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Burnett Ministries 

P.O. Box 20643

Greensboro, NC 27420

USA

Phone: 336-681-2973

Email: [email protected]

Jesus Christ, The Only Wise God our Savior

To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen (Jude, verse 25).


You will find the words, God our Savior in 1 Timothy 2:3, Titus 1:3; 2:10-13; 3:4 and 2 Peter 1:1.

God always confirms His Word; as you see, there are several scriptures relating, supporting and connecting to the topic. 


Let’s see what these verses are saying and get the true meaning of them.


God our Savior - Doesn’t the Word of God say that Jesus Christ is our Savior?

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved (Romans 10:9). 


Who said, destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up (John 2:19)? Jesus did, of course! Therefore, Jesus Christ who is God raised the temple (His body) in three days.


He, His temple (body) was crucified, by the worse kind of death. This kind of punishment was for slaves and malefactors (criminals). This shows how much the Jews hated Jesus and had Him taken to the Roman court, and it was even thought that once Jesus was crucified, it would be the end of Him; but none of the princes (rulers) of this world knew, for had they known it, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord (1 Corinthians 2:8).


Who crucified the Lord of glory? The Roman governor washed his hands before a multitude of people saying, I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours (Matthew 27:24), but the Jews wanted to kill Jesus throughout His ministry and they were continuously trying to find ways to kill Him (John 5:16-17; 7:1; 8:37).

In actuality, everybody was guilty of His death; that’s the reason Jesus bore the sins for everybody (John 3:16, Romans 3:9-12).


Yet, He willingly gave up His life; Jesus said: No one can take My life from Me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority (power) to lay it down and pick it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded (John 10:18). This also reveals that Jesus and God are the same all-powerful one God in three persons, including the Holy Spirit (1 John 5:5-8).


Jesus said this to Philip: Have I not been with you all this time Philip and you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father (John 14:9).


So, how can God the Father and God the Son be separated? They are one in the same; the Triune God just took on different roles. This validates that Jesus Christ is God. Jesus said that He and the Father are one (John 10:30).


Jesus humbled Himself, even though He did not think it robbery to think of Himself as God; Jesus Christ has always been God, He took on the form of man to identify with mankind, and was obedient to the point of death, even to the death of the cross. Therefore, God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name: the name is Lord (Philippians 2:6-11)

.

Although Jesus Christ limited Himself as being 100%, at times He used His supernatural power. This revealed that He was also 100% God.


Next: Jesus is the Eternal, Everlasting God


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus is the Lord God our Healer

Jesus is the Lord God our Healer

Jehovah-Rapha


God said if the Israelites would obey Him, He would not put any of the diseases on them (Exodus 15:26). The principle in the same today, healing is conditional; there are certain choices we make that cause our bodies to be unhealthy. For instance, un-forgiveness can stop healing: If I regard (hold, harbor) iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Psalm 66:18). God hears everything, but He turns His ear away from those who hold unforgiveness in their hearts.


However, God is Sovereign (whatever He does is always right), and He does what He chooses, even though we may not understand why some people are rich and don’t honor God, or they may be unsaved, and they are healthy. Even still, there are some people who are just downright wicked, and it seems as though they are living a real good life. The Word of God tells us that He sends His sun and rain on the just and the unjust (evil-Matthew 5:45).


He sent His Word and healed them and delivered them from their destruction (Psalm 107:19-20). The Word is Jesus (John 1:1)Jesus healed many who were possessed by with devils and He cast spirits out with His word and healed all that were sick. Then He quoted what Isaiah prophesied: That this might be fulfilled what Isaiah, the prophet saying: Himself took our infirmities and bare our sicknesses (Matthew 8:16-17, Isaiah 53:5).


Isaiah prophesied about future healing (Isaiah 53:5); When Jesus started His public ministry, He fulfilled what Isaiah prophesied (Matthew 8:17). The Word of God lets us know when Jesus went to the cross and died for our sins, He also bore the stripes on His body for us to healed (1 Peter 2:24).


Jesus came to heal the broken hearted; so, it is not just physical healing. He is concerned about the whole person; physical, emotional and spiritual – He came to set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18). Jesus was anointed by God to heal all who were afflicted by the devil (Acts 10:38). Jesus said this to some of the people He ministered to: Your faith has made you whole (Mark 5:34, Luke 17:19, John 5:6-8).


Many people who profess to be born-again, do not believe or understand that God/Jesus took care of the whole person. When the children of God don’t activate their faith, God is displeased. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Most of the Israelites did not enter into the promised land because of lack of faith, or unbelief (Numbers, chapter 14).


The children of Israel had seen God perform the miraculous on their behalf, yet they still did not believe. In third world countries where doctors and medicine are not accessible, it is much easier for people to rely on God to move supernaturally in their bodies.


Even though there is unbelief, the Lord forgives our sins and heals us (Psalm 103:2-3). Who is the Lord? Thomas called Jesus, My Lord and my God (John 20:28). Jesus is called Lord: That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, of things on earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).


Jesus humbled Himself, even though He did not think it robbery to think of Himself as God; Jesus Christ has always been God, He took on the form of man to identify with mankind, and was obedient to the point of death, even to the death of the cross. Therefore, God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name: the name is Lord (Philippians 2:6-11).


Although Jesus Christ limited Himself as being 100%, at times He used His supernatural power. This revealed that He was also 100% God.


Jesus Christ is the Only Wise God Our Savior


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett


Jesus Christ is God Who Forgives Sins

This may be like a pill that is difficult to swallow, or food that is hard to digest, but God wants His children to know the Truth, regardless of what you learned in the past. I have heard many people saying: “I’ve been told this way; no sense in changing now” or “I’m too old to change” or “I just want to make it in”.


I too felt the same way about being taught one kind of doctrinal belief and thought that it was valid proof, because of the person whom I learned from. This is a caution for the readers, many leaders have left the faith and started believing in a false doctrine, so be careful who you listen to and receive from.


I finally resigned myself to the fact, that I wanted to know the Truth; it wasn’t about what I had learned or who told me. If we have an intimate walk with God, we will be able to minister and witness more effectively. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to know and walk in Truth.


You may ask this: “What about my family or friends”? What will they think of me? I can tell you as one who has been ostracized, criticized, called “Ms. Holy-Roly”, “Holier than Thou” and so on. That comes with the walk, if you choose to be intimate with God our Father. It did bother me in the past, but I know now that it is not people that I must give account to. The bottom- line is, I must give account for myself (Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10).


Now to Jesus Christ is God who Forgives Sins:

Jesus got into a boat and came to His own city. Some people brought Him a man on a stretcher who was sick with palsy lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, Son be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven.

Then some of the religious leaders (experts) of Moses’ law thought: He’s dishonoring God (blasphemy). Jesus knew what they were thinking, He asked them, why are you thinking these evil things? Is it easier to say, ‘your sins are forgiven or to get up and walk?’ I want you to know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins. 


These leaders did not recognize Jesus as being divine. For your information, nobody except Jesus Christ, who is God, can forgive sins; not even the Roman Catholic priests.


Then He said to the man, “Get up and pick up your bed and go home. The man got up, immediately picked up his bed and walked away (Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:2-12). Can Jesus forgive sins? Of course, He can, and He does. Since that is so, surely, He has to be God, because it is God alone who forgives sins.

 The Lord forgives our sins and heals us (Psalm 103:2-3)


Jesus told a woman her sins were forgiven and that her faith had mad her whole (Luke 7:47-50).


In the Old Testament, of which the four Gospels are also in, Jesus told the man that was healed to show himself to the priest to validate the healing/cleansing of the leper (Luke 5:12-15). This was so, because Jesus was abiding by the Old Covenant; once He died and rose, Jesus Christ was/is the High Priest interceding on behalf of us (Hebrews 7:21-25).


After Jesus came out of the water (Matthew 3:16-17), He was led into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil (Matthew 4:4-11). Jesus began His public ministry (Matthew 4:13-19), which included, healing, miracles, casting out demons or whatever people were afflicted with (Acts 10:38).


Jesus humbled Himself, even though He did not think it robbery to think of Himself as God; Jesus Christ has always been God, He took on the form of man to identify with mankind, and was obedient to the point of death, even to the death of the cross. Therefore, God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name (Philippians 2:6-11).


Although Jesus Christ limited Himself as being 100%, at times He used His supernatural power. This revealed that He was also 100% God.


Next: Jesus is The Lord God Our Healer


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus Christ is the Great and Mighty God

As we continue with this series, it is absolutely amazing to search the scriptures and see the total connection with the Triune God. There are many gods, but there is only one God in three persons, who was working in together in creation. God said let Us (Genesis 1:26). The Spirit was moving upon the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2). Christ was the Creator; in Him and by Him all things exist (Colossians 1:16-17).


Isaiah the prophet speaks of Jesus Christ as the Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6); there is a scripture in the New Testament that relates and support what Isaiah prophesied. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all people. Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of the Great God and our Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).


The Father is Seen in Jesus Christ - I and My Father are One

Thomas, one of the disciples who was not with the other disciples when Jesus came. The other disciples said to him, we have seen the Lord. But he said to them, except I see His hands and the print of His nails and put my finger into the print of His nails and thrust my hand in His side, I will not believe.


And after eight days, while the disciples and Thomas were together, Jesus came through the closed doors, stood in the midst of them and said, Peace be unto you. Then He said to Thomas, put your finger here, and see My hands; and put your hand and place it in My side. Be not faithless but believe. And Thomas said: my Lord and my God. Jesus told Thomas (called doubting Thomas), because he had seen Him and believed, blessed are they who have not seen and believe (John 20:24-29).


This definitely means that the Father and Jesus Christ are One and the same. In other words, there can never be another disconnect which happened once and for all, just moments prior to His death on the cross (Matthew 27:46), because He took on the sins of the world and became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21).


Jesus humbled Himself, even though He did not think it robbery to think of Himself as God; Jesus Christ has always been God. He took on the form of man to identify with mankind, and was obedient to the point of death, even to the death of the cross. Therefore, God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name (Philippians 2:6-11).


Although Jesus Christ limited Himself as being 100% human, He was also 100% God.


Next: Jesus Christ is God Who Forgives Sins


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Jesus Christ - I AM

As I continue, there is more proof that God and Jesus Christ are the same; but have different roles. There are many scriptures that relate, connect and confirm who this Awesome God in three persons is: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word (Jesus Christ is the Word-John 1:1), and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one (1 John 5:7). The Word (Jesus Christ) is used again in Revelation 19:13.


God the I AM

God called Moses to deliver the children of Israel from Egypt where they had been in bondage for 400 years (Genesis 15:13, Acts 7:6), but they sojourned (lived, resided) in Egypt 430 years (Exodus 12:40). God told Moses He would send him to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt and that He would bring His people out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10).

Moses asked God what was he going to tell the children of Israel His name was and what was he going to say to them? And God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you (Exodus 3:14).


Jesus Christ is God the “I AM”

The Jews were engaged in a conversation with Jesus and they said He had a devil… they went on to say: “Are you greater than our father Abraham who is dead; who do you make yourself”? Jesus said if I honor Myself I am nothing, it is My Father who honors Me…..Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad. Then the Jews said to Him, you are not fifty years old, and you say you have seen Abraham? (they had no concept of His divinity).


Jesus said, truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. Then they took up stones to cast Him out… (John 8:52-59). Foot note: Abraham saw through the eyes of faith, believing what God had told him that through him all nations would be blessed, and it would happen through his heirs, including Jesus Christ who caused us to be heirs of salvation (Galatians 3:29).


Abraham was looking for a city that has foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:8-10). He was actually looking toward Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:2).


Jesus humbled Himself, even though He did not think it robbery to think of Himself as God, because Jesus Christ has always been God, He took on the form of man to identify with mankind, and was obedient to the point of death, even to the death of the cross. Therefore, God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name (Philippians 2:6-11).


Although Jesus Christ limited Himself as being 100% human, He was also 100% God.


Next: Jesus Christ is God the Great and Mighty God


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Infallible (Perfect, Flawless) Proof that Jesus Christ is God the Creator - Part I


There are many proofs that Jesus Christ is God. I am going to provide enough to assure the readers of several scriptures that support this infallible truth. Also, there will be a brief breakdown of each scripture.


I feel it is appropriate to start with Jesus as the Creator. Doesn’t the Bible say that God created everything (Genesis, chapter 1)? That is a very valid point. How could Jesus Christ not be God if the Word of God also said Christ created (Colossians 1:12-17)? Are there multiple Gods? Of course not! There are many gods, but only one true and living God (Triune) in three persons (1 John 5:7).


When God made humans in His image; He said let Us (Genesis 1:26). So, who are the Us? God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit; the three in one. This is also proof that the Spirit of God was involved in creation (Genesis 1:2).


There was only one time in history where there was a disconnect between the Triune God. This occurred when Jesus died for the sins of the world. The moment before His death, Jesus said: My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me (Matthew 27:46)?


Jesus asked God the question because He knew He would be separated from God momentarily, to take on the sins of the world (2 Corinthians 5:21). In other words, Jesus who knew no sin became sin for us; He took our place. Sin separates us from God, that’s why the Savior was/is necessary.


Even still, why does the Bible say Jesus Christ was the Word and the Word was God (John 1:3)? This is further proof of who this Awesome Jesus Christ is; He is God indeed. But He came in the flesh as the Son of God to take away sins and to identify with us humans (Hebrews 4:15).


Jesus was born of a woman, just as we are born from the womb of a woman. However, the difference in His birth and our birth is that a man had to be involved for us to be conceived. God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful, multiply, replenish (fill) the earth…(Genesis 1:28). Jesus’ birth of the virgin Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:26-35), otherwise He would have been born in sin as we were.


For your information: Although Joseph and Mary were married, their marriage had not been consummated (there was no sex between them). And Isaiah 7:14 states that His name will be called Emmanuel meaning God with us. God became flesh (Jesus Christ) and dwelt with us (John 1:14).


Now that you have learned the truth about Jesus Christ being God the Creator, you will be able to tell others according to the Word of God. We know that God cannot lie (Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:18). As a matter of Fact, the Word says, let God be true and every man be a liar (Romans 3:4).


Next: Jesus Christ,  I AM


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

The Infallible (Perfect, Flawless) Proof that Jesus Christ is God

A Breakdown of the Scriptures for this Series – Part 3 of Introduction

God has called us to witness to the lost (Matthew 28:19, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9).


Matthew 28:18-19- Teaching what you have learned is important in witnessing; how can you share what you don’t know? It is one thing to be told something, but it is another thing to be taught principles so one can grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Notice the Word teach in Matthew 28:19, and Jesus taught (Matthew 5:2).


1 Corinthians 3:6-9 – One plants the Word; another waters the Word. In other words, we are called to witness, but it may be done according to what is going on in the person’s life. God may put you in the path of a person that you will be able to witness the Word and give your personal testimony as how you were delivered from sin and the circumstance that surrounded your life. Remember this, we cannot save anybody; only God can save souls.


John 16:13 – The Holy Spirit will guide you, if you allow Him to lead you to whom and where He sends you and your witness will be effective. When you follow the Holy Spirit’s directions, you won’t put yourself in the position to be attacked by those who don’t want to hear the truth. They also can make a spectacle of you and that is embarrassing. This is what casting your pearls to swine and giving what is holy to dogs means. (Matthew 7:6). The Word of God is precious.


You must believe without a doubt (Hebrews 11:6) that Jesus Christ is God in order to persuade or convince someone else; no forcing, of course. How can you tell someone else about saving faith if you don’t believe what the Word of God says or if you don’t understand how to convince someone who says Jesus was a god, or that no one can match Jesus - like Mohammad, or any other prophet?


Having knowledge is no good, without Love - love is not rude (1 Corinthians 13:5), and love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). There is an old adage stated like this: “It is easier to catch flies with honey, than it is with vinegar”. After all, we are fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).


My desire is to see you grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). It takes time to grow, so be patient and have a desire to grow (1 Peter 2:2). It is like a baby being developed as an infant, into childhood stage, from there to pre-teen and on to the teenage years, and into adulthood. That is approximately eighteen years. I have been born-again since 1982 and I am still growing. Spiritual growth never stops.


Paul was still learning even though he was about to die in prison; he told Timothy this: When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas (it was damp and cold in the dungeon) . Also bring my books, especially my papers (2 Timothy 4:13).


Next: The Infallible (Perfect, Flawless) Proof that Jesus Christ is God- Part I


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Infallible (Perfect, Flawless) Proof that Jesus Christ is God

A Breakdown of the Scriptures for this Series – Part 2 of the Introduction

Let’s start with the sequence of scriptures from the previous message.


2 Timothy 2:15

English Standard Version – Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth.


How can you tell others that Jesus Christ is God, when you don’t know or understand the Word of God? There is a difference between reading or skimming over the Word and studying it. 


 When you see the word work, it means to labor - digging into the scriptures is like someone who plants a garden; the ground has to be dug up before anything can be planted in it. The person planting the garden needs tools to work with (gloves, hoe, etc.). They need to have knowledge about cultivating and when to plant and whatever is to be planted at that given time. It takes all of this to produce a good harvest.


You will need different tools as you study the Word of God (Bible, dictionary, concordance, etc.). It is necessary to know the history, culture and the language. Just as the person who plants the garden is pleased when the harvest produces vegetables, fruit, etc., we will not be ashamed because the Word of God has been rightly (carefully) handled. Therefore, we meet God’s approval and He is pleased with us.


Matthew 5:13-15

Verse 13: You are the salt of the earth… but if the salt has lost its flavor, it is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. In other words, if your salt has no flavor, no one wants to hear what you say. 


Salt is a preservative; Example: people fully cover a ham with salt to keep the maggots from taking over, put it in the smokehouse to cure and when it was finished curing, it was very tasty. That is the way the Word of God is (Psalm 34:8).


During some of the Bible times, salt was used as a salary (wages) for people who labored, and the salt was extremely valuable, because it was hard to get. The word salary came from salt.


Salt is also used for medicinal purposes, such as putting it on an open wound. Although it stings, this helps to bring healing. Salt in the spiritual realm may not feel good, but it is good for us. The Word of God is sharp and sometimes cut to the very core (Hebrews 4:12). This is not the same as someone who doesn’t show love; it is another way that conviction leads the person to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).


Verses 14-15: You are the light of the world. A city sitting on a hill cannot be hidden …… in the same way, let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is heaven.


Somebody is watching the way we live. Let’s not turn people off by professing to be one way and living another way. Example: How are you going out to nightclubs on Saturday night, drinking like a fish (being drunk) and go in the church on Sunday and sing in the choir or usher, etc.?


Before my new birth; I went to the clubs and saw some of those church folks doing the same thing I was doing. That was a turn-off, and I did not want to step my foot in a church. As a matter of fact, if they had asked me to attend church or said something about Jesus, I would have said: “How dare you talk about Jesus to me”.


Next: God has called us to witness to the lost (Matthew 28:19, Corinthians 3:6-9).

Infallible (perfect, flawless) Proof that Jesus Christ is God – Breakdown of Scriptures (Part 3)


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett  

The Infallible (Perfect, Flawless) Proof that Jesus Christ is God

Introduction


The Holy Spirit is leading me to do the work of Evangelist via the internet and to help God’s children to understand how to defend the faith. The Word of God needs no defense, but we need to learn how and when to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.


Do you know how to share with others that Jesus Christ is God? This series will help you to have a better understanding.

I will continue with this Series two times a week until it is complete. It is necessary for the readers to have a brief break-down of each scripture in this series.


These scriptures are some pointers in sharing effectively; for instance:

No study, no effectiveness (2 Timothy 2:15).


If the light is not shining, one cannot bring others out of darkness (Matthew 5:13-15). People are more receptive to those who have lights. You must walk the walk as well as talk the talk.


God has called us to witness and minister to the lost about His love and plan of Salvation; one waters and another plants, but God is the only One who can bring increase/save (Corinthians 3:6-9).


As we mature, we will learn to be led by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), which helps us not to cast our pearls to swine, nor give what is holy to dogs (Matthew 7:6).


You must believe without a doubt (Hebrews 11:6) that Jesus Christ is God in order to persuade or convince someone else; no forcing, of course.


Having knowledge and understanding is no good, without Love (1 Corinthians, chapter 13, 1 Peter 4:8). Example: I have seen some people witnessing; they were yelling and screaming. This will not catch fish; you must be quiet and gentle, souls/fish are important. After all, we are fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).


My desire is to see you grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). I encourage you to write scriptures from the messages for references.


Finally, you must have a desire to grow (1 Peter 2:2).


Next: The Infallible (perfect, flawless) Proof that Jesus Christ is God

A Breakdown of the Scriptures for this Series – Part 2 of the Introduction


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett  

Judging Righteously        

This message is a follow-up to judging wrongly. As born-again believers, we can judge a brother or sister’s actions (1 Corinthians, chapter 5), that is, if we are not doing the same thing. So, if they profess to be born-again despite their actions, it is our place to deal with the person who is living like a sinner. 


When we read 1 Corinthians, chapter 5, it is talking about a man who professed to be born-again but was known to be having sex with his father’s wife, and the church was not grievious about it.


Paul sent the warning to tell them if they did not stop this man’s ungodly actions, the church was to expel him (put him out), because the leaven (sin) would affect others. Putting him out of the church would allow satan to beat his flesh that his spirit would be saved on the day the Lord Jesus returns. In other words, that this would make him come to his senses.


Further reading in that same chapter Paul addressed other sins; that they/we are not to keep company with those who profess to be born-again believers and were known to be committing these sins. This is what the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people…. Paul is not talking about those unsaved people; we are to be lights to them, but we are not to take part in their sins.


Paul goes on: I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of a Christian, if he/she is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, an idolater, reviler (verbally attack someone; call them names), drunkard or swindler- not even eat with such a one. Paul is saying that we don’t judge the unbelievers, but we are to judge those on in inside (the believers). God judges the unbelievers.


Keeping company with those who profess to be born-again and are living ungodly, is saying that we agree with what they are doing. The principle is the same as it is with unbelievers; we are not to partake of their sins (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). We have been changed; our lives are not the same (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are in the world to be a light (Matthew 5:13-16), but we are not of this world (John 17:16), our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), therefore, we are to live like children who belong to the kingdom of God.


In my past experiences, I have seen some of these sins swept under the carpet in the church. What happened to God’s standard for His children to live by?


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

Judging Wrongly (Un-righteously)


After writing about “How Firm is Your Foundation” - Parts 1 and 2, about those who are born-again and fall back into the world, I feel it is beneficial for readers to be careful how they judge others. God is the only One who knows the heart of everyone: Do not judge so that you will not be judged- take the log out of your own eye before taking the splinter out of someone else’s eye (Matthew 7:1-5).


There was a group of people who always saw fault in others but did not see themselves; Jesus called these type of people hypocrites (Matthew 7:5).


Jesus said: Let the wheat and the tare (weeds) grow together, and at the end of the harvest, He would do the separating (Matthew 13:24-30). Why would Jesus tell them He would do the separating? Because they were not able to tell the wheat from the tare. This parable certainly indicates that satan sets out to deceive the church by having some of his children mingle with them. Let’s go back to, only God knows the heart of every person.


Being that we are human beings who are still not perfect, we could make the wrong choice because of someone’s actions. There will be two judgments; one for the righteous saints and one for the wicked sinners: The great white throne judgement is for sinners (Revelation 20:11-15) and the judgement seat of Christ is for the saints (2 Corinthians 5:10).


When some men told Jesus that they caught the adulterous woman in the very act, Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground; then He said he who does not have sin (the same sin), let him cast the first stone. How could they accuse her when they were doing the same thing? (John 8:1-11).


When Jesus asked the woman where her accusers were, she said: No man Lord. Her accusers had left. Why had their accusers left? They were guilty hypocrites.

What about all of us who fall into sin? The Word of God says, if anyone says they have not sinned they are a liar and the truth is not in them (1 John 1:8).


At least two people told me I wasn’t saved because I was still smoking cigarettes. This is what I said to myself: “I don’t care what they say; I know I am saved”. When someone judges like that, it indicates they are not mature, because a mature person would understand that takes time to change; we grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18).


When the Bible speaks of us being new creatures, it means the spirit part of us only. We still have these flesh bodies that will not be perfected until we reach heaven. We still have the soul which is our mind, will and emotions, that are being worked on until we reach heaven. If we are not careful, we can fall into that same bad judgmental habit again. We haven’t arrived yet!


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett            

What Happens to Born-Again Believers Who Go Back Into the World?

Some people do not believe that once a person is saved, they are always saved (born-again). They believe some born-again believers can lose their salvation; evidently this is hinging on how the people live. I have talked to people over the years who even said you can pluck yourself out of God’s hand; that is totally contrary to the Word of God (John 10:29). To me, that is saying that the person is greater than God.


Years ago, I used the natural birth from the mother and compared it with the spiritual or second birth, which is the new birth (John 3:3-8.). When one is born from the mother’s womb, they are always the mother’s child, and nothing can change that regardless of what happens. Even in adoption, the birth mother’s name is on the original birth certificate that has been stamped with a seal; there is an amended birth certificate after the adoption is finalized.


Paul used the term adoption because we have come from our old life and have been adopted as God’s children (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:1-5). Let’s put it like this, we are still biologically our mother’s child in the natural. However, once we become born-again (spiritual birth), we have been adopted and according to Roman law, the adopted child has more rights than the biological child and the adoption cannot be rescinded.


Since our adoption cannot be rescinded, no one can lose their salvation, it is the gift of God (John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9). With the new birth, our names have been written in the book of life (Revelation 21:27), sealed by the Holy Spirit and nothing can change that (Ephesians 4:30).


There are some who don’t fulfill their purpose, but that does not mean they are not born-again. The servant with one talent buried what was given to him. When his master (Jesus) returned for him to give account of his works, he did not get rewarded (Matthew 25:24-30). This is symbolic of the Judgement Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). This person did not lose his salvation, because only those who are born-again will stand before Christ to give account of his deeds. The ungodly shall not have the same judgement (Psalm 1:4-6, Revelation 20:11-15).


When the children f God stand before Christ and see His nail scarred hands; how He loved them so much that He gave it all up just for them, there will be weeping and gritting of teeth (Matthew 25:30), and eventually God will wipe the tears from their eyes (Revelation 21:4). Jesus’ suffering, death, burial and resurrection was for all of us, that’s the reason we should do everything we can to show how much we appreciate what God did for us through His Son Jesus.


This is an example of someone who went back into the world. His name was Demas; he started off on the right path, but he got side-tracked. Paul never said he was lost, he just said Demas forsook him because he loved this present world (2 Timothy 4:10a). Demas was not fully committed to the work of the ministry.


I have experienced these situations many times with several females who said they wanted to be like me. I don’t want anyone to be like me accept to follow me as I follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). They eventually left me. I believe when they knew how sold out I am, that was not what they really wanted.


Most people who know me say that the Word of God is always coming out of my mouth. Until the Lord takes me out of this world, I will continue to talk about the Lord. He’s been too good for me to keep my mouth shut.


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett 

What Happened to Some of the People in the Bible Who Committed Sins?​

It started with Adam when he disobeyed God, what he did affected the entire human race and the earth became cursed. I have heard some people question if Adam went to hell. God saved Adam, His son (Luke 3:38) from hell/lake of fire and eternal destruction.


Before explaining how Adam could not have gone to hell, let’s look at him being God’s son: God created Adam, who was His son (Genesis 2:7). You may say, “I thought Jesus was God’s only Son”. This is true in that Jesus became the Son of God when His body was prepared (Hebrews 10:5). He was born of a virgin (Luke 1:26-38). However, Jesus was always the Word; when the Word became flesh, He became the Son of God (John 1:1, 14); Jesus was never created, Jesus was the Creator (Colossians 1:16-18).


This is what the scripture says after Adam disobeyed God. Adam and Eve made aprons from fig leaves to cover their shame, which stemmed from the sin of disobedience (Genesis 3:1-14); but God killed an animal and clothed them with skins of the animal (Genesis 3:21).


Also, the blood of the animal was symbolic of Jesus’ blood being shed for the sins of the world, which was prophesied by God in Genesis 3:15 – meaning that Jesus was going to be born of virgin birth, the devil would bruise Jesus’ feet when Jesus went to the cross to die for the sins of the world, but Jesus, the Son of the virgin would bruise the devil’s head; meaning he would take all power from the devil/satan (Matthew 28:18).


God said David was a man after his own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). Although David’s heart was right in the sight of God, he still had issues; he was an adulterer and he had another man’s innocent blood shed (2 Samuel, chapter 11). The sword never left his house (2 Samuel 12:10-11); David had some real family problems, yet He was repentant (Psalm 51).


Paul finished his course (2 Timothy 4:6-8); was he perfect? Of course, not - Paul talked about the problems in his flesh, that it was a struggle and there was nothing good in his flesh (Romans 7:14-25).


Some say if you fall back into the same sin, there was no true repentance. That is no true. There could be a stronghold that has you gripped and at times, that same sin will overpower you in those times of weakness. You truly were sincere when you asked God to forgive you. Again, God knows the heart of every person.


I have been connected to Christian Drug Rehabs for many years and was personally involved in the lives of these people. I truly believe in my heart they wanted to be set free, but because the temptation to try a little hit was so strong, they gave into it.


To cap all this off, I am guilty of falling into sin, and I had fallen from grace. But I learned that where there is sin, there is also grace; as a matter of fact, no one out sins God’s grace (Romans 5:20). Did God still love me? Of course, He did and He still loves me.


This does not give us a license to sin or take God’s grace for granted. We should be humbled to know that no matter what we do, it does not change God’s love for us. Once we confess our sins (1 John 1:9), we should not allow the devil to put us into condemnation (Romans 8:1).


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett     

How Firm is Your Foundation? Define Yourself - What Kind of Ground Does Your Life Represent?

Who is the Sower and who is the Seed? Jesus is the Sower, and the Seed is the Word of God.


These scriptures are talking about unsaved people except for the one where the seed was sown on good ground.


I want to compare these scriptures with different types of Christians, and the challenge is for the readers to identify where they are in their walk/relationship with Christ. The Bible speaks of carnal (worldly) Christians who walk according to the flesh and it is difficult to distinguish them from unsaved people (Romans 8:6-10, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3).


Now to the parable of the Sower and the Seed (Mark 4:1-8, 15-20)


1) Wayside (verses 4, 15) The fowls (birds) of the air came and devoured it (ate it all, leaving nothing). The Seed/Word was sown to the way-siders; when they heard, satan came immediately and took the Word that was sown in their hearts - many Jews heard the Word of God and knew the law, but they were not born-again. How do I know this? John 1:11-12 says that Jesus came to His own, but they did not receive Him. Many people go to church and other places where the Word is taught, yet they are not born-again.


2) Stony ground (verses 5-6, 16-17) Some fell on stony ground where there was not much earth and immediately it sprang up because there was no depth of earth. When the sun came up, it scorched and because it had no root it withered away. The stony/hard hearted immediately receive the Word with gladness, and they have no root in themselves and endure but for a time; afterward when afflictions or persecution come for the Word’s sake, they are easily offended.


Even though these people are not born-again, they remind me of baby Christians who take offense at one church and run to another church. I call them church-hoppers. They don’t realize every church has issues and is not perfect.


3) Thorns (verses 7, 18-19) And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no fruit. The ones sown among thorns hear the Word; but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the lust of other things entering in, choke the Word and it becomes unfruitful.


Some born-again believers get caught up in the things of the world and their focus is more on things than it is on God; they are referred to as canal Christians who act like unsaved people (Romans 8:6-10, 1 Corinthians 3:1-3).


The children of God are told to seek Him first and His righteousness and all these things will be added (Matthew 6:33). One of Paul’s ministers got so caught up in worldly things that he deserted Paul and went back into the world (2 Timothy 4:10).


I didn’t have enough room in this message for the good ground – it will be next


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett

How Firm is Your Foundation? Define Yourself - What Kind of ground does your life represent? Part 2

4) Good Ground (Mark 4:8, 20) And others fell on good ground and produced fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth some thirty and some sixty and some a hundredfold.


Let’s talk about the folds, which represent the quality of service produced in each person’s life. Someone with the thirty-fold could have done better; however, they did receive a reward. The ones with the sixty-fold did better than the servant with the thirty-fold. Both of these servants were given the abilities (grace), because God had already appointed and anointed the servants to fulfill their purpose.


The hundred-fold is like the two servants who maximized their call, even though they were not given the same amount of responsibilities (Matthew 25:21, 23). Paul the Apostle is an example of someone who maximized his call; he fought the good fight of faith; he finished his course (2 Timothy 4:6-8.). Paul knew what it meant to run a race and he was determined to run on to the very end.


Therefore, he did whatever was necessary to complete his assignment- through difficult times, the road was rough, the ocean waters were choppy, he endured hard trials, persecutions, physical and emotional assaults, during his time in prison cells; yet through it all, Paul persevered.


It is not how long one lives on the earth, but what one does with his or her life is important. Jesus lived thirty-three years and fulfilled the plan God had for Him on this earth; His public ministry lasted three years. Jesus maximized what He was sent here to do - He came to set the captives free (Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18).


What does good ground mean? The children of God are rooted on the foundation of Christ. They are good disciples/learners (Matthew 5:2); they study the Word of God diligently (2 Timothy 2:15); they pray effectively (Luke 18:1, James 5:16b); they do whatever the Word tells them, without doubting (Hebrews 11:6).


They love God and they love people (John 13:34-35). They carry the Good News of Jesus Christ boldly, unashamedly and confidently (Romans 1:16); they are willing to share whenever the door of opportunity opens (Matthew 28:19-20).


After reading these two messages, can you truthfully say that your foundation is firm? That you are founded on the Solid Rock and that your ground is not sinking? God knows each of us better than we know ourselves. If you are shifting, shaky or leaning, I encourage you to allow the Lord God Almighty/His Spirit to take control and start walking in your destiny.


Don’t you want to hear the Lord say: “Well done, good and Faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many? (Matthew 25:21, 23)


I am going to continue with “What Happens to Born-Again Believers Who go Back into the World?"


Unshackled ~ Betty A. Burnett 

Get to Know Betty Burnett

Burnett Ministries

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