Good day. Today we are posting the newsletter Christian! Are you Dressed? Part 2 written in 1996 by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka, Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1996.

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

Good day. Today we are posting the newsletter Christian! Are you Dressed? Part 1 written in 1996 by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka, Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1996.

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

Good day. Today we are posting the newsletter What is Our Purpose? 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 Our Purpose?    V17n22

How often do we sit down and ask ourselves that very question?  We would like to know the eternal purpose of God and His purpose for us.

Although God does know the end result of each and every individual, He cannot, He will not, interfere or alter our choices on what we should do, or how we should do it.  His wish is that all of our decisions would be based upon His Word.

Once we choose God, (born-again, John 3:3-8) we will still have choices to make, each and every day of our life.  We still have our free will to operate with.  But, now we have an acute awareness of what is right and wrong.  We have an inner voice that tells us the proper way to go, but we still have the option to choose whether or not to obey.

Even though the children of Israel were delivered from the bondage of Egypt, they still grumbled and had the choice of whether or not to serve the "golden calf".  What do you idolize?

"For though I am free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more."  1 Cor. 9:19 KJV

Being given freedom does not always mean being totally free.  We have a tendency to want to help people, and keep them from making the same mistakes that we have.  We attempt to do this, by sharing our insights, and how God's Word has delivered us.  We, in essence, become a servant to all who will listen.  (Be ready to have an answer if asked).

Which path do I follow?  What choices do I make?  How do I know what to do, and or when to do it?  We all should have a map or blueprint to follow.  But, where do I get one?  How do I learn to read it?

Faith is our ability to believe and trust Father.  The "Bible" is the only place where we can find the proper map or blueprint for our life.  (Much study is a weariness to the flesh).

Even in our society today, the one thing that they tell us, is that the younger generation does not read enough.  They do not have enough of a basic knowledge to survive.  We have become so specialized, that we no longer have the basics of everyday survival.

The same is true in God's realm.  We have a lot of people who specialize.  They will stress right or wrong, and mention certain attributes of God, but they are not able to give the people the basics of God's Word.  (Heb. 6:1-3).  They do not give them the total picture of what is required.  Without the basics of survival, how can anyone make it?

Faith is the base of survival as we walk through this world.  Faith can only be received as a gift.  You cannot buy it.  You cannot win it in a lottery. It is not the certificate that you receive when you join the local congregation.

Faith comes by hearing, and by hearing the Word of God.  We have to take the time to hear what God has to say on each and every situation, each and every day of our life and not just when it feels right.

We can look days and miles ahead on a road map; yet, it does not become relevant to me, or of significance, until I arrive at that junction point in my life. Then it becomes a "now" event.  It is useful information and guidance at this present moment.  (Now faith is!)  If I read the map wrong, I will be taken miles away from my destination.  It will delay my schedule.  It will cause disruption to my plans, and affect all those who had made plans around my schedule.  (If only I had taken the time to look at, and study the map properly.)

Once you make the wrong turn, there is nothing that you can do to make up for lost time.  You have to admit that you made a mistake.  Take the time to look at the map or instructions, and find the proper solution.  (Driving 100 mph is not a solution.  It could lead to further problems and complications).  Find and plot the best course back to the straight and narrow path.  (The shortest route is not always the right or best way back on course).  Sometimes, we have to tell someone else that we were wrong.  Even admit that we made a mistake.  It is never easy to admit that we blew it.  But, we are only human.  We do make mistakes.  BUT, God forgives and forgets!

"But thou, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  Fight the good fight of faith."  I Tim. 6:11-12. KJV

Note that we have to flee the things mentioned in verses 3 through 10.  We have to make hasty escape as Lot did from Sodom and Gomorrah.  This is the way we have to respond when we are on the wrong route.  Find the solution in the Word and put it to immediate use.

"If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."  Matt. 16:24  KJV

When we are following the wrong route, we are usually doing things that please ourselves.  We have a tendency to want to pamper ourselves.  We do these things to satisfy the flesh. As the verse tells us, we have to learn to deny ourselves. We have to learn to say no.  Yet, it is a hard thing to do, especially, when we try to please self and impress others.

Peer pressure.  It is a thing that follows us from our childhood, right on through adult life.  We work hard to please others, and or gain their acceptance and approval.  We seek others approval on everything that we say or do.  Yet, we are not overly concerned whether we have God's approval.

Even in the church, we put peer pressure on each other.  At certain times of the year, we have to have new outfits and outdo each other.  We need to give the biggest and the best present.  We are so busy extolling the exterior; we forget or put aside our spirit man.  We become so busy polishing the outside of the cup - we forget the inside - whether it is fit to drink from.

I am supposed to study for God's approval.  I am supposed to be a witness unto Him, wherever I may be.  When God becomes my first priority, what others think or say, no longer has an effect on my life or walk with God. My total purpose is to please Him and Him alone.  (It is the only time my wife is satisfied with being second best).

This is why, when I stray or detour from the path, I have I John 1:9 to rely on.  I know my Father will forgive me, and He will also forget.  Most people I know if they catch me straying will forgive me, but they will not let me forget.  They will be quick to remind me how I blew it. We all have a tendency to be that way; but, when we learn to forget as well as forgive, we will have a great victory in our spiritual walk.

"Be ye, therefore, followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor."  Eph. 5:1-2  KJV

As we continue our journey, we are to walk in love, as Christ has loved us.  It is easy to love as Christ loves us, being a servant to all.  Be quick to hear, and slow to speak.

"Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee; rebuke a wise man and he will love thee."  Prov. 9:8 KJV

"Blessings are on the head of the just, but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked."  Prov. 10:6 KJV

"An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbor; but through knowledge shall the just be delivered."  Prov. 11:9 KJV

"The wicked are snared by the transgression of his lips, but the just shall come out of trouble."  Prov. 12:13 KJV

"Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way, and he that hateth reproof shall die."  Prov. 15:10 KJV

"A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.  A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.   The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts."  Prov. 18:6-8 KJV

When we end up on the wrong route, we have no one to blame but ourselves.  So often we will respond, "that the devil made me do it?  The fact is that he can only do what we give him (devil) permission to do. He operates off of the words that we speak.  This is what gets us going down the wrong path.  We can blame no one but ourselves.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  Psalms 119:105 KJV

If we had listened to God's Word, we would not have taken the wrong turn.  We would have been more attentive to the path that we are taking.  We would not have listened to the advice of others. If need be, pull over and stop, wait for sound instructions.  Be quick to hear.

All of us started out on the wrong path, or route.  We were all sinners.  Some have made the choice to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  They are then on the right route.  But, how did they get there?  What caused them to change?

We forget, (for those of us that are Christians), that we are supposed to have an answer for every man that asks.  If our lifestyle and example are not in line with God's Word, why would anyone want to seek us out for proper directions?  If you are lost, you are not going to ask directions from someone who does not have knowledge of the area, or the proper map.  Yet, in our walk as Christians, we all too often, seek directions, and or advice from others that are no better off than we are.

If you have a problem with your car, do you take it to the appliance repair shop?  If you have a toothache, do you call a plumber?  The questions may sound a little absurd, but this is what many of us do in our spiritual walk.  When we have problems, we will read our horoscope, talk to the Ouija boards, have a rabbit's foot or any number of ridiculous things.  And from these things, we will seek spiritual advice or council.  We will try anything except the Word of God.

We will rationalize everything, rather than stopping and taking a close look in the mirror, to see if there is someplace I may becoming up short with God's Word.  I have to slow down and refresh my spirit and recall what God's purpose for me is.  I am to be fruitful!  I am to be productive.  I am to be a servant to all that God would ask me to.

Just as Jesus Christ ministered to those who asked of Him.  WE likewise are to minister to those who would ask of us.  The works that He did, we shall do also; and greater works because He ascended to His Father, and hopefully ours. Our purpose is to bring hope to a lost and dying world.  We have food for those that are famished.  We have living waters for those that are parched and thirsty.  We have hope for those that are ready to give up. We have life for those who are dying. We have joy unspeakable, but we must let our light shine.  It gives no light if we cover it with a basket.  You have to purpose in your heart, to share what God has blessed you with.  Only then, can God add to it.

At the same time, I cannot try to be a saviour to the whole world.  I can only take each day as it arrives and be a faithful witness unto God.  In doing so, someone may ask why I am so different.  Then, I can show them that map and the route I have chosen to take.  And maybe, just maybe, I can help them plot a course home.

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

Good day. Today we are posting the newsletter What is His Purpose? 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 His Purpose?     V17n20

I Jn 3:8-11 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (KJV)

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of God and our Father. (KJV)

Love = partnership based on total trust and respect.

Purpose - a setting forth, (as the shewbread).  Aim.

Did you notice in the purpose of the Son of God, and the will of God, that these things "might" come about?  The purpose of the Son of God, motivated by the love of God, is that none would perish.  The only way that this can be accomplished is by our following the example that Jesus Christ set for us.

2 Cor 5:7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (KJV)

The example that Jesus Christ set, is what we are to follow; this is what our purpose should be.  We should not be led by the view or form of things around us. We are in this world, but we are not of this world.  We have to get to the place in our life, that we are totally dependent on the Word of God, and not by what this world tries to dictate to us.

How do we do this? This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.(Gal 5:16).  We need to be guided by the Word of God.  His Word has to be the light that illuminates our path.  It has to be this light that directs our every step. We have to walk in the same measure of love with which He loved us.  Jesus Christ has done everything necessary for us to walk a victorious life.  He accomplished the full purpose of the Father.

Col 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (KJV)

Have you noticed how the word "might", keeps showing up in these scripture texts?

Might = may be able, possible, forcefulness

All things are possible to them that believe.  We have to be the one to act upon the Word of God.  No one else can do it for us.  We cannot ride anyone else's coat tails into kingdom of God.  We, as individuals, have to work out our own salvation.

We are to be walking in the Spirit, not by the view or the form of the world around us.  We are led around, (for the most part), by messages of the physical presence around us.  How our figure is, or how much we weigh.  By what is the latest style of clothes, perfumes, and make-up; or by trying to keep up with the neighbors or co-workers, in regard to where they live or what they may drive.  The list would be too long to list here.  Yet, these are the things that motivate us, and drive us to attain.  This becomes our total purpose in life.

We need to follow after the example set forth by the Word of God.  It is not easy to keep our mind set on the purpose set forth by the Word. (Much study is a weariness to the flesh.)

For far too long, the world and its way of thinking have programed our minds.  From the time we are little, up until the present day, we have put more faith in old wives’ fables, fears and rumors, than we have in what the Word of God has to say.  This should be the final authority, but in most instances it is not.  We have been so efficiently trained in the ways of the world that we have a tendency to believe what it says rather than setting our heart and mind for the purpose of the high calling. Acting on what the world says, (senses), rather than the example of Jesus Christ.

​It is easy to read, "By whose stripes ye were healed."  Yet, when it comes to living by those words it becomes quite difficult.  Not because God's Word does not work, but because we only try to apply it on an occasional basis.  It, (the Word) has to be a way of life.  It has to be our purpose for our entire life, not just a little here, and a little there.  The walk of faith has to be a continual journey in this world.

Ps 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.(KJV)

We forget that God has made a way of escape from our destruction.  We always want to blame God for whatever goes wrong.  We always want Him to be responsible for what happens to us.  God's purpose was to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to make full atonement for our transgressions.  (Which He did accomplish).  For this purpose was the Son of God manifested.  Yet, the choice is ours, and God cannot make the decision for us.  Choose you this day whom you will serve!

1 Pet 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (KJV)

The example has been set.  We have to choose which path we will walk.  Everything has been accomplished to enable us to follow Jesus Christ's example.

1 Tim 4:12-13 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (KJV)

We have this illusion that Jesus Christ was a popular person in his day.  We forget that many did follow Him; but when the times got tough, there was a quick dispersal of the followers.  It is easy to be a follower, but takes a total dedication to be one who sets the example.  We have to walk the walk, and talk the talk; we have to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.

We all want to inherit all of the blessings of God.  We all want to inherit eternal life.  Yet, we do not want to follow the total example that was set before us.  We do not want to be as Paul was at the end of his life.  At his first defense, no man stood with him.  Everybody fled what appeared to be a sinking ship.  In the physical, it appeared that Paul had failed.  However, Paul knew that he had fought the good fight and that he had accomplished the purpose that God had set before him.

Have you allowed the purpose of God to be manifest in your life?  Have you fought the good fight?  Have you stayed on the straight and narrow path that leads into the kingdom of God?

If there are problems in our life, the problem is not on God's end.  It is on our end; we have not taken the time to study to show ourselves approved unto God.  We have not made full proof of the ministry that we have been called into.

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (KJV)

Contend = to struggle for, to strive against rivals or difficulties

Exhort = to call near, invite, invoke

The purpose of Jesus Christ is that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.  The words that He speaks, they are spirit, and they are life.  Faith, (the ability to believe God), only can arrive by hearing God's Word and then applying it to our lives.  There are no short cuts.  You will have to contend for the faith that was once delivered unto you.

Do you know your purpose?  Do you want to?

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

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.