Recently I was engaged in a dialogue with a man, another pastor/teacher. The subject was faith and salvation. This poor man declared, that he, and he believed so many other believers, actually had misread and misunderstood the scriptures. In particular, was the scripture Galations 3:26. This conversation came about by this man promoting a 'new found' revelation of the scriptures. He was attempting to support an author who, admittedly, struggled with issues, even "hidden" or "secret" sins, and the conviction it brought. Rather than pray through and get the victory OVER the sin, he was led to a different translation that declared we were saved into the sonship of Christ BY HIS (Jesus Christ's) faith, not ours in HIM. And so, it went.....


The BIBLE tells us that "without faith, it is impossible to please God"- of course that is if you believe what the bible teaches-. Many false teachers today, creating their own doctrines, lowering the standard of righteousness, and setting themselves up as having received some "NEW REVELATION", and always contrary or "in addition to scripture"- will lead many astray.( PLEASE READ 2nd Timothy 4:1-4.) Some will believe false teachers, as they twist scriptures to suite their perverted interpretations.

To believe that our faith has no bearing in the equation of the "completed work of Christ", is to reject scripture, and create a false doctrine. (He did his part, and we need to do ours...) Yes, it is a faith IN HIM, a faith that He is who He said He is, and IN what He did for us, and what HE does even still....)- this has nothing to do with the faith OF Jesus- the Faith OF Jesus is not to be called into question here, HE obeyed, and upheld HIS end of the deal/contract/covenant. Since the bible declares in Romans 10:13 "For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. ", we see that NOT everyone is saved, and it does take action on our part, and  we must recognize that as the scriptures declare in 2nd Peter 3:9, "The Lord.... is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." We see the heart of the Father is that all will (WILL TO, AND open the mouth and confess and repent!) WE must actively and positively respond by applying our faith to the invitation and call to repentance, and thus being able to~ NOW HAVE ACCESS~back to the Father, by the "completed work of Christ", we can and will be saved. 

If our faith, response, obedience, etc., were not necessary, then when Jesus ascended to heaven, all of mankind would automatically be saved, and there would be no more choice, decision, or adversary. (and yes, sadly, there are many who believe that everybody is saved, no repentance necessary, no obedience necessary, no work necessary... MANY EVEN BELIEVE THERE IS NO HELL etc...).

One cannot believe "into" until one believes ON the one who did it!  The scriptures states in Romans 10:14-15, " How then shall they call on HIM IN whom they have not believed" And how shall they believe IN HIM of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?..."  

 "But without faith it is impossible to please HIM, for he who comes to GOD MUST believe that HE IS, and that HE is a rewarder of those who DILIGENTLY seek HIM".
Hebrews 11:6  (read the entire chapter as it explains in great detail the need, uses, impact and results of FAITH IN GOD.) For it was "BY FAITH"....

LET's make it easy to understand- and AGAIN, IF you believe the Bible, this is what IT (or GOD) says-

GALATIONS 3:22-23~ "BUT the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise BY faith IN Jesus Christ might be given to those WHO BELIEVE. But before faith came we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed."

Sadly, when people set themselves out to "break free" from biblical teachings, INTRODUCING NEW WAYS TO BELIEVE OR INTERPRET SCRIPTURES, usually due to disagreement with scriptural doctrines resulting from their own personal spiritual lack, or inability to comply, apply, obtain success, victory, endowment, empowering, etc., they produce another vein (or strain) of judeo-christian based theology, except usually without the ability to back it by and with scripture. Verbosely, they will continue with corrupt teachings, resisting sound doctrine, and lead many astray, defiling the faith of many who would seek truth. They twist scriptures, OR they deny scriptures, proclaiming that it isn't what God meant, or He changed His mind, or some other self-validating, self aggrandizing muck, and that they are somehow the possessor's of some secret revelation that God has only chosen to reveal to a few select people. (despite their contradiction to scriptures. ~classic gnosticism).

We need to pray through to the understanding of what the scriptures are teaching, and NOT try to figure out a way around the scriptures so we won't have to live in accordance to them. Get yourselves a concordance, an interlinear Hebrew/Greek text bible, and some other study materials, and do you own studying. Then you will fulfill the scriptures as in 2nd Timothy 2:15, and you will not be led astray or "swayed by every wind of doctrine".

I pray the Father that the Holy Spirit will open your understanding, in the name of Jesus! God bless you!

Love,
Pastor Paz, and the Ministry Team @ Mercy, Grace, and Truth Ministries

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Praise the Lord! We want to thank you for spending your time here with us as we share from our hearts a very special report.

Our heart and prayer is that you will take some time and read some of the other pages and links, and learn and hear of God's goodness and faithfulness to the citizen's of Tucson, AZ, surrounding communities, as well as Mexico.

As many of you know, our heart and passion has been to see Christian believer's, churches, ministries, and other faith-based organizations come together, transcending the walls of denominationalism, (because we don't believe in making "bricks" for the walls of denominationalism), walking in the love of the Savior, growing in our maturity and faith, serving one another, and reaching our communities -and the world- for our Lord.

WELL! Praise GOD, after two years of  prayer for Tucson, AZ, serving and working unto the Lord, the Lord has done exactly what HIS word declares in Ephesians 3:20-21. We were on the receiving end of a 53 foot container of humanitarian aid. Upon hearing of the offer to send this container to us in Tucson, AZ, we began to pray. As we began praying, the Lord began to open doors to us, and provided a warehouse and dock for unloading the 53 foot inland container, and then, as we diligently worked, we saw the Lord began to provide names of ministries and churches who were busy about the Father's work, and some in very much need of the provisions that had been loaded and shipped to Mercy, Grace and Truth Ministries.  We were able to send out the call and welcome these fellow harvest-field laborers,  bless them, and equip them for the work which the Lord has called them to.

The reports are starting to come in, and we will be sure to share them with you, so check back often, and click on our Newsletter tab!

This report stands as a testimony to the faithfulness of our Living, Reigning, Awesome Lord God and King, to those who love Him, and are faithful.

What a way to end 2009! God, you are marvelous, you are wonderful, you are majestic! Thank you all for praying, for your support, your faithfulness, and for loving the Lord with your lives. We look forward to a greater 2010, so, go and bring in HIS HARVEST!

All for HIM,
Love,
Pastor Paz and the ministry team @ Mercy, Grace and Truth Ministries

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A  PLEA  FOR  HELP.....
"LORD, PLEASE SEND HELP.  LORD, PLEASE SEND YOUR  HEALING...."


As a Pastor, and more as an Evangelist, I want to send out a BATTLE-CRY- a word the Lord has laid on my heart, to the churches of the United States, and the World. (This is a strong word, however, I believe if we will hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church, it will set us free, and change the world.)



            WAKE UP AMERICA !
             WAKE UP ARIZONA !

YOU CANNOT GET 2nd Chronicles 7:15 WITHOUT FIRST DOING
        2nd CHRONICLES 7:13 & 14 !



The word is two-fold. The messages are addressed in a brief synopsis below. (complete message is available).....

First, unity. Unity amongst the body of Christ. The removal of cliques, jealousies, our own "little-kingdom" building, spiritual pride, arrogance, and the like. We, as Christ followers, are to be marked by our love one for another. We are supposed to epitomize  unity, love, integrity, character, honesty, compassion, sacrifice, and tolerance, to name  a few.  The devotion, compassion for each other, and the willingness to step up to each other's side, and the other parts of the "body", should be only second to our love and commitment to the Lord. Is it possible we have forgotten that we are the beneficiaries of unmerited love, favor, and grace? We each need to consider how we are treating our brothers and sisters. Are we reaching out to them? Are we loving them, or judging them? Are we working to cross over the divides, or are we laying the bricks and the mortar?

Second, charity. (love unconditionally), The same kind of love you and I received of and from the Lord, and the willingness to sacrifice on behalf of those in need. The same sort of "charity" that our Lord Jesus demonstrated at Calvary. Selflessness, for the good of the cause, laying down one's wants, for the needs of another.

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" And they shall know you are my disciples by the  " **** " you have, one for another...."  "Love" and "hate" both have 4 letters.

 Which are you filling the blanks with? And who's disciples would that make you.....???

Repent and Cry to the Lord.

Then, find a pastor, or a another believer, and extend the right hand of fellowship to them. Get to know them. Start building/repairing the relationships and friendships that the enemy, that devil, has stolen, destroyed, or prevented. Stop letting the devil drag, [or lead], your brothers and sisters away from the body of Christ, or causing church splits.  Stop letting the devil drag your children, friends, co-workers, and family members into the darkness, and into an eternity without the Lord- wage war on the devil, -together, united, - SERVE ONE ANOTHER, and SERVE GOD- start living a life of sacrificial giving, supporting ministries that are making a difference, and dwindling satan's kingdom- Exalt Our Lord Jesus Christ, and  HIM ALONE!! Let the world know you are HIS disciple's!

Father God, I pray you "0pen our understanding that we may perceive the scriptures." (Luke 24:45),  and that you would release the Holy Spirit to minister and reveal your will, truth and love, and bring the fire into the hearts and lives of every pastor, leader, and believer, and burn with an unquenchable fire everything that is not of you. Everything that seeks it's/his/her own. Everything that seeks to exalt itself above the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Leave only that which is of you, and from you, and use the ashes to fertilize the ground that you will break up and till. Permit that we can bring forth your harvest. Shape our hearts and our motives so that they only glorify you, and exalt you, and magnify the greatness of your name. We bow our hearts to you, and ask this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ! amen.

Mercy, Grace, and Truth,
Pastor Paz

"Where you treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:21

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CHECK BACK SOON FOR THE NEXT
MESSAGE FROM THE DESK OF PASTOR PAZ......