|
It is up to each of us to work out and walk in our own relationship with God through His Son Christ Jesus, and to take ownership (stewardship) of that relationship with Him.
Think about a relationship you have been in. Did you take ownership of it, nurture it and feed it with love, or did you ignore it and allow it to die away? It takes a constant source of love with trust and confidence for the relationship to grow and mature. This relationship that you are thinking about, were you both involved in the nurturing of it, or was (is) it one sided? How can there be trust and confidence in the relationship let alone love if both people are not willing to reason together. Sometimes we have to die to self, and other times it is the other person that needs to for the relationship to continue and grow in a healthy way. Either way, if you don’t work together, if the house is divided, the relationship will fail and fall away. Our Lord took on the ownership (stewardship) of His relationship with the Father and was willing to die to self for us; and in doing so He made peace with God and provided us a way of our own relationship with God our Father. He was willing to work on the relationship with our Heavenly Father and was able to build a bond of trust and confidence with Him. Are you willing to do the same; are you willing to die to self so that you can live together with Him today and for eternity? One has to continue steadfastly in the faith in order for one’s relationship with our heavenly Father to build trust, not only on our end, but on our Father’s end as well. He who is faithful in the least will be faithful in much. If we can be faithful in the least of what He asks of us then He knows (trusts) that we will be faithful in much; in other words in the deeper things of the Spirit that He reveals unto us and asks of us. He trusts that we will not use those things for gain in this life, but to use that which He reveals unto us to the benefit of others; to build up the body of Christ; to be instant in season and out of season, ready and willing to go about His work and business that He asks of us. As we continue to develop trust we grow in confidence, and we mature in our relationship with God. And we begin to realize that Christ is our confidence; He is the bond that keeps our relationship with God in place. You realize that without Him you can do nothing; and without Him there is no security or boldness in that you know the relationship with our Father is secure and that you have the freedom to reason together with Him because you continue to do those things that please Him. John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. (KJV) Jesus Christ developed trust and confidence in His relationship with the Father as you can plainly see in the above verse. He knew without doubt. This is the same place that we should be striving for in our relationship with our Father as well. Are you willing to put in the effort and continue steadfastly in this Spiritual relationship that has begun to see it to the end? Dearly loved, I encourage you to put in the effort, fight the good fight of faith so that when the time comes for you to stand before God our Father He is able to speak these loving words ‘well done my good and faithful servant, come and abide with me forever’. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Colossians 1:23 [If ye continue in the faith] This will be the case if you, who have already believed in Christ Jesus, continue in that faith, grounded in the knowledge and love of God, and settled – made firm and perseveringly steadfast, in that state of salvation. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)
That state of salvation is remaining seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Grounded and settled; not being moved away from the hope that is in you, which is Christ. Salvation is our deliverance from this present evil world and from our destruction. Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Remember, today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time! This is why we are encouraged not to neglect the gift that is within us, and not to neglect so great salvation. And yet, how many still do? How many continue to play Russian roulette with their salvation? It is up to each of us to work out and walk in our own relationship with God through His Son Christ Jesus, and to take ownership (stewardship) of that relationship with Him. What good will you be to others if you don’t give attendance to your relationship with God… to your salvation. Paul encourages Timothy to give attendance to those things that will build him up and draw him into a deeper and closer relationship with God; this encouragement is meant for us as well. (1Timothy 4:12-16) Romans 13:11 [And that, knowing the time] Dr. Taylor has given a judicious paraphrase of this and the following verses: “And all the duties of a virtuous and holy life we should the more carefully and zealously perform, considering the nature and shortness of the present season of life; which will convince us that it is now high time to rouse and shake off sleep, and apply with vigilance and rigour to the duties of our Christian life; for that eternal salvation, which is the object of our Christian faith and hope, and the great motive of our religion, is every day nearer to us than when we first entered into the profession of Christianity”. (from Adam Clarke Commentary) How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation (Hebrews 12:3)? So gird up the loins of your mind. And remember our Father’s Word of encouragement... Proverbs 4:20-23 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. (21) Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. (22) For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (23) Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (KJV) Remember, our life is but a vapor; here today, but could be gone in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. What is your state of salvation? God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. How can one walk by faith if their mind is not nurtured, built up and fed by God’s Word? If one is going to walk by and in faith then they have to have that trust and confidence in God, His Word, and His promises.
Williams New Testament translation of 2 Corinthians 5:7 (for here I live by what I believe and not by what I see), How do you live? Is your mind nurtured by the things that are not seen, the Spiritual insight given in Christ? Those things that you can see are temporal and not eternal. They will perish with time, waxing old as an old garment. But when you put on Christ, His vesture (a new and living way), and continue in Him minding the Spirit, your mind is nurtured and your faith matures; because you are living more each day by what you believe to be true through the leading of the Spirit, and not by those fleeting fleshly thoughts which can lead to doubt and unbelief. Walking, living, breathing in Him, enables us to continue in the faith grounded and settled; knowing that our salvation, our deliverance, is in Christ; and it nurtures our mind. Colossians 1:23 [If ye continue in the faith] This will be the case if you, who have already believed in Christ Jesus, continue in that faith, grounded in the knowledge and love of God, and settled – made firm and perseveringly steadfast, in that state of salvation. (from Adam Clarke Commentary) This brings us to that state of salvation, which is, remaining seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. How do we know whether we are after the flesh or after the Spirit? By examining what we mind. This is why it is important to keep the mind renewed in God’s Word on a daily basis.
Remember, as a man thinks within his heart, so will he be. Yet, how often does one take note of what they are thinking on; what their mind is meditating on? Our thoughts produce the words that we put forth, and thus, form our world around us. Whether it is peace and joy, or fear and torment. Examine what you mind! We don’t always stop to consider how often we react to things, without giving thought to what is in control of the decision making process. How many things are there that you do out of a reflexive action rather than stopping to ponder what is actually transpiring? We should stop, and learn to take those things that we hear or that transpire and line them up with the Word; being more ready to hear the Lord’s explanation or way of handling or responding to these things or situations. And learn to be content in whatever state we are in and not allow the external circumstances to dictate to us; instead, let it be the Lord dictating the outcome. Think about this; do your surroundings control you; or do you control your surrounding? You might be thinking “what exactly are our surroundings?” They are our thoughts; our emotions; the people we associate with; the places that we go to; the rituals or traditions that are allowed to govern our life in part or more. What is in your mind (which comes from the heart) is what will control you. It is a matter of life or death in that which you have your mind renewed with. This is why it is important that we renew our mind daily in the things above where Christ sits on the right hand of our heavenly Father; so that we are minding after the Spirit and not the flesh. Remember we have the mind of Christ; are you using it to discern your thoughts? Keep your mind renewed in Christ so that your words and actions will be in line with the Word; and that you may be the example of the believers at all times to our Father’s praise and glory. Be a shining light of the glorious gospel of Christ; a written epistle known and read of all men. Continue in the things which you have heard from the Lord and have been assured of knowing of whom you have learned them. And remember, examine what you mind; it is a matter of Spirit and life; it is a matter of whether you mind the things of the flesh or the things of the Spirit; it is a matter of life and death; because in the end what you mind will form your world by your own words. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. I was thinking about the topic on cleansing and how we are cleansed from all unrighteousness and filthiness by our Spiritual baptism into Christ.
What came to mind was this; when someone gets dunked in water the first thing they will do is hold their breath so that they don’t breathe the water into their lungs and drown. Now, think about a child in the womb and how God made a way for a child to get oxygen through the mother’s blood while their lungs were filled with fluid. Fascinating isn’t it? Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (KJV) It was the Spiritual breath of life that gave us life physically, and it is only this Spiritual breath of life that can give us life, and life more abundantly in Christ. When one is immersed into Christ they have to learn to breathe in a new way, Spiritually, to remain living in the living waters. God created a fish to breathe under water and God created us to be able to breathe freely in the living waters once baptized into Christ. The old man is held under until it dies because it can’t breathe in living waters, and the new man is resurrected, able to breathe freely having been transformed into Christ, a Spiritual being. We are like the child in the womb, only now we get our life supply from our Father in heaven through the blood of Christ. While immersed in water if you choose to stop holding your breath you start to take in water into your lungs, and if you don’t get your head above water you will drown. The same holds true in the Spirit; if you choose to stop breathing in the Spirit where you have learned to live in the living waters you will begin to drown in destruction. Like a cucumber that is continually immersed in a vinegar solution transforms into a pickle, we too as we continue to be immersed in the living waters, learning to breathe in a new and living way, will transform more and more into the image and likeness of Christ. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV) Like Matthew Henry’s commentary on Romans 12:2 shares: what is the great enemy to this renewing, which we must avoid; and that is, conformity to this world. Conformity to this world chokes the life out of us and will drown us in destruction if we continue to fight to stay in that life. So instead of holding to this life, let it die away, and continue to learn to breathe freely in Christ. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 4:20-22 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. 22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, is not this Joseph's son? (KJV)
This week the question was asked, is not this Joseph’s son? For those of you that have been born again and enlightened to the truth the answer is no. Now the question becomes personal, “whose son are you”? Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. (KJV) When you were adopted by God into His spiritual family of believers, you then realized that God truly is your only Father. Some of us may have been brought up in a Christian home and encouraged by earthly parents, while others have been lied to. Either way with access to our Father in heaven, why would you settle for less than the truth? John 20:16-17 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (KJV) Now when our Lord made reference to His Father he wasn’t referring to Joseph was He? He was encouraging Mary not to hold onto the outward man anymore, because a new creation had risen from the dead and because of this we now have access to our Heavenly Father. 1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (KJV) Christ is the Son of God sent to mankind so that we could be adopted into a heavenly family that will last for eternity. Christ Himself considered God to be His only Father which is why He is seated right next to Him now. Ephesians 1:1-3 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (KJV) If you notice at the beginning of the epistles that Paul wrote, he begins with the statement the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul understood that when He received the revelation of Christ, making God his Father, he was able to tap into all those spiritual blessings that are there for the taking. If you haven’t been partaking of the spiritual blessings lately I would say it is time to reestablish a relationship with our Father in heaven. John 17:1-3 These words spoke Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (KJV) Do you desire eternal life, then why not look to your Heavenly Father who can deliver on that promise. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 6:39-42 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. 41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they said, is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? (KJV)
The Son that our Lord was referring to in verse 40 was not Jesus the man rather it was Christ within Him who was sent from above. Many today still get caught up in carnal lineages and limit themselves to what they have been taught by their earthly father and not the heavenly one. 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (KJV) I had a limited knowledge of Christ based on what people had taught me. Once I was born again and really grew in Christ I let my Father in heaven dictate His plan of salvation to me instead of others. You will find your walk with the Lord will become more rooted and grounded when you pull up the old weeds of doubt and confusion and replace them with something new. 1 Corinthians 8:5-7 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. (KJV) Since my conversion I have seen many who still waste their time with dead works serving dead doctrines, religion. I have narrowed my search and only found peace in One God, who is my only Father, and what He revealed to me is His One Son, Jesus Christ. Without this knowledge you too will be living in idolatry not knowing the truth that can set you free from all the doubt and confusion. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (KJV) There are terms and conditions that need to be met in order to truly be considered a Son of God. When our Lord asks you to walk away from someone or something it is so that He can be your Father and have the most influence on you instead someone else. 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV) God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 4:22-24 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, is not this Joseph's son? 23 And he said unto them, ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. 24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. (KJV)
If you notice at the end of verse 22 there is a question mark, something was happening that the people were not able to identify. Today many are living in the same confusion not knowing who our Lord is personally, and this means they will not know who His Father is either. 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) An interesting distinction is made in verse 6 concerning the son. We see a child born as well as a son that is given. This prophesy is based on fact even though the writer at the time didn’t realize it. A child born took place in Bethlehem some two thousand years ago, and at the same time a son was given. Jesus of Nazareth was the first born again man who was able to demonstrate a life being led by the Spirit of Christ within which is the Son that was given by God. Romans 1:3-6 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: (KJV) I hear so many prayers that end in the name of Jesus leaving out Christ. Jesus Christ is the complete name of our Lord that describes not only the child that was born who walked this earth for thirty some years, but it also acknowledges Christ the Son of God given that dwelt within him. You will not be able to establish a personal relationship with the Father until you know who the Son is, and what name He goes by. 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) There was so much more to this man Jesus of Nazareth than what meets the eye. We see a name given which accurately describes the plan of salvation, and we see Jesus Christ is the only name that God will give ear to. John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again. (KJV) When you were born the first time according to the flesh your carnal parents took you home and raised you. Now that you have been born again why not let the Lord raise you from the dead and be your Father today? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 4:22-24 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, is not this Joseph's son? 23 And he said unto them, ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. 24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. (KJV)
Those who are in the flesh have limited their vision, unable to see beyond the veil that covers the heart. We see our Lord being described as Joseph’s son by those that claimed to be of God. Today we see history repeating itself by those that only know our Lord after the flesh and not the Spirit. Mankind has come up with many names for our Lord based on what they think and not what is being revealed from above; and many today only know our Lord as Jesus the man, without knowing who Christ is, which is why the blindness continues. Luke 20:41-44 And he said unto them, how say they that Christ is David's son? 42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 43 Till I make thine enemies thy footstool. 44 David therefore calls him Lord, how is he then his son? (KJV) I heard the statement made that Jesus left his place in heaven to come down to earth. Well for those that are limited in their understanding they see our Lord according to the carnal lineage only. However, Christ the Word was sent by God and dwelt within Jesus of Nazareth which is why he was able to live a life without sin. The more you look within for the answer to this mystery, the less you will be on the outside living in confusion and doubt. Matthew 16:15-18 He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am? 16 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 was given a revelation from above and as you see it didn’t involve Joseph or David did it? Actually it was pointing him in a different direction, the realm of the Spirit. After all if God is a spirit then it would be fitting to say that His Son is a Spiritual being also. Has God taken you beyond the realm of the flesh so that you can see who Christ is for yourself? Galatians 1:9-12 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 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. (KJV) When you were born again your days of people pleasing should have come to an end. We see that Paul received the same revelation that Peter did which involved Christ. Any name, any doctrine, any lineage that does not involve Christ is not of God and is incomplete. I wonder if that is why the enemy of our Lord is described as antichrist? God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 4:22-24 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, is not this Joseph's son? 23 And he said unto them, ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. 24 And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country. (KJV)
When looking at things with your carnal vision you are limited and cannot see beyond the realm of the flesh. The same premise still holds true today with many who only see Jesus the man, not understanding that it was Christ within that made Him the Son of God. Matthew 13:54-58 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? 55 Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And his brethren, James, and José’s, and Simon, and Judas? 56 And his sisters are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? 57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house. 58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. (KJV) When you were born again you were adopted into a new family with a lineage that is not of this world; and many that you were close to in the past may not understand the new life in Christ you have chosen, the different path that He now has you walking. Don’t take it personally or think that you have done something wrong; the truth is many have limited our Lord by their carnal thinking and would rather see you do the same. Matthew 23:8-11 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is you’re Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. (KJV) Being born again means that you can now call upon your Father in heaven, and wow He will respond! The reality is that our heavenly Father is the one who created us so let’s give credit where credit is due and not give so many accolades to those that man thinks are important, you know titles like Rabbi or reverend. Matthew 10:34-37 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (KJV) When reading through the gospels you see how Joseph was mentioned early on, but as our Lord progressed in His walk you can see the transition from the carnal to the spiritual. Today do you consider yourself Joseph’s son only, or have you allowed our Father in heaven to have the most influence in your life? God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
AuthorWe are stewards of the mystery of Christ. Ambassadors on His behalf to share the conditions of peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Archives
December 2024
Categories
All
|