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Good day. Today we are posting Part 4 the final newsletter in the series Recipe for Disaster! written by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter series. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll to the year 2024.
Recipe for Disaster! Vol. 27 No. 2 Part 4 As with any newsletter topic, it could go on for a much longer time than what we are doing here. One should be beginning to see how using the wrong ingredients in a recipe can have awful tasting results. As we have seen for the past few weeks that it is not enough to search the Bible for scriptures that make one “feel” good. It is not enough to mimic that which others are doing. John 5:39-40 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. KJV As we talked a bit about previously, that we are counseled to be as the Bereans were, as they took nothing for granted as to what was being spoken, until they searched the scriptures to be sure it was about their salvation and a closer walk with Jesus Christ. Acts 17:11-12 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; KJV Note how that they took that which they had heard, and searched the scriptures daily, to make sure they were not following wolves in sheep’s clothing. Using the proper ingredients to make sure we are having a proper meal of His Word. If you will recall the outline for prayer and communicating with the Father, it was to be seeking out our daily bread. Luke 11:2-3 When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. KJV Most people only think of the physical realm when looking at what it says here about seeking out our daily bread. But what is your daily bread? Does one only think of that which is physical? Let’s look at how Jesus Christ answered this question. Matthew 4:3-4 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. KJV Do you think of God’s Word as food? And if you do, what then would you think would make an adequate meal for you spiritually? Father knows what we have need of before we ask of Him. Yet how often is one more concerned with what others are thinking, or what they are doing, than what Father asks of them? In today’s world, people are wanting new translations of the Bible. They want things that will allow them to go down the path that they choose, rather than the strait and narrow path that Jesus Christ set for us to follow. We should not be changing the Word to suit us or one’s lifestyle, but rather allow the Word of God to make changes within us, so that we are an imitator of Jesus Christ and Him alone. Matthew 5:18-19 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. KJV though it be but a man's covenant, or testament, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth or addeth thereto; if a covenant made between men, or a man's will and testament, be confirmed, signed, sealed, and witnessed, in a proper manner, no other man can make them void, or take anything from them, or add anything to them, only the parties concerned by their own will and consent; and if this be the case among men, much less can the covenant of God, confirmed by two immutable things, his word and oath, or his will and testament, or any branch of it, be ever disannulled, or be capable of receiving any addition thereunto. (John Gill ‘s exposition of the Bible) Man, by trying to add to or take away from the Word of God to please themselves or others, is creating a recipe for disaster. There is a total feast for the spiritual being within God’s Word, if one would take the time to ask Him for their daily bread. That you may know Him, In the service of Jesus Christ. Larry Gazelka©2024 Good day. Today's video Equal One is on the topic of "Are you equal (meaning in agreement) with God? Jesus Christ thought it not robbery to be equal (in agreement) with God, and we too should also be of the same mind set. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good day. Today we are posting Part 3 of a newsletter series Recipe for Disaster! written by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter series. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll to the year 2024.
Recipe for Disaster! V27 No. 1 Part 3 How often do people start the new year with promises or resolutions that they hope to keep during the coming year? What ingredient is missing in this recipe for success? What is it that inspired that person to seek these changes in their life? Matthew 6:33-34 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) We are or should be, seeking first the kingdom of God. But also, the verse says, “and His righteousness.” How many people are aware of what God’s righteousness is, and what it entails? It is little details like this that people miss or ignore but are vital requirements for the recipe to produce the proper results. BC, or before Jesus Christ, one was instructed to follow the ten commandments, and in doing so, that they themselves acknowledged that they had strayed from what was required of them. Yet, it was not able to bring a person into personal relationship with God, because the price had not yet been paid for man’s sins. So, in essence, it was a recipe without the final ingredient. It made one aware that they had done wrong, but with no way to alleviate sin, as there had not yet been a price paid for that ransom. We should no longer be listening to or following old recipes; ones that have been around either by the old covenant or wives’ fables and such and are not able to or capable of procuring the ingredient necessary for a new life in the Spirit. So, we should be starting to see that there is an essential ingredient that is required for acquiring and maintaining a spiritual relationship with the Father. John 5:39 You keep searching the scriptures, for you yourselves suppose that you will get possession of eternal life through them; but they are witnesses that testify of me, but you refuse to come to me to get possession of life. (William’s New Testament) One can do many things by modifying the ingredients in a recipe. However, if one omits the main or primary ingredient, it will always be a failure for obtaining the proper results. Psalms 119:103-105 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. KJV Is His Word sweet or bitter to you? Do you blame God for your shortcomings and failures? Would you make a daily diet of things that taste horrible to you? How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Who had a spiritual one; and could discern perverse things, and could taste how good and gracious the Lord is: and so his words were sweet unto him; the doctrines of grace, the truths of the Gospel, were delightful and pleasant to him; like unadulterated milk, desirable by him: like good wine, that goes down sweetly; like good food, that is exceeding palatable; or like honey, and even sweeter than that, as follows. (John Gill commentary) We not only need a diet that tastes good to us, but it also must be nutritionally good for us as well. Just as the old covenant could tell you what you were doing wrong, yet there was not a permanent solution for correcting those sins. 1Corinthians 1:20-23 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; KJV Man has attempted to alter God’s Word to where it suits that which they proclaim. They find ways to hold people captivated by their good words and fair speeches. In other words, they attempt to alter that proper recipe essential for the new birth and a relationship with Him. How often do we see man try to dictate to God what they believe should be the terms for a relationship with Him? Romans 16:17-18 But I beg you, brothers, to keep on the lookout for those who stir up divisions and put hindrances in your way, in opposition to the instruction that you had, and always avoid them. 18. For such men are really not serving our Lord Christ but their own base appetites, and by their fair and flattering talk they are deceiving the hearts of unsuspecting people. (William’s New Testament) In real life, how often will one return to a restaurant that serves food that does not taste good? Will one keep using a recipe that does not please you or your family? This is why one must study the Word of God for themselves. So that they get to know His voice and His Word, so that one may not be able to be tricked or fooled by men who are trying to deceive you. Next issue we will conclude Recipe for Disaster. That you may know Him, In the service of Jesus Christ. Larry Gazelka©2024 Good day. Today's video Up and Adam is on parallels drawn between the first Adam (made a living soul), and the last Adam, Jesus Christ (made a life-giving spirit). Being that the fall of man began in a garden would it not be an interesting parallel that the restoration of man would take place in a garden also. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good day. Today we are posting Part 2 of a newsletter series Recipe for Disaster! written by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter series. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll to the year 2024.
Recipe for Disaster! Vol 26 n9 Part 2 In the last newsletter, we talked about how the disciples asked Jesus Christ how they should pray. Matthew 6:5-9 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. KJV One must also remain mindful of the fact that many of the religious people of that day or era used the same prayers for certain things over and over. How often do you see people wanting to make a spectacle of themselves when they say they are praying? Even in today’s world, how easy is it for people to get caught up in what the masses are doing, rather than being followers of Christ? People want to follow the masses, or where the most people are going. What would have happened if Noah had decided to do that? How easy can it be to get caught up in what everyone else is doing or saying? If it seems that those people are successful by the numbers that they have following, isn’t it easier to want to imitate them? We can then see why we are counseled to continue in the faith, grounded and settled, and not moved about by any or every new religious fad that comes along. Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; KJV. Note that it says to continue in the faith, and we know, or should know that faith is by hearing, stopping all that you are doing, and giving full audience to that which Father wants to talk with you about. Romans 10:17 And this proves that faith comes from a Message heard, and that the Message comes through it having been spoken by Christ. (Weymouth NT translation) So only going on what you hear other people speak or say, and then acting upon it, isn’t this a recipe for disaster? How often are people quick to quote other people, yet ignore that which the Word of God says? Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: KJV The reflections of Erasmus upon the strait gate are lively. How strait, says he, is the gate, how narrow the way, that leadeth to life! In the way nothing is to be found which flatters the flesh, but many things opposite; poverty frequently, fasting, watching, injuries, chastity, sobriety. And as for the gate, it receives none who are swollen with the glory of this life, none that are elated and lengthened out with pride; none who are distended with luxury. It does not admit those whose spirits are laden with the fardels of riches, nor those that drag along with them in affection the other implements of the world. None can pass through it but naked men, who are stripped of all worldly lusts, and sealed with the image of God. (Coke commentary) It is a strait and narrow gate, and few be there that find it! In this present evil world, in the lower nature, there are many who would devise schemes and trickery in an attempt to separate you from those things that the Lord has provided you to be able to get through this life. How much does one do to protect those things that Father has given you to have stewardship over? Now for a moment think about how valuable your new life in Christ is. One must not forget that there is one that wants to steal your hope in Christ; his aim is to kill you spiritually so that you are no longer a threat to his kingdom, and thus destroy you spiritually in the process. In other words, creating a recipe for disaster. How often does one forget that it is the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ? Anything we ask in His name, that will he do that the Father might be glorified through the Son. John 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. KJV John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. KJV If you were using a recipe for a certain dish, and you only used half of the ingredients called for, how do you think that would turn out? Isn’t the same true in our spiritual walk, that if we only use half of the recipe for prayer, what do you think the results will be? That you may know Him, In the service of Jesus Christ, Larry Gazelka LarryGazelka©2023 Good day. Today we are posting Part 1 of a newsletter series Recipe for Disaster! written by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter series. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll to the year 2024.
Recipe for Disaster! Vol 26 N8 Recipe: a set of instructions for preparing a particular dish; including a list of ingredients required. Something which is going to lead to a particular outcome. If people are physically ill, could some of those ills be caused by an improper diet? It is known that man can live approximately 8 to 21 days without food. Consider that in the Word. We are instructed that man should not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4 Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. KJV So, we saw that 8 to 21 days is approximately how long man (the physical side of man’s nature) can live. But how long can it be for the spirt side of man? If one does have proper food for their diet, can that which is good, then be prepared in a way that it could possibly be detrimental to one’s health? When one is about to prepare a meal, they often times have a recipe card that gives them the list of ingredients that are essential for properly preparing it. Sometimes this can be on a recipe card, or often times from memory. However, there are a few things that people never take into consideration. No two meals are ever the same. Whether it is meat, one must be mindful that no two cows or pigs are ever the same. So, one must be mindful that the seasoning and cooking time may vary a bit. So, one can begin to understand that even though one has a recipe card, it is not a hard and fast list of instructions, but rather one that gives an outline of what to use for this dish, but that adjustments must be made. What would happen if you used the same recipe for every piece of meat you cooked? What would happen if you prepared all of your vegetables the same way? We can see that this would not only be a bit detrimental to having the recipe turn out right, but also it could give us a dish that is not pleasing physically. Proper adjustment must be allowed for with each and every recipe, since no two things (plant or animal) are ever the same. In Mattew chapter six, the disciples inquired of the Lord how they should pray. The Lord replied that they should pray after this manner, or after this fashion. Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. KJV In other words, the Lord was giving them a recipe for conversing with the Father. We do, or should know and realize that in life, each and every situation is new and different, so there will have to be adjustments made to the recipe. Are you able to see how the Lord was giving them a recipe for how to communicate with God the Father? He had just counseled them on vain repetitions. What would happen if you used the same recipe for everything you cooked? Just as every detail in a recipe is adjusted for the differences encountered, would it then not also be true for our conversations with God the Father? Note also in this outline for prayer that is given, that we are to seek our daily bread from the Father as well. Yet, how many people see this as both nourishment for the spirit man as well as the physical man? Most tend to their physical needs in a timely fashion each day, but what nourishment does one give to the spirit man? Is it not true that our spirit being should be of the highest priority each day? Should it not be the highest thing on our list of things to do each day? How often does your spirit man get the proper amount of nourishment each day? Today, are you using a recipe for life, or for disaster? That you may know Him, In the service of Jesus Christ, Larry Gazelka Copyright ©, Larry Gazelka |
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