Good day. Today we are posting the newsletter What is Love? written in 1995 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 1995.
What Is Love? V17n19 So often I think out loud, and ask my self, "what is love"? In the vernacular of the world, there are many definitions. We all have our own interpretations of what it means to us. But, have you ever really stopped to hear what the Bible has to say about love? John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV) John 15:12-13 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (KJV) Let's take a look at what the Merriam-Webster dictionary says that love is. Love = storing affection; warm attachment; attraction based on sexual desire; a beloved person; a score of zero in tennis; cherish; to feel a passion, devotion, or tenderness for; caress; to take pleasure in. The dictionary gives us all kinds of definitions of the word, but none that compliments the Bible, and what Jesus Christ had to say about "love". John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (KJV) We think of the sexual attractions, the caresses, and most of the desires that relate only to the physical nature. How do we comprehend the love of God, who sent His only begotten Son, to be put to death by those who He loved? Or, the fact that Jesus Christ himself, in knowing that He himself would suffer greatly, measured love by total commitment, even unto death? How great is your love for the Word of God? "And brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father of the child; and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake, but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." Matt. 10:21-22 KJV Have any of us really suffered for the Word of God? Have we had to endure anything that would really test our love for God? With all the turmoil and such in the world today, we have an excuse for anything that may go wrong. We tell people that we fell out of love with our partner, so we have to find someone else. Love = a partnership based on total trust and respect. I totally trust God's Word. I respect everything that He did for me. If that love were to diminish, it would have to be my fault, because God has done everything possible for me to share His love, now and forever. The only way that love can diminish is if I do not take the time to love Him back. This I do, by the time I spend in the Word with Him, by constantly reminding myself (with His Word) of all that He has done for me. It is only if I quit loving Him back, that our relationship will diminish. This is why in the world so many marriages are failing. They no longer put any effort into their relationship. Besides, it is always easier to blame someone else for the problems, rather than to look in the mirror. "As I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 13:34 KJV If we truly hear what the Lord is saying in this verse, we would not be constantly pointing the finger at everyone else all the time. We have to measure our love, by the same measure that Jesus Christ showed to and for us. 1 Cor 13:4-8 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophesies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (KJV) What we see in these verses, is a description of the life of Jesus Christ while He was here on earth. His total commitment to doing the will of the Father. It is easy to say that we will do the same things for those that we love, but, what about those who are enemies? What about those who you dislike or what about those who do not think quite the same way that you do? Could you lay down your life for them? What we fail to remember, is that while we were yet enemies of the cross, is when Jesus Christ died for us. We were not yet part of the family. Can you imagine laying down your life for someone who hated you? Dying for some one who is only interested in what they can obtain from you, without commitment? Aren't we the same for the most part? Rom 5:1-8 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (KJV) The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, the moment that we confess with our mouth, and believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ took my place on the cross and in the grave. What we forget, is that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. It is something that I have to train myself to do, each and every day of my life. Just as I do my physical body. (When your stomach screams for food, do you neglect it?) We do everything in our power to satisfy the needs and lusts that are body desires. Yet, how often do we attend to the needs of our spirit man? This is where the love of God is so important, in each and every day of our life. Just as we train ourself for every day life in the physical world, we have to train our spirit man in the way that it should go, according to the Word of God. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth," II Tim. 2:15 KJV. If you do not know His Word, how can you please Him? If you are not willing to please Him, how can you say that you love Him? If you love Him, you will keep His commandments. In our marriages, they suffer if we do not take the time, and make an effort at them. We forget to do the things that please them. We become too involved with the things that satisfy self. We stop doing things together. We stop sharing moments. The same thing happens with our life, when we neglect our love of God. When we neglect the Word, our love for God has to diminish. Why? Because we do not continue to remind oneself of the things that Father has already done for us. And faith can only develop by hearing God’s Word. We forget the purpose that brought us together. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 KJV It is easy to have our own purpose for serving God; but when we totally surrender to His love, then we will be open to His purpose. That you may know Him. In the service of Jesus Christ, Larry Gazelka Good day. Today we are posting the newsletter What is Worship? written in 1995 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 1995.
What Is Worship?? V17n18 Worship = reverence, adore, love intensely respect, associated with awe; a love affair based on total love and respect! If we asked twenty different Christians, "What is worship?", we would get twenty different responses. True, we are each a unique individual, but, that is not why we would get twenty different responses. The fact is, that most Christians do not know or understand what worship is. They have an understanding of what they have been taught worship is. They are aware of what goes on around them each week. Yet, they have never taken the time to ask Father, what worship is to Him. John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. (KJV) What is worship? Is it singing? Is it dancing? Is it Laughter? Is it speaking in tongues? Maybe, none of the above? And, it could be all of the above! When we get married, we do everything within our power and ability, to make our mate the total focus of our life. There is not a thing, that we will not do for them. Shouldn’t the same be true with God? Shouldn’t we be doing everything within our being to please Him? We should be loving God with every bit of ability that we have developed within our spirit man, according to the truth. Spirit = vital principle = the vital principle of our life, is Jesus Christ. Without Him, no man can come to the Father. Truth = truthful, (as not concealing), real state of things. Remember, the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The vital principle established by and in the Word of God. The foundation of this relationship has to be Jesus Christ, the cornerstone, and all of the truths regarding Him.(Christ is the only access to the Father). John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (KJV) If we can only worship the Father in spirit and in truth, how can we allow so much untruth into what we call our "worship services"? The songs that we sing, are they all scripturally correct? Or, are they based on traditions? Are all of our prayers scripturally accurate? Or, are they based on what we heard someone else say? Who is responsible for what comes out of your mouth? How can two walk together unless they be agreed? Amos 3:3, Matt 18:19-20. Praise = to applaud, laudation, approval publicly expressed. from Webster’s dictionary. praise = the highest form of gratitude and adoration. Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (KJV) 2 Cor 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. (KJV) Our praise of God should always be on our lips. We should always be mindful of all of the things that we should be thankful for. Do we remember to thank God for all of the little blessings that come our way each day? Do we thank Him for every thing that we are blessed with each day? For food? Are we as quick to forgive others, as God is to forgive us? 2 Chr 29:31 Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings. (KJV) Ps 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. (KJV) Ps 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. (KJV) Ps 118:19-21 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD: This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. (KJV) Eph 5:19-20 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;(KJV) Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (KJV) 1 Pet 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV) To truly worship God, we have to be able to praise Him. If you are not thankful for His love, how will you be able to thank Him for anything else? "For God so loved the world, He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 KJV God has already shown and expressed His love for us. There can be no question or doubt on the depth of His love. He gave His Son. How do you measure that kind of love? We have the choice, to partake of His love; but it is your choice. If we chose life, then we have the opportunity to worship and praise God. To love God back through Jesus Christ. To continually tell Him of our gratitude for what He has made available to us, to those who will believe. My worship, (love affair), with God, should be for everyone to see. Not to make a spectacle of myself, but by knowing and acknowledging that I can do nothing without Him. To openly proclaim that He is my source. I can only do this, through a personal commitment and relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the only way that we can love God.(God is a spirit, and they that worship him, must worship Him in spirit and in truth.) We have to be born of the water,(flesh, just as Jesus of Nazareth was), and of the spirit, (Christ), to see or enter the kingdom of God. There is no other way. Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh to the Father but by me." John 14:6 KJV. To worship God, who is a Spirit, we have to be born-again by the Spirit of God. Once we are spiritually re-born, then we are able to praise (thank) God for what He has done. It is all there for us. Love God with thy whole heart, mind and soul. When you are able to worship and praise God, you will want everyone else to have what you have. You will want to share, the love affair that you have with God. You will always be thankful for what He has provided. This is what Paul the Apostle was able to grasp. He saw the love of God, that was able to save him from the past, and the murderer that he once was. His whole past was blotted out, and covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. He was able to realize the total Love of God. He was able to comprehend the forgiveness that God had set before him. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 KJV. How many of us have a past that we are proud of? But, we to can have the same relationship with the Father that Paul the Apostle did. We have the same forgiveness made available to us. We have the opportunity to be partakers of the measure of the gift of Christ. It is there for the asking. Ask for God’s forgiveness, and be a partaker in His kingdom. It is this total trust and respect of Father and His Son Jesus Christ, that inspires worship in our hearts.(spirit) When the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, we will have praise on our lips for the gift which is given to us. (Rom. 5:5) We have to worship God in spirit and in truth. The truth is the Word of God. Faith (the ability to trust God), can only come by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Our ability to trust and believe God, (faith), can only be developed and maintained by our hearing of the truth, the Word of God. Faith is our ability to trust and act upon God’s Word. Trust is what a love-affair is based upon. How much do you trust God’s Word? Enough to put your life on the line for it? "But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. "Hebrews 3:13-14 KJV We are built-anew by the Word of God. We need our spirit man refreshed, renewed, each and everyday of our relationship with Father. If you always concentrate on one’s faults, a relationship will not last. This is why we encourage one another daily. "Study to show thyself approved unto God." We, you and I, have to take the time to learn of God; this will enable us to find the things that please Him, thus, keeping our relationship intact. Learning to worship (love) God for all that He has done for us. Praising Him (thanks, gratitude) for the ability that He has blessed us with, to maintain our relationship with Him. Do you know who you worship? Do you know why you praise Him? That you may know Him, In the service of Jesus Christ Larry Gazelka Good day. Today we are posting the newsletter What is Prosperity? written in 1995 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 1995.
What is Prosperity? V17n17 Prosper--(from Hebrew), to push forward, break out, come mightily; intelligent, instruct. Webster's dictionary--to achieve financial success. What is success to you? What is success to God? Is there a difference in your definition and God's? “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matt 16:26. Read Luke12:16-21, also. Our idea of being prosperous, and God's idea of being prosperous, are usually two different ideas. We have come to the point where we tell God the way we expect things to be. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. III John 2, KJV Have we, the church, forgotten what true prosperity really is? Was it the wealth of the world that Jesus Christ went to the cross and the grave for? If it was, He failed! Why did Noah leave everything behind for a boat ride? Did Lot have time to call the moving company? Why did Lot's wife, turn into a pillar of salt? Was Paul being prosperous, by ending his ministry in a prison cell? For all of these questions, are there any answers? John wanted our souls to prosper. The only way, (Biblical), that our souls can prosper, is by being constantly renewed by the Word of God. We are to do this each and every day of our life. We need to be spending as much time each day, feeding our spirit man as we do feeding and pampering our physical body, (and the lusts that it craves). When was the last time your spirit man had equal to or greater time of feeding then your physical man? Is there any good excuse? We are to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, who is Jesus Christ! Only then, will we be content with what Father provides. Only then, will our list of wants diminish, and what we think we need. Almost everyone would be content with a forty thousand dollar Lexus. Almost every pastor would be content with a three million-dollar building. Most of us would be content with a five hundred thousand-dollar cabin on Flathead Lake. However, could we be as Paul the Apostle, and hear and obey God in a prison cell? Could we be content enough in that cell, to hear God clearly; thus enabling us to be of aid to many generations to find a closer walk with God? Could you be content with a thirty thousand-dollar house, and an eight hundred-dollar Chevette? When is enough of what the world has to offer enough? When does man become satisfied with his earthly acquisitions? What, right now, gives you the peace of God that passes all understanding? Is it your house? Is it your car? Is it your job? Is it a cabin in the mountains? Would you be willing to give it all up to see and help one person gain entrance into the kingdom of God? Jesus Christ did. Paul the Apostle did. Can you? Will you? Read I Cor. 9:7-18. We, the church, at times forget what the commission is that we are to do. True, we do not all have the calling to be an Apostle. Neither, do all of us have the calling to be a prophet. Yet, some do have the calling to be evangelists. Some have the patience and long-suffering to be pastors. Others have the gift to be teachers, expounding the Word of God. God gave the church the five-fold ministry gifts, to perfect, edify and to bring unity in the faith by sharing the knowledge of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. This, and only this, will keep us from being tossed to and fro from all of the contrary doctrines that are out there today. This is what will allow us to spot those who try to bring divisions and deception. The fullness of Christ will enable us to speak the truth in love, because we will not want to see anyone lost. This is why Paul (I Cor.9:18) was compelled to make the gospel known without charge. Paul was called to be a preacher, not a beggar. In nineteen years in the ministry, we have never taken an offering. God is our source. We will put a box in the rear of the service area, and if God tells someone to give, so be it. However, it is between them and God. This is the way that it should be. This is why Paul preached the gospel without charge, not abusing his position. At the same time, they were not able to manipulate him. Paul knew who his source was. That is why Paul was able to bring forth the Word of God, totally unbiased, and without the influence of men! Even when all things appeared to be lost at sea, Paul's concern was for those who were on the ship with him. He wanted to know how to minister to them further. He wanted to remove the bondage that they were held in, even though he was the one held by physical chains. Paul made the Gospel known without charge. He was not in it for the money. He was not in it to get rich. He was not in it for the prestige. He had become a servant, a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. John, banished to the isle of Patmos, wanted us to prosper by the renewing of our minds, even though he was close to death. His concern was that we might live with victory, just as he was able to. Our main concern is to find a way that we can receive healing or be made well when most of us grow close to death. We do not think of others, just ourselves. What if John and Paul had been that way? How much of the New Testament would we have to read today? How much of the Bible would have been written, if all the writers had been in it for profit only? How much of the Bible would have been written if they were only trying to build up a denomination or ministry? Alas, the Gospel was made known without charge! Are we as faithful with what blessings we have received? Is the final outcome (salvation), going to be decided by whoever has the most toys wins? Will all of your earthly possessions raise or increase your standing with God? Do we think of ourselves more highly than we ought? Do we give more credit to our pastors and teachers than we do to God? Have we truly forgotten who our source is? As His Word renews your mind, you will enter into the peace of God that passes all understanding. This is what will give your heart and mind true prosperity. It will give you the proper motivation, that you may know Him, and the power of His resurrection (Christ). What is your motivation for serving God? Is it riches? Is it our "ivory" towers? Is it our fancy cars, or is it eternal salvation? The choice is yours! Yours alone! It is easy and alarming to see the similarities between a movie and the church today, such as I did when watching one titled, "Quiz Show." The movie illustrated how the game shows manipulated the big winners. How their popularity rated with the TV audience, made this determination. They, the game shows, started with a proper motivation. However, when certain people won, they observed how the ratings would rise or fall. Thus, they saw the opportunity to increase the sales of their sponsor's products by manipulating the winners. Thus, increasing the dollar flow into their own pockets. Gee, everybody appeared to be a winner! One of the winners finally wanted out of the deception that he had become a part of. The hardest thing for him to do was to figure out how to go to his father with the truth. Is this not also the hardest thing for the Christian to do? What was the motivation behind this man? He had money. He was very intelligent. Yet, the producers of the show convinced him that he would be a good role model for the youth of the day. They were able to get him to compromise his ethical standards. This is the same ploy that is making its way through the Church today, the motivation of prosperity of material things. Give to God, and get a hundred-fold return on your investment. Where are we to be laying up our treasures? Have we forgotten what Matthew 6:19-20 says? We cannot serve two masters! Matthew 6:24. "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my names sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life." Matthew 19:29 KJV It does not say a thing about money. It does mention to forsake. Forsake--to desert, abandon, to break-off from, give up. We have left our first love because of our motivation for the wrong type of prosperity. This happens when we give ear to some improper interpretations of God's Word. We have not taken the time to study the Word of God for ourselves. We no longer know how to hear God for ourselves. We hear what someone else says, and that is what we take to the bank. We do not take the time to go to the Bible and see what Father has to say. We do not take the time to be sure that it lines up with what Father has said. What we hear sounds good. What is being preached sells a lot of books for the authors. We have these preachers speak at our churches. We assume that what they preach, comes straight from the throne of God. We act upon it. We follow the rest of the crowd. What happens if they go to hell? Will you still follow? A while back, they had a special on TV on how to market your church. They give seminars to pastors, on how they can best market their churches; giving the people what they want, rather then what they need. To get their churches to appear prosperous, they utilize worldly marketing schemes. Why be satisfied with twenty people, when we can market it right, and have one thousand people. Have we forgotten all that is written in the Bible? I thought it was, and still is, God, who adds to the church daily? Are we only looking for numbers? David did, and do you remember what happened? What happened to being instant in season and out of season with the Word of God? To reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine? Are we telling God, that having a big building, with a lot of people in it, is the determining factor on whether or not we are successful? Is salary a determining factor on when and where I will serve God? If so, we are in trouble. What did Jesus Christ have left when they put Him on the cross, a robe? They buried Him in a borrowed grave. Paul left an empty cell. If we continue to always look at the physical, what will we have left? Does it matter? It is a narrow and straight path into the Kingdom of God. There are few that are traveling on that path. You have to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. No one else can do it for you. You alone can do it. You have to do it out of love, the love of God. Will you too, be removed from the simplicity that is in Christ? That you may know Him In the service of Jesus Christ, Larry Gazelka 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 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 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. Good day. Today we are posting Part 2 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 2 v23n39 In last weeks newsletter, we were talking about who it is that we identify ourselves with, or in other words, who is it that we place ourselves in agreement with. After having a mild stroke last week, I had to make a decision or choice myself, of whether I would agree or disagree with the doctors and nurses, and the counsel that they gave me. To agree with them would bring about restored health, and to disagree would bring about death. Each and every day here, we all have that decision or choice to make. It all comes down to who we will choose to be the servant to. Jesus Christ came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. The devil goes about seeking whom he may devour, for his purpose is to steal the gift of God from us, that he may get us to commit spiritual suicide, that we would die for eternity. Romans 6:16 Do you not know that if you surrender yourselves as bondservants to obey any one, you become the bondservants of him whom you obey, whether the bondservants of Sin (with death as the result) or of Duty (resulting in righteousness)? (Weymouth translation) [To whom ye yield yourselves] Can you suppose that you should continue to be the servants of Christ if ye give way to sin? Is he not the master who exacts the service, and to whom the service is performed? Sin is the service of Satan; righteousness is the service of Christ. If ye sin, ye are the servants of Satan, and not the servants of God. The word doulos (grk 1401), which we translate "servant", properly signifies slave; and a slave among the Greeks and Romans was considered as his master's property, and he might dispose of him as he pleased. Under a bad master, the lot of the slave was most oppressive and dreadful; his ease and comfort were never consulted; he was treated worse than a beast; and, in many cases, his life hung on the mere caprice of the master. This state is the state of every poor, miserable sinner; he is the slave of Satan, and his own evil lusts and appetites are his most cruel taskmasters. The same word is applied to the servants of Christ, the more forcibly to show that they are their Master's property; and that, as he is infinitely good and benevolent, therefore his service must be perfect freedom. Indeed, he exacts no obedience from them which he does not turn to their eternal advantage; for this master has no self-interest to secure. (From Adam Clarke Commentary) Each and every day a person surrounds themselves with different thoughts and ideas. However, to make things a bit more simplified, one should look at this in one of two ways: our choices or decisions are one of two, to choose to be spiritually alive by coming into agreement with God and His Word, or to come into agreement with the devil, whose end result is spiritual death. Thus, we can see why Joshua said that we have to choose this day who it is that we will serve. God in His grace and mercy has made available to each and every person this gift of spiritual life. This gift is available to one by and through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 4:7, John 17:3). There is no other way than that which God has prescribed. (John 14:6, 1Timothy 2:5). Any other way than that which God prescribes would be the way of a thief and robber, and admittance into His kingdom under false pretenses will not be allowed. 2Peter 2:17-20 These people are wells without water, mists driven along by a storm, men for whom the dense darkness has been reserved. 18 For, while they pour out their frivolous and arrogant talk, they use earthly cravings--every kind of immorality--as a bait to entrap men who are just escaping from the influence of those who live in error. 19 And they promise them freedom, although they are themselves the slaves of what is corrupt. For a man is the slave of any one by whom he has been worsted in fight. 20 For if, after escaping from the pollutions of the world through a full knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, people are once more entangled in these pollutions and are overcome, their last state has become worse than their first. (Weymouth translation) Let’s look at some of Adam Clarke’s comments on these verses. [These are wells without water] Persons who, by their profession, should furnish the water of life to souls athirst for salvation; but they have not this water; they are teachers without ability to instruct; they are sowers, and have no seed in their basket. Nothing is more cheering in the deserts of the east than to meet with a well of water; and nothing more distressing, when parched with thirst, than to meet with a well that contains no water. [Clouds that are carried with a tempest] In a time of great drought, to see clouds beginning to cover the face of the heavens raises the expectation of rain; but to see these carried off by a sudden tempest is a dreary disappointment. These false teachers were equally as unprofitable as the empty well, or the light, dissipated cloud. [To whom the mist of darkness is reserved] That is, an eternal separation from the presence of God, and the glory of his power. They shall be thrust into outer darkness, <Matt. 8:12>; into the utmost degrees of misery and despair. False and corrupt teachers will be sent into the lowest hell; and be "the most downcast, underfoot vassals of perdition." [They speak great swelling words of vanity] The word huperongka (grk 5246) signifies things of great magnitude, grand, superb, sublime; it sometimes signifies inflated, tumid, bombastic. These false teachers spoke of great and high things, and no doubt promised their disciples the greatest privileges, as they themselves pretended to a high degree of illumination; but they were all false and vain, though they tickled the fancy and excited the desires of the flesh; and indeed this appears to have been their object. And hence, some think that the impure sect of the Nicolaitans is meant. [Those that were clean escaped] Those who, through hearing the doctrines of the Gospel, had been converted, were perverted by these false teachers. [While they promise them liberty] Either to live in the highest degrees of spiritual good, or a freedom from the Roman yoke; or from the yoke of the law, or what they might term needless restraints. Their own conduct showed the falsity of their system; for they were slaves to every disgraceful lust. [For of whom a man is overcome] This is an allusion to the ancient custom of selling for slaves those whom they had conquered and captivated in war. The ancient law was, that a man might either kill him whom he overcame in battle, or keep him for a slave. These were called servi, slaves, from the verb sevare, to keep or preserve. And they were also called mancipia, from manu capiuntur, they are taken captive by the hand of their enemy. Thus the person who is overcome by his lusts is represented as being the slave of those lusts. (From Adam Clarke Commentary) The only real liberty one can have, is by being identified with Christ. Thus, why Paul tells us to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. (By being in full agreement with God and His Word). Do not again become entangled with the old ways and nature of the flesh. As Paul said, that we should be followers of him, as he followed after the pattern set by Christ Jesus. People who imitate other people, will find themselves in an identity crisis, as we can see from the following scripture. Acts 19:13-16 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (KJV) Certain of the Jews who went about practicing exorcisms. Vagabond has a very bad acceptation among us; but, literally, vagabundus signifies a wanderer, one that has no settled place of abode. These, like all their countrymen, in all places, went about to get their bread in what way they could; making trial of everything by which they could have the prospect of gain. Finding that Paul cast out demons through the name of Jesus, they thought, by using the same, they might produce the same effects; and, if they could, they knew it would be to them an ample source of revenue; for demoniacs abounded in the land. The whole verse in that manuscript reads thus: Among them were also the sons of Sceva, a priest, who wished to do the same: for they were accustomed to exorcise such persons. And entering in to the demoniac, they began to invoke that Name, saying, We command thee by Jesus, whom Paul preacheth, to go out. And the evil spirit answered, and said unto them, Jesus I know, etc. It has been often remarked that in our Lord's time there were many of the Jews that professed to cast out demons; and perhaps to this our Lord alludes, see note at <Matt. 12:27> (From Adam Clarke Commentary). Notes from Matt. 12:27: And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. [By whom do your children cast them out?] Children, or sons of the prophets, means the disciples of the prophets; and children or sons of the Pharisees, disciples of the Pharisees. From <Acts 19:13-14>, it is evident there were exorcists among the Jews, and, from our Lord's saying here, it is also evident that the disciples of the Pharisees did cast out demons, or, at least, those who educated them wished to have it believed that they had such a power. Our Lord's argument here is extremely conclusive: If the man who casts out demons proves himself thereby to be in league with and influenced by Satan, then your disciples, and you who taught them, are all of you in league with the Devil: ye must either give up your assertion, that I cast out demons by Beelzebub, or else admit this conclusion, in its fullest force and latitude, that ye are all children of the Devil, and leagued with him against God. Envy causes persons often to condemn in one, what they approve in another. (From Adam Clarke Commentary). As we can see, those sons of Sceva had a real identity crisis when it came to using the Lord’s name. As we can recall from last week’s newsletter, that many said that they were doing many wonderful works in His name, yet He did not know them. Christ and Christ alone is the power and wisdom of God. Do you have an identity crisis today? 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 Part 1 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 1 v23n38 In the last few newsletters, we have been talking about how the god of this world blinds the minds of those who fail to make it a priority of renewing their minds daily, as well as moment by moment within the Word of God. Thus, why it is so imperative that one follows the step-by-step instructions that God has made available to the believer with His Word. Failure to hear and obey these step-by-step instructions, will cause a person to have an identity crisis. Ezekiel 34:12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. (KJV) John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (KJV) Who does one identify themselves with? The Word tells us clearly, that he that is not with Him is against Him. People identify themselves with sports and sports teams. They also identify themselves with all kinds of causes. Yet, how many will allow themselves to always be identified with, as well as follow the cause of Christ? 1 Kings 18:21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word. (KJV) The people were mute. They could not but feel the logical force of Elijah's argument; but they were not prepared at once to act upon it. They wished to unite the worship of Yahweh with that of Baal-- to avoid breaking with the past and completely rejecting the old national worship, yet at the same time to have the enjoyment of the new rites, which were certainly sensuous, and probably impure. (From Barnes' Notes) [How long halt ye between two opinions?] Literally, "How long hop ye about upon two boughs?" This is a metaphor taken from birds hopping about from bough to bough, not knowing on which to settle. Perhaps the idea of limping through lameness should not be overlooked. They were halt, they could not walk uprightly; they dreaded Jehovah, and therefore could not totally abandon him; they feared the king and queen, and therefore thought they must embrace the religion of the state. Their conscience forbade them to do the former; their fear of man persuaded them to do the latter; but in neither were they heartily engaged; and at this juncture their minds seemed in equipoise (in balance), and they were waiting for a favourable opportunity to make their decision. Such an opportunity now, through the mercy of God, presented itself. (From Adam Clarke Commentary) [And Elijah came near unto all the people]. After gathering the people of Israel together, Elijah issued his challenge to them. How long halt ye between two opinions? (AV). Rather, [How long go ye hobbling between the two forks of the road?] Whichever translation one takes, the meaning is crystal clear. The issue was before them. A clear decision must be made. If Baal was to be god, Jehovah must be renounced. If Jehovah was to reign as God, Baal and all his worship must be forever abandoned. Many in Israel were probably tempted to compromise. Elijah, with whom no compromise was possible, saw clearly the radical character of the two issues and called for a definite decision. Such men always enjoy the blessings of God despite temporary unpopularity with the masses. (From Wycliffe Commentary) Two cannot walk together unless they are in agreement. Temporary blindness to the truth of God’s Word, will cause a person to have an identity crisis. This happens because a person is wavering between two opinions or causes. They then have the tendency to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine or such that comes along. This is why a person must learn to study the Word for God’s approval on a moment-by-moment basis. One must continue in the Word of God at all times, so that it becomes as natural of a process as it is for one to breathe. (One seldom has to think about breathing, and this is how natural the Word of God should be to all of us.) This is the way in which we are to grow up into Him in all things. Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV) Our blessed Lord shows here the utter impossibility of loving the world and loving God at the same time; or, in other words, that a man of the world cannot be a truly religious character. He who gives his heart to the world robs God of it, and, in snatching at the shadow of earthly good, loses substantial and eternal blessedness. How dangerous is it to set our hearts upon riches, seeing it is so easy to make them our God! (From Adam Clarke Commentary) If the eye, used here figuratively for one's spiritual understanding, be single (opposite of "twofold"), not afflicted with double vision in this matter of treasures —an affliction which is evil —then the individual can regard riches in their proper perspective. The impossibility of serving two masters in a slave relationship is a graphic illustration. Mammon. Though its derivation is uncertain, it appears to be an Aramaic word for wealth, here personified. Note that Jesus condemns not wealth but enslavement to wealth. (From Wycliffe Commentary) The double minded man is unstable in all of his ways. Not because I say so, but this is what the Word of God plainly tells us. As long as a person is wavering between two opinions, they will have a crisis with whom they will identify. They will identify themselves with whomever they deem to be in power or in control. And yet the Word is clear to tell us which doctrine and cause that we as Christians are to follow. 2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV) He who passes over the sacred enclosure, or goes beyond the prescribed limits; and abideth not in the doctrine. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Compare the superior Greek reading: proagoon (grk 4254).) In either case, it means that someone is not remaining within these holy limits, but indulges himself either in excesses of action or passion, hath not God for his Father, nor the love of God in his heart. [Hath both the Father and the Son.] He who abideth in the doctrine of Christ, his body is a temple of the Holy Trinity, and he has communion with the Father as his Father, and with the Son as his Saviour and Redeemer. (From Adam Clarke Commentary) We are to hold God and His Word to be true, and every man that speaks against it (His Word) a liar. This can only happen when a person’s life and speech is in full agreement with God. There is no in-between or gray area involving salvation. We are either for or against God and His doctrine. Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (KJV) Do you have an identity crisis this day? Who is it that you identify with? 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 Part 4 the final newsletter in the series Recipe for Disaster! written 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 writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll to the year 2024.
Recipe for Disaster! Vol. 27 No. 2 Part 4 As with any newsletter topic, it could go on for a much longer time than what we are doing here. One should be beginning to see how using the wrong ingredients in a recipe can have awful tasting results. As we have seen for the past few weeks that it is not enough to search the Bible for scriptures that make one “feel” good. It is not enough to mimic that which others are doing. John 5:39-40 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. KJV As we talked a bit about previously, that we are counseled to be as the Bereans were, as they took nothing for granted as to what was being spoken, until they searched the scriptures to be sure it was about their salvation and a closer walk with Jesus Christ. Acts 17:11-12 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; KJV Note how that they took that which they had heard, and searched the scriptures daily, to make sure they were not following wolves in sheep’s clothing. Using the proper ingredients to make sure we are having a proper meal of His Word. If you will recall the outline for prayer and communicating with the Father, it was to be seeking out our daily bread. Luke 11:2-3 When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. KJV Most people only think of the physical realm when looking at what it says here about seeking out our daily bread. But what is your daily bread? Does one only think of that which is physical? Let’s look at how Jesus Christ answered this question. Matthew 4:3-4 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 Do you think of God’s Word as food? And if you do, what then would you think would make an adequate meal for you spiritually? Father knows what we have need of before we ask of Him. Yet how often is one more concerned with what others are thinking, or what they are doing, than what Father asks of them? In today’s world, people are wanting new translations of the Bible. They want things that will allow them to go down the path that they choose, rather than the strait and narrow path that Jesus Christ set for us to follow. We should not be changing the Word to suit us or one’s lifestyle, but rather allow the Word of God to make changes within us, so that we are an imitator of Jesus Christ and Him alone. Matthew 5:18-19 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. KJV though it be but a man's covenant, or testament, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth or addeth thereto; if a covenant made between men, or a man's will and testament, be confirmed, signed, sealed, and witnessed, in a proper manner, no other man can make them void, or take anything from them, or add anything to them, only the parties concerned by their own will and consent; and if this be the case among men, much less can the covenant of God, confirmed by two immutable things, his word and oath, or his will and testament, or any branch of it, be ever disannulled, or be capable of receiving any addition thereunto. (John Gill ‘s exposition of the Bible) Man, by trying to add to or take away from the Word of God to please themselves or others, is creating a recipe for disaster. There is a total feast for the spiritual being within God’s Word, if one would take the time to ask Him for their daily bread. That you may know Him, In the service of Jesus Christ. Larry Gazelka©2024 Good day. Today we are posting Part 3 of a newsletter series Recipe for Disaster! written 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 writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll to the year 2024.
Recipe for Disaster! V27 No. 1 Part 3 How often do people start the new year with promises or resolutions that they hope to keep during the coming year? What ingredient is missing in this recipe for success? What is it that inspired that person to seek these changes in their life? Matthew 6:33-34 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) We are or should be, seeking first the kingdom of God. But also, the verse says, “and His righteousness.” How many people are aware of what God’s righteousness is, and what it entails? It is little details like this that people miss or ignore but are vital requirements for the recipe to produce the proper results. BC, or before Jesus Christ, one was instructed to follow the ten commandments, and in doing so, that they themselves acknowledged that they had strayed from what was required of them. Yet, it was not able to bring a person into personal relationship with God, because the price had not yet been paid for man’s sins. So, in essence, it was a recipe without the final ingredient. It made one aware that they had done wrong, but with no way to alleviate sin, as there had not yet been a price paid for that ransom. We should no longer be listening to or following old recipes; ones that have been around either by the old covenant or wives’ fables and such and are not able to or capable of procuring the ingredient necessary for a new life in the Spirit. So, we should be starting to see that there is an essential ingredient that is required for acquiring and maintaining a spiritual relationship with the Father. John 5:39 You keep searching the scriptures, for you yourselves suppose that you will get possession of eternal life through them; but they are witnesses that testify of me, but you refuse to come to me to get possession of life. (William’s New Testament) One can do many things by modifying the ingredients in a recipe. However, if one omits the main or primary ingredient, it will always be a failure for obtaining the proper results. Psalms 119:103-105 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. 105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. KJV Is His Word sweet or bitter to you? Do you blame God for your shortcomings and failures? Would you make a daily diet of things that taste horrible to you? How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Who had a spiritual one; and could discern perverse things, and could taste how good and gracious the Lord is: and so his words were sweet unto him; the doctrines of grace, the truths of the Gospel, were delightful and pleasant to him; like unadulterated milk, desirable by him: like good wine, that goes down sweetly; like good food, that is exceeding palatable; or like honey, and even sweeter than that, as follows. (John Gill commentary) We not only need a diet that tastes good to us, but it also must be nutritionally good for us as well. Just as the old covenant could tell you what you were doing wrong, yet there was not a permanent solution for correcting those sins. 1Corinthians 1:20-23 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; KJV Man has attempted to alter God’s Word to where it suits that which they proclaim. They find ways to hold people captivated by their good words and fair speeches. In other words, they attempt to alter that proper recipe essential for the new birth and a relationship with Him. How often do we see man try to dictate to God what they believe should be the terms for a relationship with Him? Romans 16:17-18 But I beg you, brothers, to keep on the lookout for those who stir up divisions and put hindrances in your way, in opposition to the instruction that you had, and always avoid them. 18. For such men are really not serving our Lord Christ but their own base appetites, and by their fair and flattering talk they are deceiving the hearts of unsuspecting people. (William’s New Testament) In real life, how often will one return to a restaurant that serves food that does not taste good? Will one keep using a recipe that does not please you or your family? This is why one must study the Word of God for themselves. So that they get to know His voice and His Word, so that one may not be able to be tricked or fooled by men who are trying to deceive you. Next issue we will conclude Recipe for Disaster. That you may know Him, In the service of Jesus Christ. Larry Gazelka©2024 |
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