​Good day. Today's video Can You Relate? is on the topic of: Can you relate to the image (Christ) and likeness (resemblance, a representation) of God? Are you dead to sin, buried with Christ in baptism where your life is hid in God, or still in bondage (a prisoner) to sin? As Christ was preaching through Noah (a preacher of righteousness) to those who in the days of Noah were in bondage to sin to turn from their wicked ways and enter into the physical ark of salvation, so is Christ preaching through the life of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and through his holy apostles and prophets, to those who are now in bondage to sin to turn from their wicked ways and enter into the spiritual ark of salvation and be saved.

1 Peter 3:18-22 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers  being made subject unto him. (KJV)
​
You have to die to your old nature to live in the realm of the Spirit; so, when you are dead to sin, then you will be able to hear the voice of the Son of God and live. Are you hearing the voice of the Son of God? If not, you won't live. 
​​​​​​
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 the newsletter Christian! Are you Dressed? Part 5 written in 1996 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. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1996.

Christian! Are You Dressed?               v18n21
No Need To Duck! Part 5
  
Ephesians 6:10-16 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. (NKJ)

For the last several weeks, we have been discussing "the armor of God". What we have to be aware of, is that it is God's armor, not ours. Since it is God's, it does not rot, rust, dent, decay, or ever fail. If there ever is a problem, it is from our failure to follow the instructions.

You and you alone, have to take the time to read and learn from the Christian Instruction Manual, the Bible. God's Word has no flaws or deficiencies. It is always able to give us the victory, when used according to the proper instructions.

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. (KJV)

We have to utilize the Word properly so that it does not return void. We have to be sure to always put Father's word on the scene, and not our own.

One other thing I want to cover real quickly, is the one thing I hear many Christians’ saying, and that is: "they have to remember to put on the armor of God each morning." Who told them to take it off in the first place? Does the spirit man ever sleep? Remember, that the Word says to give no place to the devil; and if you are taking God's armor off, that is exactly what you are doing. Why put Christ on the shelf for the night?

"Above all, taking the shield of faith." Ephesians 6:16 (KJV)

Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. (NKJ)

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (KJV)

Above all, take the gift of faith, the measure of the gift of Christ. You have to accept the gift from Father, he will not force it upon you.

If U.P.S. delivers a package to your doorstep, and you never pick it up and bring it in and open it, it will never be of any benefit to you. You have to retrieve the package, open it, and follow the operating instructions. Then it will fulfill the purpose for which it was intended.

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God! My ability to believe in and act upon God's Word, comes from the relationship that I establish with him. Father does have the master plan that does work! If I am always the one talking or interrupting, how can I ever hear any of Father's counsel?

Before I was born-again, I spent my entire life till that point, listening to everyone else's opinions and ideas of what they thought was best for me, (sound familiar?). And then trying to live up to their expectations of me. I was always trying to please other people, either family, friends, or co-workers.

Now that I am born-again, Father made a gift available to me, the measure of faith! Not a measure, but the measure of faith! My spirit man has become a new creation in Christ. Now, I have to learn to maintain this relationship with Father. For without faith, it is impossible to please Father.

Remember in John chapter 14, that Jesus Christ said that we would do the works that he did, and greater works! How can that be? The only way that that is possible, is if Father has made available to us, everything that he made available to Jesus Christ! Without the measure of faith, how could you or I accomplish this?

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God: (KJV)

Every believer in Jesus Christ has to learn to develop this gift of God. But how is it developed you may ask? Faith comes by stopping all that you are doing, and listening to the instructions that Father has, just for you. The more time that I take to fellowship and listen to Father, the greater my ability to trust Father and his Word, and then to act upon it.

Whatever a person listens to most, is what they will trust and believe in. And all of their actions will follow what they are hearing.

For those of you that work a job each week, who is it that signs your paycheck each payday? If it is anyone other than Father, we need to take a close look at who or what we are listening to. I am not saying that working a job is wrong! What I am saying is that we do not always thank Father for being our total source. We seem to have forgotten that Father is the one who is supposed to supply my daily bread!

Phil 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV)

Father should be my total source! He is the one who should be supplying my daily bread. It does not matter where or who the funds are channeled through, as long as I remember where they originated from. The throne of God Almighty! Is Father truly your Jehovah-jireh?

Faith comes by hearing! But.......... what are you giving ear to? What ever words we are listening to most; this is what we will believe and act upon.

There are times, that we will give more credence to words that contradict Father's word. And this happens because we have not taken the time to hear and fellowship with Father. We have not taken the time to be still and know that he is God. Thus, we find ourselves straying from the straight and narrow path that leads to Father's house. If, we have been given the measure of faith, why doesn't our life always go smooth? Why aren't we as successful as Jesus Christ was? What are we lacking'? (Remember to keep in mind John 14:12).

Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (KJV)

shall= might be possible, willingness

If you are obedient to Father's commands, his ability will operate in you. We know that Jesus Christ already has the keys of hell and death.

Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen, and have the keys of hell and of death. (KJV)

He, Jesus Christ rose victoriously! He paid the total debt that I owed. Now, it is up to me to believe it and act accordingly.

John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. (KJV)

The living water will extinguish every fiery dart that the wicked can throw against us. But I have to know the proper Word of God to put on the scene. It has to be what is real and alive to me. Not what I have heard someone else say.

Taking time to study the Word of God, trains my spirit man, to recognize the voice of Father. The better that I know his voice, the clearer the instructions are on how to quench the fiery darts that are headed in my direction.

No weapon formed against me shall prosper!

Remember, that is Father's word. You do not have to defend Him!

Next week, we will continue “No need to duck!”

​That you may know Him
In the service of Jesus Christ,
Larry Gazelka

Good day. Today's video Word Association is on the topic of: Communion, circumcision, and baptism; when you hear these words what first comes to mind, what do you associate them with? Many today still associate these words with the law of Moses, and the baptism of John the Baptist, in which these carnal ordinances were imposed upon the children of Israel until the day of reformation and baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, but now have been fulfilled by God through the sending of his Son, Jesus Christ, who through his life, death, and resurrection (his baptism) having put to death in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances. Our communion
(fellowship, association, joint participation, to communicate) is not with wafers, or grape juice, or with men and their doctrines, but it is in joint participation in the Spirit of Christ and with God our Father worshipping him in spirit and in truth. Our circumcision is not of an outward ritual imposed by men who hold to the law of commandments, but it is of the heart (Deuteronomy 10:16 & 30:6; Colossians 2:8-23), Romans 2:28-29 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.(KJV); Galatians 6:12-15 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.(KJV). Our baptism is not of men, being dunked in water so that they may glory in our flesh, but it is after Christ, for we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life (Read Romans 6:3-11). In conclusion, when we were born again, baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire, our communion with the Father through his Son, Jesus Christ, is to be in spirit and in truth, in a new and living intimate way, through the circumcision of our heart unto Christ, buried with Christ by baptism, that is our old nature, for we are dead and our life is hid with Christ in God. 
 
​​​​​​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 the newsletter Christian! Are you Dressed? Part 4 written in 1996 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. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1996.

Christian!  Are You Dressed?           v18n20
To the Armory! Part 4
 
Ephesians 6:10-15 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (KJV)

So many of us, whenever we start something, want everything right now. We want all of the answers; all the results; anything that applies to the situation, we want it complete, right now. We don't want to take the time to be sure everything is set in order. That it is complete and ready to be utilized properly.

In the Marine Corps, when going through basic training, one was not able at the time, to understand the reason for all the repetitiveness that was pushed on us. It was hard to understand why everything had to be done right now as soon as they barked the command. In boot camp, not much of anything made sense.

By the time you arrived in Viet Nam, and spent a week or two in combat, you had a full realization of what they had tried to teach you; now you just hoped that you remembered enough of the basics to keep yourself alive. This is when you tell yourself, if only I would have listened more; paid closer attention in the classes. The wrong time for self examination! By being properly prepared, many lives could be spared.

The Roman soldier, that was preparing for battle, was sure to take ample time to prepare himself and his equipment for the battle ahead. He realized the importance of being sure that everything was totally operational, before entering the skirmish.

In putting on his sandals, he knew without them properly installed, that he would not have good footing, nor be able to hold the ground that he was responsible for. (Have you ever had blisters from an improper fitted pair of shoes?)

For any of you that have hiked in the mountains, after your first trip there is one thing that you will not forget. You do not wear tennis shoes for hiking the mountains! They just do not hold up! They were not designed for that type of use. With the wrong application of equipment, a pleasurable trip in the beginning, can be a real nightmare by the end of it.

To get a proper fit, you have to know the size and the width of your foot. Then, you also have to be sure that it is properly broke in, so that it will not injure your feet.

Another thing the word shod reminds me of, (living in Montana), is what is necessary for getting a horse properly shod for use.

First of all, the foot, or hoof, has to be sound. No deep cracks, or other damaged parts, that would render it ineffective. Then, the hoof has to be trimmed, before the shoe can be fit properly. All excess hoof has to be cut off and trimmed away. Then it has to be filed and smoothed out to ensure that the shoe will lay flat. Next, the shoe itself, is sized and beat into shape to fit the hoof properly, and then it is nailed into place. But we are not yet done! The nails have to be bent over, cut-off, and then pounded in and filed. Thus, it will not hurt itself, or anyone else.

As we start to apply some of these ideas to our Christian walk, we can begin to see what Paul was trying to relate to us in his letter to the Ephesians. It takes total concentration, and diligence to become prepared for the tasks that Father has for us.

If we are not properly prepared, how will we be of any use to anyone, even ourselves? Just taking a scripture here, and another one there, does not get us prepared for all that is ahead! We have to constantly study for Father's approval. Remember, that much study, is a weariness to the flesh.

Prepared, is also very close to seeking. We have to seek out Father's will for our life.

Proverbs 28:5 Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. (KJV)

Matthew 6:33-34 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is its own evil. (KJV)

Being prepared, is waiting for Father’s instructions. All to often, we want to react on our own. We try to tell Father when the time is right. It just does not work that way. We have to wait upon the Lord. It is His Spirit that leads us and guides us into all truth.

Psalms 51:10-13 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with a free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto thee. (KJV)

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV)

Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance, seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (KJV)

Are you prepared for what Father has for you to do? Have you taken the time to hear Father's instruction for you?

To be properly prepared, we have to wait upon the Lord. We have to be renewed with His strength. I can not do it on my own. My righteousness will not stand up before the throne of God.

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (KJV)

My ability to serve Father through Jesus Christ, is because Jesus Christ has become my righteousness. He took my place at the cross and in the grave.

Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For in it is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (KJV)

Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (KJV)

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (KJV)

Ephesians 4:23-24 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (KJV)

Next week, we will continue on being prepared!

That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ
Larry Gazelka


​Word Corner
preparation-- being ready for use or service!

Good day. Today's video With In is on the topic of: Jesus Christ died for us and rose again and is seated on the right hand of God forever making intercession for us. He went and prepared a place for us in heaven, that where he is, there we may be also. Remember you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God; and in Christ dwells all the fulness of the godhead bodily, and you are complete in him. Today, is the day of salvation; now is the accepted time; so, it's time to find to find your place in the Son, knowing that with God this is possible; but without Christ, you can do nothing, and you are incomplete. It is the last days, so stay with him, and in good standing in 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.

Good day. Today we are posting the newsletter Christian! Are you Dressed? Part 3 written in 1996 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. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1996.

   Christian! Are you Dressed?     v18n19
   To the Armory! Part 3
  
"And having on the breastplate of righteousness." Ephesians 6:14 (KJV)

From the last issue, if you will recall, we talked about your loins being girt about with the truth. These are abilities that we are given, the moment that we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. We have to open the Christian instruction manual (the Bible) and find out what we have received!

All to often, we want someone else to do the work for us. We want to be spoon fed. We have to develop spiritually, just as a child does. That is why the Lord told us that we have to become as little children. We have to start fresh. Get rid of all of the old ideas and garbage that was religion; and learn from His Word. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

The truth is what it took to become born-again, the new creation in Christ. Now we have to start to learn of what was afforded to us as an adopted child of God.

Thus, having on the breastplate of righteousness! We now have to recognize how we have been translated into the kingdom of God. What is our ticket to fellowship with the Father? Is it anything that you could do? Is it anything within your own power?

What was the purpose of the breastplate?

It was used to cover the vital organs, the heart, lungs, and areas that provided for the strength and well-being of the body. The areas necessary to sustain life.

The breastplate, also bore the insignia, of who the soldier served. Important, so you would recognize your own troops in combat.

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption;" 2 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV)

"But unto everyone of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ." Ephesians 4:7 (KJV)

When you accepted Jesus Christ, did you accept all of Him or just a part of Him? It is impossible for anyone, to accept only part of Christ! You receive all of Him! You may not understand all that you have received, but it does not mean that it is not yours. Jesus Christ accomplished a complete work; nothing lacking! It is this righteousness that covers my heart. This is the abundant life that He provided for each and every one that will believe.

Do you remember back in the gospel of John, where the Lord tells us that we will do the works that he did; and greater works than these, because he was going to the Father? How could he tell us this unless he would give us everything necessary to accomplish this? He told us in Mark sixteen, that these signs would follow those who believe in the message of salvation by Jesus Christ. Is he a liar? Not hardly! Refresh yourself in Romans 3:4. God is not a man that He should lie! He does exactly as he says. And all that we have to do, is to believe His Word! Then, to act upon it. If, he gave more to one, than he did to another, it would make him a respecter of persons, and we know that is not so!! Thus, you have to recognize, the righteousness that has been given to you. It is this righteousness that covers your heart. It bears the insignia of God's kingdom.

"I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a diadem." Job 29:14 (KJV)

"Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape; incline thine ear unto me, and save me." Psalms 71:2 (KJV); (read all of Psalms 71)

"Who has delivered us from the power of darkness." Colossians 1:13 (KJV)

"But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all by them that believe; for there is no difference." Romans 3:21-22 (KJV)

Remember, that our comparison is of that to the Roman foot soldier. First, the girdle of truth was established, and then the breastplate of righteousness is fastened into place and secured by the truth. Notice that they go together! If you do not know the truth, you can not understand the righteousness that has been afforded unto you.

Has Father forgiven you all of your sins? You have to understand the truth of Father's forgiveness, if you are to understand the righteousness that He has made available to you.

“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as of the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath been taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him, that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, ye know that everyone that doeth righteousness is born of him.” 1 John 2:26-29 (KJV)

If you continue in his Word, then are you, his disciple. His ensignia will be that which is on your breastplate. It identifies you as one of his! When you abide in His Word, He abides in you!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For in it is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17 (KJV)

“For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they, being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.” Romans 10:2-4 (KJV)

Do you really understand the righteousness that has been made available to you?

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17 (KJV)

That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ,
Larry Gazelka

​Word Corner
Righteousness--- free from wrong or sin! doing what is right! justified!

Good day. Today's video Liquid Assets is on the topic of: We have a wellspring of life available unto us that is gushing forth from the throne of God our Father and of the Lamb, his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; a well of water springing up into everlasting life, spiritual liquid assets so to speak. To be able to draw from these waters you need to draw near unto God through his Son Jesus Christ and He will draw near unto you; you need to dig into the word of God, like digging a well, to get to these living waters that are life sustaining to our walk in the Spirit. He will enlighten the eyes of your understanding to continually drink of the well of water of life, which is in Christ. For by one Spirit we are baptized into one body, the body of Christ, and we have been made to drink into one Spirit, one well of life-giving water, Christ in you the hope of glory. There are many tainted wells out there (teaching the traditions and doctrines of men), and there are many which are drinking of those wells unaware of where the water is coming from, which is why we are encouraged to dig our own well (work out our own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure), and drink from the pure river of life that is crystal clear, full of spirit and truth, coming directly out of the throne of God and of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and where you don't need man's interpretation of God's Word as God our Father by his Son Jesus Christ, has given unto his Holy Spirit, who will teach you, and lead and guide you into all truth, the crystal clear waters of life flowing through you into eternal life. So, where are you choosing to draw your water from?
 
​​​​​​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 the newsletter Christian! Are you Dressed? Part 2 written in 1996 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. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1996.

Christian! Are You Dressed?          v18n18
To The Armory! Part 2
 
Again, as we start to study the Word of God, let us get our minds thinking as Paul was, as he was trying to relate to the Ephesians. He was trying to impress upon them, the skills and dedication of the Roman foot-soldier.
 
In doing so, he was trying to get them to associate a physical picture, of something that was taking place in the spiritual realm.
 
"Stand, therefore, having your loins girded about with the truth." Ephesians 6:14 (KJV)
 
The first piece of armor as far as the Christian is concerned, is the girdle of truth. It is the foundation of our relationship with Father through Jesus Christ. It is, as far as the Roman soldier was concerned, vital! It laid the foundation for all the other equipment that he had.
 
It carried and supported his sword. It fastened and secured the breastplate. It supported the insignia of whom he represented. It covered his reproductive area. Things that we take for granted when we read about the armor of God. To most of us, it is just a good story.
 
What is the truth? Who is the truth? Who, is even concerned?
 
"Thus saith the Lord unto me, go and purchase a linen belt, and put it upon thy loins, and put it not in water. So I bought a belt according to the word of the Lord, and put it on my loins. And the word of the Lord came unto me a second time, saying, take the belt that thou hast bought which is upon thy loins, and arise, and go to the Euphrates, and hide it there in the cleft of the rock. So I went, and hid it by the Euphrates, as the Lord commanded me. And it came to pass after many days, that the Lord said unto me, Arise, go to the Euphrates, and take the belt from there, which I commanded thee to hide there. Then I went back to the Euphrates, and digged, and took the belt from the place where I had hidden it; and, behold, the belt was marred; it was profitable for nothing." Jeremiah 13:1-7 (KJV)
 
Father purchased a girdle of truth, with the price of His only begotten Son! And then, he made it available to us as a gift! All we have to do is receive it! It is the foundation of our relationship with father!
 
Speaking the truth, is not as easy as hiding it in a rock. What about you? Do you always put the Word of truth on the scene as Father desires? Or are we as most, and deny the Lord who ransomed us?
 
Any of you ever corrected your children? What kind of sour-puss look did they get on their faces? This is the same thing that happens when the Word of God is put on the scene. We see all kinds of soured expressions because they did not like what was said to them.
 
Jesus Christ said that he is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no man could come to the Father, but by him! Paul tells Timothy, that there is only one mediator between God and man. Do you know the truth?
 
The Father tells us that true worshipers, will worship him in spirit, and in truth. In John 17:17, it says that His Word is truth! How well do you know his Word? It does not say memorized; it says to know! Do you know what the difference is?
 
"If you hold fast to my teaching, then you are truly my disciples; and you shall know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free." John 8:31-32 Weymouth translation.
 
We, have to hold fast to what we learn. We can not be tossed to and for by every wind of doctrine that comes along. We have to become rooted and grounded in his Word!
 
The truth, (thy Word is truth, John. 17:17), is what sets us free. It liberates us from the traditions and doctrines of men. It shows us the proper path into His kingdom. It illuminates our path and directs the placement of our every step. It is always on solid ground, and sure footed!
 
"Earnestly seek to commend yourself to God as a servant who, because of his straightforward dealing with the Word of truth, has no reason to feel any shame. But from irreligious and frivolous talk hold aloof, for those who indulge in it will proceed from bad to worse in impiety, and their teaching will spread like a running sore." 2 Timothy 2:15-16 Weymouth translation.
 
Study Father's word, and for his approval only! He is the one who has the final say, therefore, it is only his approval I seek. Do not get caught up in arguments over silly and foolish matters. Let's look at 2 Timothy 2:15-16, out of the KJV.
 
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness." 2 Timothy 2:15-16 (KJV)
 
profane- to violate or treat with irreverence. violate- to break or disregard a promise.
 
vain- void of any real value.
 
You have to study, (renew your mind), seeking only your heavenly Father's approval. We have to learn to seek those things which are above, because we are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus! You have to recognize and take hold of all that Father bestowed upon you in Christ.
 
Father never told us that it would be easy, holding on to the truth. He did tell us, that he would be there to help us with his Holy Spirit. That he would lead us and guide us into all truth. So many compromises come along, that try to lead us astray. We need to stay rooted and grounded in his Word, and then, we are able to thwart Satan's attacks, with the knowledge of the Truth!
 
Just as when we build a house, we need a sure foundation; the same is true as a Christian. We have to have a firm foundation in the Word of God! We have to have an understanding of who we serve, and why we serve Him!
 
The Roman soldier had garb that was loose fitting, so as not to be restrictive in hindering the movement of the soldier. The girdle, the foundation of truth, was used to pull in the garments, so as not to leave any loose ends exposed; whereby an enemy might snag or hook the clothing.
 
The truth of God’s Word sets us free from the snares and traps of the devil and his workers; by tucking in all of our loose ends and establishing us firmly in God's truth. His Word is truth! John 17:17.
 
When Father works with us, he leaves nothing for us to become entrapped with. He does a total, and complete work.
 
"Being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
 
When we continue in God's Word, we continue to grow in knowledge and wisdom. This is what determines our relationship with Father. For, those that worship Father, worship Him in spirit and in truth! God's wisdom and knowledge leaves no loose ends.
 
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ,
Larry Gazelka
 
 
Word Corner- stand-- covenant; rights; authority; continue in.
​

Good day. Today's video Signed, Sealed, and Delivered is on the topic of: The message of salvation was signed, sealed, and delivered unto us from God, through his Son Jesus Christ the King of kings and Lord of lords, by the Holy Spirit of God. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, having received the message signed from the Father of heaven above, you are now sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise and spiritually delivered from this present evil world. Once you accept the message of salvation, you will need to seek through the contents of the message and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you into all truth, unto the knowledge of the truth which was in Jesus, which is also in you, Christ our only hope of glory, the mystery of the kingdom of God which is in you ready to be revealed. In the end will you be authenticated having the seal of the Holy Spirit of God, given by God through his Son Jesus Christ? If you continue in the faith grounded and settled and remain sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise you will see the face of God revealed through his Son, the Lamb, Jesus Christ, by his Holy Spirit.
 
​​​​​​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 the newsletter Christian! Are you Dressed? Part 1 written in 1996 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. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1996.

Christian! Are You Dressed?                         v18n17
Making Ready! Part 1
 
 
          "In conclusion, strengthen yourselves in the Lord and in the power which His supreme might imparts. Put on the complete armor of God, so as to be able to stand firm against all the stratagems of the Devil. For ours is not a conflict with mere flesh and blood, but with despotisms, and empires, the forces that control and govern this dark world-- the spiritual hosts of evil arrayed against us in the heavenly warfare. 
Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you may be able to stand your ground on the day of battle, and, having fought to the end, to remain victors on the field. Stand therefore, first fastening round you the girdle of truth and putting on the breastplate of uprightness as well as the shoes of the Good News of peace-- a firm foundation for your feet. And besides all of these take the great shield of faith, on which you will be able to quench all the flaming darts of the Wicked one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Pray with unceasing prayer and entreaty on every fitting occasion in the spirit, and be always on the alert to seize opportunities for doing so, with unwearied persistence and entreaty on behalf of all God's people, and ask on behalf that words may be given unto me so that, outspoken and fearless, I may make known the truths (hitherto kept secret) Of the Good News-- to spread, which I am an ambassador in chains-- so that when telling them I may speak out boldly as I ought." Ephesians 6:10-20, Weymouth translation. 
 
As you can tell by the title of this message, "Christian! Are YOU dressed? ". God is asking us, if we are using everything that He has made available to us?
 
Have we really taken the time to study, what Father's call to godliness is?
 
Paul, in describing the armor of God, relates to the Roman foot-soldier, who was the best equipped, and best trained soldier in his time. As we try to understand what Paul is trying to relate to us, it will give us a clearer understanding and picture of all that has been made available to us in Christ.
 
We also have to keep in mind, that a well trained and informed soldier, knows the strengths and weaknesses of his enemy. This enables him through the agony of battle, to come through it with the victory.
 
"Now thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ." 2 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV)
 
"I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
 
Being settled!
 
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Ephesians 6:10 (KJV)
 
One of the first things that we have to realize, is, whose side we are on. We have to recognize and realize, who our Commanding General is!
 
How many of you, would want to go into battle knowing that you were going to be defeated?
 
"And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (KJV)
 
You have to realize and know, where your strength is from. Only when we are settled on this, can we truly be strong in the Lord.
 
"Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4 (KJV)
 
It is very similar to the new computer that the ministry has. It has this wealth of knowledge and ability stored within it. If I do not know the proper commands to utilize all that is available to me, it does me no good!
 
As a Christian, you can have the whole Bible memorized, but, if you do not know how to hear God, how can you be of a benefit to anyone? If you cannot hear God, how can you utilize all that he has given you?
 
"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11 (KJV)
 
Too often, most of us are waiting for God to dress us. Paul is quite explicit in what he is saying to us here. Put on, that ye may be able to stand! Not part of the armor, but the whole thing. How can you accept part of Jesus Christ into your heart?
 
You, have to put on the full armor of God. Leave it on! Nobody told you to take it off. We need the protection of the Word, twenty-four hours a day. Do you really think that Satan takes a vacation while you sleep?
 
Notice, that it says, that you may be able to stand! It does not say that the pastor is going to come and fight the battle for you. God gave us the five-fold ministries, to instruct us on how to use all that has been made available to us. To show us the proper usage of the Word of God, and how it is able to defeat every trick and trap that Satan may put in your path.
 
What else can God do for you? Don't you realize that there is nothing more that he can do for us? Jesus Christ accomplished everything! All we have to do, is to learn to walk in the victory that has been made available to us.
 
"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
 
"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins;" Colossians 1:13-14 (KJV)
 
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand! God has done everything necessary for us to be partakers with him! You have to recognize who you are! You have to be able to see all that you have inherited when you were adopted! God and his Son have accomplished a total victory, for those who will use and apply the Word properly in their life.
 
'For we have to struggle, not with blood and flesh but with angelic Rulers, and angelic Authorities, and potentates of the dark present, the spirit forces of evil in the heavenly sphere." Ephesians 6:12, Moffatt translation.
 
We sometimes forget who our battle is with! We are so busy fighting one another, that the devil and his forces just have to sit back and watch. We forget who the enemy is, because we do not give heed to the Word of God. We do not read what is written there for our benefit.
 
We need to be aware of the enemy, and the devices that he employs. We need to be aware of his methods of operation. We need to be aware of his strengths and weaknesses. As we study the Word of God, we are able to see through the lies of the devil and expose him for what he really is.
 
We have to know the enemy, but do not build him up to be more than he is. Remember, that he has been defeated! It is your top priority to remind him of that!
 
“Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you may be able to stand your ground on the day of battle, and, having fought to the end, to remain victors on the field.” Ephesians 6:13, Weymouth translation.
 
Have you begun to notice yet, how Paul continues to stress to us the fact, that we have to put on all that Father has made available to us through Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?
 
You have to put on the armor of God and leave it on! We have to know our rights and authority as children of God!
 
Stand -- covenant; rights; authority; continue.
 
You, have to know your rights and authority! You have to understand the covenant that Father has made with you. These are things that have been given to us. Now it is time for the believers to start to put them to use and show the devil that we are overcomers.
 
"If ye will continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32 (KJV)
 
If you take a stand for the Word, you will continue in it!
 
How shall we fight this battle? Is there anything of your own that you can do to defeat Satan? What can you do to be victorious?
 
Nothing on your own strength, that is for sure. But, I can continue in the Word! I can do just as my brother Jesus Christ did when Satan came against him. He told the Devil what is written in Father's Word! He not only told him once, but twice, and even a third time. Finally, Satan left. I have the ability to put God's Word on the scene. It is the same Word that rose victoriously from the grave with the keys of hell and death. It is the same Word that is seated at the right hand of the Father, forever making intercession for me.
 
Do you know the Word of God, well enough to put it on the battle field?
 
Study, study, study, to show thyself approved unto Father! Get to know what Father has made available to you! Are you or will you be one of the remnant?
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ,
Larry Gazelka
 
Next week Part 2, To the Armory!
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to write or call, and we will help you in any way that we can.
 
If you would like to have us speak at your Bible study or Church, just get a hold of us and we will see what can be arranged.
 
Word Corner:   finally- those remaining; remnant, those settled and remaining.