorado-leadership-weighs-taxpayer-funded-abortions</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:31:40 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/25/colorado-leadership-weighs-taxpayer-funded-abortions</guid>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="sp-section sp-scheme-0" data-index="2" data-scheme="0"><div class="sp-section-slide"  data-label="Main" ><div class="sp-section-content" ><div class="sp-grid sp-col sp-col-24"><div class="sp-block sp-image-block " data-type="image" data-id="0" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style=""><div class="sp-image-holder" style="background-image:url(https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png);"  data-source="F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_2500.png" data-fill="true"><img src="https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png" class="fill" alt="" /><div class="sp-image-title"></div><div class="sp-image-caption"></div></div></div></div><div class="sp-block sp-text-block " data-type="text" data-id="1" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style="">In the next couple days, Colorado legislation will be considering the approval of taxpayer-funded abortions. I will be visiting the State Capital, beginning tomorrow to listen to these debates and wanted to provide my thoughts. It is imperative we step back and ask a crucial question: Should everyone be forced to pay for the personal choices of others, especially when those choices end a human life? The short answer is no. The government has no business demanding that the collective conscience and pocketbook of the people be used to fund abortions.<br><br>Let’s be clear: abortion is not a public good. It is not a highway, a school, or a fire department. It is an elective procedure, almost always the result of preventable circumstances. According to multiple studies, over 96% of abortions occur due to lifestyle choices or convenience. That’s not hyperbole—those numbers are consistent. So why, then, should the other 96% of society be burdened to fund what is almost entirely preventable through abstinence, personal responsibility, or widely accessible birth control? Shouldn’t we be asking: how do we minimize the risk or prevent the 96% rather than enabling it?<br><br>We live in a culture where choice is praised—until it comes with consequences. Then, it becomes a demand: make the taxpayers pay. But that’s not how a free society works. Choice and responsibility are two sides of the same coin. If you choose to engage in behavior that can create life, you also choose to bear the responsibility that comes with it. And if you choose to terminate that life, don’t ask your neighbors to finance it. Oh, and by the way, since abortion is clearly being defined as a “women’s” right, implying those capable of becoming pregnant and bearing a child, I think this argument also answers the question, “what is a women”, right?<br><br>As a man, let’s just be real, let’s talk candidly about why many men support abortion.<br>First, most men who support abortion is not out of conviction, but out of cowardice. They fear conflict in their relationships, whether with a partner, spouse, daughter, or friend—and so they take the path of least resistance. They remain silent or even cheer abortion on, not because they believe it’s morally right, but because of what’s in it for them. They want to avoid friction in the home or the social backlash that comes with taking an unpopular stand. These men have failed to raise their children to be responsible and to cherish life. Fathers who have no control of their homes, no authority, leadership tend to place friendship with their children over parenting their children. Now we have a generation of youth wearing t-shirts that read, “I love abortion” or a picture of a fetus with a knife through it. Abortion access becomes their own personal get out of failed parenting card.<br><br><b>Second</b>, today’s young adult males are plagued by low self-worth and identity confusion. Young men today are often desperately looking for identity and purpose in all the wrong places. They lack strong male role models, have been raised in an age of moral relativism, and are bombarded by progressive ideologies that reward conformity over truth. By publicly supporting abortion, they feel included, relevant, and accepted in the dominant cultural narrative—even if it contradicts their inner conscience. In time, this pressure warps their worldview, and they adopt the lie as their truth. Also, since we are being honest, examine those males dominating the colleges and progressive abortion movements, and you will find, those also provide access to relationships and companionship that they otherwise may not have.<br><br><b>Third&nbsp;</b>– and again, let’s be honest – most men support abortion for the most selfish reason of all: many men want sexual relations without responsibility. They want the freedom to sleep around without consequences. Abortion offers a convenient out. It’s a backdoor escape from fatherhood, child support, and life-altering commitments. In the past, such men would pressure or even bully women into abortions. Today, they hide behind the banner of “women’s rights” while quietly celebrating their own personal escape clause.<br><br>These men don’t care about “healthcare.” They care about access. They say things like, "I support abortion in case my girlfriend or daughter gets raped," while simultaneously voting for soft-on-crime policies that release rapists and sex offenders without bail into their daughter’s neighborhood. The hypocrisy is glaring. You minimize the risk of rape by first making the punishment fit the crime – period. One of the purposes of the law is a restraining influence, as the punishment for breaking the law served as a deterrent to lawless behavior. Abortion is no different. Once you remove consequences and responsibility from one's actions and place them on another, abortions will increase and further the decline of the family unit.<br><br>Abortion is not healthcare. Pregnancy is not a disease. And the child in the womb is not a tumor. This is about morality, responsibility, and truth.<br><br><b><u>The Silence of the Pulpit: When Shepherds Fear Man More Than God</u></b><br>There is another group whose silence has enabled this culture of death: pastors. Many of today's church leaders have failed to preach the holiness of God and the sanctity of life. Out of fear of offending congregants, losing attendance, or being labeled as “political,” they have grown silent on the issue of abortion. But their silence speaks volumes. When was the last time your Pastor stood in the community square or vocally defended the truth of the Word of God against abortion???? Maybe you should ask him why…<br><br>Scripture is clear: "Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter" (Proverbs 24:11). When pastors refuse to confront abortion from the pulpit, they are not neutral—they are complicit and one day will give an account before God.<br><br>Too many pastors have chosen tolerance over truth, fearing man more than God. But Jesus warned, "Whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:33). Paul made it clear that we are not to seek the approval of man: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would NOT be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10).<br><br>When shepherds stop warning the flock, the wolves devour freely. When pastors stay silent on moral issues for the sake of comfort or political neutrality, they bear a measure of guilt. As Ezekiel 33:6 says, "But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood."<br><br>Pastors can’t ride the fence, preaching that all humanity bears the image of God, that God knits the fetus in the womb, or a life is a precious gift from God and at the same time support the murder of God’s creation.<br><br>This is not just a cultural battle—it is a spiritual one. Pastors must return to preaching the full counsel of God, including the parts that convict, challenge, and call people to repentance. Until they do, the Church will continue to lose its prophetic voice, and innocent lives will continue to be lost—both in the womb and in the pews.<br><br><b><u>The Complicity of the Comfortable: When Christians Choose Comfort Over Conviction</u></b><br>Yet it’s not just pastors. Genuine Christians—those who know the truth and claim to follow Christ—must also take a hard look in the mirror. Too many believers remain silent while the abortion rate increases. They pray for God to intervene as if He were a genie: "Poof, there it is." But throughout Scripture, we see that God uses His people to accomplish His will. Faith without action is dead (James 2:17).<br><br>These same Christians often hope someone else will stand in the community square, someone else will write the letters, speak out, volunteer, or vote their conscience. This kind of lazy Christianity is not only unbiblical—it calls into question the sincerity of their faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.<br><br>Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14). Salt that loses its saltiness is worthless, and a light hidden under a basket helps no one. We were never called to be passive spectators in a dark world—we were called to be bold ambassadors for Christ.<br><br>Paul reminded Timothy that "God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7). Silence is not humility. Passivity is not love. And indifference is not Christlike.<br><br>In moments of moral crisis, silence is sin. It’s time for the body of Christ to rise—not just in prayer, but in action. God is not waiting on Washington. He's waiting on us.<br><br><b><u>Abortion: A Demonic Assault on the Family Unit</u></b><br>At its core, abortion is not just a political or social issue, it is a spiritual attack. It is yet another strategic chess move by God’s arch-enemy, Satan, to destroy what God loves: the family. From the beginning, Satan has sought to pervert, corrupt, and dismantle the image of God reflected in marriage, children, and the household.<br><br>Jesus said of Satan, “He was a murderer from the beginning... there is no truth in him” (John 8:44). Abortion is one of the clearest reflections of that murderous spirit. It ends innocent lives, devastates mothers, removes fathers from responsibility, and fractures the foundation of society.<br><br>The enemy knows that strong families raise strong believers. So what better way to erode the Church than to eliminate children before they ever take their first breath, deceive women into thinking it’s empowerment, and convince men that silence equals compassion? This is spiritual warfare—plain and simple.<br><br>Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”<br><br>We must stop treating abortion as a peripheral issue and recognize it as a full-scale demonic assault against God's divine order. And we must respond accordingly—with prayer, truth, courage, and unwavering commitment to protect what God has created.<br><br>Colorado leaders attempt to normalize and institutionalize the funding of abortion with your tax dollars. It punishes those that are responsible by enable the irresponsible. It disregards deeply held convictions and forces participation in an act that many believe is morally abhorrent.<br><br><b><u>This is not about choice. This is about coerced complicity.</u></b><br>Church, we must ask ourselves: are we willing to stand by while our taxes are used to fund something we fundamentally oppose? Or will we draw a line and say: enough is enough. Responsibility begins with the individual, not the taxpayer. And the value of human life should never be determined by a budget line.<br><br>We need to stop taking a back seat, expecting others to take a stand. We need to stand up, speak up, and even call our leaders and say no to taxpayer-funded abortion.</div></div></div></div></div></section>]]></content:encoded>
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			<title>Why I Will Not Be Silent: A Call for Pastors and Christians to Rise Up</title>
						<description><![CDATA[There’s a dangerous narrative making the rounds in today’s Church—that to be a good Christian, we must be quiet, non-confrontational, and compliant with the culture around us. We’re told not to get involved in “politics,” to avoid “divisive” topics like abortion, the assault on children’s innocence, gender confusion, lawlessness, and governmental corruption. We’re told to focus on “just preaching ...]]></description>
			<link>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/21/why-i-will-not-be-silent-a-call-for-pastors-and-christians-to-rise-up</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:09:07 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/21/why-i-will-not-be-silent-a-call-for-pastors-and-christians-to-rise-up</guid>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="sp-section sp-scheme-0" data-index="3" data-scheme="0"><div class="sp-section-slide"  data-label="Main" ><div class="sp-section-content" ><div class="sp-grid sp-col sp-col-24"><div class="sp-block sp-image-block " data-type="image" data-id="0" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style=""><div class="sp-image-holder" style="background-image:url(https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png);"  data-source="F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_2500.png" data-fill="true"><img src="https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png" class="fill" alt="" /><div class="sp-image-title"></div><div class="sp-image-caption"></div></div></div></div><div class="sp-block sp-divider-block " data-type="divider" data-id="1" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style=""><div class="sp-divider-holder"></div></div></div><div class="sp-block sp-text-block " data-type="text" data-id="2" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style="">There’s a dangerous narrative making the rounds in today’s Church—that to be a good Christian, we must be quiet, non-confrontational, and compliant with the culture around us. We’re told not to get involved in “politics,” to avoid “divisive” topics like abortion, the assault on children’s innocence, gender confusion, lawlessness, and governmental corruption. We’re told to focus on “just preaching the gospel” as if that message is detached from the moral issues destroying our families, our youth, and our communities.<br>But here’s the truth: these are not political issues. They are moral issues—and they are deeply spiritual.<br><br>And I will not be silent.<br><br><b><u>Silence Is Not Neutrality—It’s Complicity</u></b><br>We are watching our society erode before our eyes. What God calls evil, culture now calls good—and demands our affirmation. But Isaiah 5:20 couldn’t be clearer:<br><br>“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness…” (Isaiah 5:20, NKJV)<br><br>The word “woe” is not a soft warning—it’s a pronouncement of judgment. And yet, many within the Church are afraid to call evil what it is. Why? Because we fear offense more than we fear God.<br><br>Jesus wasn’t afraid to speak the truth, even when it cost Him everything. He didn’t dodge uncomfortable topics—He confronted the Pharisees (Matthew 23), overturned tables in the temple (John 2:13–17), and warned of judgment with tears in His eyes (Luke 13:34–35).<br>If Jesus is our example, then passivity is not an option. Silence is not love—it is abandonment.<br><br><b><u>These Are Not Political Issues—They Are Spiritual Battles</u></b><br>Let’s be clear: the abortion industry is not just a social debate; it is the legalized killing of the innocent. Proverbs 6:16–19 says God hates hands that shed innocent blood. Shouldn’t we?<br><br>When we allow children to be confused, sexualized, and indoctrinated in their most formative years, we are not being tolerant—we are standing by while the enemy plants seeds of destruction in a generation.<br><br>“It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:2)<br>God’s Word doesn’t suggest protection of children—it commands it.<br><br>When men invade women’s sports and spaces under the banner of “inclusion,” we’re not being loving by affirming lies—we’re enabling confusion and dishonor. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), and He created us male and female on purpose (Genesis 1:27).<br><br>When pastors avoid speaking about fraud and lawlessness in leadership, claiming “it’s not our lane,” they forget that God repeatedly called prophets to confront kings (2 Samuel 12:1–14, 1 Kings 18:17–18).<br><br>We cannot separate the Gospel from justice, truth, and righteousness. They are part of the same kingdom message.<br><br><b><u>The Enemy Has Influenced a Lazy Christianity</u></b><br>Too many believers have embraced a soft, self-focused Christianity—one that caters to comfort and convenience, but not to conviction or cross-bearing.<br><br>We’ve made the Church about doing life our way rather than surrendering to God’s will and His glory. But Jesus never said, “Come follow me and keep your lifestyle.” He said:<br>“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)<br><br>The call to follow Jesus is not casual—it’s radical. It’s not passive—it’s purposeful.<br>Lazy Christianity is what the enemy wants. If he can’t stop our salvation, he’ll aim to make us ineffective. That’s why Paul wrote:<br><br>“Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” (Ephesians 5:14)<br>This isn’t the time for sleeping saints—it’s time for warriors of righteousness. It’s time to return to holy boldness, to speak the truth in love, and to shine the light of Christ in a dark and twisted generation (Philippians 2:15).<br><br><u><b>Pastors: Take Off the Mask of Hypocrisy</b></u><br>To my fellow pastors: if we are afraid to speak truth from the pulpit, then what are we even doing? If we are more concerned with keeping people in pews than confronting sin and calling for repentance, we’ve exchanged God’s glory for man’s approval.<br>Ezekiel 33 says we are watchmen on the wall. If we see danger coming and do not sound the alarm, their blood is on our hands.<br><br>“But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet… his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.” (Ezekiel 33:6)<br><br>We must speak up—not only in the pulpit but in our city councils, school boards, and local communities. We must lead with integrity, courage, and clarity. This world doesn’t need more polished performers in pulpits—it needs bold, broken, Spirit-filled men who fear God and love people enough to tell them the truth.<br><br><b><u>The Church Must Rise</u></b><br>This is not a time to hide. This is a time to rise up.<br>Let’s be a Church that lives on mission—not just existing, but advancing the Kingdom. Let’s be people who love God more than comfort and righteousness more than relevance. Let’s be voices in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3), declaring that He is coming soon, and we must repent and believe the Gospel.<br>If you’re waiting for the world to make it easier for you to speak the truth—you’ll be waiting forever.<br><br>Now is the time.<br><br>I will not be silent. I will not back down. I will speak for the voiceless, stand for righteousness, and proclaim the whole truth of God’s Word. Not to be political, but to be faithful.<br><br>Will you stand with me?</div></div></div></div></div></section>]]></content:encoded>
					<comments>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/21/why-i-will-not-be-silent-a-call-for-pastors-and-christians-to-rise-up#comments</comments>
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			<title>The 21st Century Assault on God</title>
						<description><![CDATA[The 21st Century Assault on GodFrom the beginning of time, Satan has worked tirelessly to undermine God’s existence, His character, and His divine design for humanity. This systematic attack has been a slow and deliberate strategy—like a game of chess—where each move is calculated to erode biblical truth, weaken the family unit, and lead people away from God. The 21st-century assault on God is mer...]]></description>
			<link>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/05/the-21st-century-assault-on-god</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2025 22:48:39 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/05/the-21st-century-assault-on-god</guid>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="sp-section sp-scheme-0" data-index="2" data-scheme="0"><div class="sp-section-slide"  data-label="Main" ><div class="sp-section-content" ><div class="sp-grid sp-col sp-col-24"><div class="sp-block sp-image-block " data-type="image" data-id="0" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style=""><div class="sp-image-holder" style="background-image:url(https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png);"  data-source="F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_2500.png" data-fill="true"><img src="https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png" class="fill" alt="" /><div class="sp-image-title"></div><div class="sp-image-caption"></div></div></div></div><div class="sp-block sp-text-block " data-type="text" data-id="1" style=""><div class="sp-block-content"  style=""><b>The 21st Century Assault on God</b><br><br><br>From the beginning of time, Satan has worked tirelessly to undermine God’s existence, His character, and His divine design for humanity. This systematic attack has been a slow and deliberate strategy—like a game of chess—where each move is calculated to erode biblical truth, weaken the family unit, and lead people away from God. The 21st-century assault on God is merely the latest phase in this ongoing spiritual war, where the foundations of morality, gender, and family structure are being directly attacked by the world system.<br><br><b>The Genesis of the Battle: Satan’s Attack on God’s Word</b><br>Satan’s first recorded assault on God came in the Garden of Eden when he deceived Eve with the question: “Did God really say…?” (Genesis 3:1). By sowing doubt about God’s word, he initiated a pattern that has continued throughout history. From that moment on, every cultural shift that opposes biblical truth can be traced back to this initial deception.<br><br>One of the first great moves in Satan’s chess game was the rise of secular humanism during the Enlightenment (17th-18th century). This movement emphasized human reason over divine revelation, setting the stage for the rejection of God’s authority. Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species (1859) furthered this agenda by introducing evolution as a competing explanation for creation, denying the biblical account of Genesis. As people moved away from the belief in a Creator, they abandoned the moral absolutes that come with acknowledging God’s authority, leading to widespread moral decay.<br><br><b>20th Century Attacks: Undermining God’s Moral Order</b><br>The 20th century saw an acceleration of Satan’s strategy to dismantle biblical morality. Each decade brought a significant move in the enemy’s game:<br><br><ul type="disc"><li>1962-1963: Prayer and Bible reading were removed from public schools (Engel v. Vitale, Abington School District v. Schempp), eliminating a foundational biblical influence on young minds. Without biblical teaching, generations of children grew up lacking moral guidance, leading to increased rebellion, crime, and moral relativism.</li><li>1973: Roe v. Wade legalized abortion, leading to the mass slaughter of the unborn, undermining the sanctity of life and God’s design for family and parenthood (Psalm 139:13-16). The consequences of this ruling were far-reaching—an increase in promiscuity, the breakdown of sexual responsibility, a rise in sexually transmitted diseases, and a culture that devalues life, leading to increased crime rates and violence.</li><li>2015: Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage, directly opposing God’s design for marriage as established in Genesis 2:24 and reaffirmed by Jesus in Matthew 19:4-6. This decision further eroded the traditional family structure, leading to confusion about gender roles and normalizing relationships that contradict God’s natural order. Now opening the door for necrophilia and zoophilia. Because of the fallenness of the human condition, humanity will always crave more once the status quo becomes normal. History and current societal practices prove this.</li></ul><br><b>The 21st Century Assault: Corrupting Children and Gender Confusion</b><br>In today’s era, the enemy’s attack has turned toward the sexual exploitation and indoctrination of children:<br><br><ul type="disc"><li>Public schools openly promote LGBTIQQ ideology while suppressing and condemning biblical viewpoints. Drag queen book readings and gender-fluid curricula are introduced to young children to normalize sexual perversion (Romans 1:24-27). This is purposely designed to psychologically manipulate young minds, to play with their emotions and create a distorted worldview. This further confuses children, leading them away from God’s design for identity, purpose and into a worldview of moral ambiguity and self-indulgence.</li><li>Parental rights are being stripped away, with school officials and teachers hiding students' gender transitions and personal information from parents. This erodes the God-given authority of parents, placing the state in control of children’s moral and ethical upbringing. Further, increasing the mental health crisis and breakdown in the family unit by causing our youth to no longer trust, value, or appreciate the home life.</li><li>Title IX, once a victory for women’s rights, is being destroyed by allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports. Despite scientific evidence that male and female bodies are biologically different (XX and XY chromosomes), activists push this agenda at the expense of female athletes who fought for fairness. This not only invalidates decades of progress for women but also discourages young women from competing, reinforcing a culture where truth is subjective. Biological males now dominate the female sport rankings, stats, and hold the majority of biological female sport records. Women have been reduced in the sporting arena to a third class of humanity in which the biological man dominates.</li><li>March 2025: Democrat-elected officials unanimously voted in favor of allowing biological males to compete in female sports, even though 80% of Americans oppose this decision. This demonstrates a growing trend of leaders ignoring the will of the people in favor of ideologies and personal agendas that further dismantle biblical values.</li></ul>&nbsp;<br><b>Satan’s Infiltration of the Church</b><br>One of the most dangerous attacks against God has come from within the Church itself. Jesus warned that Satan would sow tares among the wheat (Matthew 13:24-30), introducing false believers and leaders to corrupt the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul also cautioned that false teachers would infiltrate the Church to spy on the freedoms of believers and lead them astray (Galatians 2:4-5).<br><br>The modern Church is saturated with pastors called by man rather than God, giving evidence to their lack of biblical knowledge, fear of God, and reverence for Scripture. Many dilute biblical texts and soften the edges of God’s Word to make it palatable for all without convicting people of sin (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Instead of shepherding souls toward repentance and righteousness, they build church empires for personal glory, emphasizing prosperity, self-help messages, and entertainment over biblical truth (2 Peter 2:1-3).<br><br>Satan uses distraction and materialism to render believers ineffective. Jesus warned that the worries of life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things choke out the Word, making believers unfruitful (Mark 4:18-19). Today’s Church is largely consumed with comfort, worldly success, and entertainment, leaving many professing Christians disengaged from the spiritual battle raging around them.<br><br>Paul exhorted the Church to be on guard, warning that in the last days, people would accumulate teachers who tell them what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). The Bible warns of wolves in sheep’s clothing who come to deceive and devour (Matthew 7:15), emphasizing the need for discernment and strong biblical foundations.<br><br>Instead of advancing God’s Kingdom, many churches have become businesses, concerned with membership numbers and financial gain rather than saving souls. Pastors who fear man more than God avoid teaching on sin, hell, and repentance, reducing the Gospel to a message of self-improvement rather than salvation (Jeremiah 23:1-2).<br>The Church must awaken from this deception and return to its true mission: preaching the unaltered Word of God and making disciples who walk in truth and righteousness.<br>&nbsp;<br><b>Government’s Role in Undermining Christian Values</b><br>The past and present political leadership have played key roles in dismantling biblical principles:<br><br><ul type="disc"><li>Federal and state governments refuse to enforce laws, releasing violent criminals and sex offenders back into society without consequences (Romans 13:1-4). As crime increases, the government expands its power under the guise of public safety, leading to more restrictions on constitutional rights such as the right to bear arms (Second Amendment) to protect yourself from these criminals. The local, state, and federal agencies, along with the education systems and other agencies, attempt to victimize the criminal and criminalize the victim. This mirrors historical patterns where societies sacrifice freedom for security, eventually leading to totalitarian control.</li><li>Police departments are handcuffed, with officers vilified for enforcing the law, leading to increased crime rates and societal chaos (Isaiah 5:20). This lawlessness creates an atmosphere where people live in fear and rely more on government intervention rather than personal and community responsibility.</li><li>Open border policies allow criminal elements to flood the nation, overwhelming law enforcement and resources while exposing citizens to crime, drugs, and violence without repercussions (Nehemiah 4:7-9). The increased influx of illegal drugs has led to an epidemic of addiction, further enslaving people in destructive lifestyles that separate them from God. Additionally, taxpayer resources have been redirected to provide free welfare, housing, and financial assistance to illegal immigrants over the welfare of American citizens. This has resulted in a surge of homelessness, a worsening mental health crisis, and increased unemployment for American citizens who are deprioritized in their own country.</li><li>Undermining the Church’s Role in Society: As government overreach expands, the Church’s biblical mandate to care for the poor, the widow, and the fatherless has been weakened. What was once the responsibility of God’s people has been replaced by state dependency. The Church, once the center of community support, has abandoned the biblical obligation as the government fills roles that were never meant to be its responsibility. This shift has led to an increasingly secularized society, where faith-based service is diminished, and reliance on governmental aid grows, further eroding the Church’s influence in moral and social matters.</li></ul><br><b>The Spiritual Battle and God’s Ultimate Victory</b><br>Every one of these actions represents an attack on God’s order, character, and truth. Yet, none of this is surprising. Jesus warned that in the last days, evil would increase, and people would reject truth (2 Timothy 3:1-5, Matthew 24:12). Satan’s ultimate goal is to replace God’s truth with deception, leading humanity into rebellion and judgment.<br>However, God’s plan will not be thwarted. The book of Revelation assures us that Jesus Christ will return to establish His kingdom, and the forces of darkness will be defeated (Revelation 19:11-21). The Church must stand firm, preach the truth in love, and equip believers to discern the times (Ephesians 6:10-18).<br><br><b>Call to Action: Stand for Biblical Truth</b><br>As believers, we must resist the enemy’s tactics by:<br><br><ol start="1" type="1"><li>Raising our children in biblical truth (Deuteronomy 6:6-9), countering the lies of the culture. This begins by putting down distractions and re-engaging into our children's lives. Raising the bar of parenting over friendship.</li><li>Engaging in the public square to advocate for policies that uphold biblical values. As lampstands holding up the light of Christ, isn't just the Gospel but the holiness of God and His character. The command of God to influence the world requires engagement, protecting the weak and those that cannot protect themselves by advocating on their behalf.</li><li>Living lives worthy of the Gospel by saturating our minds with truth, submitting our will and desires to the Spirit of God and reflecting God’s righteousness to the world.</li><li>Praying for national revival and standing firm in faith despite opposition (2 Chronicles 7:14).</li><li>Encouraging believers to be unashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16), recognizing that God’s truth will always prevail.</li></ol><br>The assault on God is not new, but it is intensifying. The question remains: Will we stand in faith, or will we be silent? The time to act is now.</div></div></div></div></div></section>]]></content:encoded>
					<comments>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/05/the-21st-century-assault-on-god#comments</comments>
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			<title>Victory in Christ: Breaking Free from Bondage and Renewing the Mind</title>
						<description><![CDATA[The greatest battlefield in the war between God and Satan is the human mind. As the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), Satan is a master psychologist and manipulator, using the systems of this world—entertainment, sports, medicine, finance, business, academics, and politics—to shape and advertise psychological thought. His goal is to entice humanity’s sinful cravings, exploit vulnerab...]]></description>
			<link>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/03/victory-in-christ-breaking-free-from-bondage-and-renewing-the-mind</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2025 12:08:42 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/03/victory-in-christ-breaking-free-from-bondage-and-renewing-the-mind</guid>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="sp-section sp-scheme-0" data-index="2" data-scheme="0"><div class="sp-section-slide"  data-label="Main" ><div class="sp-section-content" ><div class="sp-grid sp-col sp-col-24"><div class="sp-block sp-image-block " data-type="image" data-id="0" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style=""><div class="sp-image-holder" style="background-image:url(https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png);"  data-source="F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_2500.png" data-fill="true"><img src="https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png" class="fill" alt="" /><div class="sp-image-title"></div><div class="sp-image-caption"></div></div></div></div><div class="sp-block sp-text-block " data-type="text" data-id="1" style=""><div class="sp-block-content"  style="">The greatest battlefield in the war between God and Satan is the human mind. As the prince of the power of the air (<i>Ephesians 2:2</i>), Satan is a master psychologist and manipulator, using the systems of this world—entertainment, sports, medicine, finance, business, academics, and politics—to shape and advertise psychological thought. His goal is to entice humanity’s sinful cravings, exploit vulnerabilities, and influence minds into patterns of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and feelings of worthlessness.<br><br>As a result, many spend years, even lifetimes, trapped in cycles of emptiness, attempting to willpower their way through pain. Some turn to narcotics, alcohol, or other coping mechanisms to numb the mental and emotional turmoil. Yet over time, these temporary solutions become chains, requiring stronger dosages or new alternatives to mask the wounds. Eventually, this relentless battle leads to a state of hopelessness—a deep-seated despair as the soul struggles against a war it was never meant to fight alone.<br><br><b>The Internal Battle of Conscience</b><br>This war within exists because every human being is created in the image of God (<i>Genesis 1:27</i>) and possesses a conscience that testifies to this reality (<i>Romans 2:15</i>). Deep down, we know we have value in the eyes of our Creator. Yet, we also recognize that we have fallen short of His standard (<i>Romans 3:23</i>). This awareness of our guilt and separation from God creates inner conflict, and in an effort to suppress the truth (<i>Romans 1:18-20</i>), many remain enslaved to the deceptive strongholds of the enemy.<br><br><b>The Power of the Gospel to Set Us Free</b><br>But God, in His infinite love, made a way for our redemption. Knowing that humanity could never free itself from the cycle of sin, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take on human flesh (John 1:14), live a sinless life (<i>Hebrews 4:15</i>), and willingly lay down His life as the perfect atoning sacrifice. The cross—once the most horrific form of punishment—became the greatest symbol of love, where Jesus bore the wrath of God for our sins so that we, who deserved death, could receive eternal life (<i>2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 6:23</i>).<br><br>Through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross, the guilt of sin is removed, and we are redeemed, transformed from enemies of God to beloved children (<i>John 1:12; Romans 5:8-10</i>). We no longer stand condemned but are clothed in the righteousness of Christ (<i>Romans 8:1</i>). This new birth—the regeneration of our hearts—empowers us to resist the psychological onslaught of the enemy and stand firm in the truth of God’s Word (<i>Ephesians 6:10-12</i>).<br><br><b>Renewing the Mind: Walking in Victory</b><br>Freedom from sin and addiction is not achieved through sheer determination but through the renewing of the mind (<i>Romans 12:2</i>). As we pursue Christ, allowing His Word to transform our thinking and reshape our character, we begin to experience the abundant life He promised (<i>John 10:10</i>). Instead of being defined by past failures, present struggles, or worldly influences, we are rooted in the unshakable truth of who we are in Christ—loved, chosen, and victorious (<i>1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 5:4</i>).<br><br>No longer enslaved to darkness, we walk as children of the Light (<i>Ephesians 5:8</i>), reflecting God’s love to a world still trapped in deception. As ambassadors of Christ (<i>2 Corinthians 5:20</i>), we hold up the light of truth, sharing His redemptive power with those bound by sin, addiction, and despair.<br><br><b>Living Above Circumstances with Joy</b><br>Through Christ, we are not only forgiven but empowered to live above our circumstances with joy, peace, and purpose (<i>Philippians 4:7; Nehemiah 8:10</i>). Our transformation enables us to live righteously, cultivating godly character and communicating His love to those around us. By pursuing Christ daily and allowing His Word to renew our minds, we break free from the lies of the enemy and step into the abundant life He desires for us.<br><br>If you are struggling with addiction, past wounds, or sinful patterns, know this: true freedom is found in Jesus Christ. The battle may be fierce, but victory belongs to those who trust in Him. You are not alone—He has already won the war.<br><br>“So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – <i>John 8:36</i></div></div></div></div></div></section>]]></content:encoded>
					<comments>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/03/victory-in-christ-breaking-free-from-bondage-and-renewing-the-mind#comments</comments>
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			<title>The Need For Distinguishing Biblical Christianity from Christianity</title>
						<description><![CDATA[For decades, many in America identified as "people of faith," a phrase that traditionally referred to Christianity. However, over time, the term “faith” has been broadened to include all religions and forms of spirituality. As a result, Christian churches have had to become more explicit in defining their faith—affirming belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as revealed in Sc...]]></description>
			<link>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/01/the-need-for-distinguishing-biblical-christianity-from-christianity</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 Mar 2025 11:38:36 +0000</pubDate>
			<guid>https://calvaryloveland.org/blog/2025/03/01/the-need-for-distinguishing-biblical-christianity-from-christianity</guid>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<section class="sp-section sp-scheme-0" data-index="2" data-scheme="0"><div class="sp-section-slide"  data-label="Main" ><div class="sp-section-content" ><div class="sp-grid sp-col sp-col-24"><div class="sp-block sp-image-block " data-type="image" data-id="0" style="text-align:start;"><div class="sp-block-content"  style="max-width:650px;"><div class="sp-image-holder" style="background-image:url(https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png);"  data-source="F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_2500.png" data-fill="true"><img src="https://storage1.snappages.site/F39BRS/assets/images/23754207_1000x250_500.png" class="fill" alt="" /><div class="sp-image-title"></div><div class="sp-image-caption"></div></div></div></div><div class="sp-block sp-text-block " data-type="text" data-id="1" style=""><div class="sp-block-content"  style="">For decades, many in America identified as "people of faith," a phrase that traditionally referred to Christianity. However, over time, the term “faith” has been broadened to include all religions and forms of spirituality. As a result, Christian churches have had to become more explicit in defining their faith—affirming belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture.<br><br>Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation. False teachers have infiltrated the church, subtly distorting the truth and seeking to undermine the freedom we have in Christ, which is rooted in genuine faith in the biblical Jesus. The apostle Paul warned of such deception:<br>"For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord." (Jude 1:4, NIV)<br>Many of these false teachers continue to profess Christ as their Savior, yet they reject His true nature as defined by Scripture. Jesus Himself warned of this deception:<br>"For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many." (Matthew 24:5, NIV)<br><br>This serves as a sobering reminder that merely professing belief in Jesus' name is not enough. True faith requires belief in the fullness of His identity—His divine nature, His atoning work on the cross, and His resurrection power. The apostle John emphasized this when he wrote: "Whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also." (1 John 2:23, NIV)<br><br>Thus, the true church once again finds itself in a position where it must clearly define and defend its faith. The distinction between the authentic, biblical church of Jesus Christ and those who use Christianity for their own agendas—sowing confusion, division, and leading others into falsehood—must be made unmistakably clear. As Paul exhorted:<br>"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." (Colossians 2:8, NIV)<br><br>Now, more than ever, the body of Christ must stand firm in sound doctrine, expose deception, and boldly proclaim the truth of the gospel. As faithful stewards of God’s Word, we must hold fast to the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3), guarding against those who distort the message of salvation for their own purposes.<br><br></div></div></div></div></div></section>]]></content:encoded>
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