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Hebrews 7:11-12 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? (12) For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. (KJV)
It’s time for a change Church, where we eliminate the works of the law and now operate according to a new law of faith. You know, if Jesus Christ presented a perfect sacrifice to our Father and He accepted it as complete, then why doesn’t the Church follow suit? Romans 10:1-4 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. (2) For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. (3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (KJV) Paul used Israel as an example, but today I am using the term religion instead; you know…all those that put God in their denominational boxes and then think that there is still some works left that will impress Him? Jesus Christ is a hard act to follow people because He accomplished everything that was needed on our behalf. So anything that you do or think is required outside of simple obedience is a complete waste of time. John 6:27-29 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (28) Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (KJV) Many desire a deeper more mature relationship with our Lord; however, few are willing to let go of old thoughts and ways in order to become a new creation in Christ. We are saved by grace through faith, period, and not of works; because the only work left is to believe on Him that did a complete work for us. Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) Do you desire that deeper more intimate relationship with our Lord? Well here it is simply put so that you can grow up and cast out all those old fears and doubts from your childish past, the fallen nature. God bless Church, and keep growing in Christ. 1 Peter 5:8-10 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (10) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (KJV)
Hey, do you wonder why the enemy is making so much noise? Well, the more he can try to distract you with his loud mouth lies, the less you will be able to hear the still small voice of the Lord that is working within you, perfecting you like a diamond in the rough. 1 Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: (13) But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (14) If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (KJV) It’s not how many times you get knocked down; rather its how many times will you get back up. Yeah, I know it’s great when all the lights turn green just as you are coming down the street and the birds are singing and its sunny and calm today. But there will be times when the winds of doctrines will blow your way, and the storms of life will come along. Don’t take it personal Church, or always think that you have done something wrong, rather know that it is because you are growing up and stepping into a newness of life, that is why these things are taking place. By the way, nothing will put out a spiritual fire quicker than some living Spiritual waters. 1 John 4:16-18 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (17) Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. (KJV) Oh and another thing Church, God is not mad at you, rather the God that we serve is a God of love. The more you understand the love of God the more you will grow up and mature in Him, letting the truth set you free. Be confident in a God that does supply all your need today, not based on what many think that they are doing for Him, but rather on what you are allowing Him to do in and through you. Luke 12:29-32 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. (30) For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. (31) But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. (32) Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (KJV) Hey, that fear and doubt junk isn’t coming from above, so kick it to the curb where it belongs. It’s our Father’s good pleasure to give you His kingdom, so why don’t you just please Him today and take a hold of it. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 8:14-15 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. (15) But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. (KJV)
I compare the verses above to giving a child a grocery list, then waiting to see what they come back with. Instead of paying attention to detail they get sidetracked with other things, and then when it comes time to give an account of their duty, well they don’t deliver. Patience is an interesting word also because it refers to consistency; those that continue to endure despite the obstacles that life may present them with. Those that mature in Christ learn how to be over comers and not underachievers in life; and if they do run into hardships they are quicker to hear the solutions and slower to speak or blame others. Matthew 24:11-13 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (KJV) How about the child that gets sent to the store with a handful of money, then along the way someone realizes that they have an opportunity to take advantage of the situation? So the child decides that something else that they purchased, which ends up to be worthless, was more appealing than what the parent had sent them out for in the first place. Your salvation is not just based on starting out with good intentions Church; it’s what you bring home at the end is what will determine the final outcome. Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (KJV) Many people compare their lives with other people, trying to live up to their standards or even trying to please them, even to the point of where it becomes more of a priority than the Lord. If you measure yourself with other people then you limit what the Lord can do in and through you. If you compare yourself with Christ, operating with the same measure of faith that He did, then you put yourself in the category of where all things are now possible, because you believe more in the work that He has done than on what many around you are claiming they have done. Philippians 1:4-6 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, (5) For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; (6) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (KJV) My prayer today for each and every believer in Christ is that they would build a trust and confidence more in the work that our Lord has begun and desires to continue to do, and less in the guilt trips that they take, thinking that there is something they haven’t done. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 3:1-3 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (2) For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (3) Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. (KJV)
I get a bit riled when I hear so called men of God telling me what they think rather than teaching what they know, or should know according to the Word. James is writing and warning the believers not to be like many of those that are teaching things which are not based on fact but rather on self serving fictitious perversions of the truth. Those that know how to speak the truth in love are those that our Lord considers mature, and who are a perfect example of the true believers in Christ. 1 Corinthians 13:8-11 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (KJV) There are a lot of prophecies that are failing to come to pass because they are not based on truth, but rather on some partial understanding of it. Many of these false teachers say things to appease the people rather than teaching them who they are in Christ and how to grow and mature in Him. I personally have noticed that many enter the ministry work before they really grow up and have a clue of reality and what is really happening around them. Many of these childish preachers live in a sheltered existence and then get knocked on their backside when reality hits them in the face; kind of like a spoiled little child that doesn’t get their way anymore. Ephesians 4:14-15 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (KJV) When Jesus Christ walked this earth He raised the bar to the heavenly realm of how He expects His people to mature and grow up into Him. However, as I look around I see where many have lowered this bar back to the realm of the flesh, and what should be spiritual mature people is nothing more than a day care center. 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) Hey quit thinking so much about what you believe works with our Lord and just show up daily letting Him show you what works. Think of yourself as the clay and our Lord the potter, and let Him take you for a spin. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Psalms 37:37-38 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. (38) But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. (KJV)
When you see the term ‘perfect’ used in the Bible it refers to maturity; complete is another way of describing it also. When one thinks of maturity as far as a Christian is concerned you think of someone who is at peace and not fussing and fighting with those of the world, being all wrapped around the axle with the cares and concerns of this petty temporal life that we are now surrounded with. 2 Timothy 2:3-5 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (4) No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (5) And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. (KJV) In the military they don’t take a new recruit and immediately promote them to the rank of a general, rather they promote those that have experience and have proven themselves in times of trials and tribulations. Basically what is being spoken of in the above verses is that in order to move forward in your walk with the Lord it is His way or no way. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) Strongs definition for ‘perfect’: 739 artios (ar'-tee-os); from 737; fresh, i.e. (by implication) complete: KJV-- perfect. The Lord expects His people to grow up maturing in the realm of the Spirit. Those that do grow are those that have exercised their Spiritual senses, and know the difference between what is of God and what pertains more to the fleshly carnal desires. A child will react to things because it is what appeals more to their own self rather than learning to respond in a way that our Lord would have them respond, in Spirit and in truth. Is the peace of God ruling in your walk today? Because…in all reality that was God’s perfect solution for you. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. What would happen if you had a picture that was cut into many pieces, like a puzzle, and you looked at one piece and tried to comprehend what the picture was? Well, it would depend on whose eyes you were looking through, the fleshy eyes or the Spiritual eyes that you have been given in Christ.
Through the fleshly eyes all you will see are the pieces of your life laid out, here a little there a little, but through the Spiritual eyes you are able to see and comprehend the full picture of who you are in Christ by putting the pieces together with Him. Without God, without His word, and without His Spirit you would just see pieces that don’t complete the picture; it is only as you continue to abide in Him, and He in you that the picture begins to manifest before your very eyes. John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (KJV) In Him the eyes of your understanding are enlightened and the pieces come together into a complete picture, the fullness of the gift of Christ within you. A picture which is worth more than a thousand words; joy unspeakable full of glory. 1Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him (seeing only the pieces): neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (put together into a picture that can be comprehended). (KJV) John 16:13-15 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth (putting the pieces together): for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come (the completed picture, the full understanding of the will and ways of God, their image). (14) He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine and shew it unto you. (15) All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (KJV) Do you always look for the fullness or completeness of the work that Father has done within you? With man, your fleshly eyes, it would be impossible to see the fullness or completeness of His work, but with God, your spiritual eyes enlightened, all things are possible, and you are able to comprehend the fullness of the gift of Christ within you being manifest for all to see. Jeremiah 18:3-4 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. (4) And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make it. (KJV) My dearly loved brethren, Father is able to take you where you are and make you again, a vessel fit for His use, well pleasing and acceptable in His sight as you continue in His Son Christ Jesus. Father is able to see the fullness of us which is why He continues His good work and made a way of fellowship for us with Him again. Remember, you are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10); apples of gold in pictures of silver, just as His word fitly spoken. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 5:16 This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘walk’: KJV—be occupied with Thayer's definition for 'walk': a. to make one's way, progress; to make due use of opportunities b. Hebrew for, to live 1) to regulate one's life 2) to conduct oneself 3) to pass one's life Interesting definitions for the word walk isn’t it? Are you making your way in the Spirit through the strait gate, and in the narrow way which leads to eternal life in Christ? Are you occupied with and making due use of opportunities in Christ who is your life? The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; so if you are receiving His instruction you will be occupied with being a doer and not just a hearer. Walk is active; it means that you are doing something, not being idle. Walk implies moving forward; we are to forget those things which are behind and press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Today, make due use of the opportunities that you have been given in Christ; the opportunity to continue on into eternal life as a child of God; the opportunity to worship and serve our Father, in Spirit and in truth; the opportunity to be an example of the believers, being a representative of who God is through the leading and guiding of the Spirit; the opportunity to demonstrate the ministry of reconciliation that you have been given in Christ. These are just a few of the opportunities that we have been given in Christ. I could go on and on, but I know that you see what other opportunities there are which are unending in the Spirit. Regulate one’s life; regulate means to adjust to a state of constancy, and regulation means the act of adjusting or state of being adjusted. Walking in the Spirit adjusts us to a state of constancy; being consistent in the truth of the gospel of Christ, not being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, holding God and His word to be true and every man (including our old nature) a liar; being consistent in the application of now faith, staying in today, right now where Christ is so that you are able to receive His instruction and you are able to allow Him to mold and shape you into Their image and likeness; taking on the divine nature of God. And so it goes brethren, regulate your life according to the Spirit and not the flesh, so as to continue in the truth of the gospel of Christ and in the faith, becoming grounded and settled in Him and in His truth which will set you free and keep you free indeed, for then you will not be stuck in the mud, idled by the leading of the flesh, but set free to move forward and continue walking in the Spirit of life in Christ. Ephesians 2 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (8) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV) My beloved brethren, if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let the Spirit lead and guide you into all truth which will regulate your life in Christ, and enable you to overcome the idleness of the flesh and continue in the Spirit seeking always to do those things which are upright and well pleasing in our heavenly Father’s sight. Ezekiel 36:27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (KJV) God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. (KJV)
Each day we should be more ready to hear our Father’s instruction, and give heed to His instruction which is able to make us wise unto salvation, and refuse not to apply His instruction in our life as He leads; because if we do, then we will not have to give the sacrifice of fools; which is having to ask for forgiveness, crucifying the Lord of glory all over again. Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. (KJV) Taking fast hold of instruction is life in Christ. It enlightens the eyes of our understanding to the truth and the life that is in us through the experience of applying God’s instruction in our life. Being a doer and not a hearer only will enable us to not be unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is in and through all things. Remember, without Christ, without instruction, we can do nothing. Proverbs 24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established. (KJV) Jesus Christ is our example; His life is the description or illustration of the divine nature of God. God has given us an instruction manual, the Bible; but its Spiritual meaning can only be understood or seen by the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that gives life to the written word of God; it is the Spirit that gives life to His instruction given. It is the Spirit which allows us to understand the instruction of how to apply the Word in our life so that we are able to live a Godly life that is well pleasing in our Father’s site. Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God. Being instructed by God through Christ (the Word, the power and wisdom of God) is our strength to overcome our fleshly nature, and enable us to take on the divine nature of God and be an example or illustration of who God is to all those that we come into contact with. His instruction also enables us to continue in the faith grounded and settled so that we are not moved away from the hope that is within us regardless of the external circumstances of life. Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these saying of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (KJV) That rock is Christ. So my beloved brethren, continue to be built up a Spiritual house unto the Lord, Christ being the cornerstone; allow His Spirit to lead and guide you in truth, and enlighten the eyes of your understanding so that you can see and know who you are in Christ. As well, let the application (doing) of God’s will within your life this day continue to shine forth, and illustrate before others the true life of Jesus Christ and the grace of God given through Him. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. With liberty comes responsibility and there was a cost to the liberty in which you now walk in Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (KJV) 1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men (KJV) No longer are you to serve men, but you are to serve God your Father in Spirit and in truth. Jesus Christ died so that you would have life and life more abundantly. It is now your responsibility to maintain this liberty that you have been given through Christ. Growing up into Him in all things; putting away childish things and maturing in His divine nature. 1 Peter 2:15-16 For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men; (16) As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. (KJV) Yes, you are free in Christ but do not use this liberty for a covering of wickedness, but do all things honestly and uprightly before men that your Father in heaven may be glorified through your good conversation in Christ. Let not your liberty in Christ become of no effect. Maintain your freedom in Christ by walking in the newness of life, putting to death daily the cravings, desires, and maliciousness of the flesh, being made alive in the Spirit as servants of God. Serve in the newness of the Spirit, obeying from the heart in Spirit and in truth, not in the oldness of the letter as the many do. You are Christ’s freeman yet in this liberty you do serve Him through love; for He first loved you, even unto death. Will you serve Him in like manner? Your responsibility is to continue to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, not anyone else’s as many would have you to think; for many will tell you that now that you are saved that you have to go out and witness to your family, friends and many others; making an open show by words and works before others that you have accepted Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (KJV) Instead, you have a responsibility to be a witness of the truth of Christ within you, living and walking uprightly in Him, being an example of the believers, ready and willing to speak on our Father’s behalf as the Spirit gives utterance; that in all manner of your life you hold forth the Word of life in sincerity and in truth that one more may seek and desire to have this same life and liberty that you have in Christ. Christ is love. Love is laying down your life for your brethren, dying daily to the wants and desires of your flesh, as Jesus Christ did for you. By love serve up truth to one another, encourage, strengthen, and exhort one another while it is today keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. And now my beloved brethren I leave you with this, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty; so stand fast therefore in the liberty where with Christ has made you free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. (18) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (KJV)
James 3:17-18 (from Matthew Henry’s Commentary) III. We have the lovely picture of that wisdom which is from above more fully drawn, and set in opposition to this which is from beneath: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, etc., v. 17, 18. Observe here, True wisdom is God’s gift. It is not gained by conversing with men, nor by the knowledge of the world (as some think and speak), but it comes from above. It consists of these several things:--
The wisdom from above is God’s gift which is able to make us wise unto salvation; it is not gained by conversing with men, nor by the knowledge of the world (as some think and speak), but it comes from above. We neither receive it of man, neither are we taught it, but it is freely given by the revelation of Jesus Christ, the good and perfect gift from the Father of lights above through His Spirit. Without Christ there is no wisdom from above and there will be no fruit sown of righteousness in peace. For He is our peace, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. My beloved brethren, I pray that your faith stands firm in the power and wisdom of God, and not in the wisdom of man this day; for the wisdom from above is Christ, and the power of God is Christ, and in Him all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are available unto you to be fruitful in the Spirit so making peace. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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