Bringing the Living Word to Everyday Life: volume 2

Innumerable people are sitting on church pews/chairs, assuming that because they muttered a manmade sinner’s prayer, they will enter Heaven’s gates upon earthly death. Personal accountability and repentance seem to have flown out the window, having no bearing on one’s salvation. This should not be! Saying a prayer to receive Christ as one’s personal Savior is fine if the person understands that simply praying without a heart transformation is insufficient. 

There are specific biblical guidelines about what it is to follow Jesus, to know and be known by our Great God of Heaven and Earth. Because of this, we must beg the pertinent question, “Am I saved, really, authentically saved from Hell, myself, and this perverse generation?” If we are not candid before the Lord, inquiring about our presumed salvation, many will die, heading straight for Hell. This is not a matter of condemnation or shame but checking ourselves for our eternal good and security.

In my nearly sixty years attending church, I have heard the question, “Can one lose their salvation?” Although this is a valid question, it is not the most critical. It is second or third in line to “What is true salvation?” Once we understand the answer, we will be better equipped to resolve the former.

Sandy shared a conversation she heard between a preacher and a layman. The layman told the pastor that he wanted to go deeper than mere salvation. The preacher aptly responded, “Friend, there is absolutely nothing deeper than eternal salvation and all of which that consists.” Profound! I, too, have made the same statement in years past. Unfortunately, I spoke in ignorance, not fully comprehending that everything from, with, through, and for God hangs on His gift of eternal salvation. 

At that time, I considered salvation as merely not going to Hell, which is fantastic! However, I grew up in a denomination that only presented salvation as “not going to Hell, but Heaven upon earthly death.” With that woefully limited understanding, my statement seemed valid. I wanted to get into everything that comes after salvation [from Hell]. Twenty-five years into reconnecting to the Lord after seven years of rebellion, I recognize that true salvation is the deepest part of God. I realize now that salvation itself is everything, far exceeding simple “fire protection.” Here is a brief, but not limited to, ten-point list of what Salvation is:

1. Salvation      is the Kingdom of God/Heaven. 
2. Salvation      is being snatched from the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Light.
3. Salvation      is knowing God intimately and being known by Him.
4. Salvation      is the privilege of having the Father guiding us in every life move.
5. Salvation      is the privilege of having the Son living within us and becoming our new      life. His life replaces our old, Adamic nature/life.
6. Salvation      is the privilege of having the Holy Spirit wholly immersed in us and merged      with our spirit man—we become one entity.
7. Salvation      is unspeakable joy, providing peace and solace in the worst times.
8. Salvation      is becoming an heir to God’s throne as a son since The Son has become our      new life.
9. Salvation      is being wiped clean from all unrighteousness since it is no longer I [us]      who live, which ensures that even when I [we] fail Him, His redemption,      love, and forgiveness are ever present at my disposal. 
10. Salvation      is having power and authority in the Earth as a priest, son, ambassador,      friend, and king sent by God the Father, through the Son in us, and His      Spirit enabling us to enact miracles, signs, wonders, peace, rest, etc.      from the Father.

Innumerable people are sitting on church pews/chairs, assuming that because they muttered a manmade sinner’s prayer, they will enter Heaven’s gates upon earthly death. Personal accountability and repentance seem to have flown out the window, having no bearing on one’s salvation. This should not be! Saying a prayer to receive Christ as one’s personal Savior is fine if the person understands that simply praying without a heart transformation is insufficient. 

There are specific biblical guidelines about what it is to follow Jesus, to know and be known by our Great God of Heaven and Earth. Because of this, we must beg the pertinent question, “Am I saved, really, authentically saved from Hell, myself, and this perverse generation?” If we are not candid before the Lord, inquiring about our presumed salvation, many will die, heading straight for Hell. This is not a matter of condemnation or shame but checking ourselves for our eternal good and security.

In my nearly sixty years attending church, I have heard the question, “Can one lose their salvation?” Although this is a valid question, it is not the most critical. It is second or third in line to “What is true salvation?” Once we understand the answer, we will be better equipped to resolve the former.

Sandy shared a conversation she heard between a preacher and a layman. The layman told the pastor that he wanted to go deeper than mere salvation. The preacher aptly responded, “Friend, there is absolutely nothing deeper than eternal salvation and all of which that consists.” Profound! I, too, have made the same statement in years past. Unfortunately, I spoke in ignorance, not fully comprehending that everything from, with, through, and for God hangs on His gift of eternal salvation. 

At that time, I considered salvation as merely not going to Hell, which is fantastic! However, I grew up in a denomination that only presented salvation as “not going to Hell, but Heaven upon earthly death.” With that woefully limited understanding, my statement seemed valid. I wanted to get into everything that comes after salvation [from Hell]. Twenty-five years into reconnecting to the Lord after seven years of rebellion, I recognize that true salvation is the deepest part of God. I realize now that salvation itself is everything, far exceeding simple “fire protection.” Here is a brief, but not limited to, ten-point list of what Salvation is:

1. Salvation      is the Kingdom of God/Heaven. 
2. Salvation      is being snatched from the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Light.
3. Salvation      is knowing God intimately and being known by Him.
4. Salvation      is the privilege of having the Father guiding us in every life move.
5. Salvation      is the privilege of having the Son living within us and becoming our new      life. His life replaces our old, Adamic nature/life.
6. Salvation      is the privilege of having the Holy Spirit wholly immersed in us and merged      with our spirit man—we become one entity.
7. Salvation      is unspeakable joy, providing peace and solace in the worst times.
8. Salvation      is becoming an heir to God’s throne as a son since The Son has become our      new life.
9. Salvation      is being wiped clean from all unrighteousness since it is no longer I [us]      who live, which ensures that even when I [we] fail Him, His redemption,      love, and forgiveness are ever present at my disposal. 
10. Salvation      is having power and authority in the Earth as a priest, son, ambassador,      friend, and king sent by God the Father, through the Son in us, and His      Spirit enabling us to enact miracles, signs, wonders, peace, rest, etc.      from the Father.

Author Renner’s newest book details the Christ-follower’s instructions per Ephesians, the New Testament’s tenth book. The book of Ephesians is filled with insight into how to live our faith in everyday life. Developing Your Identity Through Ephesians is a simple workbook that breaks down, step-by-step, what the Lord expects of His people and how to execute it with efficacy. Many believers have made walking with the Lord far too arduous, causing them to fall away feeling like a failure. This should not be. The path of righteousness is paved through Holy Spirit, who empowers God’s holy Church to live as unto God. Such a spiritual walk is supernatural, not natural. We have feebly attempted to enact the supernatural with our natural senses [flesh], causing exhaustion and frustration. Our natural man is flawed in every way, making a walk with Jesus too difficult for anyone. This workbook is brilliantly designed for anyone to understand and follow. I love how Mrs. Renner describes our calling to sit, walk, and stand, as noted in Ephesians. These are crucial guidelines for the everyday Christ-follower and, when read while leaning on Holy Spirit to bring us heavenly understanding, ushers ease into that which would otherwise not be easy. It is a must-read for anyone seeking an understanding of how to walk with Jesus so that His Kingdom is expanded on Earth and in our daily lives.  ~ Author and Minister Alexys V. Wolf, The Fiery Sword Global Ministries Founder

A challenge! A challenge issued for multitudes to explore the pitfalls of bad choices leading to bad outcomes resulting in a pitiful life—a challenge to change from living a pitiful life of bitterness, resentment, and depression to living a powerful life of love, peace, and joy. In this book’s pages, you will not only unlock the causes of unhealthy soul emotions but also discover the key to unlocking your freedom from life’s cycles to which these unchecked emotions lead.

Galatians 5:1, reads, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” This is my life’s Scripture! This is where I go when I discern that I am in danger of becoming enslaved to unforgiveness, resentment, and bitterness from an offense, misunderstanding, or not getting my way. I realize that if I do not stand firm for my freedom, the above conditions will sift life out of me bit by bit.

I have wondered if Apostle Paul, who wrote these words to the Galatian believers, struggled with staying free from the many emotional pitfalls as much as believers do today. Indeed, Paul suffered a lot of abuse for what he stood for (2 Corinthians 11:23-27), yet he encourages all believers to receive the freedom Christ secured for them and to stand firm in it. In her straight-talk manner and accumulated wisdom, Author Sandy Renner offers a thorough outline of biblical principles to achieve such freedom. Freedom is never free; someone always pays the price. Jesus Christ paid the price for our salvation, including healing, deliverance, and freedom (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). He paid a rather hefty ransom—His very own life)—to bridge the separation between God and man, the result of mankind’s sin. 

We pay the most for what we most value. We will purchase nice homes, new cars, and even what we deem a good education for our children because these things hold worldly value. What about things of eternal value? As much as we pay for our homes, vehicles, and worldly goodies, they will not last forever because they are subject to rust and decay. However, the eternal things are not valued and are often trampled upon as worthless (Matthew 6:19, 20).

We do not and cannot earn our salvation. We have a responsibility to maintain our freedom with the help of the Holy Spirit. Paul was talking about this when he instructed the Galatians to “stand firm.” I equate standing firm with paying the price for something. This book will show you how to invest in your spiritual wholeness to yield an abundant life in this world and throughout eternity. Imagine the abundant life Christ came to give us. There is no life in resentment, unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred, or any of the multitudes of emotions offered when life does not go according to our plans.

However, applying the principles laid in this book will leave you lighter, and the light of Christ in you will emanate all around you. I am genuinely excited about the transformation you are about to experience. 

Lorrie Lawrence

Transformations Ministries  

 Cross This Line...I Dare You!: Renner,

Sandy Renner’s book, One Law, is powerful. She has taken the familiar biblical stories and expanded one’s scope of curiosity and thinking on these Scriptures. Renner has deftly drawn the reader into the deeper, hidden places rather than the surface, obvious ones of God’s Word.  It is a book that needs to be read and reread because of what the world is currently facing so that we are equipped with revelation and understanding to stand in the evil day. ~ Kathryn Wade, Executive Director, Life Choices Care Center, Aiken, SC

I highly recommend this latest work, One Law, from Sandy Renner! I found it to be fascinating and relevant. Her subject matter is comprehensive, yet presented in a humble and conversational tone. She invites us to risk an encounter with God through the Holy Scriptures in new and insightful ways. This message is for the Church of today, and in light of current events, will be seen to be both timely and inspired. ~ Pastor Chris Snelgrove, Hope Mountain Ministries, SC

“One Law” by Author Renner is magnificently profound and simple simultaneously! She elaborates on deep spiritual truths in a way nearly anyone can comprehend. Her writing is clear and relatable while taking her readers into places most have never dared to travel. It is a remarkable truth laid bare for the Body of Christ. I highly recommend “One Law” to anyone searching for more beyond the scope of Sunday morning services. Specifically, I love how she expounded on the Nephilim in the Old Testament and how they tie in to today’s world events. ~ Author, Minister, and Publisher Alexys V. Wolf, The Fiery Sword Global Ministries, SC 

The stories you read here will amaze you to the incredible journey Sandy has been on with our creative, never dull, one adventure after another incredible God! It's a fact! I experienced a few of these myself and the day Sandy first visited my pastorate I knew this person had been on some wild missions with the Lord! This book reminds the reader following JESUS is never predictable, always beneficial, worth our life and attention advancing us into seeing how great is our God! 

~ Dr. Robert Reeves, Senior Pastor at Indian Field UMC

It is difficult to put into words the profound impact Sandy Renner has had on my life. God brought her into my life 18 years ago, in the midst of a seemingly hopeless and turbulent period, when I was in desperate need of direction. To say we did not care for one another when we initially met would be an understatement, but through God’s inconceivable orchestration of our connection, we were both transformed by the relationship.  God unquestionably used Sandy to rescue me from destruction, reminding me I am God’s beloved who is both fearfully and wonderfully made. She poured countless hours into my life and has consistently promoted my spiritual maturity, often through the example of her own life. Sandy’s stories are a constant reminder of how God uses the most unlikely individuals in ways that are beyond our comprehension to further His kingdom, a testament to the relentless pursuit of God to enter into authentic relationship with every single person. I have witnessed God use her to speak into the lives of others and radically transform their relationship with Him and the trajectory of their life. This book will inspire hope and open the eyes of the reader to the depths of the unfailing love and transformative grace the Creator of the universe graciously extends to every person open to receive. 

~ Keeley Burgan

Sandy Renner is a speaker, teacher, author, minister, and, most importantly, a called prophet of the Most High God. Placed within Sandy when she was in the womb, that calling kept bubbling up in unexpected ways in a very unlikely young lady who, ultimately, devoted her life to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. A student of the Word, Sandy speaks life and freedom to the thirsty soul. Having known and ministered with Sandy for several years, I am familiar with her stories and have met many of the people about whom you will read in this book. From humble beginnings, Sandy’s life is a testament to the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Her ministry has made a profound impact on me and so many others as she challenges each of us to surrender who we think we are and to become who we were meant to be. Her charismatic personality totally disarms you. Then she’ll hit you with a revelation meant only for you. Open this book and let Sandy’s stories entertain and inspire you. In doing so, you will realize that, regardless of your background or life situation, Jesus can take the reality of who you are and turn you into something extraordinary!  

~ Rhonda Huskins, Regional VP SCMEP