Good day. Today we are posting the next newsletter in the series "Love letters to the terminally ill, Vol 26 No 5, written by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter. 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 current 2023 year.

​Vol 26 No 5
Love letters to the terminally ill!
To have you hear, what you have not heard. (herd)
 
Galatians 1:10-12 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
 
What one must realize is that Paul’s insights into the Word was by revelation from Father. For the vast majority of people, when they hear the scriptures being quoted, they already have preconceived notions of what “they think” the scripture says, rather than waiting for Father to reveal the daily bread He has for the individual. All too often we get what is called “herd” mentality when we hear what others have had to say, but never study seeking Father’s approval, affirming that which He has for us.
 
Just as at the start of this epistle, so many people read and hear that which has previously been taught, or opinions shared, of what others think it says, and thus they miss that fresh daily bread that Father has for them.
 
I very often hear people say, “if I only knew God’s will for my life,” and yet never have the time to hear Father’s answer for their daily need. You need to recall verse four in this chapter, where Father’s will for the believer is clearly stated.
 
As we note in the opening verses for today, how Paul states that he seeks to please the Father, and there are no other options for Paul, it was all about developing an ever-increasing fellowship with Father by and through the revelation of Christ Jesus. This could only come about by Paul listening to Father on how and why Christ Jesus accomplished reconciliation for all mankind, thus establishing a Father son relationship with him.
 
One must recall that Paul was steeped in the traditions and rituals of the fathers of the Jewish faith, which many of these would lead one again to be indebted to the law, rather than grace. Thus, we can see the vital importance of having a continually growing insight into the revelation of the mystery of the gospel, Jesus Christ, and all that was truly accomplished at the cross and the grave, to make His grace and mercy available to any and all that might believe and come and follow Him.
 
For many, they make the choice to follow the traditions and doctrines of men, rather than to seek the truth. This is what I call “herd” mentality, as it is easier to follow the religious crowd, rather than to pick up their cross and come and follow Him.
 
One must keep fresh in their heart and mind, that Christ Jesus is the righteousness of God that is afforded to each and every believer (1Corinthians 1:30). In His wisdom one has the ability to seek Father’s wisdom into the revelation of Jesus Christ. To know the mystery of the gospel, so one is able to hear Father in every moment, in every instance, to know where their next step is to be directed (Psalms 37:23). This should be an everyday, every moment occurrence in our walk with Him.
 
It is not by any earthly powers, nor by one’s own might, but rather revelation comes by His Spirit, who will lead us and guide us into all truth, if, one makes the decision to come and follow Him. (Zechariah 4:6)
 
It is by His Spirit that one is able to have and maintain a personal relationship with the Father, by and through Christ Jesus. One must treasure this in their heart and mind, that no person shall come to the Father but by and through Christ Jesus.
 
Paul penned this epistle to please the Father and not mankind. His hope and desire was for the Galatians to hear Father’s wisdom put forth, and what His Son accomplished for them, that they might again become the children of God. We have to maintain our fellowship with the Father by and through Christ Jesus while the adoption papers are being completed, so that your name may be recorded in the Lamb’s book of Life.
 
Galatians 1:13-15 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. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, KJV
 
We all have a past! We were all at one time separated from God. The outlook for eternity at that place and time did not look good for us. People often times try to grade sin, and then point fingers elsewhere to draw attention away from themselves. Paul is giving us a brief glimpse of what his life before Christ Jesus was like. Without the revelation of Jesus Christ in one’s life, one is wandering aimlessly in a vast area of desolation. How did Paul overcome all of this guilt and shame? There was no Old Testament sacrifice that could bring life and peace to his heart. It took the revelation of Jesus Christ for the scales to fall from Paul’s eyes, thus enabling him to begin to see the revelation of Jesus Christ more clearly.
 
Just as most people today are tied to and are loyal to organizations and such, and follow them blindly, because they do not have a working knowledge of the truth of God and His Word.
 
Note that Saul of Tarsus excelled above many his equal. Also note that Paul was exceedingly zealous in what he was doing to eliminate those whom he thought were a threat to his beliefs. He imprisoned or had killed those who were a threat to his beliefs. It was only as Paul came to the realization that he was in fact persecuting the true believers, and how it was accomplished, that Paul was able to find and accept the reconciliation afforded him by and through Christ Jesus. In a moment all of his transgressions and sins were forgiven, new life in Christ. As Paul says in one of his other epistles, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation, old things are passed away, for all things become new.
 
Now note in verse 15 above, one has to listen closely and attentively to what the Spirit is showing us, how Paul became separated from his mother’s womb. The fleshly ties of his earthly lineage had been broken, and his lineage now belonged to Father’s family. Old things had indeed passed away, and all things became new in Christ. One must keep in mind that Jesus Christ was the first born of many brethren. The first born from the dead. Thus, showing us the path that we too could follow.
 
Note William Burkitt’s comments: The qualification necessary in a minister that reveals Jesus Christ unto his people, namely, that Christ must be revealed to him, and in him. We must learn Christ ourselves, before we pretend to preach him to others:
 
To emphasize again, to realize here, that Paul was separated from the fleshly ties which brought him into this world, and now followed the example of Jesus Christ, who was and is the first-born of many brethren.
 
What earthly ties are preventing you from having a deep and sincere relationship with the Father by and through Christ Jesus today?
 
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ
Larry Gazelka
 
Copyright ©, Larry Gazelka

Good day. Today's video Sorry Excuse is on the topic: The blessing of the Lord, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it, versus things that do bring sorrow, and what causes a Christian to get out of balance.
​
​​​​​​You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive.

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

Good day. Today we are posting the next newsletter in the series "Love letters to the terminally ill, Vol 26 No 4, written by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter. 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 current 2023 year. 
​                                        
Love letters to the terminally ill!
Vol 26 No 4

​​At the close of last week’s newsletter, we were covering that which Jesus Christ was talking about in Matthew 12.
 
By your words you will be justified, or by your words you will be condemned. Your words will agree with God and His kingdom, or one will be against Him. There is no middle ground.
 
Often in the past, and even now, many products will warn one of the problems these products could cause in our bodies and health if used improperly. Or, if one would change the chemical properties of a medicine, it could no longer perform as advertised. Keep in mind that these epistles were written because there were spiritual health problems with the brethren of Galatia. These problems were being caused by the fact that there were those there who would subvert and change the meaning of the message to suit their own agenda (denominational tenets).
 
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. KJV
 
Note that it is the Spirit that keeps one alive. Note how much the physical helps. Yet, how much time each day does one devote or allot to maintaining their physical well-being and appearance? What do you think our spiritual man would look like if it was displayed as plainly as our physical man is? Does one really think one will be judged by their physical presence or attributes when they stand before the judgement seat of Christ?
 
If you will recall or bring to mind last week’s newsletter, that Clarke brought up all of the documented perversions (70) of the Gospel. Now, we know that the Gospel Paul taught was the truth of Jesus Christ. We know that this gospel that Paul preached was in accordance with God’s Word as we now know it. Yet, there were 70 false gospels going on as well, nothing more than spiritual placebo’s that did nothing for one’s spiritual well-being.
 
Galatians 1:10-12 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
 
Our apostle in these words discovers the great sincerity used in preaching the pure and unmixed doctrine of the gospel to the Galatians; for he did not persuade that men, but God, should be heard and obeyed, that so their faith might be founded upon divine, and not human authority; nor did he in his ministry aim at pleasing men, but Christ: for should he now please men, being an apostle, as he did at times past, being a Pharisee, he should not be the servant of Christ.
 
The ministers of Christ must not be men-pleasers; they must not please men either by flattery or falsehood, nor accommodate their doctrines to the humour and dispositions of men; pleasing of God is our great work and business, let us mind that: man-pleasing is endless, and needless, any farther than for their good, and the gospel’s gain. (William Burkitt Commentary)
 
When one presents the scriptures to others, is it the proper context to present healing and spiritual health to the hearer? Or would it be like those 70 mentioned zealots who preached another gospel and thus brought a spiritual wilderness to the Galatians? Think of it, 70 false remedies circulating amongst the Galatians in such a short manner of time since Paul had been there.
 
Who do you think would know well the feeling of having been accused of presenting a perverted gospel than none other than Saul of Tarsus? One cannot be a man pleaser and still be able to present the pure Word of God.
 
Remember Paul said earlier in verse 6, that he marveled that they were so soon removed from the grace of Christ. The World English Bible translation says it quite well in saying that they were deserters.
 
Galatians 1:6-7 I marvel that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ to a different “good news”; 7 and there isn’t another “good news.” Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ. (World English Bible Translation)
 
Note how the World English Bible translation references these people as deserters. It refers to these people that turned to the 70 false gospels as deserters of the grace of Christ. In the military, deserting a post during a war is grounds for being executed. And we must remember that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy your relationship with Christ. Don’t you think that deserter is a good description of those who turn their backs to the grace of Christ?
 
Could we maybe say that the Galatians for the most part, had rejected the prescription for new life in Christ, for a placebo?
 
As we can see in verse 6 in Galatians, that they were so soon removed or deserted the true prescription for life, to instead take a placebo. They rejected the grace of Christ for an alternative.
 
How often is one challenged to stand for something that is true, or to go against the crowd? How many friends do you think Noah made with his building an ark and warning the people of the impending dangers? It was no different for Paul, as he had been taught by revelation from God.
 
Paul plainly states that if he pleased men, he would no longer be an ambassador for Christ. If he sought man’s affirmation and admiration, he would no longer be a servant of Christ.
 
Just as Paul says he was not taught by man, but rather by revelation. The same is true for any believer. Anyone can present us with scripture, but it is God’s Spirit that opens it to our heart and mind.
 
In these opening verses we have been looking at, we are able to see how the grace of Christ enables one to become a part of God’s family, by knowing God’s will for each of us. Will you be faithful or a deserter?
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ
Larry Gazelka
 
Copyright ©, Larry Gazelka

Good day. Today's video The Winner Is describes the two natures; the divine nature which is of God, versus the lower fallen nature of man. Which nature are you operating in more? 

​​​​​​You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive.

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

Good day. Today we are posting the next newsletter in the series "Love letters to the terminally ill" Vol 26 No 3, written by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter. 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 current 2023 year. 
​                                        
Love letters to the terminally ill!
Vol 26 No 3 
 
For one to be ignorant of what God’s will is for you, is to ignore the remedy that God made clear in Galatians 1:3-4, as we talked about last issue.
 
Galatians 1:6-8 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. KJV
 
Note how Paul marvels that they are so soon removed from sound doctrine and instruction in the Word of truth and led astray by what amounted to false teachings and teachers, or an impostor gospel.
 
One may stare in disbelief and wonder, how they could have been so easily led astray from the truth of God’s Word? Are we not instructed to study to show ourselves approved unto God? To be a workman that has no need to be ashamed.
 
One of the things that I so often hear people say, is that the pastor said this. And others may respond, but that is what the words to a song said. They can come up with all kinds of excuses on why they have faltered in their walk, but never take responsibility for working out their own salvation.
 
2Timothy 2:15-18 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. KJV
 
If one is not sound in the doctrine of God’s Word, how will they be able to detect or spot the phonies who are going about to destroy any who know the truth. Also note how Paul said that he marveled “that they were” so soon removed from the truth. Paul could have used much stronger terminology to declare their unfaithfulness, but he did not. Paul was trying to turn them back to the truth of God’s Word and promise.
 
I marvel that ye are so soon removed - It was a matter of wonder to the apostle that a people, so soundly converted to God, should have so soon made shipwreck of their faith. But mutability itself has not a more apt subject to work upon than the human heart; the alternate workings of different passions are continually either changing the character, or giving it a different colouring. Reason, not passion, the word of God, not the sayings of men, should alone be consulted in the concerns of our salvation. 
From him that called you - The apostle seems here to mean himself. He called them into the grace of Christ; and they not only abandoned that grace, but their hearts became greatly estranged from him; so that, though at first they would have plucked out their eyes for him, they at last counted him their enemy, Ga 4:14-16. (Adam Clarke commentary)
 
Now at the time of Clarke’s comments concerning these verses, there were over 70 different narratives (70 with solid documentation) of the adulteration of the truth infiltrating the area of Galatia. So, it could have been any of these narratives that the people could have turned to, which would have led them away from the truth.
 
Since we know this is what happened at the time of Paul’s writings how the Galatians had been led away from the truth of God’s Word, how much more deceptive do you think the enemy has become some 2000 years later?
 
The word “removed” in Galatians 1:6, means to change sides or to pervert. Does one truly realize that when they teach or share something that they have heard, but it does not align in accordance with Father’s plan of reconciliation, that they now become liable for anyone that they may lead astray? Does one comprehend that they will give account of every idle word which they speak?
 
But what is an idle word one may ask. Any word that is not properly employed for the kingdom of God, would be an idle word. This would NOT be a good prescription for spiritual health or spiritual well-being.
 
Just as one will eat good and healthy things for their physical health and well-being; how much more of an imperative would this then be for one’s spiritual health?
 
Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. KJV
 
Every idle word that men shall speak.—The teaching, though general in form, still looks back to the hard, bitter words of the Pharisees which had been the starting-point of the discourse. Our Lord does not speak, as we might have expected, of "every evil word," but of "every idle—i.e., useless and purposeless—word," the random utterances which, as being more spontaneous, betray character more than deliberate speech. Such an "idle word" had been the passing taunt, "He casteth out devils by Beelzebub." It is not said, however, that for every such random speech a man shall be condemned, but that he shall give an account for it. It will enter into that great total which determines the divine estimate of his character, and, therefore, the issues of the great "day of judgment." (Ellicott’s commentary)
 
By “your” words you will justified, or by “your” words you will be condemned. There is no middle ground in this discussion. It is the truth, or it is a lie. There is no grey area here.
 
Just preceding this verse though in verse 34, 35 the Lord said: Matthew 12:34-35 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. KJV
 
We often forget that the people who opposed Jesus Christ, were the religious leaders of the day. They were the ones who were supposed to be teaching the people, but in fact were the ones leading them astray.
 
That you may know Him, 
In the service of Jesus Christ.
Larry Gazelka
 
Copyright ©, Larry Gazelka 

Good day. Today we are posting the next newsletter in the series "Love letters to the terminally ill" Vol 26 No 2, written by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter. 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 current 2023 year. 

Who were the Galatians?
Vol 26 No 2
 
“The religion of the ancient Galatae was extremely corrupt and superstitious; and they are said to have worshipped the mother of the gods under the name of Agdistis, and to have offered human sacrifices of the prisoners they took in war. 
They are mentioned by historians as a tall and valiant people, who went nearly naked; and used for arms only a sword and buckler. The impetuosity of their attack is stated to have been irresistible; and this generally made them victorious.“ (Adam Clarke commentary)
 
It should also be noted that the Galatians were always looking for someplace new to conqueror but were never much good at settling down and establishing new roots.
 
“The epistle to the Galatians sets before us the great source of the afflictions and conflicts of the apostle in the regions where he had preached the glad tidings; that which was at the same time the principal means employed by the enemy to corrupt the gospel. God, it is true, in His love, has suited the gospel to the wants of man. The enemy brings down that which still bears its name to the level of the haughty will of man and the corruption of the natural heart, turning Christianity into a religion that suits that heart, in place of one that is the expression of the heart of God - an all-holy God - and the revelation of that which He has done in His love to bring us into communion with His holiness. We see, at the same time, the connection between the judaising doctrine - which is the denial of full redemption, and looking for good in flesh and man's will, power in man to work out righteousness in himself for God - in those who hindered the apostle's work, and the attacks that were constantly aimed against his ministry;“ (Darby’s commentary)
 
If we are not somewhat familiar with the people and that which is addressed to them, how can we understand or comprehend why the epistle was scribed in the first place. The epistle was written to them to address and correct spiritual deficiencies that had infiltrated their hearts and minds since the apostles first visit with them. If one is not aware of the spiritual deficiency or sickness, how can they receive the proper medicine to correct that which now ails them?
 
Galatians 1:1-4 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: KJV
 
If a person does not know the will of God for their life, how can one have a meaningful purpose to follow?
 
If one is not aware of the spiritual sickness that they have, how can they know, let alone find the prescription that will eliminate that affliction.
 
Galatians 1:6-7 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. KJV
 
Let’s say that your doctor gives you a specific prescription for a specific ailment which is in your body. You take the medicine as prescribed, and soon you are feeling so much better and healthier, and more alive than you can recall. Then, after a few months someone comes along and convinces you to quit taking that medicine and gives you an alternative solution. You do not notice the effects at first, since it is a gradual change taking place. Then after a few months one begins to become aware of the deterioration of their health, and now feel worse than they originally did.
 
Matthew 12:43-45 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. KJV
 
Did you notice how the end result was worse than that which first ailed them in the beginning? His sheep hear His voice, and the voice of another they will not follow. It is imperative as a Christian that one learns His voice. It is only as we know His voice, that one can follow that prescription plan that brought us new life in Christ. Thus, the importance of continuing in His Word, grounded, and settled in His Word, and not fooled or deceived by some snake oil salesman. 
 
That you may know Him, 
In the service of Jesus Christ, 
Larry Gazelka
 
Copyright ©, Larry Gazelka