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Colossians 2:8-12 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (KJV)
Many today are allowing themselves to be duped by the traditions and doctrines of man and not after Christ and the true meaning of His word. Are you glad there is an escape clause when it comes to circumcision, and what it represents? So if you are not carrying out that ritual then why are you allowing watered down doctrine to come into play when it comes to baptism? Verse 12 again gives us the true interpretation of being reborn or baptized in Christ where you have died to self, and allowed Christ to come to life in you. Colossians 2:13-15 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV) When one is quickened they are brought back to life, this time in a new and totally different realm. You realize that the Lord has blotted out all those old outdated ordinances of the law and replaced it with a simple plan of salvation based on His grace through faith in what He has done on our behalf, and not what we think we are doing on His. Your new life in Christ should be one of triumph and victory which will only take place when you understand the true interpretations of His word. Everything you see above describes what the true baptism is, and what our Lord desires to see His people walk in. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV) John baptized with water, but our Lord desires to see His people drink from a new source of life; spiritual water that will bring life to the seed within you, which is Christ. Which well are you drinking from? Will you rise up and take what our Lord died to give His people access to, or will you just settle? John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) (KJV) Now that the Spirit has been poured out why don’t you walk deeper into our Lord’s river of life, into some pure water, so that out of you will be living waters gushing like an open fire hydrant. In conclusion, baptism is not a watered down ritual, but a way of life for those that see beyond the veil of the flesh. Look at it this way Church, if you still want to water baptize someone, do it with the living spiritual waters that are flowing out of you. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 4:4-5 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (KJV)
The goal of any teacher or preacher of the Word is to point people to our Lord who, as we see clearly stated above, operates in one realm, the realm of the Spirit. The one baptism our Lord gives credence to is no longer limited by a carnal washing which is outdated; you are now baptized and immersed in living spiritual water. Romans 6:3-5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (KJV) Here is what it is to be truly baptized or born again in Christ. The reality of baptism is actually a new way of life and no longer some old outdated carnal ritual. This is what truly separates the children from the adults spiritually. In order to live in Christ, you have to die to self which is what truly narrows the path of life. You won’t walk into a newness of life and be resurrected, until you walk away from the old. Romans 6:6-8 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (KJV) Crucifixion is not a popular topic, however, it’s the only way to subdue and kill the old man and his lusts. It’s only when you are dead to self that you can experience the true freedom and liberty that we have in Christ. Now faith is real and alive when you immerse more in the Spirit than you do in yourself. Luke 9:22-25 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. 23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gains the whole world, and loses himself, or be cast away? (KJV) The Lord describes in verse 22 what was going to happen in the outward realm; that being the cross He would bear for mankind. In the following verses He describes another cross that we would have to bear, that being spiritual, along with the one baptism that He would give credence to. Are you one of His today? John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (KJV) God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 12:49-50 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (KJV)
I want to focus on the term baptism, what it means, and what it doesn’t mean anymore. Baptism symbolizes what happens when one is born again, renewed in the Spirit. Our Lord knew that He was called to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice so that the Holy Spirit could be poured out and mankind could be reborn into the realm of the Spirit. When you see those that still hold to the carnal interpretations, you see carnal Christians who have chosen to limit the Lord to the outward and their watered down doctrines. Acts 1:3-5 To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) Up until this point the disciples were not yet born again, or baptized with the Holy Ghost which is why our Lord was encouraging them to stay there a little longer. Our Lord is also explaining the difference between the old and the new, how John was operating in a carnal washing, while He was going to show how to be cleansed and reborn in the Spirit. Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV) Throughout the scriptures you will find wind symbolizing the Spirit. What do you really see taking place here? Here, you see the true meaning of baptism taking place, where one is born again and baptized into Christ. Baptism is described as being immersed with a force. For some reason many separate the experience of being born again, and being baptized into Christ, thinking they happen at different times; but what really happens with many is that they just realize later on in their walk what really took place when they were filled with the Spirit, and all that goes with being born again. Acts 19:1-6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollo’s was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized? And they said Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. (KJV) Today many have limited themselves to the outward realm, rather than immersing themselves into the spiritual one. When you are born again, you are now baptized into Christ. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 44:2-3 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: (KJV)
God is described as a Spirit, and those that are truly going to worship Him must, from this point forward, do so in spirit and in truth. Things we see written in the Old Testament now take on a new and entirely different meaning when one hears with their spiritual ears and looks beyond the literal into the realm of the Spirit. Hebrews 9:8-10 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV) A time of reformation is upon us Church and has been for about two thousand years when the Holy Spirit was poured out for all of mankind. Up until that point things were done in the outward realm to symbolize what was to come in the Spirit. The term figure above refers to symbol as well as parable, an earthly analogy with a heavenly meaning. Take note of verse 9; it clearly states that the outward realm is imperfect and not able to cleanse the inward man the way that our Lord intended for us to be clean in His sight. When we were born again, the eyes of our understanding were opened so that we could hear what these symbols represent, and how they now pertain to our walk in the Spirit. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (KJV) The reason God sent His Son was so that the Holy Spirit would be made available to all of mankind; and we see clearly that it is the word of God through the Holy Spirit that cleanses His church and gets out any spots or wrinkles. Psalm 51:1-3 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. (KJV) You may find you have a few skeletons in your closet that you think no one sees, and the longer you keep them hidden the more they stink. So how does the Church come clean today? Well, by examining yourself and asking our Lord to cleanse you from your sin. Dearly loved have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Peter 1:23-25 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (KJV)
Humans live in a fallen world, having been born subject to the corruption of our lower nature; but those who have been born again have been impregnated with an incorruptible seed and now allow the Holy Spirit to have more of an influence in their lives than just what is seen, heard, or felt according to the old carnal man. Given the fact that God is a Spirit, it is safe to say that the seed being referred to is spiritual. Luke 8:9-11 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. (KJV) In the last few weeks we have talked about the term one, and how our Lord operates in the realm of the singular. This spiritual seed (the word of God) is the one and only seed that can produce spiritual fruit; and keep in mind Church that a spiritual seed requires a daily dose of living spiritual waters and weeding to see it grow to maturity. John 3:3-4 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (KJV) Many false prophets today try to dupe people into thinking the seed refers to money, and they are unable to see or hear the spiritual truth of the Word. In your search for truth you will find many who are unable to see or hear in the realm of the Spirit, and they will take the things of God literally and miss their true spiritual meaning. They take their fallen interpretations of the Word and put God in a box under the guise of denominations. Don’t settle for what others have fallen for, rather rise up and take a seat with our Lord on a daily basis and hear for yourself what He is speaking to you. Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. (KJV) As we see clearly illustrated, there is only one seed that God gives credence to and that seed is Christ, the Word of God. When one goes outside the realm of the Spirit claiming something else is a seed of God, well, that puts them back into the column of corruptible, and not one He is pleased with. Dearly loved, have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:15-16 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: (KJV)
The same Son that God revealed to Paul is the same revelation you will need in order to be set free, and to cut loose from any worldly doctrines that have kept you in bondage to mans’ limited interpretations of the Word. You will find for yourself that there is more to this man Jesus of Nazareth, than what man says or thinks. Ephesians 3:2-5 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; (KJV) There was not much of a mystery as far as Jesus himself was concerned, at least not outwardly. Many knew his parents and carnal lineage, but the mystery was within him. Few knew and understood that Christ, the Son of God, was within Him because they were not willing to let go of the old in order to see in the new. As you go through your own studies you will see terms like mystery, hid, and hidden, and you will find a common denominator in all these scriptures. Colossians 2:2-3 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (KJV) A mystery is something or in this case someone that is hid until their true identity is revealed. Have you ever watched a mystery movie where they keep the main character hid and just out of sight until the end, which when correctly identified, solves the mystery? Well that is what God has done, and is now asking His people to seek this answer from above so that they can know who they are in Christ. Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (KJV) The name which is above every name is not just Jesus; if you desire to be giving a complete and accurate account of the Lord that name would be Jesus Christ. Some claim that Jesus is Lord leaving out the most important part of the equation, that being Christ the Son of the living God. Do take note of the fact that Jesus Christ is what we as Christians should be confessing. Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) Do you desire to be heading in the right direction today? Well why not go to the source to get your information first hand so that you can be giving a complete and accurate account of who the Son of God truly is. I hear many today who just pray in the name of Jesus, and leave out Christ. On this note, have you ever wondered why the enemy of the Lord is described as antichrist and not antijesus? God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:15-18 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: (KJV)
Once Paul let go of the old and cut the ties, he was able to tap into a new source from above. He was able to confer, or should I say have a conference call with the Father because he now knew how to get through to the Father, which is by the Son. He discovered a new name which the Lord goes by so that he could stay in touch with this new life. Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV) If someone gave you a phone number and a name to ask for then it would be safe to say that any other name or number wouldn’t work. What’s in a name? Well it’s the complete name that gives you all the information you need. The first name is common with many other people, but by giving the rest of the name it reveals what family lineage they came from and who they really are. By accessing God through Jesus Christ it will reveal to you not only who He is, but who you are, and the place He would have you operate in His body of believers. Matthew 16:16-18 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV) Peter also found out that he wasn’t just conferring with flesh and blood, but the Son of the living God in Jesus of Nazareth. Many know the Lord after the flesh, but few go beyond that realm to see who God is revealing. 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remained the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. (KJV) When you decide to turn your attention to God you will find that He is revealing His Son so that you can get rid of the spiritual blinders that have kept many of his people in the dark. Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (KJV) Isaiah prophesied about the Savior that would come to earth. As you can see, there was more to this man than meets the eye. In verse 6, a child referred to the Son of Man; but notice the Son of God was a part of the package too, and those that tap into this revelation will find it has no end. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:15-17 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to
Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. (KJV) Jeremiah 1:4-5 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. (KJV) Now that you have cut the carnal cords that are no longer able to provide life, you have found a new source from above that is supplying all your need. Given the fact that the Lord is the one who ordained you, then that is the one you should be seeking your counsel from. Remember who the author and finisher of your faith is, because it is He that wrote the script before you even arrived on this planet. 1 Timothy 2:5-7 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. (KJV) Your go between is not your pastor, or some big name preacher you saw on TV. You need to go straight to the source if you are going to truly answer your calling; and given the fact that your ordination originated in heaven, that should be the first place you seek your instructions from. John 14:6-7 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. (KJV) You need to spend time with the Lord daily, to find out and know who your new source of life is, and how to access your heavenly Father. Some day you will be seeking permanent entrance to the eternal realm, and in order for that to take place, you will need to get to know His Son. John 15:4-6 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (KJV) There are many today who claim to be of God, but don’t really know who the Son is. Many still envision the Lord after the flesh and only see the Son of Man, while a few are going deeper by the revelation of Christ to find out who the Son of God is. The Bible describes this revelation as a mystery, something hidden to the outward man and only revealed to the spiritual one. Have you got the picture yet? God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:15-16 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: (KJV)
When reading through the book of Galatians, think of sitting in a room and having Paul step up to the podium and give a personal account of how salvation really works. I am not talking about some guy standing in a three piece suit spending most of his time hitting the crowds up for money, but someone preaching straight from the heart, so that the same truth that set him free may have the same effect on you. Psalm 131:2-3 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. 3 Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and forever. (KJV) One of the first things a newborn will experience when being born is the cutting of the umbilical cord, which means that you are no longer drawing life from that source. This same principle holds true when reborn into the realm of the spirit. The Lord uses His sword of the spirit, which is described as sharper than any other sword, to cut off the carnal things of the flesh, things you thought would bring life. Isaiah 28:9-10 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (KJV) At some point in every Christians walk they will need to be weaned off the milk doctrines, and find some solid food in order to grow and mature in Christ. The revelation of Christ gave Paul access to a new source of life from above, and he realized that he could no longer live and be strengthened by what he was getting by on in the past. You will need this revelation as well, or you will find yourself not growing up and maturing into the person the Lord would have you become. Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (KJV) Many people are out of shape because of a lack of diet and exercise. This same premise holds true spiritually because many operate more as children, than mature Christ like people. One has to wonder, why do we have so many goofy denominations instead of feeding the people some good solid food? Job 34:2-4 Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. 3 For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. 4 Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good. (KJV) Can you smell what the Lord is cooking today? Why not head to His kitchen and find out yourself? God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:11-14 But I certify you, brethren that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. (KJV) While Paul was being encouraged from above, having received the revelation of Christ firsthand, many were trying to discredit the message by pointing the people to his past. The enemy will try to get you pointed backwards too so that instead of dealing with now faith, you end up wrestling with flesh and blood. Philippians 3:4-7 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (KJV) So you think you have a past; Paul dealt with his past straight up and came clean before God. Those things that Paul thought were so impressive may have been a crowd favorite at the time, but when it came to what the Lord thought, it wasn’t happening. You may have been brought up in a popular religion based on what man thought, and not sound doctrine, only to find out that all those so called good deeds you were doing are now considered in the loss column. 2 Corinthians 11:22-24 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. (KJV) It didn’t take long for his former comrades to turn on him did it? In fact all these sufferings were coming through those that he used to work with, supposedly in the name of the Lord. Don’t think it so strange if you encounter some heat; it is just a confirmation that you are on the right path. 2 Timothy 3:10-13 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (KJV) Some desire to be used by the Lord when it comes time for the blessings; however, one should read the fine print before asking for something they may not be ready to commit to. The revelation of Christ comes with some great benefits, and is the only doctrine the Lord approves of. This same doctrine also puts a bull’s eye target on you when you deliver a message based on Spirit and truth; and don’t think it will get any better, especially in these last days, because the deceptions are only getting worse. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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