Good day. Today we are posting Part 4 of a four-part newsletter series Identity Crisis! written in 2001 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 writings for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2001.

​Identity Crisis!
Part 4
v23n41
 
Matthew 10:32-33 Everyone who will acknowledge me before men, I will acknowledge him before my Father who is in heaven; and whoever will disown me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. (Moffatt translation)
 
Matthew 10:32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
 
Definition for shall confess: 3670 homologeo (hom-ol-og-eh'-o);from a compound of the base of 3674 and 3056; to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge: 1) to say the same thing as another, that is, to agree with, to assent 2) to concede a) not to refuse, to promise b) not to deny 1) to confess 2) to declare 3) to confess, that is, to admit or declare oneself guilty of what one is accused of 3) to profess a) to declare openly, to speak out freely b) to profess oneself the worshiper of one 4) to praise, to celebrate.
 
Definition for shall deny: 720 arneomai (ar-neh'-om-ahee);perhaps from 1 (as a negative particle) and the middle voice of 4483; to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate: 1) to deny 2) to deny someone, to deny oneself a) to disregard one's own interests or to prove false to himself b) to act entirely unlike himself 3) to deny, abnegate, abjure 4) not to accept, to reject, to refuse something offered.
 
            The Word of God must be a way of life for the believer every moment of every day; this is what it means to be a Christian; this is what it means to confess him before men. To not be ashamed of Him, or His gospel message. One must learn to be an example of the believer at all times, and in all places, not when it seems or appears to be convenient, or when it will work to our advantage among other people. Thus, one should be able to see, hear and comprehend that which the Lord is stressing to us in the above verses.
 
            Let’s look at Adam Clarke’s comments on these two verses.
 
            [Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men] That is, whosoever shall acknowledge me to be the Messiah, and have his heart and life regulated by my spirit and doctrine. It is not merely sufficient to have the heart right before God; there must be a firm, manly, and public profession of Christ before men. "I am no hypocrite," says one; neither should you be. "I will keep my religion to myself," i. e. you will not confess Christ before men; then he will renounce you before God.
          We confess or own Christ when we own his doctrine, his ministers, his servants, and when no fear hinders us from supporting and assisting them in times of necessity.
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
          [Whosoever shall deny me] Whosoever prefers his worldly interest to his duty to God, sets a greater value on earthly than on heavenly things, and prefers the friendship of men to the approbation of GOD.
          Let it be remembered, that to be renounced by Christ is to have him neither for a Mediator nor Saviour. To appear before the tribunal of God without having Christ for our Advocate, and, on the contrary, to have him there as our Judge, and a witness against us, -- how can a man think of this and not die with horror! (From Adam Clarke Commentary)
 
            Let us look at Matthew Henry’s comments on these same verses.
 
v. 32, 33. Note, First, it is our duty, and if we do it, it will hereafter be our unspeakable honour and happiness, to confess Christ before men.
          It is our duty, not only to believe in Christ, but to profess that faith, in suffering for him, when we are called to it, as well as in serving him. We must never be ashamed of our relation to Christ, our attendance on him, and our expectations from him: hereby the sincerity of our faith, is evidenced, his name glorified, and others edified.
          However, this may expose us to reproach and trouble now, we shall be abundantly recompensed for that, in the resurrection of the just, when it will be our unspeakable honour and happiness to hear Christ say (what would we more?) "Him will I confess, though a poor worthless worm of the earth; this is one of mine, one of my friends and favourites, who loved me and was beloved by me; the purchase of my blood, the workmanship of my Spirit; I will confess him before my Father, when it will do him the most service; I will speak a good word for him, when he appears before my Father to receive his doom; I will present him, will represent him to my Father." Those who honour Christ he will thus honour. They honour him before men; that is a poor thing: he will honour them before his Father; that is a great thing. Secondly, It is a dangerous thing for any to deny and disown Christ before men; for they who so do will be disowned by him in the great day, when they have most need of him: he will not own them for his servants who would not own him for their master: I tell you, I know you not, <Mt 7:23>. In the first ages of Christianity, when for a man to confess Christ was to venture all that was dear to him in this world, it was more a trial of sincerity, than it was afterwards, when it had secular advantages attending it. (From Matthew Henry's Commentary)
 
            One should be a partaker of the promise that is made available to us by, through and in Christ, that is presented to us by His gospel message. (Ephesians 3:3-6). One must be a partaker of His divine nature (2Peter 1:4), so that one may allow this light of the glorious gospel of Christ to shine forth. (2Corinthians 4:6). To be a partaker of His divine nature, is to allow the message that He has delivered to us, to become alive within us, so that this ability of God that is within us by the gift of Christ, will become a real and actual way of life for us. To be a doer of the Word, and not a forgetful hearer.
 
            After all, if one is born again by the Spirit of God, they have received the measure of faith, the measure of the gift of Christ (Romans 12:3, Ephesians 4:7). Now, one must not only hear this message of instruction that was delivered to us by the Word of God, but they must adhere to it, and allow it to be an actual way of living and life.
 
 
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (KJV)
 
Definition for partakers: 2844 koinonos-1) a partner, associate, comrade, companion 2) a partner, sharer, in anything.
 
Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (KJV)
 
Definition for partakers in Ephesians 3:6: 4830 summetochos (soom-met'-okh-os); a co-participant: partaker. partaking together with one, a joint partaker.
 
Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (KJV)
 
Definition for partakers in Hebrews 3:14: 3348 metecho (met-ekh'-o); from 3326 and 2192; to share or participate; by implication belong to, eat (or drink): 1) to be or become partaker 2) to partake.
 
            One has to identify themselves with Jesus Christ at all times, not just at certain days or certain times of the year. Today, will you hear His voice, and allow Him to come in and share the bread of life with you? Will you be identified with Him?
 
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
 
 
Larry Gazelka
 
Copyright © 2001 Built Anew Ministries all rights reserved. 

Good day. Today we are posting A Famine Unheard Of  day three, written January 12, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011
 
A Famine Unheard Of
 
Amos 8:11-13 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. (13) In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst. (KJV)
 
You know, I can tell you from my own experiences that I have wandered out and about looking for some truth, and quite frankly it’s hard to find because few really know the truth of the gospel. Oh there is a boatload of religion and ritualistic people that claim that they are of God, but when I listen to the doctrine I can see many are famished.
 
Isaiah 5:12-14 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands. (13) Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. (14) Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. (KJV)
 
It seems like with many places that claim that they are a church the first thing that they do is play music and get the emotions stirred up. However, while they are feeding the carnal man, spiritually many are dying of hunger and are famished by a lack of nourishment. Because of this lack of hearing by those that are in leadership, well, that explains the reason why motel hell is constantly under construction and adding more rooms.
 
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (KJV)
 
Hey Church, don’t rely on someone else to feed you, but rather go straight to the source of life, that being our Spiritual source, and not only get a meal but get filled. You are one of God’s people when you accepted His plan of salvation, and it is His good pleasure to give you His kingdom. If you starve and go hungry Church, don’t blame God, because He has a meal prepared for all of His family.
 
Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)
 
When I was trucking years ago, we would use our CB radios to get information on where the best places to eat were at. Many times when calling out we would ask if anyone had their ears on? Well, it took a certain type of radio on a certain frequency to send the message and get a response as well. Our Lord has His own frequency which is Spiritual, and is calling to see who desires to stop at His rest stop and get a meal fit for a king, as well as one of His people.
 
John 6:48-51 I am that bread of life. (49) Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. (50) This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. (51) I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (KJV)
 
Ever go past a bakery that is baking fresh bread? Quite enticing to the appetite to say the least isn’t it? Bread is something that is made on a daily basis, and is best eaten fresh from the oven. Our Lord has cooked up a meal for His people that will last for an eternity, have you had your slice of life today yet?

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Part 3 of a four-part newsletter series Identity Crisis! written in 2001 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 writings for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2001.

Identity Crisis!
Part 3
v23n40
 
Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad the road which leads to ruin, and many there are who enter by it; 14 because narrow is the gate and contracted the road which leads to Life, and few are those who find it. (Weymouth translation)
 
            Let’s look at a few of Adam Clarke’s comments on these verses.
 
            [For wide is the gate, and broad is the way] And very broad, euruchooros  (grk 2149), from eurus, broad, and choora  (grk 5561), a place, a spacious roomy place, that leadeth forward, apagousa  (grk 520), into THAT destruction, eis  (grk 1519) teen  (grk 3588) apooleian  (grk 684), meaning eternal misery; intimating, that it is much more congenial, to the revengeful, covetous heart of fallen man, to take every advantage of another, and to enrich himself at his expense, rather than to walk according to the rule laid down before, by our blessed Lord, and that acting contrary to it is the way to everlasting misery. With those who say it means repentance, and forsaking sin, I can have no controversy. That is certainly a gate, and a strait one too, through which every sinner must turn to God, in order to find salvation. But the doing to everyone as we would they should do unto us, is a gate extremely strait, and very difficult, to every unregenerate mind.
          [Because strait is the gate] Instead of hoti (grk 3754), because, I prefer ti (grk 5100), how, which reading is supported by a great majority of the best MSS., versions, and fathers. How strait is that gate! This mode of expression more forcibly points out the difficulty of the way to the kingdom. How strange is it that men should be unwilling to give up their worldly interests to secure their everlasting salvation! and yet no interest need be abandoned, but that which is produced by injustice and unkindness. Reason, as well as God, says, such people should be excluded from a place of blessedness. He who shows no mercy (and much more he who shows no justice) shall have judgement without mercy. <James 2:13>
          [Few there be that find it.] The strait gate, stenee (grk 4728) pulee (grk 4439), signifies literally what we call a wicket, i. e. a little door in a large gate. Gate, among the Jews, signifies, metaphorically, the entrance, introduction, or means of acquiring anything. So they talk of the gate of repentance, the gate of prayers, and the gate of tears. When God, say they, shut the gate of paradise against Adam, He opened to him the gate of repentance. The way to the kingdom of God is made sufficiently manifest-- the completest assistance is promised in the way, and the greatest encouragement to persevere to the end is held out in the everlasting Gospel. But men are so wedded to their own passions, and so determined to follow the imaginations of their own hearts, that still it may be said: There are few who find the way to heaven; fewer yet who abide any time in it; fewer still who walk in it; and fewest of all who persevere unto the end. Nothing renders this way either narrow or difficult to any person but sin. Let all the world leave their sins, and all the world may walk abreast in this good way. (From Adam Clarke Commentary)
 
            One must die to self daily, as they press forward towards the kingdom of God. That narrow gate contracts or pulls against the flesh as one presses forward for that mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. With each and every step a person takes, one must decide if they are willing to have the identity of the flesh pulled away or removed, so that more of Christ may be manifest in their life.
 
            Let’s look at a few of Matthew Henry’s comments on Matthew 7:13-14.
 
            The account that is given of the bad way of sin, and the good way of holiness. There are but two ways, right and wrong, good and evil; the way to heaven, and the way to hell; in the one of which we are all of us walking: no middle place hereafter, no middle way now: the distinction of the children of men into saints and sinners, godly and ungodly, will swallow up all to eternity.
          Here is, (1.) An account given us of the way of sin and sinners; both what is the best, and what is the worst of it.
          [1.] that which allures multitudes into it, and keeps them in it; the gate is wide, and the way broad, and there are many travelers in that way. First, "You will have abundance of liberty in that way; the gate is wide, and stands wide open to tempt those that go right on their way. You may go in at this gate with all your lusts about you; it gives no check to your appetites, to your passions: you may walk in the way of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; that gives room enough." It is a broad way, for there is nothing to hedge in those that walk in it, but they wander endlessly; a broad way, for there are many paths in it; there is choice of sinful ways, contrary to each other, but all paths in this broad way. Secondly, "You will have abundance of company in that way: many there be that go in at this gate, and walk in this way." If we follow the multitude, it will be to do evil: if we go with the crowd, it will be the wrong way. It is natural for us to incline to go down the stream, and do as the most do; but it is too great a compliment, to be willing to be damned for company, and to go to hell with them, because they will not go to heaven with us: if many perish, we should be the more cautious.
          [2.] that which should affright us all from it is, that it leads to destruction. Death, eternal death, is at the end of it (and the way of sin tends to it),-- everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord. Whether it be the high way of open profaneness, or the back way of close hypocrisy, if it be a way of sin, it will be our ruin, if we repent not.
          Here is an account given us of the way of holiness.
          [1.] What there is in it that frightens many from it; let us know the worst of it, that we may sit down and count the cost. Christ deals faithfully with us, and tells us,
          First, That the gate is strait. Conversion and regeneration are the gate, by which we enter into this way, in which we begin a life of faith and serious godliness; out of a state of sin into a state of grace we must pass, by the new birth, <Jn. 3:3,5>. This is a strait gate, hard to find, and hard to get through; like a passage between two rocks, <1 Sam. 14:4>. There must be a new heart, and a new spirit, and old things must pass away. The bent of the soul must be changed, corrupt habits and customs broken off; what we have been doing all our days must be undone again. We must swim against the stream; much opposition must be struggled with, and broken through, from without, and from within. It is easier to set a man against all the world than against himself, and yet this must be in conversion. It is a strait gate, for we must stoop, or we cannot go in at it; we must become as little children; high thoughts must be brought down; nay, we must strip, must deny ourselves, put off the world, put off the old man; we must be willing to forsake all for our interest in Christ. The gate is strait to all, but to some straiter than others; as to the rich, to some that have been long prejudiced against religion. The gate is strait; blessed be God, it is not shut up, nor locked against us, nor kept with a flaming sword, as it will be shortly, <Mt 25:10>.
          Secondly, That the way is narrow. We are not in heaven as soon as we have got through the strait gate, nor in Canaan as soon as we have got through the Red Sea; no, we must go through a wilderness, must travel a narrow way, hedged in by the divine law, which is exceedingly broad, and that makes the way narrow; self must be denied, the body kept under, corruptions mortified, that are as a right eye and a right hand; daily temptations must be resisted; duties must be done that are against our inclination. We must endure hardness, must wrestle and be in an agony, must watch in all things, and walk with care and circumspection. We must go through much tribulation. It is hodos tethlimmene-- an afflicted way, a way hedged about with thorns; blessed be God, it is not hedged up. The bodies we carry about with us, and the corruptions remaining in us, make the way of our duty difficult; but, as the understanding and will grow more and more sound, it will open and enlarge, and grow more and more pleasant.
          Thirdly, The gate being so strait and the way so narrow, it is not strange that there are but few that find it, and choose it. Many pass it by, through carelessness; they will not be at the pains to find it; they are well as they are, and see no need to change their way. Others look upon it, but shun it; they like not to be so limited and restrained. Those that are going to heaven are but few, compared to those that are going to hell; a remnant, a little flock, like the grape-gleanings of the vintage; as the eight that were saved in the ark, <1 Pet.3:20>.
          The great concern and duty of every one of us, in consideration of all this; Enter ye in at the strait gate. The matter is fairly stated; life and death, good and evil, are set before us; both the ways, and both the ends: now let the matter be taken entire, and considered impartially, and then choose you this day which you will walk in; nay, the matter determines itself, and will not admit of a debate. No man, in his wits, would choose to go to the gallows, because it is a smooth, pleasant way to it, nor refuse the offer of a palace and a throne, because it is a rough, dirty way to it; yet such absurdities as these are men guilty of, in the concerns of their souls. Delay not, therefore; deliberate not any longer, but enter ye in at the strait gate; knock at it by sincere and constant prayers and endeavors, and it shall be opened; nay, a wide door shall be opened, and an effectual one. It is true, we can neither go in, nor go on, without the assistance of divine grace; but it is as true, that grace is freely offered, and shall not be wanting to those that seek it, and submit to it. Conversion is hard work, but it is needful, and, blessed be God, it is not impossible if we strive, <Lu. 13:24>. (From Matthew Henry's Commentary)
 
            One is saved by grace through faith, this is the gift of God. (John 17:3, Ephesians 2:8-9). To know Christ and the power of His resurrection, is what one must strive for.
 
Luke 13:24 "Strain every nerve to force your way in through the narrow gate," He answered; "for multitudes, I tell you, will endeavour to find a way in and will not succeed. (Weymouth translation)
 
            Let us look at Adam Clarke’s comments on this verse.
 
            [Are there few that be saved?] A question either of impertinence or curiosity, the answer to which can profit no man. The grand question is, Can I be saved? Yes. How? Strive earnestly to enter in through the strait gate-- agoonizesthe (grk 75), agonize-- exert every power of body and soul-- let your salvation be the grand business of your whole life.
          [Many, I say unto you, will seek] They seek-- wish and desire; but they do not strive: therefore, because they will not agonize-- will not be in earnest, they shall not get in. (From Adam Clarke Commentary)
 
            How willing are you to lose your own (fleshly) identity, that you may be identified as one of Christ’s?
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
 
Larry Gazelka
 
Copyright © 2001 Built Anew Ministries all rights reserved.

Good day. Today we are posting A Famine Unheard Of  day two, written January 11, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

TTuesday, January 11, 2011
 
A Famine Unheard Of
 
Amos 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (KJV)
 
You know, when people reject the Lord’s counsel and decide that they don’t desire to hear the truth, there is a liar waiting in the wings ready to deliver a watered down cheap knock off version of the truth. Only the truth will set one free, and feed their Spirit man which needs attention just like our carnal one does in order to live. As I look around in this fallen realm, I see many that surely don’t miss any meals physically, but spiritually they are nothing more than skeletal remains.
 
Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, (26) But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (KJV)
 
Oh, by the way, you know that slick preacher that said you need to send them money so that they could go preach in a place where the word of God wasn’t yet? Yeah well, what you will find consistently throughout the Word is that His word is already available; in other words, He has already been there and delivered it. Now if God does send ministers to help instruct the people into a deeper understanding of the revelation of the mystery of the gospel that is one thing, but to think that there is some place on planet earth that our Lord and His message hasn’t arrived, well that is just a lie.
 
Romans 1:16-19 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (KJV)
 
When Paul was sent to teach and preach, he was sent because he heard firsthand the gospel of Christ, the only true doctrine that God gives credence to. Paul was able to partake of the meat of the Word, which made him strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We see again clearly illustrated, that there is not a famine for the word of God; rather it is the hearing part on man’s end that is lacking and causing the problem.
 
Romans 1:20-22 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (KJV)
 
Do you know the things that are made and being referred to in verse 20? Yeah, that would include mankind who is a created being, which is why we are all without excuse. If our Lord is no respecter of persons then what makes people think that He hasn’t reached out, or made an opportunity for all of mankind when the Word is quite specific that He has?
 
Joel 2:26-29 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. (27) And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. (28) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: (29) And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. (KJV)
 
In our Lord’s realm there is no such thing as shortages and famines. However, when one steps away from the Lord and is no longer giving ear to His word of truth, then one finds themselves lacking and starving Spiritually. God poured out His Spirit, and He is quite specific on how many as well. So if you are a member of the flesh and blood realm then you are without excuse if you die of hunger or perish in a famine, which is unheard of in our Lord’s realm.

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Part 2 of a four-part newsletter series Identity Crisis! written in 2001 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 writings for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2001.

Identity Crisis!
Part 2
v23n39
 
            In last weeks newsletter, we were talking about who it is that we identify ourselves with, or in other words, who is it that we place ourselves in agreement with. After having a mild stroke last week, I had to make a decision or choice myself, of whether I would agree or disagree with the doctors and nurses, and the counsel that they gave me. To agree with them would bring about restored health, and to disagree would bring about death.
           
            Each and every day here, we all have that decision or choice to make. It all comes down to who we will choose to be the servant to. Jesus Christ came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. The devil goes about seeking whom he may devour, for his purpose is to steal the gift of God from us, that he may get us to commit spiritual suicide, that we would die for eternity.
 
Romans 6:16 Do you not know that if you surrender yourselves as bondservants to obey any one, you become the bondservants of him whom you obey, whether the bondservants of Sin (with death as the result) or of Duty (resulting in righteousness)? (Weymouth translation)
 
            [To whom ye yield yourselves] Can you suppose that you should continue to be the servants of Christ if ye give way to sin? Is he not the master who exacts the service, and to whom the service is performed? Sin is the service of Satan; righteousness is the service of Christ. If ye sin, ye are the servants of Satan, and not the servants of God.
          The word doulos (grk 1401), which we translate "servant", properly signifies slave; and a slave among the Greeks and Romans was considered as his master's property, and he might dispose of him as he pleased. Under a bad master, the lot of the slave was most oppressive and dreadful; his ease and comfort were never consulted; he was treated worse than a beast; and, in many cases, his life hung on the mere caprice of the master. This state is the state of every poor, miserable sinner; he is the slave of Satan, and his own evil lusts and appetites are his most cruel taskmasters. The same word is applied to the servants of Christ, the more forcibly to show that they are their Master's property; and that, as he is infinitely good and benevolent, therefore his service must be perfect freedom. Indeed, he exacts no obedience from them which he does not turn to their eternal advantage; for this master has no self-interest to secure. (From Adam Clarke Commentary)
 
            Each and every day a person surrounds themselves with different thoughts and ideas. However, to make things a bit more simplified, one should look at this in one of two ways: our choices or decisions are one of two, to choose to be spiritually alive by coming into agreement with God and His Word, or to come into agreement with the devil, whose end result is spiritual death. Thus, we can see why Joshua said that we have to choose this day who it is that we will serve.
 
            God in His grace and mercy has made available to each and every person this gift of spiritual life. This gift is available to one by and through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 4:7, John 17:3). There is no other way than that which God has prescribed. (John 14:6, 1Timothy 2:5). Any other way than that which God prescribes would be the way of a thief and robber, and admittance into His kingdom under false pretenses will not be allowed.
 
2Peter 2:17-20 These people are wells without water, mists driven along by a storm, men for whom the dense darkness has been reserved. 18 For, while they pour out their frivolous and arrogant talk, they use earthly cravings--every kind of immorality--as a bait to entrap men who are just escaping from the influence of those who live in error. 19 And they promise them freedom, although they are themselves the slaves of what is corrupt. For a man is the slave of any one by whom he has been worsted in fight. 20 For if, after escaping from the pollutions of the world through a full knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, people are once more entangled in these pollutions and are overcome, their last state has become worse than their first. (Weymouth translation)
 
Let’s look at some of Adam Clarke’s comments on these verses.
 
            [These are wells without water] Persons who, by their profession, should furnish the water of life to souls athirst for salvation; but they have not this water; they are teachers without ability to instruct; they are sowers, and have no seed in their basket. Nothing is more cheering in the deserts of the east than to meet with a well of water; and nothing more distressing, when parched with thirst, than to meet with a well that contains no water.
          [Clouds that are carried with a tempest] In a time of great drought, to see clouds beginning to cover the face of the heavens raises the expectation of rain; but to see these carried off by a sudden tempest is a dreary disappointment. These false teachers were equally as unprofitable as the empty well, or the light, dissipated cloud.
          [To whom the mist of darkness is reserved] That is, an eternal separation from the presence of God, and the glory of his power. They shall be thrust into outer darkness, <Matt. 8:12>; into the utmost degrees of misery and despair. False and corrupt teachers will be sent into the lowest hell; and be "the most downcast, underfoot vassals of perdition."
          [They speak great swelling words of vanity] The word huperongka (grk 5246) signifies things of great magnitude, grand, superb, sublime; it sometimes signifies inflated, tumid, bombastic. These false teachers spoke of great and high things, and no doubt promised their disciples the greatest privileges, as they themselves pretended to a high degree of illumination; but they were all false and vain, though they tickled the fancy and excited the desires of the flesh; and indeed this appears to have been their object. And hence, some think that the impure sect of the Nicolaitans is meant.
          [Those that were clean escaped] Those who, through hearing the doctrines of the Gospel, had been converted, were perverted by these false teachers.
          [While they promise them liberty] Either to live in the highest degrees of spiritual good, or a freedom from the Roman yoke; or from the yoke of the law, or what they might term needless restraints. Their own conduct showed the falsity of their system; for they were slaves to every disgraceful lust.
          [For of whom a man is overcome] This is an allusion to the ancient custom of selling for slaves those whom they had conquered and captivated in war. The ancient law was, that a man might either kill him whom he overcame in battle, or keep him for a slave. These were called servi, slaves, from the verb sevare, to keep or preserve. And they were also called mancipia, from manu capiuntur, they are taken captive by the hand of their enemy. Thus the person who is overcome by his lusts is represented as being the slave of those lusts. (From Adam Clarke Commentary)
 
            The only real liberty one can have, is by being identified with Christ. Thus, why Paul tells us to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. (By being in full agreement with God and His Word). Do not again become entangled with the old ways and nature of the flesh. As Paul said, that we should be followers of him, as he followed after the pattern set by Christ Jesus.
 
            People who imitate other people, will find themselves in an identity crisis, as we can see from the following scripture.
 
Acts 19:13-16 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (KJV)
 
Certain of the Jews who went about practicing exorcisms. Vagabond has a very bad acceptation among us; but, literally, vagabundus signifies a wanderer, one that has no settled place of abode. These, like all their countrymen, in all places, went about to get their bread in what way they could; making trial of everything by which they could have the prospect of gain. Finding that Paul cast out demons through the name of Jesus, they thought, by using the same, they might produce the same effects; and, if they could, they knew it would be to them an ample source of revenue; for demoniacs abounded in the land.
The whole verse in that manuscript reads thus: Among them were also the sons of Sceva, a priest, who wished to do the same: for they were accustomed to exorcise such persons. And entering in to the demoniac, they began to invoke that Name, saying, We command thee by Jesus, whom Paul preacheth, to go out. And the evil spirit answered, and said unto them, Jesus I know, etc. It has been often remarked that in our Lord's time there were many of the Jews that professed to cast out demons; and perhaps to this our Lord alludes, see note at <Matt. 12:27> (From Adam Clarke Commentary).
 
Notes from Matt. 12:27: And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
[By whom do your children cast them out?] Children, or sons of the prophets, means the disciples of the prophets; and children or sons of the Pharisees, disciples of the Pharisees. From <Acts 19:13-14>, it is evident there were exorcists among the Jews, and, from our Lord's saying here, it is also evident that the disciples of the Pharisees did cast out demons, or, at least, those who educated them wished to have it believed that they had such a power. Our Lord's argument here is extremely conclusive: If the man who casts out demons proves himself thereby to be in league with and influenced by Satan, then your disciples, and you who taught them, are all of you in league with the Devil: ye must either give up your assertion, that I cast out demons by Beelzebub, or else admit this conclusion, in its fullest force and latitude, that ye are all children of the Devil, and leagued with him against God.
Envy causes persons often to condemn in one, what they approve in another. (From Adam Clarke Commentary).
 
As we can see, those sons of Sceva had a real identity crisis when it came to using the Lord’s name. As we can recall from last week’s newsletter, that many said that they were doing many wonderful works in His name, yet He did not know them. Christ and Christ alone is the power and wisdom of God. Do you have an identity crisis today?
 
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
 
Larry Gazelka
 
Copyright © 2001 Built Anew Ministries all rights reserved.

Good day. Today we are posting A Famine Unheard Of  day one, written January 10, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Monday, January 10, 2011
 
A Famine Unheard Of
 
Amos 8:11-12 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. (KJV)
 
In case anyone is wondering, we truly are in the days that Amos prophesied of, because if one looks around and gives ear to doctrine, it’s hard to find anything anymore with any real truth as well as substance concerning the kingdom of God. Most of what is being peddled these days is by a bunch of hirelings and hucksters, who are more motivated by a love of money rather than a love for the Lord. So it goes without saying that just like rats on a sinking ship, once the money quits flowing so does the love and commitment of these false prophets, who jump ship in a heartbeat.
 
Matthew 9:35-38 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. (36) But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. (37) Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; (38) Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. (KJV)
 
If you look up the word ‘few’ in verse 37 you find that the meaning refers to small, as well as puny. Not much to feed the flock with is there, which is what the Lord was making mention of. Again, it is not a lack of the word of God on His part; rather it is the hearing part on mankind’s end that is lacking, and the reason why many of God’s people are dying from a Spiritual hunger.
 
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)
 
The Lord said that the reason He came is so that we (God’s people) would have life, and an abundant one. However, the flip side of that is when the line of communication is cut off between the Lord and His people; which by the way is not on His end, because He promised that He would never leave us, nor forsake us either. When we see pictures of starving people we see how weak and sickly they get from a lack of proper nourishment. Spiritually the same premise holds true with many of God’s people who are on life support and the enemy is getting ready to pull the plug on them.
 
Luke 11:27-28 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. (28) But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. (KJV)
 
So what are you really hungry for today; the carnal or the Spiritual? What would your life and walk with the Lord be like if you took the time to feed the Spirit as much as or even more than the physical man? Would you truly be able to say that you ingested a Spiritual meal with the meat of the Word, or are you starving for answers?

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Part 1 of a four-part newsletter series Identity Crisis! written in 2001 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 writings for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2001.

Identity Crisis!
Part 1
v23n38
 
            In the last few newsletters, we have been talking about how the god of this world blinds the minds of those who fail to make it a priority of renewing their minds daily, as well as moment by moment within the Word of God. Thus, why it is so imperative that one follows the step-by-step instructions that God has made available to the believer with His Word. Failure to hear and obey these step-by-step instructions, will cause a person to have an identity crisis.
 
Ezekiel 34:12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. (KJV)
 
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (KJV)
 
            Who does one identify themselves with? The Word tells us clearly, that he that is not with Him is against Him. People identify themselves with sports and sports teams. They also identify themselves with all kinds of causes. Yet, how many will allow themselves to always be identified with, as well as follow the cause of Christ?
 
1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. (KJV)
 
            The people were mute. They could not but feel the logical force of Elijah's argument; but they were not prepared at once to act upon it. They wished to unite the worship of Yahweh with that of Baal-- to avoid breaking with the past and completely rejecting the old national worship, yet at the same time to have the enjoyment of the new rites, which were certainly sensuous, and probably impure. (From Barnes' Notes)
 
            [How long halt ye between two opinions?] Literally, "How long hop ye about upon two boughs?" This is a metaphor taken from birds hopping about from bough to bough, not knowing on which to settle. Perhaps the idea of limping through lameness should not be overlooked. They were halt, they could not walk uprightly; they dreaded Jehovah, and therefore could not totally abandon him; they feared the king and queen, and therefore thought they must embrace the religion of the state. Their conscience forbade them to do the former; their fear of man persuaded them to do the latter; but in neither were they heartily engaged; and at this juncture their minds seemed in equipoise (in balance), and they were waiting for a favourable opportunity to make their decision. Such an opportunity now, through the mercy of God, presented itself. (From Adam Clarke Commentary)
 
            [And Elijah came near unto all the people]. After gathering the people of Israel together, Elijah issued his challenge to them. How long halt ye between two opinions? (AV). Rather, [How long go ye hobbling between the two forks of the road?] Whichever translation one takes, the meaning is crystal clear. The issue was before them. A clear decision must be made. If Baal was to be god, Jehovah must be renounced. If Jehovah was to reign as God, Baal and all his worship must be forever abandoned. Many in Israel were probably tempted to compromise. Elijah, with whom no compromise was possible, saw clearly the radical character of the two issues and called for a definite decision. Such men always enjoy the blessings of God despite temporary unpopularity with the masses. (From Wycliffe Commentary)
 
            Two cannot walk together unless they are in agreement. Temporary blindness to the truth of God’s Word, will cause a person to have an identity crisis. This happens because a person is wavering between two opinions or causes. They then have the tendency to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine or such that comes along. This is why a person must learn to study the Word for God’s approval on a moment-by-moment basis. One must continue in the Word of God at all times, so that it becomes as natural of a process as it is for one to breathe. (One seldom has to think about breathing, and this is how natural the Word of God should be to all of us.) This is the way in which we are to grow up into Him in all things.
 
Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV)
 
            Our blessed Lord shows here the utter impossibility of loving the world and loving God at the same time; or, in other words, that a man of the world cannot be a truly religious character. He who gives his heart to the world robs God of it, and, in snatching at the shadow of earthly good, loses substantial and eternal blessedness. How dangerous is it to set our hearts upon riches, seeing it is so easy to make them our God! (From Adam Clarke Commentary)
 
If the eye, used here figuratively for one's spiritual understanding, be single (opposite of "twofold"), not afflicted with double vision in this matter of treasures —an affliction which is evil —then the individual can regard riches in their proper perspective. The impossibility of serving two masters in a slave relationship is a graphic illustration. Mammon. Though its derivation is uncertain, it appears to be an Aramaic word for wealth, here personified. Note that Jesus condemns not wealth but enslavement to wealth. (From Wycliffe Commentary)
 
The double minded man is unstable in all of his ways. Not because I say so, but this is what the Word of God plainly tells us. As long as a person is wavering between two opinions, they will have a crisis with whom they will identify. They will identify themselves with whomever they deem to be in power or in control. And yet the Word is clear to tell us which doctrine and cause that we as Christians are to follow.
 
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV)
 
He who passes over the sacred enclosure, or goes beyond the prescribed limits; and abideth not in the doctrine. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Compare the superior Greek reading: proagoon  (grk 4254).) In either case, it means that someone is not remaining within these holy limits, but indulges himself either in excesses of action or passion, hath not God for his Father, nor the love of God in his heart.
[Hath both the Father and the Son.] He who abideth in the doctrine of Christ, his body is a temple of the Holy Trinity, and he has communion with the Father as his Father, and with the Son as his Saviour and Redeemer. (From Adam Clarke Commentary)
 
            We are to hold God and His Word to be true, and every man that speaks against it (His Word) a liar. This can only happen when a person’s life and speech is in full agreement with God. There is no in-between or gray area involving salvation. We are either for or against God and His doctrine.
 
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (KJV)
 
Do you have an identity crisis this day? Who is it that you identify with?
 
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ
 
 
Larry Gazelka
 
Copyright © 2001 Built Anew Ministries all rights reserved.

Good day. Today's video When the Trumpet Sounds is on the topic of "There is a spiritual Trumpet that trumps all other names and doctrines of man, that God's apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers should be sounding to warn His people." 
 
​​​​​​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.