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Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (KJV)
Strong’s definition of ‘cleanse’: OT:2135 zakah (zaw-kaw'); a primitive root [compare OT:2141]; to be translucent; figuratively, to be innocent: KJV - be (make) clean, cleanse, be clear, count pure. When most people think of the word ‘cleanse’ what first comes to mind is washing with water, or as in most of today’s religious organizations, baptism. Yet, if you look at the rest of the verse above you see that it is by taking heed to the Word of God is what will continue to cleanse one’s way before God. Cleansing with water is only temporary; now, think about that for a moment. So why do many think that by baptism (meaning the physical dunk tank routine) it keeps one clean before the Lord? One can cleanse themselves with water every day and yet one will begin to get soiled and start to stink if they don’t keep doing it. The physical baptism was temporary until the permanent baptism in Christ was given. And it is only in Him that we can remain clean of all filthiness and unrighteousness (Spiritually). In the end, it is the inward cleansing that enables one to be counted pure before God. The cleansing being spoken of above is an inward cleansing of one’s heart and mind by the washing of the Word which brings about our innocents before God. It also brings about a translucency which enables others to see the pure river of living waters that flow within you, and that not being of yourself, but Christ in you continually cleansing your way, as you continue to abide in Him. 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (KJV) It is the Spiritual baptism that begins the cleansing process within us, and we make the choice if we will continue to cleanse our way by taking heed thereto according to the Word of God. Taking heed in Psalms 119:9 means to observe, attend to, to guard or to protect. It is speaking of your clean way of living before God. There are many things in this world that can defile one if allowed in, so enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men; avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Let the cleansing by the Word of God continue in you. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 3:8-10 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (KJV)
The purpose of this week’s study was to show the difference between the old outdated doctrine of water baptism and the new spiritual baptism so that we could learn to be immersed in the new living spiritual waters that our Lord has made available to mankind. Knowing our Lord personally and experiencing His power will only take place when your old nature is nailed to the cross of Christ. There is power in the resurrection because you are no longer influenced by the outward sight. Galatians 2:18-21 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV) The old law is a death sentence to many believers who begin so well in the Spirit, but then go back to old things to try and perfect their walk with God instead of doing those things that are pleasing in our Lord’s sight. It is frustrating to God to see His people who were set free for a season walk right back into the snare of the devil by the works of the law which are now considered vain and outdated. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (KJV) Instead of being stuck on water baptism, how about immersing yourself into the living spiritual waters which are the only ones that can get out spiritual stains. Given the fact that we need to clean up our act before showing up at the throne someday, why not find out what our Lord considers clean as compared to what mankind thinks will work. John 15:3-5 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (KJV) It’s the simplicity of the gospel that gets missed and overlooked by people who claim to be spiritual, yet still operate in the flesh. We have been engrafted into the tree of life and we are required to bear the fruit of the Spirit; and the best way for that to happen is to water it with living waters, which again Church are spiritual and not carnal. Ezekiel 36:25-27 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (KJV) All this week we have been showing the difference between John’s baptism and the one our Lord desires to see us immersed in. It is up to you personally to decide which realm you want to walk in, because only one will work, and that would be the spiritual one. Titus 3:4-6 But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; (KJV) John baptized with water, now you have access to the Holy Ghost, so grab what is rightfully yours for the taking and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (KJV)
Today, right now, this moment you are considered clean in the Lord’s eyes. No, not by what you think you can do to impress Him, or by some outdated watered down ritual, but by the Word the Lord is speaking that is alive and powerful, showing you how to be cleansed from within. Ezekiel 36:25-27 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (KJV) The forecast today calls for showers, a downpour from above. However, most of mankind is not aware of this because they keep looking outward instead of within to see where it is truly taking place. The Lord also gave you a new heart, one of clay that He could mold and shape into the person He desires to see you grow up into. Clay works much better with some water added to it; otherwise it has a tendency to harden. Hebrews 10:19-22 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (KJV) Only living spiritual waters can get inside and cleanse that polluted conscience, that no matter what many may try, it can never find peace or justification through the flesh. 1 Peter 3:20-21 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (KJV) Some people look to the book of Acts and see that the disciples were still carrying out the outward baptism. However, Peter eventually realized, like you should also, that the time in which these things took place (book of Acts) was a time of transition, where God’s people were moving out of the old law and into the new realm of the Spirit. For all you traditionalists, do keep in mind that the disciples were still holding to the doctrine of circumcision also, so if you are going to put one part of the law into play, do you really want to deal with all of it? Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) John, who was still under the old law and the works of it, was now being considered outdated, giving way to something new and more effective. You have a choice today whether you are immersing yourself in the outward, or the new living waters from above. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (KJV)
Jesus Christ came to earth to deliver words that are Spirit and life. You will not find this life in the outward realm; it only exists within. When you think of cleansing it’s time to rethink and look to the spiritual realm rather than blindly following man’s outward, vain interpretations and see what God considers clean in His sight. Titus 3:4-6 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; (KJV) 3067 loutron (loo-tron'); from 3068; a bath, i.e. (figuratively), immersion, baptism: KJV-- washing. (Strongs Definition For Washing) So what kind of water are you immersing yourself in today and which one do you think will truly cleanse you, the outward carnal washings, or is the Lord looking elsewhere to see who is truly clean in His eyes? Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (KJV) Spiritual stains require spiritual water to remove them. Given the fact that we serve a Spiritual God we need to look beyond the carnal in order to be cleansed and truly show up clean in His sight. Malachi 3:1-2 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. 2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: (KJV) You now have access to living spiritual waters, and here is a spiritual bar of soap to go with it, now it’s time to clean up your act. 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (KJV) I spent time in the past in some pig pens of man’s limited fallen doctrines, though they appeared to look good on the outside, inwardly they were a mess. Once I concentrated more on the inward man, I was able to come clean before God. Dearly loved, come clean before God this day through His Son Jesus Christ. God bless and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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