Good day. Today's video O Foolish Christians! is on the topic of: O foolish Christians! Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh (the carnal mind)? Remember, the carnal mind is an enemy against God and the natural man cannot receive or know the things that have been freely given unto us by God through Jesus Christ. Without the mind of Christ, we can do nothing.
 
​​​​​​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 New Desire day five, written January 21, 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 21, 2011
 
A New Desire
 
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (KJV)
 
You know, it is nice to knock on a door and then have it opened, and to enter into a peaceable realm, or a house that is in order. For many though they are knocking on the wrong door with the wrong motives, then wonder why they are denied access to what is rightfully theirs for the taking. Knowing what door you are knocking on and what the code name is that will get you access will be rewarding to say the least.
 
John 10:1-5 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (2) But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (4) And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (5) And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. (KJV)
 
Our Lord is referred to as a fore runner, the first born as well; one who ran this race toward the mark of the prize which is located above and not below here. Our Lord went before us and died so that we could have access to the realm above, no longer entrapped and in bondage to the things below. Have you answered your call today; seeking first the kingdom of God, or were you to busy following something foreign, a stranger who will not get you to your destination?
 
John 10:6-9 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. (7) Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (8) All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. (9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (KJV)
 
You know, when you enter into the Lord’s realm or rest, it is then that you cease from your own works, and desire what He would have for you this day. All that ever comes before the Lord, any other thing or even person that you would put before our Lord on your priority list is robbery, and will not get you what our Lord desired for you to partake of this day.
 
Mark 11:23-24 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (24) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (KJV)
 
In this fallen realm that we are surrounded with many will make mountains out of mole hills, allowing a little leaven to get past their spiritual radar. In our Lord’s realm it is just the opposite; when you make our Lord a priority then what seemed like a big distraction and obstacle, is quickly cut down and removed. But this will only take place when you enter in through the door of our Lord and make Him your top priority.
 
Revelation 3:19-21 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (20) 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. (KJV)
 
In closing this week, we need to keep in mind that salvation and our prayer life are a two way street; our Lord responds to our requests and desires as we give ear to His. We all want that door in heaven opened, especially in a time of need. By keeping the door of your heart open to the Lord as well will allow you to be an over comer instead of an underachiever.
 
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)
 
Are you a ‘can do’ Christian? Well, only if you allowed a can did person access to your heart. God bless and continue to desire Spiritual things.

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

Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day four, written January 20, 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 20, 2011
 
A New Desire
 
Psalms 37:4-6 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. (6) And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. (KJV)
 
As you draw near to God, He in turn will draw near to you as well; making His kingdom as bright and apparent as a sunrise on a new day, and the results will be as clear as the light at noon. What are you really seeking after, and in hot pursuit of today; is it the things above, or are you settling for something inferior like the things below? The Lord made us spirit, soul, and body; so in order to be complete we will need to address all those areas. My prayer is that you put the Spiritual first, and not last which is why many don’t last.
 
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (KJV)
 
With both of these words, ask and seek, you will find the term desire as well as crave in the definitions. When you asked the Lord to come into your life you began on a new path that would lead to eternal life. When you sought His word and made it a priority in your life, you then were able to see beyond the veil of the flesh, and come to an understanding of the mystery of the gospel that is hid to the carnal man but ready to be revealed to the Spiritual one. Then as you continue knocking, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are only found in Christ is opened unto you so that you can walk in His wisdom, no longer leaning to your own understanding.
 
Colossians 1:9-11 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; (KJV)
 
Paul’s own prayer and desire for God’s people is that they would continue seeking the wisdom and spiritual understanding from above so that they could be strengthened from within. If you notice, there are a lot of things that are available for those that pursue Spiritual things, things that can’t be bought or found in this carnal ream.
 
2 Chronicles 15:1-4 And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: (2) And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. (3) Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. (4) But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. (KJV)
 
The Bible is consistent throughout in the fact that with what measure we give to God is then measured back our way in return. You know, instead of waiting for a time of trouble to manifest in your life, many of these heartaches and frustrations can be avoided if you simply made the Lord your only desire. If you notice also, that trouble came a knocking once the people were no longer abiding in the truth of God, but rather were settling for a lie.
 
2 Chronicles 15:12-15 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; (13) That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. (14) And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. (15) And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about. (KJV)
 
In the Old Testament it was a death sentence when they would not pursue the things of God, but rather desired things that were contrary. You will find in your walk too that if you start to desire something other than what our Lord intended for you to walk in, yeah that sunny day you started out with will become darkened with some storm clouds. Do take note also in verse 15, that the result of seeking the Lord was that there was some rejoicing taking place rather than doubt and frustration. So go seek the Lord and He will give you something to shout about today as well.

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

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.