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Galatians 5:16-18 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts 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. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (KJV)
We all came into this new life of faith with some old baggage, stuff that needs to be discarded if we are ever going to really take off toward our heavenly goal. Sometimes we ask the questions “does it ever get easier and when will it end”. Well yes, it does get easier, but it doesn’t end until we cross the threshold into our eternal reward and receive a glorified body. Until then it will be a tug of war between the Spirit and the flesh, with the Spirit having to continually put the flesh in its place of subjection. Romans 8:1-4 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: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV) As long as we are in these carnal bodies we are still subject to the law of sin and death which is why the enemy keeps attacking and trying to pull us down again. We have been redeemed from the curse of the law; however, we now need to walk in the new law of faith in order for this to be accomplished in a way that is pleasing to our Lord. People who think once saved always saved, or who think they have eternal happiness when one makes an emotional commitment during an alter call, boy are they in for a surprise if they think that’s all that is required of us. Romans 7:21-25 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (KJV) Just because you were saved years ago doesn’t mean that is the end; it should only be the beginning of a new life in Christ and an end to the old disappointments of the flesh. Paul was able to see what was hindering his walk because he chose to examine himself and not blame someone else for his shortcomings. He realized that his joy and peace was not based on others changing first, rather the change had to take place within him. The reason it is so vital to spend quality time with our Lord first thing in a day is so that you can arm yourself with the mind of Christ which is the only way to understand the law of faith. 1 Peter 4:1-2 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. (KJV) You will find it is a lot easier to put your lower nature under arrest when you are armed with the mind of Christ. Instead of grieving the Holy Spirit how about not letting the flesh whine and fuss by putting it in its place. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 12:24-26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. 25 He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. (KJV)
A life in the realm of the Spirit is polar opposite of the flesh and its limited understanding. The realm of the Spirit is the only one where you will find peace and contentment, while anything else will leave you empty and frustrated. The problem with many who are called of God today is that they begin with a zeal in this new life they found in Christ, but then get derailed when they turn back to the flesh thinking something from that realm could make their lives perfect. It’s like going to a buffet and just having dessert. This is what separates those that will endure to the end, and those that just end their walk with the Lord even though they put up a religious front. It’s not until you die to self that you will find your life, which is in the body of Christ and the place He chose for you to operate in before the foundation of the world. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that commits fornication sins against his own body. 19 What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (KJV) Today many think that marriage is outdated and something they will get around to when one or the other person threatens to walk away without a commitment. Today we have many who claim “my body, my choice”. Well half of that statement is true because it is your choice, however, in the end they will find out that this temple we are housing the Spirit in belongs to God and not man. Now you may think that this is a no brainer, that everyone in the church today knows that they need to marry before pretending they are, but you would be quite amazed at how many who call themselves Christians, are nothing but cheap harlots when it comes time to maintaining the temple in a godly way. 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 Examine yourselves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. (KJV) If you have ever gone to an open house looking for a place to purchase, you find that they are staged and well kept, fit for human habitation. If you walked in there and found a foul smell or a place that looked like a pig pen, you would not want to take up residence there. Well think about what kind of temple you are providing for our Lord, and is it a place He is at home in? 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it is good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (KJV) Many Christians get sucker punched with doctrines that appeal more to the carnal man than the spiritual one. The world says more is better and they live in excess, while God talks about contentment. Oh and keeping the temple fit and ready for the masters use is something he will require come the Day of Judgment. You can stand in all the prayer lines you want seeking help for your ailments when many times the Lord would like to see you living a healthier life by getting out of the fast food lanes that caused the problem in the first place. Dearly loved, let’s not be as the many who corrupt the word of God, but be as the few holding forth the Word in all sincerity and truth being an example of the believers in all manner of our life. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 3:8-10 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, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (KJV)
The purpose of this week’s study was to show the difference between the old outdated doctrine of water baptism and the new spiritual baptism so that we could learn to be immersed in the new living spiritual waters that our Lord has made available to mankind. Knowing our Lord personally and experiencing His power will only take place when your old nature is nailed to the cross of Christ. There is power in the resurrection because you are no longer influenced by the outward sight. Galatians 2:18-21 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 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) The old law is a death sentence to many believers who begin so well in the Spirit, but then go back to old things to try and perfect their walk with God instead of doing those things that are pleasing in our Lord’s sight. It is frustrating to God to see His people who were set free for a season walk right back into the snare of the devil by the works of the law which are now considered vain and outdated. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (KJV) Instead of being stuck on water baptism, how about immersing yourself into the living spiritual waters which are the only ones that can get out spiritual stains. Given the fact that we need to clean up our act before showing up at the throne someday, why not find out what our Lord considers clean as compared to what mankind thinks will work. John 15:3-5 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (KJV) It’s the simplicity of the gospel that gets missed and overlooked by people who claim to be spiritual, yet still operate in the flesh. We have been engrafted into the tree of life and we are required to bear the fruit of the Spirit; and the best way for that to happen is to water it with living waters, which again Church are spiritual and not carnal. Ezekiel 36:25-27 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 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) All this week we have been showing the difference between John’s baptism and the one our Lord desires to see us immersed in. It is up to you personally to decide which realm you want to walk in, because only one will work, and that would be the spiritual one. Titus 3:4-6 But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; (KJV) John baptized with water, now you have access to the Holy Ghost, so grab what is rightfully yours for the taking and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. (KJV)
Now I know as we have gone along this week the thought comes to mind, “didn’t the disciples baptize in the book of Acts”? Yes they did, but remember that this was a time of reformation and many of the disciples were in the process of transitioning from the old to the new. Paul realized that salvation is based on grace through faith and not of works, thus the reason why this man wrote so many of the epistles which are now part of the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (KJV) Paul realized that the outward baptism was John’s baptism, you know John the Baptist? Paul was revealing the new baptism of our Lord, which is the cross of Christ. Keep in mind Church that the cross of Christ is a spiritual one and not an outward one. Also know that this cross is a personal one that each and every believer needs to take up in order to walk with our Lord. The so called church has this backwards; they think this dying to self stuff is foolish so they decide to pour water over someone thinking that is spiritual. Matthew 16:24-26 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 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? (KJV) In verse 24 we see our Lord speaking to the disciples about taking their own cross and following Him. Well, we know that our Lord was the only one crucified, so obviously this cross was symbolizing something that would be taking place spiritually. Note that this statement was made before our Lord’s crucifixion. Philippians 3:17-19 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) (KJV) Many today are enemies of the cross of Christ because they don’t have their spiritual senses exercised enough to know the difference between flesh and Spirit. Many today are still trying to appease the outward man more than the inward one and base their salvation more on feelings rather than letting the peace of God rule. Galatians 6:12-15 As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availed any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (KJV) Today I get a lot of flak from people who swear up and down that you must be water baptized or you won’t go to heaven. Paul got the same reception with the doctrine of circumcision. All these rituals were Old Testament and are outdated; all our Lord is looking at today is the new creation in Christ that we should become, which will only manifest when we take up the cross of Christ and die to those things which He says are a hindrance to our walk today. Dearly loved, take up your cross and follow our Lord Christ Jesus in a prosperous and fulfilled walk in the Spirit this day. God bless. Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (KJV)
It’s time to step into the new, because after all, this is the only realm you will find our Lord operating in today. Here is a baptism we don’t hear enough of today, something based in spirit and in truth; the only the truth that will set you free to walk in the Spirit and no longer be so influenced by the flesh. Romans 6:5-6 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (KJV) Remember how our Lord died on the cross in the outward realm? Well, now we need to take that into the spiritual one and follow suit in order to be truly baptized into Christ. You can’t have a resurrection without a death first. So what needs to be put to death is our old nature so that a new one can come to life within us. Romans 6:7-9 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath no more dominion over him. (KJV) Now when you truly become dead to the outward influences of the flesh that is when you will believe more in what the Lord is saying, and then speak it into existence. This is when the change truly takes place within the believer, and when they really walk away from the old dead watered down doctrines of man and into the new life Christ died to give us access to. Have you walked away from the old yet, because God is specific in the fact that He is a God of the living and not the dead; the living are those who are living in the realm of the Spirit and who are dead to the influences of the flesh. Colossians 2:11-13 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (KJV) It’s funny today how fickle religious people really are; they will re-enact the water baptism ritual, but they draw the line at circumcision claiming that is the old law. Well, circumcision is still is in play spiritually, because it represents something taking place within and no longer in the outward. Again, we see baptism has taken on a whole new spiritual meaning as well, but only to those that have the eyes of their understanding enlightened to the realm of the Spirit so that they can see to walk in a newness of life. Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (KJV) Our new life begins the death of our old nature and the influence it had on us in the past. So let’s get past these childish rituals, grow up, and start maturing in the realm of the Spirit, and see what our Lord has prepared for us today. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 1:29-31 The next day John sees 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. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. (KJV)
Let’s look at John the Baptists calling, and why he did what he did. First of all keep in mind that this man was still under the old law. His calling was to announce the coming of our Lord and to make known what was about to take place. John 1:32-34 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, upon whom thou shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. (KJV) Now there are many today who claim our Lord was actually born again and was receiving the Spirit at this time. However, nothing could be further from the truth. No, what John saw was a personal confirmation from God that upon whom he would see the Spirit descending on was the Son of God. We see God explaining in verse 33 that this man would be baptizing with something other than carnal waters and that this man would baptize with the Holy Ghost instead. Matthew 3:4-7 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? (KJV) If you are going to keep re-enacting water baptism, then why not wear a leather girdle and make your diet locusts and honey? Sound a bit farfetched? Well, not much more than those that should be operating in the new who are still working the dead works of the law. In verse 7 the distinction is made that this is John’s baptism and his calling which he did fulfill. Acts 10:36-38 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (KJV) The baptism that John preached was to make known the fact that our Lord was about to make His appearance, which in that time was in the flesh of Jesus of Nazareth. Today the baptism we should be preaching is pointing the people where our Lord is now operating, in the realm of the Spirit. Which realm are you looking in, and is it really something new, or are you just chasing your tail in some old outdated doctrine that a fallen man tries to promote as truth? Dearly loved, may the eyes of your understanding be continually enlightened to the truth of the gospel of Christ unto eternal life; God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. (KJV)
Now that you have become a new creature it means that you are now operating in a new realm, one that was not available before the sacrifice of our Lord. This week our goal is to point out some of the old and compare it to the new so that you can make an informed decision based on what the Word says and not what a fallen carnal mankind keeps imitating. Do take note that these old things are passed away which describes things that are dead and not something we should be digging up again and trying to revive. Hebrews 9:8-10 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and diver’s washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV) The word ‘figure’ in verse 9 is referring to a parable, a figure or a symbol of things that were done outwardly that now has a spiritual meaning for those that are able to see beyond the veil of the flesh. We have been in that time of reformation for at least two thousand years now, yet it is hard to fathom why so many in the so called churches have not caught on to what our Lord was symbolizing. Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) This week we are going to look at the old and new; how John baptized with water which he was doing according to the old law, and today, what is the new baptism that our Lord gives credence to. I believe you will see it is as different as night and day, or should I say flesh and Spirit? Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (KJV) We see our Lord making mention of this baptism, and given the fact that God is a Spirit, then it would be fitting to say that the baptism our Lord desires to see His people baptized in would be spiritual as well. John 6:63-65 It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (KJV) Today we have many that believe in God, yet in works deny Him and are walking in the wrong direction. Many today still think the works of the law are in play, which keeps them stuck under the curse instead of the blessing. The key to walking in the new is getting the old out of the way, which for mankind is his own carnal ways and thoughts. Our lower nature is of no profit to the new realm we are now walking in. So the more you stay in the Spirit, the more of the life of Christ you will experience personally for yourself. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (KJV)
Mankind has dreamed up many denominations which are not built on Christ; the only foundation and doctrine God acknowledges as truth. Many of mans’ concoctions are foolish to say the least, because they are operating in a realm that is enmity with God, that being the carnal or natural one. You can break free from that bondage by knowing who you are in Christ and the gospel that removes these spiritual blinders. John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (KJV) The Comforter will bring comfort to you when you rely more on the teaching from above and less by what man has tried to pawn off as truth. We have established this week the name which is being revealed to mankind so that we can know for sure who we are getting our gospel from, that being the name which is above all names, Jesus Christ. The job of the Comforter is not only to teach us all things, but to bring to remembrance the answer to be given to any man that would ask us of the hope of the gospel within us. Luke 21:13-15 And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. (KJV) All those in Christ shall suffer persecution from those that don’t know Christ yet try to justify themselves as being a part of the kingdom of God. I bring this up because I hear many today who get caught up in Bible memorization, in other words they are operating in a realm our Lord said is contrary to His, that being the carnal mind. The peace of God and the answer of the tongue comes to the heart first through the Holy Spirit, and then renews the mind, not the other way around. Mark 13:11-13 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not you that speak, but the Holy Ghost. 12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. 13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (KJV) Today would be a good day to start relying more on the inward man, and less on the outward man. Our Lord would like to speak through His people, if only they would let Him. Proverbs 16:1-3 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, are from the LORD. 2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits. 3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. (KJV) All this week we have been on the topic of the mystery of the gospel and what is being revealed from the heart of God to the heart of His people. We see our Lord speaks to the heart first, which then renews the mind. Whose answer are you giving today and do you know for sure who it is coming from? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:6-8 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (KJV)
It doesn’t matter who or what source the enemy uses to deceive God’s people, the key is knowing, why is he so against the gospel of Christ? Obviously it is a threat to his kingdom because it shows the people how to be more than conquerors and how to triumph over the power the enemy previously had on them. Ephesians 4:13-16 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 fullness of Christ: 14 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: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV) If you desire to be heading in the right direction, then it would be in your best interest to know who God put as the head of His church. Today I see many advances in the field of prosthetics, where a certain part of the body is cut off and replaced with something that makes it function. However, I have yet to see anyone decapitated having the head replaced, which is what mankind does when they leave out the gospel of Christ; you’re basically left with a dead body. Ephesians 5:23-25 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (KJV) You know, if you desire to move ahead in your walk then it would be in your best interest to know who God put as the head of the Church, Christ the Son of the living God, who is now seated right next to Him to mediate on our behalf. Just a side note, when you decide to get married to a Christian woman, that woman just happens to have a Father who requires you to love her just like Christ does His church. So if things are not too rosy at home, you may want to head to your prayer closet and find out why. 1 Peter 2:5-8 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (KJV) The reason many are tripping and falling over this corner stone is because they keep misplacing it and falling for some cheap imitation. Again we see that by leaving Christ out we are leaving the corner stone of His church out also. Keep Christ as your head dearly loved, and know that all things will work for the good to those who love God and do those things that are well pleasing in His sight. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (KJV)
We ended yesterday talking about a doctrine, the only doctrine that will get you home, that being the doctrine of Christ. Today we see Paul, a man God chose to pen most of the epistles making reference to his gospel, and once again we see it involves Christ, which tells us what source this man relied on for truth. This gospel should not be a mystery anymore, at least not within the Church. However, when listening to many today I hear so much emphasis put on the name of Jesus the outward man, and so little being put on the inward one. Could it be something or someone is hiding this truth? 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) So what’s the big deal about the mystery of the gospel of Christ? Well it removes the blinders that are hiding the truth and keeping the light from shining in the heart. In other words, that is why we have so many blind leading the blind today and ditching the truth. Again, we see Paul making reference to the doctrine or gospel he knew came from above. 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (KJV) Have you ever watched a movie where they keep showing a person of interest, but you can’t see their face? Once the face is revealed towards the end of the movie, it explains the whole plot and shows who this person really is. Time to face facts Church, you need to know who Christ is personally and let Him reveal His gospel to you; so that like Paul, you can claim it for yourself. 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the same veil untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament; which veil is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. (KJV) We are talking about a spiritual veil that keeps spiritual things hidden until it is taken away, which is only removed in Christ. So by leaving Christ out of the teaching, well we will remain blinded to the truth. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (KJV) Are you tired of the same old routine where it seems like your life is stale and at a standstill? Why not come clean with our Lord and face the fact that without Him you can do nothing on your own, well at least nothing that would enhance your walk. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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