Well if your still reading this blog then where have you been?
My new Blog has been up and running for over a month now and its filled with videos, new posts, and exciting Links!
So...what are you waiting for? Check it out here at davidcjacks.com
5.06.2007
4.17.2007
NEW BLOG!!!
Well the new blog is finally up and running!
I will be reposting a few old post at first, but keep in touch for new posts daily!
Check it out here at davidcjacks.com !!!!!
I will be reposting a few old post at first, but keep in touch for new posts daily!
Check it out here at davidcjacks.com !!!!!
4.10.2007
Encouragement cont....
Here we go again, with some more people that have played a huge role in my life over the past few years!
Jeff Hill
Jeff, you've always been a great guy just to sit and talk with. I envy your Godly relationship with Carmen, and I know that you two will be awesome together! I love the fact that you are always searching for God's will. We always disagree on something, but that has never restricted or degraded our friendship. I look up to you not only as a good friend, but also as a person who is constantly striving to be more like Christ. {Proverbs 5:18-19 (a weird verse but fitting!) & Philippians 1:9}
JR Lee
First of all, I simply have to thank you! Because of you taking the time to be real with us in a discipleship class on Oct. 17th, 3 years ago...I realized that I was lost and on my way to Hell! I walked downstairs weeping, and I couldn't leave the building without giving my life to Christ! I could never thank you enough for the investment that you have made in mine, and countless other's lives. I'm am abundantly proud to say that we will be working together to save the city of Acworth, and the World! I've never met a greater teacher. No doubt, God has given you a bright mind, crazy personality, love for the lost, and wisdom to discern right from wrong. The Holy Spirit has sat down upon your life, and God's purpose for you is freakin' mind blowing! I look forward to you being a part of the next segment in my life!{Deuteronomy 30:9 & Deuteronomy 28: 11-13}
Well that's enough for tonight, but the list is far from over! Next up we have
Maddi Regan
Todd Lollis &
Valerie Campbell
Jeff Hill
Jeff, you've always been a great guy just to sit and talk with. I envy your Godly relationship with Carmen, and I know that you two will be awesome together! I love the fact that you are always searching for God's will. We always disagree on something, but that has never restricted or degraded our friendship. I look up to you not only as a good friend, but also as a person who is constantly striving to be more like Christ. {Proverbs 5:18-19 (a weird verse but fitting!) & Philippians 1:9}
JR Lee
First of all, I simply have to thank you! Because of you taking the time to be real with us in a discipleship class on Oct. 17th, 3 years ago...I realized that I was lost and on my way to Hell! I walked downstairs weeping, and I couldn't leave the building without giving my life to Christ! I could never thank you enough for the investment that you have made in mine, and countless other's lives. I'm am abundantly proud to say that we will be working together to save the city of Acworth, and the World! I've never met a greater teacher. No doubt, God has given you a bright mind, crazy personality, love for the lost, and wisdom to discern right from wrong. The Holy Spirit has sat down upon your life, and God's purpose for you is freakin' mind blowing! I look forward to you being a part of the next segment in my life!{Deuteronomy 30:9 & Deuteronomy 28: 11-13}
Well that's enough for tonight, but the list is far from over! Next up we have
Maddi Regan
Todd Lollis &
Valerie Campbell
4.09.2007
A few words of encouragement...
I once heard that you should always criticize privately and praise publicly. So, I wanna encourage a few individuals that have made a major impact in my life in the past few years! (They are listed in alphabetical order!)
Craig and Teri Regan
First and foremost, thanks for all the free food! You guys always have words of encouragement, and know how to lift a downed spirit. Mr. Craig you are a great teacher and God uses you in more ways then you'll ever know. Mrs. Teri, you have an incredible heart and are extremely wise. You've raised incredible daughters, and God will bless you in all the work that you've sowed into their lives. Thank you both for letting us hang out at your house 24/7. {Proverbs 19:17 & Matthew 25: 34-40}
Heather Jacks
Heather, you are probably the coolest person I've ever met. You've overcome every hardship that has ever passed your way, and you are wise beyond your years! I look up to you in almost everything you do, and I know that God is going to do something out of this World in your life! I know for a fact I get all my creativity and humor from you! You Rock and I'm extremely proud to say that we are related! Love ya!{Psalms 128:2 & James 1:2-4}
Jason and PJ Belk
You guys played a huge role in my spiritual maturity over the past few years. You opened the door for me to step up and become a leader; furthermore, because of your friendship, I know that I've got family everywhere. You both are awesome parents and I know that Aiden and Elijah will grow up to be incredible servants of God! I look forward to working with you in the ministry one day, and I know that together with God you two are unstoppable! {Job 11:18-19 & Psalms 46:1-2}
JC Thompson
J.C., your are so stinkin' smart! Not only are you a great role model, but your also an incredible friend. I can't think of a better guy to grow up with. You are going to do something World changing in the near future, and I hope that God gives me the privilege of being a part of it. Your wisdom is uncomparable, and your passion for God is undeniable. I respect your opinion unlike many others. Thanks for being a great friend. {Ecclesiastes 2:26 & 2 Corinthians 10:17-18}
Thanks for everything guys! Check in for in a few days for the rest of my list...
Jeff Hill
JR Lee
Maddi Regan
Todd Lollis
Valerie Campbell
Craig and Teri Regan
First and foremost, thanks for all the free food! You guys always have words of encouragement, and know how to lift a downed spirit. Mr. Craig you are a great teacher and God uses you in more ways then you'll ever know. Mrs. Teri, you have an incredible heart and are extremely wise. You've raised incredible daughters, and God will bless you in all the work that you've sowed into their lives. Thank you both for letting us hang out at your house 24/7. {Proverbs 19:17 & Matthew 25: 34-40}
Heather Jacks
Heather, you are probably the coolest person I've ever met. You've overcome every hardship that has ever passed your way, and you are wise beyond your years! I look up to you in almost everything you do, and I know that God is going to do something out of this World in your life! I know for a fact I get all my creativity and humor from you! You Rock and I'm extremely proud to say that we are related! Love ya!{Psalms 128:2 & James 1:2-4}
Jason and PJ Belk
You guys played a huge role in my spiritual maturity over the past few years. You opened the door for me to step up and become a leader; furthermore, because of your friendship, I know that I've got family everywhere. You both are awesome parents and I know that Aiden and Elijah will grow up to be incredible servants of God! I look forward to working with you in the ministry one day, and I know that together with God you two are unstoppable! {Job 11:18-19 & Psalms 46:1-2}
JC Thompson
J.C., your are so stinkin' smart! Not only are you a great role model, but your also an incredible friend. I can't think of a better guy to grow up with. You are going to do something World changing in the near future, and I hope that God gives me the privilege of being a part of it. Your wisdom is uncomparable, and your passion for God is undeniable. I respect your opinion unlike many others. Thanks for being a great friend. {Ecclesiastes 2:26 & 2 Corinthians 10:17-18}
Thanks for everything guys! Check in for in a few days for the rest of my list...
Jeff Hill
JR Lee
Maddi Regan
Todd Lollis
Valerie Campbell
3.20.2007
Legalism
The term "legality" means accuracy in accordance to established law. Sounds like something positive or beneficial right? Or for some of you...it sounds like I just spoke a foreign language.
First we understand there are laws relating man to man (as in the many laws of Moses), and then Laws dealing with man's relationship to God and also God with man. Don't misinterpret what I'm about to say, Legalism in itself isn't wrong. Paul actually used the law as a finger to point the religious sects of his day to Christ, who himself became the fulfillment of God's law and completion of man's reconciliation to God through his life and death.
Only God himself (through Christ) could ever fulfill these legalistic laws, obey these laws, and thereby remove the laws' consequences toward believers. The Pharisees could never accomplish this goal. They tried for thousands of years and the religious leaders of today won't succeed either.
The power of the law (spiritually)was meant to validate a person's spiritual death. Like a spiritual death certificate made valid only by a physician's signature. In this case God being the Supreme Doctor of this declaration, knowing and writing the letter of that law. In more Lamens terms, God's a Doctor and he writes a perscription for us to live by.
The legalist of today forget much of Christ's teaching and His revelation of the law. There are those who would plead the Law so high, that it would seem insurmountable, even in the shadow of the cross. Hence, many of my generation are so overpowered by the evidence of Law and conscience, they never seek reconciliation because it simply overwhelms them. They may never receive Salvation's message of Grace because of the drone of legalistic religious order and the loud trumpeting of Law's loud condemnation. Or they may understand God's gift of salvation, but never will be able to effectivly convey that message because they are caught up in the legality of it all. Certainly the law is important and plays a critical role in a Christian's life, but it is to reveal our condition, never meant to be lived by or dwelt under.
So I believe the problem is this: we confuse the Law with Doctrine. Grace does not excuse the Law or ignore it, neither does it violate its principles. It overpowers it with a greater law: the Law of Grace. Much in the same way aerodynamics does not negate the law of gravity, it simply supersedes it with a greater law that lifts planes and people off the groung. While some view the rules of the Old Testament and the New Testament Church as a guidebook to live by, we know this in itself is not a bad thing when kept in its scriptural place. However many of us seem to have lost the true picture imaged by the New Testament, and therewith miss the intent and spirit of the law.
Paul used balance and perspective of them both. "The letter of the Law kills, but the Spirit giveth Life." To use one or the other in imbalance to the other has always been the glue of error whereby many in the early churches fell to legalism. Remember Paul's issue of physical circumcism verses circumcisim of the heart?
To expose error is good. But to expose it under the harsh light of legalism without the balance of Grace (Love) would do a huge injustice to the heart of Christ. Remember, Grace was always preached as the weightier Law, not ignored just overpowered and given a new light under which to view Doctrine. We should all be humbled in heartfelt thanks for the way God, the Righteous Judge, tips the scales toward Grace. For Grace is surely the heart of Christ who is full of Grace AND Truth.
First we understand there are laws relating man to man (as in the many laws of Moses), and then Laws dealing with man's relationship to God and also God with man. Don't misinterpret what I'm about to say, Legalism in itself isn't wrong. Paul actually used the law as a finger to point the religious sects of his day to Christ, who himself became the fulfillment of God's law and completion of man's reconciliation to God through his life and death.
Only God himself (through Christ) could ever fulfill these legalistic laws, obey these laws, and thereby remove the laws' consequences toward believers. The Pharisees could never accomplish this goal. They tried for thousands of years and the religious leaders of today won't succeed either.
The power of the law (spiritually)was meant to validate a person's spiritual death. Like a spiritual death certificate made valid only by a physician's signature. In this case God being the Supreme Doctor of this declaration, knowing and writing the letter of that law. In more Lamens terms, God's a Doctor and he writes a perscription for us to live by.
The legalist of today forget much of Christ's teaching and His revelation of the law. There are those who would plead the Law so high, that it would seem insurmountable, even in the shadow of the cross. Hence, many of my generation are so overpowered by the evidence of Law and conscience, they never seek reconciliation because it simply overwhelms them. They may never receive Salvation's message of Grace because of the drone of legalistic religious order and the loud trumpeting of Law's loud condemnation. Or they may understand God's gift of salvation, but never will be able to effectivly convey that message because they are caught up in the legality of it all. Certainly the law is important and plays a critical role in a Christian's life, but it is to reveal our condition, never meant to be lived by or dwelt under.
So I believe the problem is this: we confuse the Law with Doctrine. Grace does not excuse the Law or ignore it, neither does it violate its principles. It overpowers it with a greater law: the Law of Grace. Much in the same way aerodynamics does not negate the law of gravity, it simply supersedes it with a greater law that lifts planes and people off the groung. While some view the rules of the Old Testament and the New Testament Church as a guidebook to live by, we know this in itself is not a bad thing when kept in its scriptural place. However many of us seem to have lost the true picture imaged by the New Testament, and therewith miss the intent and spirit of the law.
Paul used balance and perspective of them both. "The letter of the Law kills, but the Spirit giveth Life." To use one or the other in imbalance to the other has always been the glue of error whereby many in the early churches fell to legalism. Remember Paul's issue of physical circumcism verses circumcisim of the heart?
To expose error is good. But to expose it under the harsh light of legalism without the balance of Grace (Love) would do a huge injustice to the heart of Christ. Remember, Grace was always preached as the weightier Law, not ignored just overpowered and given a new light under which to view Doctrine. We should all be humbled in heartfelt thanks for the way God, the Righteous Judge, tips the scales toward Grace. For Grace is surely the heart of Christ who is full of Grace AND Truth.
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