Introduction to Season 3

Well, it is a sudden end to Season 6 of “That They May All Be One”…but for very purpose of declaring the praises of the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

The main message I always want people to hear is the gospel, the very best news ever!  Regardless if you are a non-believer or a believer (especially a believer) the gospel is great amazing eternal news!!!!

This last episode of season 6 I make a comparison of planning a vacation to seeking the Kingdom of GOD.

Take time to watch or listen…it could save your life!

Philippians 3:10–14 (NASB95): 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 
 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 
 12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 
 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 
 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Luke 14:26–30 (NASB95):  26 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 
 27 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 
 28 “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? 
 29 “Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, 
 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ “

This discipleship episode deals with a soap box topic of mine.   I hear this so much it is just plain irresponsible for a believer to act this way, especially if they claim to love the LORD JESUS.

You might think from the title I don’t like books.  You would be wrong.  Granted I don’t’t have as much time to devote to reading other materials.  Nor do I posses the reading ability of my wife.  However, there are several authors whom I have been blessed of the LORD to read and learn from.

No, what I am in reference too here is when I engage with, or I hear other believers engaging with believers or non-believers in theological topics.  There is nothing wrong with thoughtful or even challenging doctrinal discussions.  Indeed, we are call to be able to give an account of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3).  My soap box is believers should never have to say, “well if you just read this book then you will understand.”  Or if you are witnessing to someone and they ask you to go over and explain the gospel to them you tell them, “if you read this book it will explain it.”  As a believer you should be able to discuss your position (especially the gospel) from the Scriptures based on your own study.  Here are the three things I listen for in any encounter regardless-less if I am in the conversation or not:

1.  What do you believe?
2.  Why do you believe it?
3.  Can you personally explain it without having to get another involved - save only the Bible?

If you are unable to answer these three questions - you have no reason to be in a theological discussion - save to learn.

***This does not mean you should not share the gospel.  Even if you feel you don’t have the correct wording do not let that hinder you.  Indeed, it will be the SPIRIT of GOD who gives you words and insight.***

Please do not give me your books!  Just speak to me from the Scripture so I know you are one who desires to make much of the LORD JESUS CHRIST!

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

A couple of videos ago I did the topic of Church Membership. I looked at is it Scriptural to have membership in a local congregation based on a formal process which has at its core an individual (s) sign a document stating they adhere to the polity of that congregation and/or denomination.

What we found, by Scripture alone, is there is nowhere where a formal process is required or even necessary.  Indeed, the setting up of a formal process and declaration could and often does lead to hypocrisy. I, for one, have had this occur to me several times. As an evangelist called and appointed by GOD and confirmed by the unsolicited commissioning of the local church (Pastor, deacons by prayer and laying on of hands) I have had numerous times where churches will say they will pray for me but can’t support me because I don’t belong to their denomination. 

Well, the question could and should be asked, “why church then?” Why should we gather together as a “church” if membership is not a necessary issue? There are many reasons why. In this video I examine but a few. Yes - it is extremely important to gather together in a local congregation!!!!! Make no mistake, if you say you’re a follower of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and have no desire to be with other saints…there is a problem!

Join with me now as we examine why church.

A special shout out to a brother and sister in CHRIST who provided the new A/V equipment! The sound is amazing! I praise the LORD JESUS for putting in their hearts to minister to UCJ in this way! Praise the LORD JESUS!

Sadly, I had to change my original video/podcast discipleship video to a current issue which I have no choice but to talk about.

I try to avoid the current gossip or latest, “did you hear” issues that surround pastors of the faith.  I believe it unwise and unfruitful to speak on matters which you may not have all the information.  However, in this situation, I have too as it involves United In Christ Jesus and its relationship with Alistair Begg and his ministry Truth For Life.  If you visit the website, you will notice on the right sidebar there is Truth for Life app.  Also, if you look at my recommendation page -

https://thattheymayallbeone.org/shane-recommends/

- you will notice there are only two men of GOD whom I recommend for people to listen too.  Because of this affiliation I believe it necessary to share where UCJ stands and what its affiliation with Truth for Life will be.

Recently, Pastor Begg had some comments of his, from a few months ago, resurface.  He was speaking on his recent book and some advice he gave to a person about attending a gay wedding.  These comments immediately drew the ire of numerous Christians.  Later Pastor Begg was asked if he would repent of his words.  Here is an article with his reply: 

https://www.christianpost.com/news/alistair-begg-im-not-ready-to-repent-over-gay-wedding-advice.html

As I was praying on how to write this up and do this video the Word of GOD which I believe has the most direct impact on this situation is the following:

Matthew 7:15–20 (NASB95):  15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 
16 “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? 
17 “So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 
18 “A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 
19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 
20 “So then, you will know them by their fruits.”

You may be wondering if I am now calling Pastor Begg a false brother.  The answer is no.  But, I do ask you to listen to this entire program as I will be mentioning, by name, a heretical ministry, which is on the opposite end of the spectrum of Pastor Begg or John Piper.

I will warn you of Bethel Church and all of their affiliates and the danger they pose to any believers walk with the LORD.

Next week we will return to our normal discipleship video podcast.  Until then grace and peace.  Glory to GOD!  Worthy is the LAMB!

I recently asked a friend, Brett, what he had been thinking about regarding his faith. Responding, he told me he had been thinking about abiding in the SPIRIT and how we can only bear fruit being in the SPIRIT. This immediately started my mind running through the Scriptures with them conforming what Brett had shared. Over the next day I had asked several other people what they would like to see discussed. After spending time in prayer the topic Brett shared kept coming back to the forefront. The more I thought about it the more I realized how many people have questions on walking in the SPIRIT. 

Here is a section of Scripture I mentioned in the video, but did not get time to really discuss. It along with numerous others GOD uses to guide us clearly on this all to important topic. Truly, if we can do nothing unless we are in CHRIST and following HIM it would be unloving of GOD not to tell us how. Galatians 5:16–26 (NASB95): 

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. 

Listen to these words of the LORD JESUS: 

John 15:1–6 (NASB95): 1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.” 

So, join with me now, as we seek the face of GOD in knowing how each day we live in victory and in a manner worthy of the LORD and HIS calling. 

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD! 

P.S. This article about Coram Deo, by R.C. Sproul will be very helpful for getting a real good foundation on abiding in the SPIRIT. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/what-does-coram-deo-mean

Recently, I had a discussion with a brother regarding church membership. Before we ever began the discussion (he being for and I saying its not mandated by Scripture) I told him, “your going to say to me at some point something to the effect, ‘I see what your saying and your right, but that is just the way we do things.’” As we engaged further and we talked about what the Scriptures said he eventually said what I said he would say. 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with church membership, just like an altar call, unless it is used in an improper manner. From the time the LORD JESUS saved me until now, after examination of the Scriptures, I know that church membership is not Scriptural. It is something added on, perhaps with the best intentions (think of Adam telling Eve she can’t touch the tree) but not having the desired outcome - love in word and deed. 

If you go to thattheymayallbeone.org you can see about me and the testimony of the LORD JESUS saving me. This can give you a better insight of my perspective. This will also assist you in understanding the joys of uniting with a local Body and being subject to the governing elders. It will also highlight how this can be used to manipulate. 

I have referenced numerous Scriptures in this video. I won’t mention them here save for Galatians 2. Peter was confronted by Paul. Peter, though not a “member” of the church at Antioch was still subject to the elders there. This is the same person mentioned almost 60 more times than Paul is in the New Testament. 

This podcast is longer than many of the others, but I believe it is one of great importance if we are going to see the Western Church grow and walk in a manner worthy of the LORD’S calling and gospel. 

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

Here it is a new year - 2024. Perhaps you are one of the many, who with good intent, make new years resolutions and/or goals. We see areas in our life that we need to address like health, eating or other areas we just know we need to work on. The vast majority of people who set these goals with good intentions fail to do one important thing - plan. This is the same with following CHRIST JESUS. Christians can fall into this same trap. We can set goals, some may be unrealistic (ill read the entire bible 4 times this year). Others are great and accomplish-able, but we fail to plan in a realistic manner. Lastly, what we all need and especially the Christian is discipline. The greatest need for a believer is to value and prize knowing GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST above all things and people. Scripture tells us we are in need of three primary goals to be in a good place to bear much good fruit. Those areas are: 

1. Plan - what is the reading plan your going to have in place and be able to stick to it realistically. You know you don't have to read the entire bible in one year...but it is really a tremendous benefit to your growth. 

2. Prayer - we need to be in prayer daily, often and immediately 

3. Participation - are you engaging and in fellowship with other believers/saints? 

Join with me, Shane Sands, as I share on these three aspects needed in the Christian life. As always, leave a comment, like/dislike the video and if you have a thought/idea for a topic let me know. Grace and peace everyone. 

Take care. 

Glory to GOD! Worthy is the LAMB!

The first podcast, of 2024, season six and the topic from United In Christ Jesus are two very important topics: Fallen Will and Personal Holiness. Understanding the one and pursuit of the other is absolutely necessary to walking in a manner worthy of the LORD and HIS glorious gospel.

**Please pray for this ministry. Please support this ministry - humbled and grateful for you who come alongside of UCJ.

Please visit:

thattheymayallbeone.org/donate

Thank you!

Here we are the final episode of season five.  This is the shortest season we have had.  But, I believe it is possible the most important for believers.  This season we have examined the importance of discernment and why it is necessary in the daily life of a believer.  This last episode we will look at the final piece and perhaps the one most people fear.  Also, this episode will be our Thanksgiving Holiday episode.   Truly, we as believers have been given the greatest gift ever...we have so much to be thankful for.

Just a fair warning...lol, this program I do everything myself.  It is raw material uploaded.  Holly and I are heading out of town and she is very busy with final arrangements and getting prepared.  So, you  may hear a throat cleared of longer pauses than normal.  But, I felt it necessary to get this done before leaving.

Here is the main Scripture being utilized for the program.  Become familiar with it.

1      It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples.
2      He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”
3      And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4      Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
5      When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

(Acts 19:1–5)

As I sign off for this season, let me say thank you to everyone who has prayed for us.  GOG uses and answers the prayers of HIS children.  So, again, thank you.  Above that we want to praise and give thanks to GOD the FATHER in the name and through HIS beloved SON the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  We know to whom much is given much is required.  We also know it has and is HIS grace and strength which has kept us and granted us to move forward - sometimes in difficult times.

This is the 13th year the LORD has granted United In Christ Jesus to operate and serve HIM and HIS kingdom.  Bless and praise HIS holy name!  I/we don't take it for granted.  It is the LORD'S ministry and HE, at any time, can do with it as HE wills.  It is my request and hope HE further blesses and pours me/us out for HIS glory and kingdom!

If you have made it this far, would you please prayerfully consider joining with us as a prayer partner and a monthly supporter?  We are a faith based ministry.  We trust the LORD to provide as I share the ministry needs and ask for support.  We know that it is the LORD who moves the hearts of HIS own.  Given the current climate in the western church, really the entire world, we believe there is a tremendous need for the gospel to go forth, saints built up and the lost called to repentance and faith.

Please join with us.  You can find a link on this page or you may visit United In Christ Jesus website here and look on the donate page.  We do need your prayers and support, please.

Grace and peace to all who are in CHRIST JESUS the LORD.

Here we are our fourth episode in season five.  We have and are discussing discernment.  One of the most important aspects of a Christian is having proper discernment.   Episode one we focused on defining discernment and what is necessary to have as a foundation in applying godly Christian discernment.  We also discussed three pillars which GOD has shown us in HIS Word, that will aid in our having and applying discernment.

Episode two we focused on having our eyes on CHRIST JESUS and where HE is at.  It is of utmost importance for you to keep in focus one day we will be with our KING and see HIM as HE is and where HE is!

Episode three we focused on remembering where GOD brought us from.  We learned the importance of keeping in focus the LORD saving us from HIS wrath and our sin.  HE called us out of darkness into HIS marvelous light.

This episode we are looking at the last pillar needed to aid in proper discernment - always examining where you are now.  It is not only important to know where you are going, remember where you have come from, but also to know you are still on the right path.  You guessed it, this also is dependent on you having GOD'S Word richly dwelling in you.  As we allow the Word of GOD to perform its work in us, who believe, we then begin to think the thoughts of GOD and to look through HIS eyes.  In short we love the things GOD loves and hate the things GOD hates.

May the LORD JESUS be honored and exalted!  May HE be pleased to have your hearts overflowing with HIS praise!  May HE fill you with HIS wisdom, knowledge and understanding!  May HE grant your hearts to overflow with love for HIM and HIS image bearers.  Grace and peace friends!


105      Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

(Psalm 119:105)

12      So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—
13      for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14      For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
15      For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
16      The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

(Romans 8:12–16)