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Matthew 22:11-14 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he says unto him, Friend, how came thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen. (KJV)
As we go along this week I want to share some of my own personal experiences of what salvation means to me, and what I have discovered along the way. I recently went back to my old neighborhood where I was raised and it brought back a lot of memories of what life was like before my conversion in Christ. I remember how I got hit with what I call friendly fire from those I was close to and from those that claimed to be of God, but were not. In fact I was determined not to be like the many; instead I decided to join the ranks of the few, even though I didn’t have a clue what I was stepping into. Matthew 24:10-13 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 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) I found salvation to be more of an endurance race, where I not only had to begin in the Spirit, but would have to hold fast to the end to be saved. Many are heading in the wrong direction because they really never understood the love of God personally, and all that He did on their behalf; and so many think they are doing things for His sake thinking He needs our help, when He is perfectly capable. I John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know you the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (KJV) Many think that just because someone has a degree and a big following it makes them successful with our Lord; bigger is not always better. The opposite tends to be true because when I tested the spirit to see what doctrine they were teaching, it didn’t line up with the doctrine of Christ. I then had to make a choice of who I was going to please, God or man. Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) The majority doesn’t rule when it comes to salvation. My salvation was based on doing the will of God and not just talking about it like many others. I decided I wanted to eliminate the question marks that we see in the above verses so that I wouldn’t get turned away at the door when it is time to enter into my eternal reward. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) What I have discovered along the path of life is that it is not as wide as man claims it is; salvation is based on God’s plan and not man’s. Salvation is not based on how nice you are; it’s a plan based on grace through faith and not of works. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord dearly loved. Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)
This week we will discuss salvation, what that word means and what it entails. When you see this term mentioned throughout the Old and New Testament you see it refers to attributes like deliverance, safety, health, prosperity, and victory. This was everything I was missing out on before my conversion in Christ which is why I was so miserable and confused. I have found that salvation is a new way of life and has been there for the taking despite how many false prophets put a price tag on it making it appear to be for sale. Salvation required me to step out in faith so that the Lord could confirm His word in me, so I could experience the love of God personally for myself. Psalm 62:1-2 Truly my soul waits upon God: from him cometh my salvation. 2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved. (KJV) I found out early on that even though I made prayer requests to God in my time, He answered them in His time, which by the way did turn out to be perfect timing despite my fits and tantrums. I now realize that my deliverance cannot come from any other source than the Lord Himself, even though the enemy will try to convince me that something in the carnal realm will provide the answer. Psalm 62:5-8 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. 6 He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (KJV) I found myself in my past life running to and fro seeking answers like a drunken person unable to walk a straight line. I have discovered this same pattern can take place all over again when I try to do things on my own without being led by the Spirit. When I tried to hide things from God and pretend they weren’t happening, all it did was the delay the process of moving forward in my walk. My advice to the Church today is to come clean with God and pour your heart out to Him and He will show you how to be an over comer in those things that are hindering your walk. Let’s face it, He already sees right though us and knows what is going on so why try to hide it from Him? 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. (KJV) The reality is I got tired of being a loser, even though in my mind I thought I was winning. Victory is there for the taking as long as I stay in Christ. What does salvation mean to you today? Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord, and God bless dearly loved. John 3:17-20 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hates the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (KJV)
There are many who swear up and down that Jesus of Nazareth was God or the God man as some have claimed him to be. God is so specific and clear in the fact that He sent His Son. In fact without this revelation of the Son and who He is, it is a death sentence, which is what the term condemnation is referring to. They don’t believe in the name of His Son, which puts them in the category of antichrist and the Bible says many fall into that group. Romans 8:1-3 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (KJV) The only condemnation a true believer in Christ should be walking in today is condemning the deeds of the flesh and the influence it used to have on us before our conversion in Christ. The theme of this week is the revelation of Christ and all that is afforded to us. There is no longer a sin unto death because we have been set free to walk in the Spirit and liberty which is only found in Christ our Lord. John 5:23-25 That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honors not the Son honors not the Father which hath sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that hears my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. (KJV) You were in a grave situation before your conversion in Christ; however, that should not have been the end, but only the beginning of walking in a newness of life. Those that don’t honor the Son and confess Him before men will not receive honor from the Father when standing before Him and His angels seeking entrance into His kingdom. Romans 5:15-17 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man's offence death reined by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) (KJV) In conclusion this week we are all still subject to the second death even though you accepted salvation, we are one decision or one lust away from falling back into the abyss of sin if we are not armed with the mind of Christ. Remember it is only through Jesus Christ that we can avoid the pitfalls of the sin unto death. God bless and keep the faith. Have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord dearly loved. II John 1:7-9 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (KJV)
As we see many have been called by God, however, few are heading in the right direction. Verse 8 points the finger at us so that we do not lose sight of His plan of salvation and who it involves. The Father and Son are a package deal; you can’t have one without the other. Matthew 11:25-27 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. (KJV) Many claim to know God, but they don’t know His Son and what name he goes by. They are considered antichrist because they let man reveal to them a plan of salvation rather than letting God Himself reveal His plan. Do you know who the Son is for yourself? If not then you will not know who the Father is either. And take note that the spirit that is causing this deception is a spirit of antichrist not antijesus. I John 5:1-2 Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loves him that begat loves him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. (KJV) Jesus was not just a good man as some describe or just another prophet of God. He is Christ, The Son of the living God and the one whom all the prophets spoke of. In the Old Testament the people were given commandments to follow, today we have been given a spiritual commandment, which just like in the days of old, if broken it will lead to a death sentence. I John 3:23-24 And this is his commandment that we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 24 And he that keeps his commandments dwells in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (KJV) Just like with a sin unto death we see a new commandment which is now spiritual in nature, and so are those that understand who God is as well as His Son. After all there is no other name given under heaven that provides us access to the Father and His plan of salvation. Philippians 2:11-12 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (KJV) There are ministries today that go around claiming that Jesus is Lord, but for those that have the eyes of their understanding enlightened to the truth they see that someone is missing from that equation, which is why these people are still in the dark. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (KJV) Dearly loved let God be true and every man a liar. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (KJV)
There is an enemy of the Church out and about roaming around like a roaring lion, seeking those that are weak. This enemy has been given the name antichrist, because by keeping Christ out of the teachings and doctrine it keeps the people in denial of the Son that was sent to bring life to mankind. As we see above these people claim to be apostles of Christ or Christian, however, it’s according to their works and not the righteousness of God, and that will be their downfall. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (KJV) Without knowing the righteousness of God and how to do those things that are pleasing in His sight, we will be denied access to our eternal reward which could be easily categorized as a sin unto death. Without knowing who the Son is you cannot be washed and come clean with God. You wouldn’t let someone dirty and filthy into your house, what makes you think God will allow it in His? Romans 10:2-4 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 everyone that believeth. (KJV) Religion is something I would put in the category of unrighteousness, because it is based on works and not faith in what Christ has done on our behalf. Once one has come to the revelation of Christ it puts an end to all those old outdated silly rituals, like water baptisms and any other such nonsense man thinks is still in play. Romans 9:31-33 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (KJV) There is a stone, a rock that many are tripping over instead of putting it in the corner or foundation of their church. Do you know who that stone is? If not it could just end up being your downfall. Matthew 16:16-18 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV) God has a plan and a blueprint for how His church is built which is what keeps us in right standing with Him, and it involves a revelation from above of His Son that is seated on His right hand today. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 16:7-10 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; (KJV)
Our Lord was announcing that He would be leaving this realm soon, and heading for a better one. Upon His departure He would then send the Comforter so that we could know for ourselves who God is as well as His Son. This revelation would show us personally what God considers to be sin and how to overcome the influence of the enemy who up to this point was having a field day on mankind. Luke 12:8-10 Also I say unto you, whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: 9 But he that denies me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. 10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemes against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. (KJV) We discussed yesterday a sin which is singular, and that this sin would lead unto death. We see this illustrated above, something I have experienced personally; many will look and point out my faults and shortcomings which does aptly describe my outward or son of man part of me, however, the problem of unbelief for them comes when they come against the doctrine that the Holy Spirit has been revealing to mankind and that would be the doctrine of Christ. By not knowing and having this revelation you will not know personally who the Son of God is, which puts man in a state of denial, or should I say antichrist? Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (KJV) Now think back to our Lord’s crucifixion and how they nailed the Son of man to the cross, and the Lord offering forgiveness to them. We see in the above scriptures another crucifixion taking place, one that involves the Son of God, Christ, in which those that deny Him and His doctrine are looking at the back end of an eternal death sentence. Galatians 1:6-9 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. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (KJV) What you see above is the sin unto death, and who it involves. We also see illustrated another crucifixion of the gospel of Christ, and the life that is in this doctrine being crucified and left for dead. Verse 9 is quite clear in the fact that this teaching and lack of knowledge is a sin unto death for those that do not have the revelation of Christ. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Revelation 1:1-3 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. (KJV)
Even though we titled this week’s study Revelation, we are not going to spend much time, if any, in this book. The reason this is brought up is because there is one revelation that each and every believer needs to see for themselves, and that is the revelation of Christ, the Son of the living God. Many today have a partial understanding based on Jesus of Nazareth; however, in order to get a clear and precise understanding of the Bible one needs to see beyond the veil of the flesh to see the Son of God and who He really is and what name He goes by. John 16:7-11 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (KJV) Verse 9 refers to sin as singular, and the reason this is an offence to God is because of unbelief in His Son who was sent for mankind. Actually, all sin is a result of unbelief; because in the end we allowed the enemy to convince us that something in the carnal realm would satisfy a spiritual need. However or whatever way sin manifests, it is a result of unbelief, and we will find out this week who and what unbelief involves. I John 5:16-18 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. 17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. 18 We know that whosoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not. (KJV) We all sin and fall short in areas that our Lord hasn’t brought our attention to, or sometimes we know better and do it anyway and then try to play dumb afterwards. There is a sin unto death, one that is unpardonable for those that have ignored God’s plan of salvation which He manifested through His Son. As we go along this week we will show through the scriptures what this sin is, and who it involves. John 1:29-30 The next day John seeing Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, after me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. (KJV) Let me give you a hint. As you see above John was making reference not to his cousin Jesus of Nazareth, a man that was born after him and not before. He was making reference to someone else, the man who was before Him, that being Christ the Son of God within Jesus. You will be considered a Son of God also when you see beyond the veil of the flesh and into the Spirit so that you can identify for yourself who this Lamb of God is and what name He goes by which will lead unto life. Dearly loved let the eyes of our understanding be enlightened this week. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 55:7-9 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV)
The nice thing about salvation is that we no longer have to be bottom feeders, which is where this world and its way of thinking is located, at the bottom. You can go as high as it gets which is all the way to heaven to get your instructions. The more you realize how much higher our Lord and His way of doing things is, the more you will not keep lowering yourself back to this world and its fallen ways. I John 2:26-28 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (KJV) So how far do you want to go in your walk with the Lord? According to verse 27 you can take it all the way if you desire. Your good standing with our Lord is based on how much you allow the Holy Spirit to teach you and not be seduced by mans’ limited knowledge. His wisdom is there for the taking and not something that you should be taking for granted. You have been granted access to the things above; and that will only take place when you walk away from your own desires. Romans 8:6-8 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (KJV) Sometimes the church spends so much time blaming the devil for all their mishaps. The devil is a defeated foe, a being who had the keys of hell and death taken out of his possession. The truth is we are our own worst enemies when we lean back to our own understanding, looking more to the outward for confirmation than inward. It goes without saying then that the enemy will come along when he sees or hears weak prey who have forgotten how to pray and hold fast their profession of faith. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (KJV) Sometimes we become filled with imaginations when we associate ourselves with the wrong crowd, you know those pretenders and wanna be religious people? Our Lord is ready to work on our behalf, but only when we are willing to make the proper changes, which is what verse 6 is referring to. Our Lord is not going to take you into the new with an old way of thinking. Galatians 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV) Maybe that frustration you have been experiencing lately is a reflection of how you have been treating our Lord and His plan of salvation. It’s time to take up your spiritual cross again and nail all that doubt and unbelief back on it, and then walk in a resurrection of victory. God bless and let the dead bury their dead. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord dearly loved. Matthew 19:24-26 And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (KJV)
Given the fact that salvation was God’s plan in the first place, it would be safe to say that He is the only one that can get us home. Today lotteries are real popular with mankind because they make it appear to be the end of all to their problems. This mindset seems to have carried over into the so called church because their doctrines are based on the same principal, once you give enough and get a hundredfold return you have it made. Well, our Lord illustrates quite clearly throughout the Bible that this get rich scheme of man will not fly through His radar, and if you are not led by the Spirit then you will not make it to your eternal reward. Philippians 3:7-8 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (KJV) Do you really desire to grab all things? And no, I’m not talking about the things of this world, but all the things that our Lord died to give us access to. Well if you want all these things, then you need to let go of all things here on earth. Seems like there is always a catch doesn’t it? 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (KJV) God gives us richly all things to enjoy, because now we can do it in the liberty we have in Christ and not be in bondage to this world. We enjoy all things because we no longer take things for granted because we realize a price was paid for all of it. Remember, it is not money itself that is the root of all evil because it is something we all need to deal with, rather it’s when our love and affection is shifted from the things above to the things here on earth that we put a distraction between us and our Lord. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV) Where are you going to find love, joy, and peace anywhere else other than in our Lord? If you truly desire to get a hold of all things new then let go of all the old baggage and you will find a much better life. By letting the peace of God rule in your walk you will have that peace based on the inward realm of faith and not the fluctuating outward realm of this world. Don’t let outward things dictate your walk any longer. 1 Timothy 6:5-7 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (KJV) Paul realized the things man said were of great gain were really a dead end. If you desire to make forward strides in your walk you will find that the only place you will discover joy and peace is in Christ and not in outward things anymore. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 3:1-4 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? If it be yet in vain. (KJV)
I hear the phrase bipolar being thrown around, even by some who claim to be Christians. To use that phrase means someone hasn’t been in tune with our Lord, but is seeking counsel or contentment in the realm of the flesh which is contrary to our Lord’s. Remember God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. So if you think you are bipolar you will just have to grin and bear it until you decide to let God be true and man the liar. James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (KJV) Has life gotten a bit stale and dull lately? Maybe you keep wondering, “Why doesn’t God answer my prayers or use me more in the ministry?” It’s our Fathers good pleasure to give you His kingdom; however, you need to start your search in the realm of the Spirit, and then step out in faith even though it totally contradicts what your outward man is telling you. Many profess to know God, but in works they deny Him because they just won’t let go of the old. I heard it said the other day that you can’t have it all until you are willing to let go of all. 1 Peter 4:10-11 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 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 gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (KJV) The bottom line is that we don’t own anything here on this planet, because the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness there of. If there is anything that you cannot let go of today, including your own life, then it owns you. 1 Corinthians 4:1-3 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that a man is found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. (KJV) One of the reasons people become double minded is because when persecution arises for the Lord’s sake they think they have done something wrong. If you are a steward of God you will not be concerned with pleasing people, but will only be concerned with pleasing God. It’s when you try to please both at the same time that you become double minded and unstable, as well as unable to receive the things of God today. Dearly loved, set your affection on things above and operate in oneness of mind with Christ. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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