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Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (KJV)
We have talked before about prophesying, which simply means to speak under the inspiration of, that being inspired by the Holy Spirit. Just before the above verses we are warned of many who were not inspired and speaking in line with the Spirit, who end up deceived and fall short of the eternal reward God had intended for them. God sent us a wise man, that being Jesus of Nazareth, who was willing to speak words that were Spiritual and brought life to the believers, having built His house on a rock solid foundation. Knowing what that foundation is for yourself is vital if you wish to be used of God and speak His words which will be Spiritual and bring forth life as well, and allow you access into His eternal realm. Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (KJV) Christ is that rock, that rock solid foundation that is lacking with many who are still building their foundation on sand, that being man’s doctrines and false interpretations of the gospel. Many talk of Jesus the man but are oblivious to Christ the Son of God who was within Him, the Spirit that was leading and guiding Him in truth. After all, He did quite well for Himself having been seated at the right hand of God, and is now ready to reveal Himself to you personally and show you how you too can walk the path that leads to eternal life. Is your foundation built on this Rock, or is it more of a crock, something manmade and not acknowledged by God? 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (KJV) Ever see products that have a seal on them? One in particular that comes to mind is the real seal; this is a seal that marks them as genuine, the real deal. We see again that the writer Paul here was inspired to speak concerning the foundation of God, and that it is in the name of Christ that we are set free and depart from iniquity. We need to rightly divide the word of truth; so as you go through your Bible keep in mind the name of Christ and how important it is that you are established on this rock solid foundation. John 17:1-3 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: (2) As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. (3) And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (KJV) How about looking at the verses and ask, what did this man Jesus of Nazareth call Himself? He definitely was an inspirational speaker and still is; seated at the right hand of God and delivering His message of faith and love to His church. So if this is the Rock that He was established on, and this is the name He acknowledged as being His, how can I go wrong? Mark 9:38-41 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. (39) But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. (40) For he that is not against us is on our part. (41) For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. (KJV) That’s comforting to know, that if I know His name and belong to Him, being a part of the family in Christ, then I will not lose my reward. Remember in Matthew 7:21-23, many had claimed to be speaking on the Lord’s behalf but He replied depart from me I never knew you. Obviously they didn’t know His name therefore He didn’t know their name either, which meant that they must have built their foundation on something other than the Rock. While today I hear many preach and teach in the name of Jesus, I see in Mark that those that know the name of Christ and teach in that name will not be turned away from the gates of heaven but will be welcomed in with open arms. Do you know the name that will get you access and keep you established on the Rock, or are you building on the sand where it is just a matter of time before the house gets taken down stream? Acts 4:10-13 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 nought 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. (13) Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (KJV) Remember that name that was revealed to Peter in Matthew 16:16-18? It was the rock solid revelation that came from God Himself and inspired Peter, that others marveled at the boldness and knowledge he received from that revelation. There is no other name given under heaven; there is no other foundation that you can lay than that which is laid, Jesus Christ, not just Jesus but the complete name Jesus Christ. Which is why people who pray in the name of Jesus and leave out Christ are someday going to find out that their name may be left off of His heavenly register as well. If we deny Him (Christ), then He will deny us also. John 4:23-26 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (25) The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. (26) Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (KJV) Who is speaking to you and where are you seeking inspiration from? If it is Christ then you are well established, while anyone else will not hold up. Are you a ‘can do’ person? Then you will know how to get it accomplished. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV) God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 4:6-9 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (7) Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (8) Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. (9) But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? (KJV)
How does God view you, and what is your standing with Him? Well He actually considers you a part of His family, wow. But how could that be? Well simply put, God Himself is a Spirit, and sent the Spirit of His Son so that you could be adopted in as well. So in essence it is not you, or should I say the carnal man, that God is looking at, but rather the Spirit of His Son within you is what He gives credence to and so should we. Pleasing our Father can only be in Spirit and according to truth; and the only way that we will know that is by establishing a relationship with our Spiritual Father through another Spiritual being, that being His Son. So how well known you are to God is determined by how well you know His Son and the message God is delivering through Him. Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (KJV) It doesn’t matter what your physical lineage is or any other outward thing, but rather God is looking to the heart to see if He can find someone in agreement with Him, that being Christ in you the hope of glory. The only reason that you are a part of the family of God and the only thing that will keep you a part of His heavenly Spiritual family is your faith in Christ; you know, that part about being doers of His Word and not hearers only? Hebrews 3:6-8 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. (7) Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, (8) Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: (KJV) Hey don’t forget to read the fine print folks so that you don’t fall from grace and be so easily removed from the truth into some perverted version of the gospel. One of the biggest words in these verses is the word ‘if’; and the ‘if’ part is on our end and not the Lord’s. You allowed the Lord into your temple which is now considered the Lord’s, and you are now considered one of God’s sons; now you need to let the Lord continue to be the Head of your house if you desire to be firm and steadfast to the end. Are you listening to the voice from above; you know, that one from your true Father, or are you letting the father of lies try to talk you out of your inheritance? John 8:34-36 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. (35) And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. (36) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (KJV) In the past we were the servants of sin and not a part of the Heavenly family. It was when the Son was sent on our behalf and delivered us from this bondage that we were then adopted back into the family of God. If the Son shall make you free; well, the Spirit is willing it’s the flesh that is weak, and so are those that choose their own desires over the Lord’s. The Son has set us free; the question is, ‘will you stay in that realm of freedom, or will you fall from grace and back to being a servant of sin?’ from Barnes' Notes John 8:35 [The servant abideth not ...] The servant does not, of course, remain forever, or until his death with his master. If he is disobedient and wicked, the master sells him or turns him away. He is not the heir, and may at any time be expelled from the house of his master. But a son is the heir. He cannot be in this manner cast off or sold. He is privileged with the right of remaining in the family. This takes place in common life. So said the Saviour to the Jews: "You, if you are disobedient and rebellious, may at any time be rejected from being the people of God, and be deprived of your special privileges as a nation. You are in the condition of servants, and unless you are made free by the gospel, and become entitled to the privilege of the sons of God, you will be cast off like an unfaithful slave." Compare <Heb. 3:5-6>. Hebrews 3:14-15 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (15) While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. (KJV) Your adoption papers, your justification is only found in Christ and your ability to hear His message of truth and respond accordingly. Again the warning about hardening the heart, because today you need to make the choice of who you will actually serve, and not just with lip service, but in deed. A hardening of the arteries in the physical realm will shut down the heart and lead to death if not dealt with properly. The same holds true in the spiritual realm; keeping the life of Christ flowing through you so that you can continue to be a partaker of Christ and the adoption that He provided for you. Basically what we are seeing over and over again is the fact that how well known we make ourselves to God, by being willing and obedient, is how well known we will be to Him and still be considered a part of His family. Hebrews 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV) Why are you drawing back when you should be drawing near to God? How could you ever expect to know God let alone be known of Him unless you are hearing how to operate in the realm of the Spirit, which is the realm that He operates in and so do His people. The only way you as a child of God can do those things that are pleasing in His sight, is by hearing His message through Jesus Christ and then following through with what He is asking of you this day, right now. So how am I known to God? Well that depends on how well you make Him a priority in your life; letting Him be your Father and you the adopted son or daughter. Look at it this way, there is the Son that is seated at the right hand of God who has been here and who has done what was needed. So with that in mind, can you think of anyone better to be getting your heavenly instructions from? God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 11:28-30 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (29) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (30) For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (KJV)
You know, it’s up to you personally to hear the message being delivered by God through Christ so that you can know for yourself what the true meaning of it is. There is a line if you would, where once you cross it there is no going back, at least not in peace. Those that entered the Lord’s realm did so because they examined themselves and realized that they were in dire need of something better, that being our Lord and His truth that would set them free. When people don’t discern or rightly divide the truth, the meaning of the Word of God, then they enter a realm of darkness, where if continued in makes them weak; some become spiritually sick as well, and some are sleepwalking, claiming to be serving our Lord but yet they are still walking according to the flesh. For many they just blindly accept whatever is thrown their way in the form of man’s doctrine and then wonder why they don’t get any real results, something of substance. Hebrews 5:11-14 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (KJV) Nothing will pull a person down quicker than a lousy diet and a lack of exercise. Spiritually the same holds true; those that should have been teaching needed to be re-taught themselves because they had become dull in their hearing, that being, hearing the Word of God. Many do hear things that many claim to be of God, but only a few really take the time and effort to seek for themselves the true meaning and interpretation of the Word. Strong’s definition for ‘dull’: 3576 nothros (no-thros'); from a derivative of 3541; sluggish, i.e. (literally) lazy, or (figuratively) stupid: KJV-- dull, slothful. Not a very pleasant picture, someone that should have been strong in the Lord and the power of His might is now basically useless, you know, like when the salt has lost its savor? Verse 14 uses the term ‘strong meat’ which would make one strong if they are partaking of it. However, if one is not properly exercising their Spiritual senses instead of rejecting the unhealthy things, they accept them wholeheartedly and end up weak and sick. Isn’t that one of the first things that you as a parent try to teach the children, how to eat a healthy diet so that they don’t end up sick? Well, for those that should be leading by example, what kind of spiritual diet have you been partaking of, and is it something that is building you up or pulling you down? 1 Corinthians 11:30-32 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (31) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. (32) But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (KJV) Hmmm, there is that word ‘many’ again; you know, like many false prophets that would arise and deceive many? How about the many that are called and yet only a few are chosen; so what happened to the ‘many’? Well many are bedridden, having not shown up for their spiritual calling, but rather they called in sick because they have become weak, weakened by doctrines that are man-made with man-made unhealthy additives, shortcuts would be another way of describing it. Many are asleep as well, because rather than give ear to the Lord and His correction (chastening is another way of putting it) they spend more time trying to appease man rather than God which is why they are in the category of ‘the many’. 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, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) God did His part and sent His Son so that we could be furnished with everything needed to walk His path of life. Oh it is so nice to hear about the blessings of God and all the good stuff that goes along with them, but how about some of the other things, like reproof or correction, you know, like when you were a child and would rather have the dessert instead of the broccoli? Well, just like with all those sugar coated doctrines that we have out there, the payoff is that they are not healthy, and neither are those that partake of them and don’t take the time to rightly divide or get the Lord’s true take on the meaning. For many they hear only what they want to hear and discard the rest, which is like watching children in a school cafeteria, most of what is discarded is what is the healthiest. 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. (2) I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (3) For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (4) For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? (KJV) The scriptures were to inspire us, to make us perfect (which means mature), not stuck in the carnal realm acting like a bunch of babies. Many people associate themselves more with an organization rather than the Word of God. They become dependent and stuck on the doctrine or denomination, and can quote their beliefs more than the truth. When I hear many claim that they are associated with a denomination it tells me that they hold more to man than God; after all, what denominational name did the Lord attach to Himself? Ever hear a child trying to speak their first words? Most of what they say is something they hear from others. 1 Corinthians 13:10-11 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 is a line drawn that separates soul from Spirit, a realm that separates the men from the children. One has come, a perfect sacrifice, so that we could have a perfect mature understanding for ourselves of God’s plan of salvation; which by the way, one of the definitions of salvation is health. What kind of health spiritually are you in today, and what kind of diet are you partaking of? If it is Spiritual then it will bring life as well as a healthy walk with the Lord, while anything else will leave one weak, sickly, and basically sleeping like a baby. God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 5:36-39 And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. (37) And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. (38) But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. (39) No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better. (KJV)
Luke 5:39 [Having drunk old wine ...] Wine increases its strength and flavor, and its mildness and mellowness, by age, and the old is therefore preferable. They who had tasted such mild and mellow wine would not readily drink the comparatively sour and astringent juice of the grape as it came from the press. The meaning of this proverb in this place seems to be this: You Pharisees wish to draw my disciples to the "austere" and "rigid" duties of the ceremonial law-- to fasting and painful rites; but they have come under a milder system. They have tasted the gentle and tender blessings of the gospel; they have no "relish" for your stern and harsh requirements. To insist NOW on their observing them would be like telling a man who had tasted of good, ripe, and mild wine to partake of that which is sour and unpalatable. At the proper time all the sterner duties of religion will be properly regarded; but "at present," to teach them to fast when they see "no occasion" for it-- when they are full of joy at the presence of their Master-- would be like putting a piece of new cloth on an old garment, or new wine into old bottles, or drinking unpleasant wine after one had tasted that which was more pleasant. It would be ill-timed, inappropriate, and incongruous. (from Barnes' Notes) Looking at the word ‘communion', which means to communicate, to fellowship, as well as participation, how do you communicate with the Lord, and how does He communicate and have fellowship with you? It is no longer based on outward rituals, but by an inward renewing of the Holy Ghost. A Spiritual being, that being Christ, is looking for those that are Spiritual in nature as well; seeking those that desire a relationship with Him based on what He has done on our behalf and not what we think we need to do, especially when it comes to old outdated rituals. Romans 14:17-19 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (18) For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. (19) Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation for Romans 14:17-19 17. For the kingdom of God does not consist in what we eat and drink, but in doing right, in peace and joy through the Holy Spirit; 18. whoever in this way continues serving Christ is well-pleasing to God and approved by men. 19. So let us keep on pursuing the things that make for peace and our mutual upbuilding. Old wine does not work in a new wineskin because the two are totally contrary one to another. When you keep holding to the outward and no longer seek the inward meaning of the Word, then you to end up on the outside looking in through a veil. For those that think a piece of bread is going to get you into the kingdom of God, well that’s just crummy doctrine. Your pursuit of peace with God must now take place in His realm, which can only come through Jesus Christ, so that your joy may be full. A shot of wine may make you a bit giddy, but I guarantee that it will not get you any closer to the Lord, let alone provide much peace. 2 Corinthians 5:16-18 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. (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (KJV) Old things are passed away when you become a new creation in Christ. If old things or old wine is passed away, then would not those that still hold to those things be passing away as well? We are to know nothing no longer after our outward senses or understanding; but now we are able to see beyond the veil of the flesh and into the new realm which brings new meaning and understanding of the scriptures. When I see people still holding to the carnal meaning of the Word, like with their communion services, I see people who are still stuck in the old and not becoming the new creation that God intended for them to be. Where are you finding peace today, and where are you looking; in the old outdated realm, or are you partaking of the new one, one that is Spirit bringing new life to the believer? Ephesians 3:8-12 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (9) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (10) To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV) Here is a true fellowship, communion if you would, that our Lord would like to see His people partaking of. This fellowship is described as a mystery, something that goes beyond the realm of the flesh and into the Spirit. You know, the Lord has a plan and a purpose for your life, in fact He describes it as being an eternal one which is only found in Christ. So in conclusion I ask you, is a wafer of bread or a cup of wine going to get you this boldness and access with confidence, or is there something more to it than that, something Spiritual that will allow you to have true fellowship with the Father? God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Colossians 3:3-4 For ye are dead, and your life hid with Christ in God. (4) When Christ, who is your life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (KJV)
Let me ask you, do you look to appear there with Christ now…or some day in the future? I hoped you answered, now; for that is the key, to realize that we are there with Him now, not some day in the future. Today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time. Your old life is hid by the blood of Christ as you continue to decrease (dying daily to the wants and desires of the flesh), and continue to increase in Christ who is your life, being raised a Spiritual being, appearing also with him in glory. Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (KJV) John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (KJV) John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, who thou has given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. (KJV) You see here in the following verses God’s fulfillment of Jesus Christ’s prayer to Him… Ephesians 2:4-7 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. (KJV) This being the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man which availeth much. His great love in which He loves us; a place prepared, ready for occupation by those who seek to appear with Him in glory. Acts 7:55-56 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, (56) And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (KJV) Are you standing there; in your rightful place that has been given you in Christ? You are a child of God, so why not? Why wait when you can in all things grow up into Christ who is your life and appear with Him in glory, right now, today. He prepared a place for you didn’t He? So continue your appearance with Him in glory, today and forever more. And so my beloved brethren, knowing this, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ giving thanks to God and the Father by him… Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (KJV) |
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