Good day. Today we are posting the newsletter What is Our Purpose? written in 1995 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 writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1995.

What Is Our Purpose?    V17n22

How often do we sit down and ask ourselves that very question?  We would like to know the eternal purpose of God and His purpose for us.

Although God does know the end result of each and every individual, He cannot, He will not, interfere or alter our choices on what we should do, or how we should do it.  His wish is that all of our decisions would be based upon His Word.

Once we choose God, (born-again, John 3:3-8) we will still have choices to make, each and every day of our life.  We still have our free will to operate with.  But, now we have an acute awareness of what is right and wrong.  We have an inner voice that tells us the proper way to go, but we still have the option to choose whether or not to obey.

Even though the children of Israel were delivered from the bondage of Egypt, they still grumbled and had the choice of whether or not to serve the "golden calf".  What do you idolize?

"For though I am free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more."  1 Cor. 9:19 KJV

Being given freedom does not always mean being totally free.  We have a tendency to want to help people, and keep them from making the same mistakes that we have.  We attempt to do this, by sharing our insights, and how God's Word has delivered us.  We, in essence, become a servant to all who will listen.  (Be ready to have an answer if asked).

Which path do I follow?  What choices do I make?  How do I know what to do, and or when to do it?  We all should have a map or blueprint to follow.  But, where do I get one?  How do I learn to read it?

Faith is our ability to believe and trust Father.  The "Bible" is the only place where we can find the proper map or blueprint for our life.  (Much study is a weariness to the flesh).

Even in our society today, the one thing that they tell us, is that the younger generation does not read enough.  They do not have enough of a basic knowledge to survive.  We have become so specialized, that we no longer have the basics of everyday survival.

The same is true in God's realm.  We have a lot of people who specialize.  They will stress right or wrong, and mention certain attributes of God, but they are not able to give the people the basics of God's Word.  (Heb. 6:1-3).  They do not give them the total picture of what is required.  Without the basics of survival, how can anyone make it?

Faith is the base of survival as we walk through this world.  Faith can only be received as a gift.  You cannot buy it.  You cannot win it in a lottery. It is not the certificate that you receive when you join the local congregation.

Faith comes by hearing, and by hearing the Word of God.  We have to take the time to hear what God has to say on each and every situation, each and every day of our life and not just when it feels right.

We can look days and miles ahead on a road map; yet, it does not become relevant to me, or of significance, until I arrive at that junction point in my life. Then it becomes a "now" event.  It is useful information and guidance at this present moment.  (Now faith is!)  If I read the map wrong, I will be taken miles away from my destination.  It will delay my schedule.  It will cause disruption to my plans, and affect all those who had made plans around my schedule.  (If only I had taken the time to look at, and study the map properly.)

Once you make the wrong turn, there is nothing that you can do to make up for lost time.  You have to admit that you made a mistake.  Take the time to look at the map or instructions, and find the proper solution.  (Driving 100 mph is not a solution.  It could lead to further problems and complications).  Find and plot the best course back to the straight and narrow path.  (The shortest route is not always the right or best way back on course).  Sometimes, we have to tell someone else that we were wrong.  Even admit that we made a mistake.  It is never easy to admit that we blew it.  But, we are only human.  We do make mistakes.  BUT, God forgives and forgets!

"But thou, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  Fight the good fight of faith."  I Tim. 6:11-12. KJV

Note that we have to flee the things mentioned in verses 3 through 10.  We have to make hasty escape as Lot did from Sodom and Gomorrah.  This is the way we have to respond when we are on the wrong route.  Find the solution in the Word and put it to immediate use.

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."  Matt. 16:24  KJV

When we are following the wrong route, we are usually doing things that please ourselves.  We have a tendency to want to pamper ourselves.  We do these things to satisfy the flesh. As the verse tells us, we have to learn to deny ourselves. We have to learn to say no.  Yet, it is a hard thing to do, especially, when we try to please self and impress others.

Peer pressure.  It is a thing that follows us from our childhood, right on through adult life.  We work hard to please others, and or gain their acceptance and approval.  We seek others approval on everything that we say or do.  Yet, we are not overly concerned whether we have God's approval.

Even in the church, we put peer pressure on each other.  At certain times of the year, we have to have new outfits and outdo each other.  We need to give the biggest and the best present.  We are so busy extolling the exterior; we forget or put aside our spirit man.  We become so busy polishing the outside of the cup - we forget the inside - whether it is fit to drink from.

I am supposed to study for God's approval.  I am supposed to be a witness unto Him, wherever I may be.  When God becomes my first priority, what others think or say, no longer has an effect on my life or walk with God. My total purpose is to please Him and Him alone.  (It is the only time my wife is satisfied with being second best).

This is why, when I stray or detour from the path, I have I John 1:9 to rely on.  I know my Father will forgive me, and He will also forget.  Most people I know if they catch me straying will forgive me, but they will not let me forget.  They will be quick to remind me how I blew it. We all have a tendency to be that way; but, when we learn to forget as well as forgive, we will have a great victory in our spiritual walk.

"Be ye, therefore, followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor."  Eph. 5:1-2  KJV

As we continue our journey, we are to walk in love, as Christ has loved us.  It is easy to love as Christ loves us, being a servant to all.  Be quick to hear, and slow to speak.

"Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee; rebuke a wise man and he will love thee."  Prov. 9:8 KJV

"Blessings are on the head of the just, but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked."  Prov. 10:6 KJV

"An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbor; but through knowledge shall the just be delivered."  Prov. 11:9 KJV

"The wicked are snared by the transgression of his lips, but the just shall come out of trouble."  Prov. 12:13 KJV

"Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way, and he that hateth reproof shall die."  Prov. 15:10 KJV

"A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.  A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.   The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts."  Prov. 18:6-8 KJV

When we end up on the wrong route, we have no one to blame but ourselves.  So often we will respond, "that the devil made me do it?  The fact is that he can only do what we give him (devil) permission to do. He operates off of the words that we speak.  This is what gets us going down the wrong path.  We can blame no one but ourselves.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalms 119:105 KJV

If we had listened to God's Word, we would not have taken the wrong turn.  We would have been more attentive to the path that we are taking.  We would not have listened to the advice of others. If need be, pull over and stop, wait for sound instructions.  Be quick to hear.

All of us started out on the wrong path, or route.  We were all sinners.  Some have made the choice to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  They are then on the right route.  But, how did they get there?  What caused them to change?

We forget, (for those of us that are Christians), that we are supposed to have an answer for every man that asks.  If our lifestyle and example are not in line with God's Word, why would anyone want to seek us out for proper directions?  If you are lost, you are not going to ask directions from someone who does not have knowledge of the area, or the proper map.  Yet, in our walk as Christians, we all too often, seek directions, and or advice from others that are no better off than we are.

If you have a problem with your car, do you take it to the appliance repair shop?  If you have a toothache, do you call a plumber?  The questions may sound a little absurd, but this is what many of us do in our spiritual walk.  When we have problems, we will read our horoscope, talk to the Ouija boards, have a rabbit's foot or any number of ridiculous things.  And from these things, we will seek spiritual advice or council.  We will try anything except the Word of God.

We will rationalize everything, rather than stopping and taking a close look in the mirror, to see if there is someplace I may becoming up short with God's Word.  I have to slow down and refresh my spirit and recall what God's purpose for me is.  I am to be fruitful!  I am to be productive.  I am to be a servant to all that God would ask me to.

Just as Jesus Christ ministered to those who asked of Him.  WE likewise are to minister to those who would ask of us.  The works that He did, we shall do also; and greater works because He ascended to His Father, and hopefully ours. Our purpose is to bring hope to a lost and dying world.  We have food for those that are famished.  We have living waters for those that are parched and thirsty.  We have hope for those that are ready to give up. We have life for those who are dying. We have joy unspeakable, but we must let our light shine.  It gives no light if we cover it with a basket.  You have to purpose in your heart, to share what God has blessed you with.  Only then, can God add to it.

At the same time, I cannot try to be a saviour to the whole world.  I can only take each day as it arrives and be a faithful witness unto God.  In doing so, someone may ask why I am so different.  Then, I can show them that map and the route I have chosen to take.  And maybe, just maybe, I can help them plot a course home.

That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ
Larry Gazelka

Good day. Today's video Obstacle Course is on the topic of: Christ is the Rock of offence, the Word that many stumble at. There are many obstacles in life, it's an obstacle course. For those that are walking with the Lord, they learn to overcome their lower nature and the obstacles of the carnal mind, the carnal limited thinking of that fallen nature, and overcome the wicked one, the god of this world. Whereas those that are walking against the Lord, they stumble and fall, they get entrapped, unable to overcome the impediments placed in their path by the god of this world. Others begin in the Spirit, they endure for a time, but when affliction and persecution arise for the Word's sake, immediately they are offended and having no root in themselves they fall away; and others start to stumble at the cares of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of other things that choke the Word in their life and it becomes unfruitful, they then can become a stumbling block to other believers. Those that come against the doctrine of Christ or don't understand it, they themselves become a stumbling block, a rock of offence or an impediment because they don't understand the true plan of salvation and the way the Lord intended it to be, and they teach contrary to it and cause others to stumble as well. Jesus Christ is the Chief corner stone of the foundation of God that stands sure, and every one the names the name of Christ departs from iniquity. Are you stumbling or standing firm? Is your foundation upon the Rock or upon the sand which cannot withstand?
 
​​​​​​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 newsletter What is His Purpose? written in 1995 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 writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1995.

What is His Purpose?     V17n20

I Jn 3:8-11 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (KJV)

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of God and our Father. (KJV)

Love = partnership based on total trust and respect.

Purpose - a setting forth, (as the shewbread).  Aim.

Did you notice in the purpose of the Son of God, and the will of God, that these things "might" come about?  The purpose of the Son of God, motivated by the love of God, is that none would perish.  The only way that this can be accomplished is by our following the example that Jesus Christ set for us.

2 Cor 5:7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (KJV)

The example that Jesus Christ set, is what we are to follow; this is what our purpose should be.  We should not be led by the view or form of things around us. We are in this world, but we are not of this world.  We have to get to the place in our life, that we are totally dependent on the Word of God, and not by what this world tries to dictate to us.

How do we do this? This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.(Gal 5:16).  We need to be guided by the Word of God.  His Word has to be the light that illuminates our path.  It has to be this light that directs our every step. We have to walk in the same measure of love with which He loved us.  Jesus Christ has done everything necessary for us to walk a victorious life.  He accomplished the full purpose of the Father.

Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (KJV)

Have you noticed how the word "might", keeps showing up in these scripture texts?

Might = may be able, possible, forcefulness

All things are possible to them that believe.  We have to be the one to act upon the Word of God.  No one else can do it for us.  We cannot ride anyone else's coat tails into kingdom of God.  We, as individuals, have to work out our own salvation.

We are to be walking in the Spirit, not by the view or the form of the world around us.  We are led around, (for the most part), by messages of the physical presence around us.  How our figure is, or how much we weigh.  By what is the latest style of clothes, perfumes, and make-up; or by trying to keep up with the neighbors or co-workers, in regard to where they live or what they may drive.  The list would be too long to list here.  Yet, these are the things that motivate us, and drive us to attain.  This becomes our total purpose in life.

We need to follow after the example set forth by the Word of God.  It is not easy to keep our mind set on the purpose set forth by the Word. (Much study is a weariness to the flesh.)

For far too long, the world and its way of thinking have programed our minds.  From the time we are little, up until the present day, we have put more faith in old wives’ fables, fears and rumors, than we have in what the Word of God has to say.  This should be the final authority, but in most instances it is not.  We have been so efficiently trained in the ways of the world that we have a tendency to believe what it says rather than setting our heart and mind for the purpose of the high calling. Acting on what the world says, (senses), rather than the example of Jesus Christ.

​It is easy to read, "By whose stripes ye were healed."  Yet, when it comes to living by those words it becomes quite difficult.  Not because God's Word does not work, but because we only try to apply it on an occasional basis.  It, (the Word) has to be a way of life.  It has to be our purpose for our entire life, not just a little here, and a little there.  The walk of faith has to be a continual journey in this world.

Ps 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.(KJV)

We forget that God has made a way of escape from our destruction.  We always want to blame God for whatever goes wrong.  We always want Him to be responsible for what happens to us.  God's purpose was to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to make full atonement for our transgressions.  (Which He did accomplish).  For this purpose was the Son of God manifested.  Yet, the choice is ours, and God cannot make the decision for us.  Choose you this day whom you will serve!

1 Pet 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (KJV)

The example has been set.  We have to choose which path we will walk.  Everything has been accomplished to enable us to follow Jesus Christ's example.

1 Tim 4:12-13 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (KJV)

We have this illusion that Jesus Christ was a popular person in his day.  We forget that many did follow Him; but when the times got tough, there was a quick dispersal of the followers.  It is easy to be a follower, but takes a total dedication to be one who sets the example.  We have to walk the walk, and talk the talk; we have to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.

We all want to inherit all of the blessings of God.  We all want to inherit eternal life.  Yet, we do not want to follow the total example that was set before us.  We do not want to be as Paul was at the end of his life.  At his first defense, no man stood with him.  Everybody fled what appeared to be a sinking ship.  In the physical, it appeared that Paul had failed.  However, Paul knew that he had fought the good fight and that he had accomplished the purpose that God had set before him.

Have you allowed the purpose of God to be manifest in your life?  Have you fought the good fight?  Have you stayed on the straight and narrow path that leads into the kingdom of God?

If there are problems in our life, the problem is not on God's end.  It is on our end; we have not taken the time to study to show ourselves approved unto God.  We have not made full proof of the ministry that we have been called into.

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (KJV)

Contend = to struggle for, to strive against rivals or difficulties

Exhort = to call near, invite, invoke

The purpose of Jesus Christ is that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.  The words that He speaks, they are spirit, and they are life.  Faith, (the ability to believe God), only can arrive by hearing God's Word and then applying it to our lives.  There are no short cuts.  You will have to contend for the faith that was once delivered unto you.

Do you know your purpose?  Do you want to?

​That you may know Him
In the service of Jesus Christ,
Larry Gazelka

Good day. Today's video Who is Jesus? is on the topic of: Who is Jesus? Who did Jesus say he was? Who did the Father in heaven reveal Jesus to be? The answer was simple Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God. There are many today who say that Jesus is or was God based on what they have heard and have been taught by false prophets who profess to know God but are the servants of corruption, these are the many antichrists out there preaching another Jesus, another gospel, another spirit than that of Jesus Christ. So let the Holy Spirit by the word of God determine or reveal it unto you who Jesus is, the Son of the living God, and not who men/women say he is.
 
​​​​​​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 newsletter What is Love? written in 1995 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 writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1995.

What Is Love?     V17n19

So often I think out loud, and ask my self, "what is love"?  In the vernacular of the world, there are many definitions.  We all have our own interpretations of what it means to us.  But, have you ever really stopped to hear what the Bible has to say about love?

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)

John 15:12-13 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (KJV)

Let's take a look at what the Merriam-Webster dictionary says that love is.

Love = storing affection; warm attachment; attraction based on sexual desire; a beloved person; a score of zero in tennis; cherish; to feel a passion, devotion, or tenderness for; caress; to take pleasure in.

The dictionary gives us all kinds of definitions of the word, but none that compliments the Bible, and what Jesus Christ had to say about "love".

John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (KJV)

We think of the sexual attractions, the caresses, and most of the desires that relate only to the physical nature.

How do we comprehend the love of God, who sent His only begotten Son, to be put to death by those who He loved?  Or, the fact that Jesus Christ himself, in knowing that He himself would suffer greatly, measured love by total commitment, even unto death?

How great is your love for the Word of God?

"And brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father of the child; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake, but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."  Matt. 10:21-22 KJV

Have any of us really suffered for the Word of God?  Have we had to endure anything that would really test our love for God?

With all the turmoil and such in the world today, we have an excuse for anything that may go wrong.  We tell people that we fell out of love with our partner, so we have to find someone else.

Love = a partnership based on total trust and respect.

I totally trust God's Word.  I respect everything that He did for me.  If that love were to diminish, it would have to be my fault, because God has done everything possible for me to share His love, now and forever.  The only way that love can diminish is if I do not take the time to love Him back.  This I do, by the time I spend in the Word with Him, by constantly reminding myself (with His Word) of all that He has done for me.  It is only if I quit loving Him back, that our relationship will diminish.  This is why in the world so many marriages are failing.  They no longer put any effort into their relationship.  Besides, it is always easier to blame someone else for the problems, rather than to look in the mirror.

"As I have loved you, that ye also love one another."  John 13:34 KJV

If we truly hear what the Lord is saying in this verse, we would not be constantly pointing the finger at everyone else all the time.  We have to measure our love, by the same measure that Jesus Christ showed to and for us.

1 Cor 13:4-8 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophesies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (KJV)

What we see in these verses, is a description of the life of Jesus Christ while He was here on earth.  His total commitment to doing the will of the Father.  It is easy to say that we will do the same things for those that we love, but, what about those who are enemies?  What about those who you dislike or what about those who do not think quite the same way that you do?  Could you lay down your life for them?

What we fail to remember, is that while we were yet enemies of the cross, is when Jesus Christ died for us.  We were not yet part of the family.  Can you imagine laying down your life for someone who hated you?  Dying for some one who is only interested in what they can obtain from you, without commitment?  Aren't we the same for the most part?

Rom 5:1-8 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (KJV)

The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, the moment that we confess with our mouth, and believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ took my place on the cross and in the grave.

What we forget, is that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  It is something that I have to train myself to do, each and every day of my life.  Just as I do my physical body.  (When your stomach screams for food, do you neglect it?)  We do everything in our power to satisfy the needs and lusts that are body desires.  Yet, how often do we attend to the needs of our spirit man?

This is where the love of God is so important, in each and every day of our life.  Just as we train ourself for every day life in the physical world, we have to train our spirit man in the way that it should go, according to the Word of God.  "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," II Tim. 2:15 KJV.

If you do not know His Word, how can you please Him?  If you are not willing to please Him, how can you say that you love Him?  If you love Him, you will keep His commandments.

In our marriages, they suffer if we do not take the time, and make an effort at them.  We forget to do the things that please them. We become too involved with the things that satisfy self.  We stop doing things together.  We stop sharing moments.

The same thing happens with our life, when we neglect our love of God.  When we neglect the Word, our love for God has to diminish.  Why?  Because we do not continue to remind oneself of the things that Father has already done for us.  And faith can only develop by hearing God’s Word. We forget the purpose that brought us together.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28 KJV

It is easy to have our own purpose for serving God; but when we totally surrender to His love, then we will be open to His purpose.

​
That you may know Him.
In the service of Jesus Christ,
Larry Gazelka

Good day. Today's video What is Truth? Part 2 is on the topic of: What is truth? There are many versions of the truth out there; the Bible says there is only one truth given by God, through one Lord Jesus Christ, revealed by the one Spirit of truth which will lead and guide you into all truth in the one faith of the Son of God. Our purpose is to bear witness unto the truth. What are you bearing witness unto? Have you established truth? Have you gotten truth? Are you walking in truth? If you want to make it home to eternal life, look above to get ahold of truth and endure unto the end in the power and wisdom of God, Christ in you the hope of glory, the truth that was in Jesus. God bless and stay free.
 
​​​​​​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 newsletter What is Worship? written in 1995 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 writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1995.

What Is Worship??     V17n18

Worship = reverence, adore, love intensely respect,  associated with awe; a love affair based on total love and respect!

If we asked twenty different Christians, "What is worship?", we would get twenty different responses. True, we are each a unique individual, but, that is not why we would get twenty different responses. The fact is, that most Christians do not know or understand what worship is. They have an understanding of what they have been taught worship is. They are aware of what goes on around them each week.  Yet, they have never taken the time to ask Father, what worship is to Him.

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (KJV)

What is worship? Is it singing? Is it dancing? Is it Laughter? Is it speaking in tongues? Maybe, none of the above? And, it could be all of the above!

When we get married, we do everything within our power and ability, to make our mate the total focus of our life.  There is not a thing, that we will not do for them.

Shouldn’t the same be true with God? Shouldn’t we be doing everything within our being to please Him? We should be loving God with every bit of ability that we have developed within our spirit man, according to the truth.

Spirit = vital principle = the vital principle of our life, is Jesus Christ.

Without Him, no man can come to the Father.

Truth = truthful, (as not concealing), real state of things.

Remember, the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The vital principle established by and in the Word of God. The foundation of this relationship has to be Jesus Christ, the cornerstone, and all of the truths regarding Him.(Christ is the only access to the Father).

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (KJV)

If we can only worship the Father in spirit and in truth,  how can we allow so much untruth into what we call our "worship services"? The songs that we sing, are they all scripturally correct? Or, are they based on traditions? Are all of our prayers scripturally accurate? Or, are they based on what we heard someone else say? Who is responsible for what comes out of your mouth? How can two walk together unless they be agreed? Amos 3:3, Matt 18:19-20.

Praise = to applaud, laudation, approval publicly expressed. from Webster’s dictionary.

praise = the highest form of gratitude and adoration.

Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (KJV)

2 Cor 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. (KJV)

Our praise of God should always be on our lips.  We should always be mindful of all of the things that we should be thankful for.  Do we remember to thank God for all of the little blessings that come our way each day?  Do we thank Him for every thing that we are blessed with each day?  For food?  Are we as quick to forgive others, as God is to forgive us?

2 Chr 29:31 Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings. (KJV)

Ps 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. (KJV)

Ps 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. (KJV)

Ps 118:19-21 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. (KJV)

Eph 5:19-20 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;(KJV)

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (KJV)

1 Pet 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV)

To truly worship God, we have to be able to praise Him. If you are not thankful for His love, how will you be able to thank Him for anything else?

"For God so loved the world, He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 KJV

God has already shown and expressed His love for us. There can be no question or doubt on the depth of His love. He gave His Son. How do you measure that kind of love?

We have the choice, to partake of His love; but it is your choice. If we chose life, then we have the opportunity to worship and praise God. To love God back through Jesus Christ. To continually tell Him of our gratitude for what He has made available to us, to those who will believe.

My worship, (love affair), with God, should be for everyone to see. Not to make a spectacle of myself, but by knowing and acknowledging that I can do nothing without Him. To openly proclaim that He is my source.

I can only do this, through a personal commitment and relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the only way that we can love God.(God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must worship Him in spirit and in truth.) We have to be born of the water,(flesh, just as Jesus of Nazareth was), and of the spirit, (Christ), to see or enter the kingdom of God. There is no other way. Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh to the Father but by me." John 14:6 KJV.

To worship God, who is a Spirit, we have to be born-again by the Spirit of God. Once we are spiritually re-born, then we are able to praise (thank) God for what He has done. It is all there for us.

Love God with thy whole heart, mind and soul. When you are able to worship and praise God, you will want everyone else to have what you have. You will want to share, the love affair that you have with God. You will always be thankful for what He has provided.

This is what Paul  the Apostle was able to grasp. He saw the love of God, that was able to save him from the past, and the murderer that he once was. His whole past was blotted out, and covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. He was able to realize the total Love of God. He was able to comprehend the forgiveness that God had set before him. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 KJV.

How many of us have a past that we are proud of? But, we to can have the same relationship with the Father that Paul  the Apostle did. We have the same forgiveness made available to us. We have the opportunity to be partakers of the measure of the gift of Christ. It is there for the asking. Ask for God’s forgiveness, and be a partaker in His kingdom.

It is this total trust and respect of Father and His Son Jesus Christ, that inspires worship in our hearts.(spirit) When the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, we will have praise on our lips for the gift which is given to us. (Rom. 5:5)

We have to worship God in spirit and in truth. The truth is the Word of God. Faith (the ability to trust God), can only come by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Our ability to trust and believe God, (faith), can only be developed and maintained by our hearing of the truth, the Word of God. Faith is our ability to trust and act upon God’s Word. Trust is what a love-affair is based upon. How much do you trust God’s Word? Enough to put your life on the line for it?

"But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. "Hebrews 3:13-14 KJV

We are built-anew by the Word of God. We need our spirit man refreshed, renewed, each and everyday of our relationship with Father. If you always concentrate on one’s faults, a relationship will not last. This is why we encourage one another daily. "Study to show thyself approved unto God."

We, you and I, have to take the time to learn of God; this will enable us to find the things that please Him, thus, keeping our relationship intact. Learning to worship (love) God for all that He has done for us. Praising Him (thanks, gratitude) for the ability that He has blessed us with, to maintain our relationship with Him.

Do you know who you worship?

Do you know why you praise Him?

That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ
Larry Gazelka 

Good day. Today's video What is Truth? Part 1 is on the topic of: What is truth, and where do you find truth? Through Jesus Christ when we were born again, we were given the Spirit of truth to guide us into all truth. Man is not the source of truth, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ who was sent by God and he is a God of truth and cannot lie; he created heaven and earth and the seas and all that is therein. We as Christians should be allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us truth and not a man; we should know better than to accept man's interpretation of the Word of God, we should know the truth, and we should be spending our time getting our information concerning the mystery of the kingdom of God and his Son Jesus Christ our life from above from the Holy Spirit given unto us.
 
​​​​​​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 newsletter What is Prosperity? written in 1995 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 writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1995.


What is Prosperity?     V17n17

Prosper--(from Hebrew), to push forward, break out, come mightily; intelligent, instruct.

Webster's dictionary--to achieve financial success.

What is success to you? What is success to God? Is there a difference in your definition and God's? “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matt 16:26. Read Luke12:16-21, also.

Our idea of being prosperous, and God's idea of being prosperous, are usually two different ideas. We have come to the point where we tell God the way we expect things to be.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. III John 2, KJV

Have we, the church, forgotten what true prosperity really is? Was it the wealth of the world that Jesus Christ went to the cross and the grave for? If it was, He failed! Why did Noah leave everything behind for a boat ride? Did Lot have time to call the moving company? Why did Lot's wife, turn into a pillar of salt? Was Paul being prosperous, by ending his ministry in a prison cell?

For all of these questions, are there any answers? John wanted our souls to prosper. The only way, (Biblical), that our souls can prosper, is by being constantly renewed by the Word of God. We are to do this each and every day of our life. We need to be spending as much time each day, feeding our spirit man as we do feeding and pampering our physical body, (and the lusts that it craves). When was the last time your spirit man had equal to or greater time of feeding then your physical man? Is there any good excuse?

We are to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, who is Jesus Christ! Only then, will we be content with what Father provides. Only then, will our list of wants diminish, and what we think we need.

Almost everyone would be content with a forty thousand dollar Lexus. Almost every pastor would be content with a three million-dollar building. Most of us would be content with a five hundred thousand-dollar cabin on Flathead Lake. However, could we be as Paul the Apostle, and hear and obey God in a prison cell? Could we be content enough in that cell, to hear God clearly; thus enabling us to be of aid to many generations to find a closer walk with God? Could you be content with a thirty thousand-dollar house, and an eight hundred-dollar Chevette?

When is enough of what the world has to offer enough? When does man become satisfied with his earthly acquisitions? What, right now, gives you the peace of God that passes all understanding? Is it your house? Is it your car? Is it your job? Is it a cabin in the mountains? Would you be willing to give it all up to see and help one person gain entrance into the kingdom of God? Jesus Christ did. Paul the Apostle did. Can you? Will you?

Read I Cor. 9:7-18.

We, the church, at times forget what the commission is that we are to do. True, we do not all have the calling to be an Apostle. Neither, do all of us have the calling to be a prophet. Yet, some do have the calling to be evangelists. Some have the patience and long-suffering to be pastors. Others have the gift to be teachers, expounding the Word of God.  God gave the church the five-fold ministry gifts, to perfect, edify and to bring unity in the faith by sharing the knowledge of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. This, and only this, will keep us from being tossed to and fro from all of the contrary doctrines that are out there today. This is what will allow us to spot those who try to bring divisions and deception.

The fullness of Christ will enable us to speak the truth in love, because we will not want to see anyone lost. This is why Paul (I Cor.9:18) was compelled to make the gospel known without charge. Paul was called to be a preacher, not a beggar.

In nineteen years in the ministry, we have never taken an offering. God is our source. We will put a box in the rear of the service area, and if God tells someone to give, so be it. However, it is between them and God. This is the way that it should be.

This is why Paul preached the gospel without charge, not abusing his position. At the same time, they were not able to manipulate him. Paul knew who his source was. That is why Paul was able to bring forth the Word of God, totally unbiased, and without the influence of men!

Even when all things appeared to be lost at sea, Paul's concern was for those who were on the ship with him. He wanted to know how to minister to them further. He wanted to remove the bondage that they were held in, even though he was the one held by physical chains. Paul made the Gospel known without charge. He was not in it for the money. He was not in it to get rich. He was not in it for the prestige. He had become a servant, a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

John, banished to the isle of Patmos, wanted us to prosper by the renewing of our minds, even though he was close to death. His concern was that we might live with victory, just as he was able to.

Our main concern is to find a way that we can receive healing or be made well when most of us grow close to death. We do not think of others, just ourselves. What if John and Paul had been that way? How much of the New Testament would we have to read today?

How much of the Bible would have been written, if all the writers had been in it for profit only? How much of the Bible would have been written if they were only trying to build up a denomination or ministry? Alas, the Gospel was made known without charge! Are we as faithful with what blessings we have received?

Is the final outcome (salvation), going to be decided by whoever has the most toys wins? Will all of your earthly possessions raise or increase your standing with God?

Do we think of ourselves more highly than we ought? Do we give more credit to our pastors and teachers than we do to God? Have we truly forgotten who our source is?

As His Word renews your mind, you will enter into the peace of God that passes all understanding. This is what will give your heart and mind true prosperity. It will give you the proper motivation, that you may know Him, and the power of His resurrection (Christ).

What is your motivation for serving God? Is it riches? Is it our "ivory" towers? Is it our fancy cars, or is it eternal salvation? The choice is yours! Yours alone!

It is easy and alarming to see the similarities between a movie and the church today, such as I did when watching one titled, "Quiz Show."

The movie illustrated how the game shows manipulated the big winners. How their popularity rated with the TV audience, made this determination.  They, the game shows, started with a proper motivation. However, when certain people won, they observed how the ratings would rise or fall. Thus, they saw the opportunity to increase the sales of their sponsor's products by manipulating the winners. Thus, increasing the dollar flow into their own pockets. Gee, everybody appeared to be a winner!

One of the winners finally wanted out of the deception that he had become a part of.  The hardest thing for him to do was to figure out how to go to his father with the truth. Is this not also the hardest thing for the Christian to do?

What was the motivation behind this man? He had money. He was very intelligent. Yet, the producers of the show convinced him that he would be a good role model for the youth of the day. They were able to get him to compromise his ethical standards.

This is the same ploy that is making its way through the Church today, the motivation of prosperity of material things. Give to God, and get a hundred-fold return on your investment. Where are we to be laying up our treasures? Have we forgotten what Matthew 6:19-20 says? We cannot serve two masters! Matthew 6:24.
"And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my names sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life." Matthew 19:29 KJV

It does not say a thing about money. It does mention to forsake.

Forsake--to desert, abandon, to break-off from, give up.

We have left our first love because of our motivation for the wrong type of prosperity. This happens when we give ear to some improper interpretations of God's Word. We have not taken the time to study the Word of God for ourselves. We no longer know how to hear God for ourselves. We hear what someone else says, and that is what we take to the bank. We do not take the time to go to the Bible and see what Father has to say. We do not take the time to be sure that it lines up with what Father has said.

What we hear sounds good. What is being preached sells a lot of books for the authors. We have these preachers speak at our churches. We assume that what they preach, comes straight from the throne of God. We act upon it. We follow the rest of the crowd. What happens if they go to hell? Will you still follow?

A while back, they had a special on TV on how to market your church. They give seminars to pastors, on how they can best market their churches; giving the people what they want, rather then what they need. To get their churches to appear prosperous, they utilize worldly marketing schemes.  Why be satisfied with twenty people, when we can market it right, and have one thousand people.

Have we forgotten all that is written in the Bible? I thought it was, and still is, God, who adds to the church daily? Are we only looking for numbers? David did, and do you remember what happened?

What happened to being instant in season and out of season with the Word of God? To reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine?

Are we telling God, that having a big building, with a lot of people in it, is the determining factor on whether or not we are successful? Is salary a determining factor on when and where I will serve God? If so, we are in trouble.

What did Jesus Christ have left when they put Him on the cross, a robe? They buried Him in a borrowed grave. Paul left an empty cell. If we continue to always look at the physical, what will we have left? Does it matter?

It is a narrow and straight path into the Kingdom of God. There are few that are traveling on that path. You have to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. No one else can do it for you. You alone can do it. You have to do it out of love, the love of God.

Will you too, be removed from the simplicity that is in Christ?


That you may know Him
In the service of Jesus Christ,
Larry Gazelka