SALVATION BY GRACE?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

ARE WE SAVED BY GRACE AND WORKS

OR BY GOD'S GIFT OF GRACE ALONE?

JUSTIFIED TO GOD BY FAITH

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law." Romans 3:28 NKJV

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our LORD Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of GOD." Romans 5:1-2 NKJV

IF YOU CAN BE RIGHTEOUS OBEYING THE LAW, THEN WHY DID WE NEED JESUS TO SACRIFICE HIS LIFE ON THE CROSS TO PAY FOR OUR SINS?
"I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."  Galatians 2:21 NKJV

WHAT IS SALVATION BY GRACE?

AFTER WE ARE SAVED, WE ARE CREATED TO DO HIS GOOD WORKS

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been SAVED through FAITH; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of WORKS, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." Ephesians 2:4-10 NAS

GRACE IS GOD's VALUABLE FREE GIFT.

(If someone gave you a gift and made you work and earn it, would it still be a free gift?)

"But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in Justification." Romans 5:15-16 NKJV

WAGES ARE PAYMENTS FOR OUR WORKS

"For the WAGES of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23 NKJV

"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Proverbs 16:25 NAS

HOW ARE WE JUSTIFIED BY WORKS?

After we are saved by grace through faith; we show the world our faith through the love of Christ by doing good works.

"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? James 2:14-16 NKJV

OUR FAITH IS DEAD IF WE DO NOTHING

"Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 

You believe that GOD is one. You do well; the demons also BELIEVE, and shudder." James 2:17-19 NAS

MERELY BELIEVING THAT JESUS EXISTS IS NOT FAITH.  Demons believe in Jesus; but they are rebellious and don't trust in him. 

"So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be SAVED, you and your household."   

Acts 16:31 NKJV

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil." 

Proverbs 3:5-7 NAS

GRACE AND WORKS ARE POLAR OPPOSITES

"And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work." Romans 11:6 NKJV

THE LAW REVEALS US THAT WE ARE SINNERS NEEDING A SAVOIR

"...for ALL have SINNED and fall short of the glory of God, being justified FREELY by His GRACE through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24 NKJV

JESUS LOVES YOU

"But God demonstrates His own LOVE toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 NKJV

CONFESS AND BELIEVE

"...that if you confess with your mouth the LORD Jesus and believe in your heart that God has saved Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation." Romans 10:9-10 NKJV

CALL ON THE NAME OF JESUS

"For whoever calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:13 NKJV

"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 NKJV

HIKING SLOT CANYONS

It's exciting exploring the slot canyon that God has created. If you want to have a safe journey, make sure you take time to prepare. 
PEEK-A-BOO ~ 2 A II rating
Escalante Grand Staircase, Utah

CANYONEERING RATINGS

1. HIKING ~ non technical slot canyons.
2. BEGINNER CANYONEERING ~ some scrambling and climbing.
3. INTERMEDIATE CANYONEERING ~ rappelling required.
4. ADVANCE CANYONEERING ~ technical climbing and rappelling.

• RISK ~ N (none), R (risky), and X (extreme).
• WATER ~ A (normally dry), B (some pools), and C (water with current).
• TIME ~ I. (few hours), II. (half day), III. (day), IV. (extended day), V. (2 days) and VI. (2 or more days).

PREPARATION

• WEATHER ~ The worst place to be on a rainy day, a narrow drainage. Plan your trip on sunny days. Pick dry months to explore slot canyons. And always have a plan of escape.
• MAPS ~ It's easy to get lost and turned around when you can't see any landmarks or horizon, in a sandstone canyon. Make sure you have a map, compass and maybe even a GPS. Remember your footsteps. And don't listen to strangers telling you there is a short cut back to your car.
• WATER and SALTY FOOD ~ Take extra water and salty food with you, in case you have to spend additional time out in the desert. It is vital to have a supply depot of food and water in your vehicle, when you return.
• ROADS ~ Washes crossing dirt roads can be impassible, even for 4 wheel drive vehicles, when there are flash floods. Bring a small shovel to dig yourself out, in case of emergencies. Contact the BLM office for road closures and updates.
• SUNPROTECTION ~ Make sure you protect yourself from UV. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and light clothing are important.
• FOOTWEAR ~ Test your hiking boots & shoes out on slickrock, before climbing in a slot canyon. Dry test ~ test for traction on dry rock surfaces. Wet test ~ test for traction on wet slickrock. If you use sandals, make sure they are totally secure, and will not fall off you, when climbing.
• JACKET ~ Protect yourself from cold, rain, or wind.
• FIRST AID ~ Being hours from the nearest medical clinic, make sure you have first aid in your pack and extra supplies in your vehicle. Also, learn basic first aid.
• DAYPACK ~ Large daypacks will be an obstacle in tight places. It is good to bring your smaller bicycle daypack. Don't forget important stuff.
• DON'T GO ALONE ~ The worst thing you can do, is to not tell anyone where you are going and hike slot canyons by yourself. You will need someone to give you a boost, climbing up choke stones, and a reaching hand, helping you up scarey places. And if you get heat exhaustion or need first aid, there might not be anyone else present to help you.
• HIKING POLES ~ A must for walking in running water, such as the Zion's Narrows. Muddy slots, are slippery! If you don't want to be covered in muck, a hiking pole may be a life saver.
• LARGE FRAME PERSONS ~ Some slot canyons are tight, even for small frame persons. It might be wise to ask others for advice, before wedging yourself in a tight place.

GRAND CANYON ~ LIFE'S JOURNEY part 2

You've got the dream to backpack the Grand Canyon; but what is your next step? Your life may be full of dreams, but very few will become reality unless you take action. Make sure every step of the way is covered in prayer and directed by God.

Couch potatoes never hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.

1. PRAYER
You will develop skills and grow more into a leader, by planning your own trip. It is important to make sure, that God is giving you His blessings; and not to run ahead of Him. Involve God! Allow Jesus to make your decisions. Pray! Allow the Spirit of God to tell you yes or no.  "Man's steps are ordained by the LORD..." Proverbs 20:24

2. RESEARCH
The more knowledge you have, the more likely your adventure will be successful. Your Grand Canyon research may include:

• Visiting the Grand Canyon, taking pictures, talking to rangers, backcountry office and checking out trailheads.
• NPS.org ~ online research for the Grand Canyon
• Other Grand Canyon sites on the Internet, personal, commercial, and tourist
• Purchase maps ~ National Geographic
• Build a library of Grand Canyon books.
• Watch Grand Canyon DVDs, IMAX movies & CD ROMS.
• Talking with friends who have hiked the Grand Canyon

3. SOLO or TEAM After praying and doing your research, you'll need to decide who all is going. Are you backpacking alone? Are you inviting others.

4. DECISIONS A decision must be made, what month are your going to backpack the Grand Canyon.

5. APPLY FOR A BACKCOUNTRY PERMIT You need to go online to NPS.org, and visit the Grand Canyon National Park site. You can download a form to request campsites and dates. You can either visit the backcountry office in person, mail it in or send a fax.

6. EXERCISE You need to get your body in shape. Push yourself, and make sure you take many hikes before you leave for the canyon.

7. BACKPACKING Take your backpack out and go camping during the Summer. Find out how much you can carry and what you can eliminate. The Grand Canyon should never be your first backpacking trip.

8. PLAN MENU Buy backpack food, or stuff from your supermarket and taste test it. It would be horrible to carry a meal, that tasted disqusting.

9. GEAR Round up your backpack and gear. It is good to go shopping for items you need, months before your trip. Get a postal scale and weigh each item.

10. BOOK SHUTTLE, & MOTEL Once you have your permit in hand, it is time to book your transcanyon shuttle, and motel rooms for before & after.

11. PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE You would hate to have your car break down on the way to the canyon. Make sure you have good brakes, tires, belts, new fluids, hoses, and an oil change.

Grand Canyon ~ LIFE's JOURNEY part one

What does it take to plan a Grand Canyon, Rim to Rim backpacking adventure? And what are life's lessons we can learn? In this series we will take you from dream to reality.

DARE TO DREAM

Perhaps you were visiting the North Rim, and you walked out to an overlook point. Your breath was taken away. Visitors from other countries were shooting pictures. A raven sours to a pinion tree below. On the horizon, you see the South Rim in the distance. Feeling a cool breeze, you hear others talking about hiking down the canyon. Curiosity merges, "What is it like down there?" A desire, rushes into your head and motivates a wild dream. "I would like to hike the Grand Canyon, from the North Rim to the South Rim."

APPLICATION

During your LIFE's JOURNEY, have you ever had a dream of what you would like to do? A dream of where to live, what occupation to pursue, or what ministry God is leading you into. How do you pursue this dream? How can you journey to make it reality? Or how can you plan your Rim to Rim backpacking trip?
"...And your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;"           

 Acts 2:17 NAS

WHO WAS THE HUMBLEST MAN EVER TO LIVE?

PRIDE BUSTERS 

MOSES

"Now the man Moses was very humble, 

more than all men who were on 

the face of the earth." Numbers 12:3 NKJV

God used a humble man, Moses to lead the nation of Isreal out of the bondage of Egypt.

"Then He said, "Hear now My words:
If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision, And I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, Even plainly, and not in dark sayings, And he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant Moses?" 

Numbers 12:4-8 NKJV

God speaks to His prophets by dreams and visions. But the LORD spoke directly to His servant Moses. 

"No one has seen God at any time..." I John 4:12 NKJV

"Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus," Hebrews 3:1 NKJV

Jesus is our Apostle and High Priest.

"...who was faithful to Him who appoint Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end." Hebrews 3:2-6 NKJV

God used Moses mightily, 

because he was the most 

humble man on earth. 

Are you humble?

Or are you full of pride?

DAVID AND GOLIATH

PRIDE BUSTERS

God chose a humble person, 

David, to defeat the proud Goliath

"Now the LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I will send you to Jesses the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons." 

I Samuel 16:1 NASB

The Lord sent Samuel the prophet to anoint and select a king.

"So Samuel did what the LORD said, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and said, "Do you come in peace?"
He said, "In peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice."
He also consecrated Jesses and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice."
I Samuel 16:4-5 NASB

Samuel spoke to Jesses' sons.

"Then it came about when they entered, that he looked at Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed is before Him."

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Then Jesses called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, "Neither has the LORD chose this one."

Then Jesses made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, "The LORD has not chosen these." And Samuel said to Jesses, "Are these all the children?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep."
Then Samuel said to Jesses, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here." So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, "Arise, anoint him; for this is he."
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of is brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward.
And Samuel arose and went to Ramah."
I Samuel 16: 6-13 NASB

"Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle;..."   I Samuel 17:1 NASB

"The Philistines stood on the mountain on one side while Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them.
Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span."
I Samuel 17:3-4 NASB

"He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, "Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us." Again the Philistine said, "I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together."
I Samuel 17:8-10 NASB

Jesses had David deliver some food and supplies to his brothers on the battlefield and heard Goliath's speech.

"When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid. The men of Israel said, "Have you seen this man who is coming up? Surely he is coming up to defy Israel. And it will be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel."
I Samuel 17:24-25 NASB

"Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?"
I Samuel 17:26 NASB

David went to battle with no armor and the only weapon he had was a sling and five stones.

"Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance.
The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine also said to David, "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field."
Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD's and He will give you into our hands."
I Samuel 17:43-47 NAS

"And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground."
I Samuel 17:49 NASB

"Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his had with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled."
I Samuel 17:50-15 NASB

Goliath was a classic example of arrogance, intimidating the people of Israel. 

To defeat this spirit of pride, God anointed a humble shepherd boy.

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?  Do you stand in pride like Goliath, bad mouthing God's people?

Or are you humble like David, defending his people?

NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S PRIDE

PRIDE BUSTERS 

God gave Nebuchadnezzar, 

the king of Babylon a fearful dream.

"I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace. I saw a dream and it made me fearful; and these fantasies as I lay on my bed and the visions in my mind kept alarming me.
Then the magicians, the conjurers, the Chaldeans and the diviners came in and I related the dream to them, but they could not make its interpretation known to me. But finally Daniel came in before me..."
Daniel 4:4-8 NASB


Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream.

"this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king; that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whom,ever He wishes. And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules. Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins by doing righteousness and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity."
Daniel 4:24-27 NASB

If you exalt yourself, you will be abased, and if you humble yourself, you shall be exalted. 

"Twelve months later he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon.

The king reflected and said, 'Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?'

"While the word was in the king's mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you, and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.'"
Daniel 4:29-32 NASB


Driven out from hanging gardens of the palace to the cattle pasture, the mighty king spent 7 years discovering GOD, the true ruler of the heavens and earth.

"But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever;

'For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, but He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, What have You done?'

"At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out ; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me."
Daniel 4:34-36 NASB

Nebuchadnezzar looked up to heaven and praised the Most High God. 

"Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride."
Daniel 4:37 NASB


Leaders who walk in PRIDE will be brought down by God.  Those who are HUMBLE will be lifted up.  Are you a leader?