Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day three, written January 19, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
 
A New Desire
 
Psalms 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (KJV)
 
With a new heart will come a new desire; however, your new desire and way of life is totally contrary to the old one. It is our Father’s good pleasure to give us His kingdom; thus the reason why He sent us His Son to buy us back, and redeem us. Now you will notice that throughout your Bible there are terms and conditions for these desires to be fulfilled. Another way of looking at it is referring to your prayer life, not only knowing that your prayers are getting heard but getting some actual results and the response from above that you are looking for. You will also find that in order to get a response from above, you will need to respond accordingly as well. This is what will build your confidence and trust in the Lord, not only knowing that you can go to Him in time of need but that you will respond to His request as well. Yeah, believe it or not this salvation stuff is a two way street.
 
1 John 3:19-22 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (20) For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. (21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (22) And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (KJV)
 
Ever hear of the term identity theft; you know where someone gets a hold of someone else’s credit card and uses their name to make withdrawals? Many Christians are like that, they come to our Lord in time of need making withdrawals from their spiritual accounts, however, only a few return to see what they can deposit to keep their account open. If you notice above, that if there is peace in your heart then you know that you are still on the right path that our Lord ordained for you to walk on, and you will have confidence as well. However, if your heart is being pricked a bit you have a choice to cease and desist from something unhealthy, or continue on a path that will lead you further from the truth. The word ‘ask’ means to desire or crave; so as long as we continue to ask things that are in line with what our Lord intended for us to seek after, then we will get His results.
 
James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (KJV)
 
When looking at verse one, I personally don’t see much peace there, rather a lot of turmoil and frustration is starting to set in and take over. As you can see, this is all a result of our desire; trying to fill a Spiritual need with a carnal one, just not happening. Oh, and the more you try to justify yourself the more this stuff just keeps spinning and spinning inside of you, stirring up the more muck and mire. I find that with many, when all you hear is them trashing others, playing the blame game, yeah they are just taking out their own faults and shortcomings on others rather than coming clean and dealing with the real source of their fall.
 
James 4:4-6 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (5) Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (KJV)
 
You know, when you make a commitment to the Lord and then go back to the world and its way of thinking, yeah, that is when you open the door for a world of hurt. Some of these people that you are associating with, even those that say that they are Christians, ahhh, the reality is that they are just like the world, it’s just a different disguise that they are wearing. Your Bible is very clear on what evil communication does to someone who may have started out with good intentions. Yeah, if continued in it, it will corrupt your good morals that you started with in the beginning of your walk.
 
1 John 5:13-15 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (14) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (KJV)
 
Hey, look what happens when we get our heart right with the Lord, and desire the things above instead of those below the standard that He intended for us. Instead of wars and frustrations, fear and doubt is replaced with words like knowing, believing, as well as some confidence being thrown in the mix for good measure. Do you desire results in your prayer life? Then seek those things above, and you will find them.

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day two, written January 18, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011
 
A New Desire
 
Psalms 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (KJV)
 
So where does your delight come from today; is it based on outward events and circumstances, or are you one of the few that has found the inward delight that can only come from above? If you commit yourself to the Lord and stay committed, well, He will stay committed to you as well so that your life will never become stale. You know, with a new heart will come a new desire, something that you definitely should be seeking after.
 
Ezekiel 11:18-20 And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. (19) And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: (20) That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (KJV)
 
Verse 19 talks about one heart, as well as a new spirit. In order to continue your walk on the path of life that our Lord ordained for you to walk on you will need to keep your mind renewed daily to the things above otherwise you will fall for any cheap hoax below. The Lord did a heart transplant on us once we received His plan of salvation, taking out the stony hard heart and replacing it with something that He can work with and mold, like clay. However, just like with clay, one needs a daily dose of living waters to keep it pliable, or else it will harden again.
 
Mark 4:3-6 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: (4) And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. (5) And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: (6) But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. (KJV)
 
Here we see some examples of what happens when a Christian no longer desires the things above, but rather starts looking elsewhere, thinking that something here on earth would ever satisfy an inward hunger. You know, one of the first things a good farmer will do is go into a field and pick all the rocks out of it before planting a crop. Without some good soil to work with, as well as living waters, the plant will not take root and will eventually wither away. Many of God’s people experience the same results when they no longer seek the things above but rather put their hand to the plow and then look back behind them for answers again.
 
Mark 4:18-20 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, (19) And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (20) And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. (KJV)
 
You know, once you get your Spiritual house in order it is up to you to keep a watch over it and not allow anything contrary to sound doctrine to enter back in and mess it up. Verse 19 gives us a clear example of what is not desirable as far as the kingdom of God is concerned, and will choke the life out of the believer if they continue to pursue these things. Contrary to what many are teaching today, you know where they make it appear that God owes us a hundred fold return on our carnal riches, we are actually the ones who need to be bringing forth and bearing a hundred fold return on His seed, which is Spiritual. Christ is the only seed; the word of God is the only thing that we should be desiring and becoming rooted and grounded in; while anything else will just dry up and be blown away with many winds of doctrines.  

Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day one, written January 17, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Monday, January 17, 2011
 
A New Desire
 
Psalms 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (KJV)
 
You will find that with any document or contract that there are terms and conditions that are written into them that explain how it works, or is made void and nullified. Our Father in heaven left mankind a will, His will and desire for mankind so that the time that they spend here on this earth would be blessed, as well as their eternal time once they leave this earth. Knowing for yourself how and why God responds to your prayer or desires, petition would be another way of putting it, will build a trust and confidence so that you can know and not have to guess that they have been heard and answered as well.
 
Proverbs 3:13-15 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. (14) For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. (15) She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. (KJV)
 
Oh if you could just bottle this up and then give someone a taste, then they would see how much greater the Spiritual is compared to this carnal fallen realm. In order to find wisdom and understanding, you would need to make these things a desire, or let’s say a priority in your life. This is where many draw the line, call it quits, looking more at what they are walking away from instead of the newness of life that they are walking into. With a new heart will come a new desire, a desire for the things pertaining to the Spirit, no longer being influenced and overwhelmed with the things of the flesh. So start looking up Church, and you won’t be let down by the things of this fallen realm that can never satisfy or bring peace and contentment to the inner man.
 
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (3) Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (KJV)
 
The term quickened refers to bringing back to life. So your dead end life was a result of the dead end desires you sought after and thought would bring peace. The sad truth is that many of God’s own people are brought back to life for a season; however, that season dies when they think that they can still incorporate the old things with the new man in Christ. A life that we thought would be fulfilled by carnal things needs to be replaced with a desire for the Spiritual things of God if one truly desires to make it to their eternal destination. You will find someday when standing before the Lord and giving an account of what you desired here on earth, that you will definitely desire to hear the statement “well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord”.
 
Matthew 4:2-4 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. (3) And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (4) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (KJV)
 
You know, the enemy took a shot at our Lord at a time when the flesh definitely desired to be fed. However, our Lord knew that in order to live He would need to keep His body in subjection to the Spirit, and desire the Spiritual over the carnal. So what is your desire today, and are you feeding the inward first before seeking the outward?

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today's video Heaven Sent is on the topic of: What or who was sent from heaven? God sent his word and healed us and delivered us from our destructions. God sent his Son, Jesus Christ into the world, that we through him might have eternal life. And this is eternal life, that you might know our Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he sent.
 
​​​​​​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 we are posting A Famine Unheard Of  day five, written January 14, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Friday, January 14, 2011
 
A Famine Unheard Of
 
Amos 8:11-12 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. (KJV)
 
All this week we have been looking at a famine that is taking place with many, and many are not even aware that it is taking place; which in reality is taking place right in front of their eyes. The problem is that it is unseen, as well as unheard of, because they have become dull of hearing by an improper use of their Spiritual senses.
 
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)
 
At what age growing up would you have died if you didn’t get off the bottle and onto some solid food? Now look at that from the Spiritual aspect, and you will be able to see and hear what Paul was making reference to with those that he saw were famished because of a lack of hearing the word of God. If you desire to grow up and mature in the Lord then you will need to start partaking of a diet that will cause that to take place, one which definitely involves the meat of God’s word. Many have become dull of hearing because they don’t exercise their Spiritual senses and discern the difference between what is of God and what is man’s fallen interpretations of the Word.
 
Luke 15:14-17 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. (15) And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. (16) And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. (17) And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! (KJV)
 
What you see taking place is what happens too many when they get around the wrong people, which is what Paul described about evil communications corrupting good morals. Many so called churches could be aptly described as a pig pen rather than something of substance that would feed the flock and not cause them to perish with hunger. Oh do take note of when and where this famine took place, yeah right after one steps out of the will of their Father.
 
Luke 15:20-23 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (21) And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. (22) But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (23) And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: (KJV)
 
Hey look what happens when one gives ear to some truth, and decides to turn back to their Father. Instead of ingesting pig slop, the Lord would like you to partake of the meat again, that fatted calf that He has prepared for His people so that they no longer have to perish for lack of knowledge.
 
Mark 4:21-24 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? (22) For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. (23) If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (24) And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. (KJV)
 
The light of the glorious gospel of Christ is like a candle lit to show us the path of life. Unto us is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, so that we no longer have to die from the spiritual starvation that is plaguing mankind. Do you desire more of the Lord and His influence in your walk? Well, that all depends on how much you are willing to give ear to His word and follow through with your commitment with Him. God bless and stay fed in the Word, and fed up with any false doctrine that the enemy would try to throw your direction today.

​​​​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting a new addition to the newsletter series Identity Crisis!, Part 5 written in 2024 by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka, Parts 1-4 were written in 2001. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter series. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2024.

​Identity Crisis!
V27 N3
Part 5
 
Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. KJV
 
Matthew 10:32-33 Everyone who will acknowledge Me before men, I will acknowledge him before my Father who is in heaven, and whosoever will disown Me, I will disown before My Father who is in heaven. (Weymouth translation)
 
Twenty-three years ago, Father had me pen this four-part series on Identity Crisis. Today we are going to do part five, in order to present further evidence on why we are to be abiding in Him, both physically and spiritually through Christ Jesus.
 
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: KJV
 
Many claim to be Christian (one of His). However, will they be able to present ample evidence to be able to gain entrance into His kingdom? Could there be an identity crisis?
 
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 So from this moment on I do not estimate anybody by the standard of outward appearances. Although I once did estimate Christ by this standard, I do not do so any longer. For if anybody is in union with Christ, he is the work of a new creation; the old condition has passed away, a new condition has come. (Williams translation)
 
Note how one is to know no man after the flesh. Yet, for all of our natural life here on this earth, we have learned to identify each other after the lower nature, rather than to see if they are a member of the body of Christ. From the beginning of our walk with God, we were supposed to be young Christians seeking the truth. However, for the vast majority of people, they have listened to the exploits of Jesus of Nazareth and lack the fundamental insights of who Christ is. Could this present an identity crisis?
 
Have you ever wondered why we are called Christians, and not Jesusians? Romans tell us that He is the first born of many brethren (Romans 8:29). If you will recall that the Lord asked them to come and follow Him. One is to be striving toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). One’s ambition should be to bring to a conclusion the process of following Him and being a part of the new creation, the new birth right. Striving to maintain our relationship with Him and in Him. To be an heir with Him, and not having an identity crisis.
 
Colossians 1:15-18 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. KJV (Read to the end of the chapter.)
 
It is for one to recognize how and why Christ Jesus set the precedence for rising from the dead, and is the first born of all creation. Spiritually was Christ raised from the dead, and thus bring to life again Jesus of Nazareth, and the path for any to follow.
 
Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. KJV
 
For one to be risen from the dead, is to have one’s name scribed in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Many people desire to have their names listed with all of the different groups: denominations, associations, or any such group that says that they are the only way. What good would it be to be recognized by any or all of these different groups if your name is not scribed within the Book of Life? Could this present an identity crisis?
 
1Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; KJV
 
          He alone, Christ Jesus, is the way to Father’s house, established by the truth of His Word, which then allows one to escape an identity crisis.
 
Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth 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
 
Are you risen with Him? Can you see why Paul guides us to where our identity should be affixed?
 
Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. KJV
 
Do you identify with the risen Lord Christ Jesus? Without Him, there will be an identity crisis!
 
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ
Larry Gazelka
 
©Larry Gazelka 2024

Good day. Today we are posting A Famine Unheard Of  day four, written January 13, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

​Thursday, January 13, 2011
 
A Famine Unheard Of
 
Amos 8:11-13 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. (13) In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst. (KJV)
 
I have heard verse 11 misquoted at times by people that claim there is a shortage of the word of God. Just like people who claim money is the root of all evil. Money itself is harmless, and just a means for us to distribute to our daily necessities. It’s the love of money that takes our love and affection away from our Lord, and becomes a god to many. The famine in these last days is a hearing of the word of God, which points the finger back in our own direction.
 
Isaiah 30:9-11 That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the LORD: (10) Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: (11) Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. (KJV)
 
Actually, the above illustration aptly describes many of the so called churches today, which in reality are more bless me clubs than anything that is based on truth or reality. We see again that the issue arises from a lack of hearing, which reminds me of a lot of the school cafeterias today, where much of what is healthy and nourishing is discarded, and replaced by a junk food diet that appeals more to taste rather than to good health.
 
2 Timothy 4:3-5 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (4) And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (5) But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (KJV)
 
You know, Paul the Apostle was able to see firsthand the famine that was taking place during his ministry, and what the cause was for a lack of knowledge. Paul found out that once he left places that the Lord had him minister to, it wasn’t long before they decided to snack on junk food. Many of who man calls preachers and teachers today are nothing more than cheap story telling hucksters, whose doctrine is based more on fables than facts. It is up to us to keep a watch always, as well as our Spiritual ears open, so that we can continue to do the work that the Lord asks of us.
 
2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (KJV)
 
One of the biggest fables I see and hear being tossed around by so called men of God is this seed faith doctrine; you know, where they make it seem like your financial life is more important than your spiritual one. So if Paul dealt with this nonsense back in his time, how do you think he would react to the mess that is being peddled today as truth? Yikes! The gospel of Christ, the doctrine of Christ, is the only thing that will feed the inner man with truth and set you free to make it home to your eternal destination, while anything less and inferior will be rejected at the door.
 
Romans 10:17-18 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (18) But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. (KJV)
 
So are you hearing the Lord firsthand for yourself? Have you developed a personal relationship with Him based on truth? Your faith, your ability to believe in God is based on your hearing His word, and knowing it came straight from the source of life Himself. Just because others have chosen to starve themselves spiritually, why don’t you come out from among that nonsense, be separate from the world and its fallen way of thinking, and let the Lord receive you as one of His.

​​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Part 4 of a four-part newsletter series Identity Crisis! written in 2001 by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter series. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2001.

​Identity Crisis!
Part 4
v23n41
 
Matthew 10:32-33 Everyone who will acknowledge me before men, I will acknowledge him before my Father who is in heaven; and whoever will disown me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. (Moffatt translation)
 
Matthew 10:32-33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (KJV)
 
Definition for shall confess: 3670 homologeo (hom-ol-og-eh'-o);from a compound of the base of 3674 and 3056; to assent, i.e. covenant, acknowledge: 1) to say the same thing as another, that is, to agree with, to assent 2) to concede a) not to refuse, to promise b) not to deny 1) to confess 2) to declare 3) to confess, that is, to admit or declare oneself guilty of what one is accused of 3) to profess a) to declare openly, to speak out freely b) to profess oneself the worshiper of one 4) to praise, to celebrate.
 
Definition for shall deny: 720 arneomai (ar-neh'-om-ahee);perhaps from 1 (as a negative particle) and the middle voice of 4483; to contradict, i.e. disavow, reject, abnegate: 1) to deny 2) to deny someone, to deny oneself a) to disregard one's own interests or to prove false to himself b) to act entirely unlike himself 3) to deny, abnegate, abjure 4) not to accept, to reject, to refuse something offered.
 
            The Word of God must be a way of life for the believer every moment of every day; this is what it means to be a Christian; this is what it means to confess him before men. To not be ashamed of Him, or His gospel message. One must learn to be an example of the believer at all times, and in all places, not when it seems or appears to be convenient, or when it will work to our advantage among other people. Thus, one should be able to see, hear and comprehend that which the Lord is stressing to us in the above verses.
 
            Let’s look at Adam Clarke’s comments on these two verses.
 
            [Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men] That is, whosoever shall acknowledge me to be the Messiah, and have his heart and life regulated by my spirit and doctrine. It is not merely sufficient to have the heart right before God; there must be a firm, manly, and public profession of Christ before men. "I am no hypocrite," says one; neither should you be. "I will keep my religion to myself," i. e. you will not confess Christ before men; then he will renounce you before God.
          We confess or own Christ when we own his doctrine, his ministers, his servants, and when no fear hinders us from supporting and assisting them in times of necessity.
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
          [Whosoever shall deny me] Whosoever prefers his worldly interest to his duty to God, sets a greater value on earthly than on heavenly things, and prefers the friendship of men to the approbation of GOD.
          Let it be remembered, that to be renounced by Christ is to have him neither for a Mediator nor Saviour. To appear before the tribunal of God without having Christ for our Advocate, and, on the contrary, to have him there as our Judge, and a witness against us, -- how can a man think of this and not die with horror! (From Adam Clarke Commentary)
 
            Let us look at Matthew Henry’s comments on these same verses.
 
v. 32, 33. Note, First, it is our duty, and if we do it, it will hereafter be our unspeakable honour and happiness, to confess Christ before men.
          It is our duty, not only to believe in Christ, but to profess that faith, in suffering for him, when we are called to it, as well as in serving him. We must never be ashamed of our relation to Christ, our attendance on him, and our expectations from him: hereby the sincerity of our faith, is evidenced, his name glorified, and others edified.
          However, this may expose us to reproach and trouble now, we shall be abundantly recompensed for that, in the resurrection of the just, when it will be our unspeakable honour and happiness to hear Christ say (what would we more?) "Him will I confess, though a poor worthless worm of the earth; this is one of mine, one of my friends and favourites, who loved me and was beloved by me; the purchase of my blood, the workmanship of my Spirit; I will confess him before my Father, when it will do him the most service; I will speak a good word for him, when he appears before my Father to receive his doom; I will present him, will represent him to my Father." Those who honour Christ he will thus honour. They honour him before men; that is a poor thing: he will honour them before his Father; that is a great thing. Secondly, It is a dangerous thing for any to deny and disown Christ before men; for they who so do will be disowned by him in the great day, when they have most need of him: he will not own them for his servants who would not own him for their master: I tell you, I know you not, <Mt 7:23>. In the first ages of Christianity, when for a man to confess Christ was to venture all that was dear to him in this world, it was more a trial of sincerity, than it was afterwards, when it had secular advantages attending it. (From Matthew Henry's Commentary)
 
            One should be a partaker of the promise that is made available to us by, through and in Christ, that is presented to us by His gospel message. (Ephesians 3:3-6). One must be a partaker of His divine nature (2Peter 1:4), so that one may allow this light of the glorious gospel of Christ to shine forth. (2Corinthians 4:6). To be a partaker of His divine nature, is to allow the message that He has delivered to us, to become alive within us, so that this ability of God that is within us by the gift of Christ, will become a real and actual way of life for us. To be a doer of the Word, and not a forgetful hearer.
 
            After all, if one is born again by the Spirit of God, they have received the measure of faith, the measure of the gift of Christ (Romans 12:3, Ephesians 4:7). Now, one must not only hear this message of instruction that was delivered to us by the Word of God, but they must adhere to it, and allow it to be an actual way of living and life.
 
 
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (KJV)
 
Definition for partakers: 2844 koinonos-1) a partner, associate, comrade, companion 2) a partner, sharer, in anything.
 
Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (KJV)
 
Definition for partakers in Ephesians 3:6: 4830 summetochos (soom-met'-okh-os); a co-participant: partaker. partaking together with one, a joint partaker.
 
Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (KJV)
 
Definition for partakers in Hebrews 3:14: 3348 metecho (met-ekh'-o); from 3326 and 2192; to share or participate; by implication belong to, eat (or drink): 1) to be or become partaker 2) to partake.
 
            One has to identify themselves with Jesus Christ at all times, not just at certain days or certain times of the year. Today, will you hear His voice, and allow Him to come in and share the bread of life with you? Will you be identified with Him?
 
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
 
 
Larry Gazelka
 
Copyright © 2001 Built Anew Ministries all rights reserved. 

Good day. Today we are posting A Famine Unheard Of  day three, written January 12, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011
 
A Famine Unheard Of
 
Amos 8:11-13 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. (13) In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst. (KJV)
 
You know, I can tell you from my own experiences that I have wandered out and about looking for some truth, and quite frankly it’s hard to find because few really know the truth of the gospel. Oh there is a boatload of religion and ritualistic people that claim that they are of God, but when I listen to the doctrine I can see many are famished.
 
Isaiah 5:12-14 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands. (13) Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. (14) Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. (KJV)
 
It seems like with many places that claim that they are a church the first thing that they do is play music and get the emotions stirred up. However, while they are feeding the carnal man, spiritually many are dying of hunger and are famished by a lack of nourishment. Because of this lack of hearing by those that are in leadership, well, that explains the reason why motel hell is constantly under construction and adding more rooms.
 
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (KJV)
 
Hey Church, don’t rely on someone else to feed you, but rather go straight to the source of life, that being our Spiritual source, and not only get a meal but get filled. You are one of God’s people when you accepted His plan of salvation, and it is His good pleasure to give you His kingdom. If you starve and go hungry Church, don’t blame God, because He has a meal prepared for all of His family.
 
Revelation 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (22) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV)
 
When I was trucking years ago, we would use our CB radios to get information on where the best places to eat were at. Many times when calling out we would ask if anyone had their ears on? Well, it took a certain type of radio on a certain frequency to send the message and get a response as well. Our Lord has His own frequency which is Spiritual, and is calling to see who desires to stop at His rest stop and get a meal fit for a king, as well as one of His people.
 
John 6:48-51 I am that bread of life. (49) Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. (50) This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. (51) I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (KJV)
 
Ever go past a bakery that is baking fresh bread? Quite enticing to the appetite to say the least isn’t it? Bread is something that is made on a daily basis, and is best eaten fresh from the oven. Our Lord has cooked up a meal for His people that will last for an eternity, have you had your slice of life today yet?

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting Part 3 of a four-part newsletter series Identity Crisis! written in 2001 by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter series. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2001.

Identity Crisis!
Part 3
v23n40
 
Matthew 7:13-14 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad the road which leads to ruin, and many there are who enter by it; 14 because narrow is the gate and contracted the road which leads to Life, and few are those who find it. (Weymouth translation)
 
            Let’s look at a few of Adam Clarke’s comments on these verses.
 
            [For wide is the gate, and broad is the way] And very broad, euruchooros  (grk 2149), from eurus, broad, and choora  (grk 5561), a place, a spacious roomy place, that leadeth forward, apagousa  (grk 520), into THAT destruction, eis  (grk 1519) teen  (grk 3588) apooleian  (grk 684), meaning eternal misery; intimating, that it is much more congenial, to the revengeful, covetous heart of fallen man, to take every advantage of another, and to enrich himself at his expense, rather than to walk according to the rule laid down before, by our blessed Lord, and that acting contrary to it is the way to everlasting misery. With those who say it means repentance, and forsaking sin, I can have no controversy. That is certainly a gate, and a strait one too, through which every sinner must turn to God, in order to find salvation. But the doing to everyone as we would they should do unto us, is a gate extremely strait, and very difficult, to every unregenerate mind.
          [Because strait is the gate] Instead of hoti (grk 3754), because, I prefer ti (grk 5100), how, which reading is supported by a great majority of the best MSS., versions, and fathers. How strait is that gate! This mode of expression more forcibly points out the difficulty of the way to the kingdom. How strange is it that men should be unwilling to give up their worldly interests to secure their everlasting salvation! and yet no interest need be abandoned, but that which is produced by injustice and unkindness. Reason, as well as God, says, such people should be excluded from a place of blessedness. He who shows no mercy (and much more he who shows no justice) shall have judgement without mercy. <James 2:13>
          [Few there be that find it.] The strait gate, stenee (grk 4728) pulee (grk 4439), signifies literally what we call a wicket, i. e. a little door in a large gate. Gate, among the Jews, signifies, metaphorically, the entrance, introduction, or means of acquiring anything. So they talk of the gate of repentance, the gate of prayers, and the gate of tears. When God, say they, shut the gate of paradise against Adam, He opened to him the gate of repentance. The way to the kingdom of God is made sufficiently manifest-- the completest assistance is promised in the way, and the greatest encouragement to persevere to the end is held out in the everlasting Gospel. But men are so wedded to their own passions, and so determined to follow the imaginations of their own hearts, that still it may be said: There are few who find the way to heaven; fewer yet who abide any time in it; fewer still who walk in it; and fewest of all who persevere unto the end. Nothing renders this way either narrow or difficult to any person but sin. Let all the world leave their sins, and all the world may walk abreast in this good way. (From Adam Clarke Commentary)
 
            One must die to self daily, as they press forward towards the kingdom of God. That narrow gate contracts or pulls against the flesh as one presses forward for that mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. With each and every step a person takes, one must decide if they are willing to have the identity of the flesh pulled away or removed, so that more of Christ may be manifest in their life.
 
            Let’s look at a few of Matthew Henry’s comments on Matthew 7:13-14.
 
            The account that is given of the bad way of sin, and the good way of holiness. There are but two ways, right and wrong, good and evil; the way to heaven, and the way to hell; in the one of which we are all of us walking: no middle place hereafter, no middle way now: the distinction of the children of men into saints and sinners, godly and ungodly, will swallow up all to eternity.
          Here is, (1.) An account given us of the way of sin and sinners; both what is the best, and what is the worst of it.
          [1.] that which allures multitudes into it, and keeps them in it; the gate is wide, and the way broad, and there are many travelers in that way. First, "You will have abundance of liberty in that way; the gate is wide, and stands wide open to tempt those that go right on their way. You may go in at this gate with all your lusts about you; it gives no check to your appetites, to your passions: you may walk in the way of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; that gives room enough." It is a broad way, for there is nothing to hedge in those that walk in it, but they wander endlessly; a broad way, for there are many paths in it; there is choice of sinful ways, contrary to each other, but all paths in this broad way. Secondly, "You will have abundance of company in that way: many there be that go in at this gate, and walk in this way." If we follow the multitude, it will be to do evil: if we go with the crowd, it will be the wrong way. It is natural for us to incline to go down the stream, and do as the most do; but it is too great a compliment, to be willing to be damned for company, and to go to hell with them, because they will not go to heaven with us: if many perish, we should be the more cautious.
          [2.] that which should affright us all from it is, that it leads to destruction. Death, eternal death, is at the end of it (and the way of sin tends to it),-- everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord. Whether it be the high way of open profaneness, or the back way of close hypocrisy, if it be a way of sin, it will be our ruin, if we repent not.
          Here is an account given us of the way of holiness.
          [1.] What there is in it that frightens many from it; let us know the worst of it, that we may sit down and count the cost. Christ deals faithfully with us, and tells us,
          First, That the gate is strait. Conversion and regeneration are the gate, by which we enter into this way, in which we begin a life of faith and serious godliness; out of a state of sin into a state of grace we must pass, by the new birth, <Jn. 3:3,5>. This is a strait gate, hard to find, and hard to get through; like a passage between two rocks, <1 Sam. 14:4>. There must be a new heart, and a new spirit, and old things must pass away. The bent of the soul must be changed, corrupt habits and customs broken off; what we have been doing all our days must be undone again. We must swim against the stream; much opposition must be struggled with, and broken through, from without, and from within. It is easier to set a man against all the world than against himself, and yet this must be in conversion. It is a strait gate, for we must stoop, or we cannot go in at it; we must become as little children; high thoughts must be brought down; nay, we must strip, must deny ourselves, put off the world, put off the old man; we must be willing to forsake all for our interest in Christ. The gate is strait to all, but to some straiter than others; as to the rich, to some that have been long prejudiced against religion. The gate is strait; blessed be God, it is not shut up, nor locked against us, nor kept with a flaming sword, as it will be shortly, <Mt 25:10>.
          Secondly, That the way is narrow. We are not in heaven as soon as we have got through the strait gate, nor in Canaan as soon as we have got through the Red Sea; no, we must go through a wilderness, must travel a narrow way, hedged in by the divine law, which is exceedingly broad, and that makes the way narrow; self must be denied, the body kept under, corruptions mortified, that are as a right eye and a right hand; daily temptations must be resisted; duties must be done that are against our inclination. We must endure hardness, must wrestle and be in an agony, must watch in all things, and walk with care and circumspection. We must go through much tribulation. It is hodos tethlimmene-- an afflicted way, a way hedged about with thorns; blessed be God, it is not hedged up. The bodies we carry about with us, and the corruptions remaining in us, make the way of our duty difficult; but, as the understanding and will grow more and more sound, it will open and enlarge, and grow more and more pleasant.
          Thirdly, The gate being so strait and the way so narrow, it is not strange that there are but few that find it, and choose it. Many pass it by, through carelessness; they will not be at the pains to find it; they are well as they are, and see no need to change their way. Others look upon it, but shun it; they like not to be so limited and restrained. Those that are going to heaven are but few, compared to those that are going to hell; a remnant, a little flock, like the grape-gleanings of the vintage; as the eight that were saved in the ark, <1 Pet.3:20>.
          The great concern and duty of every one of us, in consideration of all this; Enter ye in at the strait gate. The matter is fairly stated; life and death, good and evil, are set before us; both the ways, and both the ends: now let the matter be taken entire, and considered impartially, and then choose you this day which you will walk in; nay, the matter determines itself, and will not admit of a debate. No man, in his wits, would choose to go to the gallows, because it is a smooth, pleasant way to it, nor refuse the offer of a palace and a throne, because it is a rough, dirty way to it; yet such absurdities as these are men guilty of, in the concerns of their souls. Delay not, therefore; deliberate not any longer, but enter ye in at the strait gate; knock at it by sincere and constant prayers and endeavors, and it shall be opened; nay, a wide door shall be opened, and an effectual one. It is true, we can neither go in, nor go on, without the assistance of divine grace; but it is as true, that grace is freely offered, and shall not be wanting to those that seek it, and submit to it. Conversion is hard work, but it is needful, and, blessed be God, it is not impossible if we strive, <Lu. 13:24>. (From Matthew Henry's Commentary)
 
            One is saved by grace through faith, this is the gift of God. (John 17:3, Ephesians 2:8-9). To know Christ and the power of His resurrection, is what one must strive for.
 
Luke 13:24 "Strain every nerve to force your way in through the narrow gate," He answered; "for multitudes, I tell you, will endeavour to find a way in and will not succeed. (Weymouth translation)
 
            Let us look at Adam Clarke’s comments on this verse.
 
            [Are there few that be saved?] A question either of impertinence or curiosity, the answer to which can profit no man. The grand question is, Can I be saved? Yes. How? Strive earnestly to enter in through the strait gate-- agoonizesthe (grk 75), agonize-- exert every power of body and soul-- let your salvation be the grand business of your whole life.
          [Many, I say unto you, will seek] They seek-- wish and desire; but they do not strive: therefore, because they will not agonize-- will not be in earnest, they shall not get in. (From Adam Clarke Commentary)
 
            How willing are you to lose your own (fleshly) identity, that you may be identified as one of Christ’s?
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
 
Larry Gazelka
 
Copyright © 2001 Built Anew Ministries all rights reserved.