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Good day. Today's video Above the Norm is on the topic of: Above the norm is where our Lord Jesus Christ would like you to go. The Father has translated (past tense) us into the kingdom of his dear Son. He raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. You have been transferred from a limited carnal realm into an unlimited spiritual realm. Above, you will hear a different message and walk a different path than you used to, are you willing to go there and remain there? You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good day. Today's video Unmoveable is on encouragement to remain steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Once you begin in the Spirit you need to remain there, grounded and settled in the doctrine and gospel of Christ. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 7:27-28 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. (28) But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. (KJV)
Williams New Testament Translation for 1Corinthians 7:27-28 27. Are you married? Stop trying to get a divorce. Are you unmarried? Stop looking for a wife. 28. But if you do get married, you have not sinned in doing so. And if a girl gets married, she has not sinned in doing so. But those who do will have trouble in their earthly life, and I am trying to spare you this. One of the common mistakes being made among Christian believers is the illusion that marriage will make their life complete, even if it means marrying someone who is an unbeliever. Paul not only spoke of this, but as we see in verse 28 he was bringing a warning to the people so that they could avoid the trouble they would encounter for their actions; which let’s face it, is based more on a carnal desire than on a spiritual one. Rather than seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness many try to fill a spiritual void with a physical solution, or so they think, and then wonder why they end up crashing. Like with a roller coaster ride it may go up slowly but once it peaks it will go downhill fast. Another common occurrence that takes place is the believer marrying someone for their potential; that someday they will change into a Christian just because you decided so, rather than making sure ahead of time it was so. Rather than holding your ground and not caving into your own desires you bought into the highlight reel the devil was showing you of all the things you were missing out on, how complete and fulfilled your life will be with this person. So a life that you said was the Lord’s and you were dedicating to Him is now replaced with another influence, something you claim you just can’t live without in order to serve Him. Getting involved with people because of what you perceive as potential, someone you think you can mold and shape into something Christian or Christ like is flirting with disaster. A common occurrence I see taking place in the Church. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (KJV) How can two walk together and continue to stay together, like minded and in agreement unless they are of one mind and one heart? The fact that you decided to enter a relationship on iffy ground, or a foundation built on sand, tells me that the compromise has already taken place; and rather than hold your ground you are caving in. You think you can handle the situation, no problem, ‘what’s the big deal? He or she is a nice person’. Well let me give three names just for starters, and you can go back and see the common denominator in what they allowed into their walk with the Lord, and how much good it did them; Samson, David, as well as his son Solomon. Isn’t there enough to deal with in our walk with the Lord without inviting another distraction into it? You think you’re strong in the Lord and can handle the situation, but the truth be known just the fact you engaged in these relationships in the first place says a lot about where you truly stand with the Lord and how quickly you were willing to compromise your beliefs. Matthew 7:17-18 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. (18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (KJV) You know, you get into the middle of these situations and then wonder why it doesn’t work out the way you thought it would? If you plant a weed, should you expect potatoes or apples to spring up? If someone isn’t rooted and grounded in the truth then they are not going to bear the fruit of the Spirit. It’s just that simple; and that is why we see the warnings in the Bible. Know this also, the euphoric ride you have been on will come back down to earth in the form of reality, and then you will have to deal with the long term effects of your decisions. It’s interesting that if one was walking toward a busy street they would take their time and look both ways before crossing, yet when it comes to our spiritual life many are quick to run forward without looking both ways; in other words, not just looking at the highlight reel of our decisions but the consequences also. You may violate man’s laws at times and not get penalized but be assured when one violates the law of faith there are definite consequences, not only in this life but in the one to follow also. 1 Corinthians 7:29-35 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; (30) And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; (31) And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. (32) But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: (33) But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. (34) There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. (35) And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. (KJV) When things are written in the Bible they are written for your benefit, whether you believe it or not. God is not trying to rob you of a blessing or holding back from you as the enemy would like you to think by getting you to buy into the lie that everyone else you know has that special someone in their life and now it’s my turn. If two are walking together in the things of the Lord they will be agreed, not only with themselves but with the Lord. However if you are in a relationship that is not truly based on the Lord then you will find it is a distraction; something that takes away and pulls you down rather than building you up. Before you engage or decide to become engaged with someone, for your own sake make sure your motives are for the right reason and make sure it is based on reality and not potential (someone you hope to mold and shape into a godly person). I have seen too many well intentioned believers fall for the illusion that the person they decide to hook up with will become a good husband or parent, only to find out that when their reality check comes in it ends up bouncing for lack of truth. So don’t be fooled and don’t think that the enemy isn’t aware of this weakness, and like a wolf will prey on those who didn’t take the time to pray on this matter truthfully and act accordingly as well. Mark 10:4-9 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. (5) And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. (6) But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. (7) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; (8) And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. (9) What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. (KJV) The hardness of the heart that is being spoken about is the fact that the children of Israel married outside of the people God had commanded them to, and then ended up worshipping the false gods of these foreign nations. Sound familiar. You know that thing about evil communications corrupting good morals; well it has been going on for a long time, and like a virus continues to spread even today. There is big difference between what God joins together and what our lower fallen natures become attached to. While God’s intention is for two to become one and walk together in the realm of the Spirit, the enemy would like nothing better than to see the believer unequally yoked with the nonbeliever and end up with a big distraction. So before you put on your rose colored glasses and allow your imagination to run wild in some fairy tale land, make sure you look both ways before saying I do, because the devil will only show you the highlights while the Lord will give you the truth as far as consequences. Many a good intentioned Christian have been taken down and blindsided because they chose to flirt with disaster rather than deal with the reality of their decisions, which are based more on a carnal desire than a spiritual one. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 16:13-15 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (14) And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. (15) And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV)
Is there anything more highly esteemed and sought after by mankind than the riches of this life; which many are led to believe that by someday acquiring enough of them they will find peace in their life? As we see again in verse 14, the Lord addressed and warned those that were covetous, which is just another form of idolatry. This get rich mentality has crept into the teachings of many; so in order to justify their lifestyles they become people pleasers with prosperity messages limited to the realm of the flesh that promise so much and deliver so little. No wonder our Lord was derided and chastised for teaching against these false doctrines, trying to point the people to the realm of the Spirit by forsaking the things of the flesh. Matthew 19:16-24 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? (17) And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (18) He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, (19) Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (20) The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (21) Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (22) But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (23) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. (24) 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. (KJV) Why are so many people preaching and teaching a doctrine today that can be detrimental to ones spiritual well being? No man can serve two masters; in order to grow and mature in the Lord one has to forsake the things which are highly esteemed here on earth to partake of the heavenly gift. The Lord instructed the rich man to go and sell out to this way of thinking; and rather than continue seeking the treasures of this earth become a follower of Christ and begin partaking of His spiritual treasure. If you notice to, the Lord didn’t try to get Him to donate all his riches to the Jesus Christ worldwide evangelical association, but rather distribute it to the poor. How few true teachers do we have left today who are more interested in the spiritual welfare of the congregation and not for their own personal welfare, who are willing to lay down their lives and desires for the sake of others. The eye of the needle has been described as a smaller opening in the large gates which go into the city. In those times the cites had walls surrounding them with a large gate in front that had a smaller opening just big enough for quick access into it. In order for the camel to enter in it would have to crouch down on all fours having had all the cargo it was carrying removed before it could get through. The same holds true with the believers; we humble ourselves before the Lord, and before entering into His realm we leave all the old baggage and what we thought were priorities behind us and walk in a newness of life. Anytime we try to hang onto the old and enter into the new, any excess baggage and cargo will get in the way and block ones entrance and not allow them to continue forward, which is what the rich man in the above parable was experiencing. Is there something you are hanging onto today that is keeping you stuck in the realm of the flesh and not allowing you to move forward on the path of life? That thing that has been eating at you, something you have been trying to justify before men may just be what is now an abomination in the sight of God and needs to be discarded and left behind so that you are not the one that ends up left behind and on the outside looking in. 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV) All these things that are so highly esteemed among mankind and highly sought after look good and sound good to our carnal senses, but make no sense to the spiritual ones. If your love and affection is more toward the world and the things of it, which are in the process of dying and passing away, then you too will end up passing away with them. It’s only those that are willing to forsake these things, take up their cross and crucify the flesh and its carnal desires, who will be allowed access into the realm of God, and who will continue in the truth grounded and settled and not moved away by cheap imitations of the devil. No man can serve two masters; double minded, unstable, and unable to move forward in their walk: like the old time prisoners which had the ball and chains attached to them to keep them bound. 1 Timothy 6:5-8 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. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV) While the world and its worldly preachers will tell you the importance of giving so that you can acquire more, the simple truth is in being content; content with the fact that you are a part of the kingdom of God and an inheritor of His eternal life, having forsaken the desires of this temporal one. While so many that have been called to teach and preach the things of God end up to be nothing more than cheap hucksters peddling the word of God and giving special treatment to the highest bidders, simple contentment is where one will find true peace, and the joy of the Lord. You came into this world with nothing and you have the opportunity to leave it with everything. The question is, ‘what is highly esteemed in your life today, and is there anything you are coveting after that is causing you to err and miss the mark?’ Anything other than contentment is idol worship, and it will keep one idling instead of moving forward and maturing in the Lord. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Psalms 37:3-4 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (4) Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (KJV)
We have been talking lately about treasure and what it is the heart truly is set on; the things of God or the things of this life. Where your treasure is will determine where the heart is and which way it is going. As we have spent so much of our life in the past living in the realm of the flesh we were more concerned with our bank accounts here on earth than our spiritual welfare. We spent most of our time consumed with how to make deposits in our accounts so that we wouldn’t end up bankrupt. With a new heart will come a new desire; now our attention should be more on making a direct deposit into our spiritual bank account on a daily basis so that we have enough to supply the need. The enemy will try to access your account and rob you blind, so it is up to you to make sure you stay alert and keep a watch over your heart. It is the true riches of God that we have access to, and this is why the devil fights so hard to keep you from accessing these spiritual riches and would like nothing better than to keep you in bondage by chasing temporal riches. Proverbs 23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. (KJV) While driving a few weeks ago we spotted eagles and other birds off the road working on some fresh road kill. When we slowed down to get a picture the eagles were the first to fly off and not present a close picture, but kept their distance. For those that are stuck in the realm of the flesh and seek worldly riches the same holds true. Although they come up with their own ways to get rich, and think they are getting close to the answer, it somehow eludes them and is outside their grasp. This is just the realm the enemy would like to see the people of God pursuing as well, getting caught up in the things of this life so they are not able to access the things of God and His true riches. Proverbs 8:17-21 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (18) Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. (19) My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. (20) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: (21) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. (KJV) Which account have you been depositing into today; which one will have the sufficient funds in it if needed; or will your reality check bounce because of insufficient funds? Has the devil gotten into your account and replaced the true riches of God with a fake love and affection for the things of this life, funny money? Or have you held fast your profession of faith without wavering and found the fruit of the Spirit, the love, joy and peace of God above and beyond any gold or silver this earth has to offer? Remember, no man can serve two masters; you will hold to one and despise the other. So which one are you holding to today, or should I say which one has a hold on you? Proverbs 8:10-11 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. (11) For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (KJV) Remember that parable about putting new wine into an old wineskin? It doesn’t work; it ends up breaking and spilling the new wine. The same holds true with us, we cannot grasp and hang onto the new unless we are willing to let go of the old desires, replacing them with new heavenly ones. Once one partakes of the new they find out that the old just doesn’t satisfy anymore. In fact the more one partakes of the new the more they realize how they have been ripped off and were missing out on the true riches of God, and how God does richly give us all things to enjoy without the bondage. Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; (2) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; (3) Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; (4) If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; (5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. (KJV) Remember all that effort you have been putting into your physical desires? Well the Lord said He would give you the desire of your heart if you would put that same effort and affection into the things of His realm. Remember, even though you thought you made progress in the realm of the flesh it still left you empty and not satisfied. Well the peace of God which passes our understanding gives us the true desire of our heart despite what our outward circumstances may try to dictate. Once one has truly tasted the goodness of God they find that it is the one thing they were always looking for just never able to achieve in the realm of the flesh and its carnal thinking. Psalms 119:127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. (KJV) When you truly treasure the things of God more than the things of this realm that is when you will experience the love of God which is an eternal treasure. While so many teach and preach a prosperity message which limits them to the realm of the flesh, a few have found the true treasure chest which is located in the heavenly realm ready to be revealed to those that are willing to walk in the Spirit. Colossians 2:1-4 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (2) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (3) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (4) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. (KJV) Why do you think Paul suffered such great conflict, and why the enemy did all he could to keep this truth from being preached? Is there anything more comforting than to know the true love of God; being able to have a full assurance and understanding of the mystery of God that has been hidden in Christ but now ready to be revealed and accessed by those that are more concerned with the eternal treasures? How many movies and books have been written that deal with treasure hunts and how those that seek it must follow the clues hidden in the maps to find it? These movies also show the opposition and how many thieves try to keep them from finding it, as well as attempting to steal it from them once it is found. You have a treasure map, and all the clues point to the Father who can only be accessed through His Son and a working knowledge of Christ where this treasure chest of spiritual wisdom and knowledge awaits those that seek it with all their heart. Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. (11) When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? (12) The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. (KJV) Ever hear of fools’ gold? Those that think something in this realm will ever satisfy a spiritual need will find themselves shortchanged and spiritually bankrupt, robbed blind. So while the world and its worldly preachers are asking what's in your wallet, the Lord is asking what is in the spiritual account, and what realm are you banking on? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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