“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, has found?

² For if Abraham were Justified by works, he has whereof to glory; but not before God.

³ For what says the Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for Righteousness.” Romans 4:1-3

Those who have their faith placed in the Cross of Christ AND water baptism, church membership or any other various work presented by religion has their works whereof to glory.  Even if their faith is 95% in atoning work of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross and 5% in their particular religious work, the Cross is made of no effect.  One cannot have faith in two events for Salvation nor can they have faith in two events for Sanctification.  Victory over sin is not of the Law, the Mosaic Law or any other religious law, but under Grace.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under Grace.” Romans 6:14

Under Grace, the power of sin is broken in the Believer’s life and we no longer have to live in sin.  While under law, the power of sin remains even as the law reveals our transgressions.  The Law (Mosaic or any law given for victory over sin) does not give us the power to overcome sin but works wrath because of the penalty incurred for its transgression.

^“13 For the Promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the Law, but through the Righteousness of Faith.

¹⁴ For if they which are of the Law be heirs, faith is made void, and the Promise made of none effect: ¹⁵ Because the Law works wrath: for where no Law is, there is no transgression.” Romans 4:13-15

Jesus Christ satisfied the entirety of the Law for whosoever will believe upon Him as their Lord and Saviour.  Every sin was and is atoned for by His finished Work on Calvary’s Cross as the Lamb of God. Through the Believer’s faith in His Work and His Work alone, there is no transgression of the Law.  Grace abounds for those who believe…but is made of no effect for those whose boast is of works as well.  The reward of their work is not of God’s Grace (which breaks the penalty of sin) but of debt as to the law (Romans 4:4).

^“8 For by Grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

And just like that, man’s works are laid waste by the Word of God…yet so many hold so tightly to their religious and denominational rules.  How long will you allow these religious laws to work wrath in your life?  Jesus overcame.  Just believe.

-Donna Clark Warren

Because the modern church does not deem what God has declared as sin and have chosen to accept sinful lifestyles into their fold, they see no need for a Sin Offering.  The modern church does not preach a crucified Savior because they no longer believe homosexuality is a sin.  They do not believe fornication is a sin.  Their prideful ways are not sinful because it is their prideful ways and not that of others.  Their moral authority is that of a seared conscience where their love is greater than their sin.   God’s Love is greater than sin…not ours.  Our love for one another cannot overcome sin.  True love will speak Truth to the lost and hurting, not coddle them in their sin.  God sent His only begotten Son to die on Calvary’s Cross to pay the penalty of sin for the sinner and break the power of sin for the Believer.

Spiritual death of mankind died on Calvary’s Cross when Jesus Christ gave up the Ghost and made Salvation available for whosoever will believe.   Redemption is the purpose of man’s Sin Sacrifice Who was and is Jesus Christ.  The born again Believer is bought with a price…a very high price and for the modern church to deem the Cross of Christ as unnecessary simply because they have accepted sin is blasphemy.

^“15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

¹⁶ You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

¹⁷ Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.

¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

¹⁹ Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.” Matthew 7:15-20

The Bible says you will know them by their fruit.  Have they accepted sin and called it good? There are many denominations who have called sin good and good evil.  Their’s is another Jesus and another gospel because they do not see the need for a crucified Savior to Save them from their sin.

Discern the fruit.

-Donna Clark Warren

^“13 (For not the hearers of the Law are just before God, but the doers of the Law shall be justified.

¹⁴ For when the Gentiles, which have not the Law, do by nature the things contained in the Law, these, having not the Law, are a Law unto themselves:

¹⁵ Which show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

¹⁶ In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel.”  Romans 2:13-16

The hearing of the Law saves no one.  Knowledge of the Law saves no one. Hearing nor a mere knowledge of the Gospel saves no one unless the hearer believes the shed Blood of Jesus paid the penalty for their sins and that He is alive today sitting at the Right Hand of the Throne of God searching to and fro for those whose heart is perfect toward HIM (Who HE is and what HE has done for whosoever will believe).

The Law of God is written on the heart of mankind and our conscience bears witness.  The good that is done by the lost does not bring them Justification; just as the hearing of the Law does not bring Justification.  There are untold thousands who sit among the congregation weekly believing that they are indeed justified before God because they are hearers of the Gospel and doers of good according to their conscience alone.  Never have they opened the Word of God for themselves, seeking to ensure their conscience not be seared by the commandments of men being declared as biblical doctrine but have gone about accusing or excusing one another according to their own conscience.

It is one thing for the lost to do that which is good because of the Law of God written on their heart.  Their conscience will indeed bear witness but their vain thoughts will go about accusing and excusing.   It is another thing all together for those who claim Christianity; those who may indeed hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified and do that which is good because the Law of God is written on their heart but they too allow their vain thoughts to become their religious doctrine. Their banner may be Christianity but their doctrine is that of a seared conscience which serves as their moral authority instead of the Word of God being their moral authority.   They are hearers who have not believed and are therefore not Saved, while at the same time doers who have not believed and sadly are again not Saved either.

We are saved by Grace through Faith, not of works lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).  Those who profess the banner of Christianity but have not yet believed with their heart are lukewarm Christians and bring reproach to the work of God.  God says He would rather them be cold than lukewarm.  The cold are those who don’t profess Christianity; those who may or may not do that which is “good” but in either case they do not profess to be followers of Christ.

As a follower of Jesus Christ, we are held accountable to the Word of God…to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  If we point to, lean on or partake in any other method for victory over the world, the flesh and the devil, we will give an account.  This Gospel of which we preach will bring the lost to the Cross of Christ for repentance; It will set the captives free and heal those which are bruised.  There is no sugar coating necessary.  Lift Him up, Jesus Christ, to a lost and dying world so that they can choose for themselves in Whom they will believe.

The secrets of which we keep will be judged by God according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified; not how often we heard or how many good works we performed but that of which we believed with our hearts unto Salvation.  Be determined to know nothing else among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

-Donna Clark Warren

As a Child of God, our moral authority is the Word of God.  The Bible does not contain the Word of God but It IS the Word of God.  We do not get to pick and choose the parts which align with our feelings but rather dismiss our “feelings” regarding morality and accept the reality of morality according to the Word of God.

It is the world’s feelings which define their morality and becomes their religion.  Sadly, many denominations and religious folk have allowed their sense of morality to become corrupted by worldly ways as they desperately seek to fill the pews.  Just as our eternal soul means nothing to the worldly system and we are nothing more than merchandise purchased by goods and services of those desiring our money, so too has the seeker sensitive church yielded to the ways of the world as they dim the lights and pump up the entertainment.

The “small groups” ordained by the modern church are nothing more than a social hour with men and women discussing things with one another that they need to be discussing with the Lord and their own family.  Their accountability becomes to the small group and the church and no longer to the Lord and their family.

“¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

We either believe that ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God and it is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction and righteousness or we don’t.  When we look in the mirror and something needs to be fixed, we fix it or we walk away and ignore what needs to be corrected.  The Lord wants to remove those parts which hinder our walk with Him.  Each and every one of us.  If we think we have graduated and the Lord has finished removing all that is wrong with us…well, we haven’t looked in the mirror lately.

^“23 For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: ²⁴ For he beholds himself, and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was.” James 1:23-24

Jesus Christ broke the penalty of sin in our lives.  When He is lifted up to the masses and we look unto Him as the Author and Finisher of our faith, we see our filthy rags and humbly seek Him to deliver us from the miry clay.  Precept upon precept and line upon line, the Lord corrects with His Word and convicts with His Spirit; old things pass away and all things become new. Our faith is truly authored and will soon be finished as we lay hold on eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“…Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world.” 1 John 1:29

Jesus took away the sin of the world and nailed it to His Cross, yet so many Christians keep trying to take away their sin from the cross and call their particular sin of choice “good” according to their feelings.  Jesus is standing at the door of the modern church knocking.  He is searching to and fro for those whose heart is perfect toward Him looking to author and finish their faith in Who He is and what He has done.  Stop trying to author and finish your own faith and look unto Jesus.  His Arm is not shortened.  He WANTS to bless you but wisdom of words being taught as biblical doctrine have made the Cross of Christ of no effect in your life. Come back to your first love.  Jesus Christ and Him crucified; be determined to know nothing else.

-Donna Clark Warren

^“12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in the lusts thereof.

¹³ Neither yield you your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

¹⁴ For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under Grace.

¹⁵ What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under Grace? God forbid.” Romans 6:12-15

The same Spirit that leads the Believing sinner unto Salvation will also lead the Believing Saint unto Sanctification.  The Holy Spirit does not lead the Saint unto unrighteousness and unholines.  Old things pass away and all things become new as the Believing Saint looks unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.  Precept upon precept and line upon line, the Holy Spirit superintends the work of God in our hearts and lives as we are led by the Spirit.  Having decided to deny our self efforts, abilities, intellect and talent, we pick up that which the Cross of Christ has afforded whosoever will believe (the blessings and promises of God) and follow Jesus.  Fighting this good fight of faith daily, faith in the Cross of Christ, we make a conscious choice to follow Jesus this day.  Looking unto Jesus, Who He is and what He has done on Calvary’s Cross, we give the Holy Spirit latitude to do that which He is commissioned to do…guide us into Righteousness and Holiness (Sanctification).

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.”  John 12:32

Many Believers have unknowingly stopped believing in the drawing and leading of the Holy Spirit and vainly attempt to perform the ministry of the Holy Spirit in their lives and other’s lives themselves.  Many a vain method has been presented to the people for dominion over sin causing them to continually be swept to and fro with every wind of doctrine.  Scripture is sprinkled throughout these philosophies and the unlearned Christian equates these vanities as biblical…not so.

^“16 You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

¹⁷ Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.

¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

¹⁹ Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.” Matthew 7:16-20

If the Believer (the fruit of a ministry), contently remains unrighteous and unholy, they are not being led by the Spirit of God.  If they are not being led by the Spirit of God, their faith has been placed in another method…a vain philosophy given by men to overcome sin and the result will always be failure.  The Holy Spirit convicts of sin, He does not make us comfortable in sin.

“But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

-Donna Clark Warren

^“3 Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His Death?

⁴ Therefore we are buried with Him by Baptism into Death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:3-4

At Salvation, the Holy Spirit baptizes Believing sinners into Christ; into His death which is referred to as the “Baptism into Death”.  As the Holy Spirit baptizes us into Jesus, we are then “born of the Spirit” and of “water” which is natural child birth.

^“5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.

⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

⁷ Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again.” John 3:5-7.

Being born of the Spirit at Salvation; baptized into Jesus’ death, we are dead to sin.  Sin’s penalty is paid and it’s power broken upon our Salvation, we are now alive unto God and no longer dead in our sin and trespasses.

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11

We are afforded this liberty by faith in the Cross of Christ (“by faith through Grace”, Ephesians 2:8-9), not vain philosophies from the minds of man that are being taught as doctrine.  These silly methods are presented to the church to live a victorious Christian life are in fact doctrines of demons given to lead one away from the Cross of Christ making it of no effect.

^“17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

¹⁸ For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

The faith that got you in the Kingdom of God is the same faith that keeps you in the Kingdom of God; faith in Jesus Christ and Him crucified…be determined to know nothing else among you.

-Donna Clark Warren

“And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the Brethren, and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Acts 15:1

Certain men came and taught the Gentiles who had accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior that they must be circumcised to be Saved.  Today, there are certain men and women who teach Believers that they must partake in the Jewish feasts and festivals. Not so. The Hebraic Roots movement is attempting to do exactly what these Pharisees did in the early Church by putting a yoke upon the neck of Believers.

^“2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders about this question.

³ And being brought on their way by the Church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the Brethren.

⁴ And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the Church, and of the Apostles and Elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

⁵ But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

⁶ And the Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of this matter.

⁷ And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and Brethren, you know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe.

⁸ And God, which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us;

⁹ And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

¹⁰ Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the Disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” Acts 15:2-10

Why do the “Messianic Jews” tempt ye God to put a yoke upon the neck of the Disciples?  We are saved by Grace through faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are a Child of God (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8:16).

Beware of certain men who creep in unaware and turn the Grace of God into a license to sin and deny the Cross of Christ and the Cross of Christ alone for Salvation.  They seek to place a yoke of religiosity upon the Believer in order to leaven the lump.

“For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:4

Be determined to know nothing else among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

-Donna Clark Warren