Good morning. Today's video The Son - Part25 is on the topic of who the Son of God is; he that is not with Christ is against Him. Luke 11:21-26 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. (KJV) The warnings Church are clear. Our strength is in Christ. If we continue to abide in him, he will continue to abide in us; and in Him we have his fullness to help us to discern between good and evil, to rightly divide the word of truth, and the strength to come out from among anything or anyone that is not healthy for us in spirit, soul, or body. A little leaven allowed in will leaven the whole lump. If we don’t keep vigilant in our relationship with the Lord, remaining and gathering with Him (holding too and being the workman who needs not to be ashamed in the gospel of Christ), then we will be counted as against him and our goods will be scattered. And we could end up like the strong man who did not keep his palace (not remaining diligent in the Spirit holding to the gospel of Christ); or be overtaken by the unclean spirit again with seven other of his buddies more wicked than himself, and the last state of ourselves would be worse than the first. 2 John 1:7-11 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV) There are many false prophets with their false doctrines that have infiltrated the Church today; just as in the Old Testament times when Israel intermingled with other nations (the Gentiles) and took on their customs, worshiping and serving their gods, and look at what the consequences were. They left their first love. Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (KJV) It is no different for the Church today; if you are not abiding in and holding fast to the grace and gospel of Christ, but have turned unto another gospel other than that which Jesus Christ preached unto you, then there are consequences for what you allow into your house. It will eat away at your foundation and eventually your house will fall. For strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leads unto life and few be there that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in that way. Abiding in Christ is a strait and narrow path; God does not lie, neither does he compromise. The Lord did not preach for filthy lucre (money) sake and neither did he ever ask his ministers too. So why are many Christians supporting those ministers and their ministry who do? And why when these so called men of God compromise to fit into the world and its ways do many Christians continue to support them? And why as a Christian would you compromise to fit into the world and its ways and what they say is good and right, rather than fitting into the kingdom and righteousness of God and what He says is good and right? We are in a time where many will not endure sound doctrine but are heaping to themselves teachers having itching ears. Remember, you too were once on that wide path that leads to destruction, but when you accepted Jesus Christ you were separated unto God, and were removed from the path of destruction by the grace of God and placed on his path of life. Now the devil wants nothing more than to have those who remain on the wide path leading to destruction beguile you off the path of life to join them again in their excess. This is why we are to watch and pray always; lining up what we hear or see with the word of God; letting God be true and every man a liar, which includes those in the pulpits and our old man (thinking); and try the spirits whether they be of God or not. Because if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, they are not with God and His Son Christ Jesus, but against him. So Church, come out from among them and be separate and touch not the unclean thing; which are the doctrines of men, those of the world; and those who corrupt the word of God not holding the head, which is Christ, in sincerity and truth, but seek to glory in your flesh and bring you into bondage again to the commandments and traditions of men, not knowing Christ and his doctrine. Lest you become counted unclean before God; for evil communications do corrupt good morals. God bless. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video The Son - Part14 is on the topic of who the Son of God is; the body is of Christ. Ephesians 4:1-7 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (KJV) Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. (KJV) There is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all; and we have been born again of His incorruptible seed, which is Christ. John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (KJV) Think of yourself as the corn of wheat, you were born into this corruptible world, and have grown in the ground of life on earth, the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches entered in and the seed of life within you abided alone; hidden behind the veil of the heart which was serving the corruptible seed of Satan. But when you choose to die to this world, something miraculous happened; the seed of life, which is Christ, began to grow within you. You were born again, of the Spirit of God, and the seed of life no longer abides alone, but has the God of all creation, the husbandman, the tiller of the heart to nourish His seed in the good ground (the mind of Christ) so that it may bring forth much fruit; that being the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-24 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (KJV) The more we die to self, crucifying the flesh with the affections and lusts, the more we will bring forth fruit unto perfection. If we sow to the flesh of the flesh shall we reap corruption; if we sow to the Spirit of the Spirit shall we reap everlasting life. Many of this life are abiding alone, without hope, the seed of life hidden; the eyes of their understanding of it blinded by the god of this world. We were once in this state of life, but now having been born again in the Spirit of the incorruptible seed of God, which is Christ, the eyes of our understanding have been enlightened so… Ephesians 1:18-23 that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (KJV) No longer born of the corruptible seed, but of the incorruptible seed which is Christ, the pure word of God. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:11-13 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (KJV) Watch and pray always dear brethren in Christ, that the ground (mind) of your heart remains nourished up in the Word of God, the living waters that bring forth fruit, some thirty (good), and some sixty (acceptable), and some hundredfold (perfect) in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth which is the will of God. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video Door is on the topic of a spiritual door of opportunity available to whosoever. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (KJV)
Thayer’s definition for effectual: 1754 energeo- 1) to be operative, be at work, put forth power; to work for one, to aid one 2) to effect 3) to display one's activity, to show oneself operative What I enjoy about watching certain personalities, whether an entertainer or a comedian, is their willingness to be open and honest. I have seen some comedians whose routine is based on their own experiences and shortcomings, basically laughing at themselves for certain human traits that they have displayed in life. I have found that the experiences that they share and are open to are things that others can relate to; something they may have done themselves. Sometimes Christians think they have to come off as bullet proof, above reproach, holier than thou comes to mind, rather than just being open and honest concerning their own humanity. In an election year I am wearied by people that are always defending themselves, and putting up these false fronts rather than opening up and being able to relate to the people. Let us consider one another so that when we come together we can provoke unto love and good works; and I have found this works better with some humility, not trying to be better than everyone else but being open and honest concerning things you have dealt with in your walk and how you learned to overcome in those areas. I believe somewhere along the line many that become Christians lose sight of the unique creation in Christ they are; some of those personality traits of yours are of the Lord, something that can be refined and not hidden away or covered up. The Lord didn’t ask you to become a robot when you got saved, in fact He loves you for who you are; so by being open and honest it will keep your prayer life effectual, availing much. Philemon 1:5-7 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; (6) That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. (7) For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. (KJV) Instead of always looking at the negative, we as Christians should be focusing on the new creation in Christ and not always being everyone else’s faultfinders. If I wish to communicate my faith in Christ with others effectually, then it needs to be done in love and not in an overbearing finger pointing manner. The first person you need to learn to communicate with is God, which can only be done through Jesus Christ so that you can come clean before Him. That takes an open honest relationship, because many think that rather than deal with issues of the heart they spend more time and energy trying to cover them up and hide them. If you can learn to communicate with our Father first and foremost, being approved of Him, then you will be able to communicate your faith with His people. Are there areas you are struggling in or have struggled in? By sharing your experience you may just find your answer with someone else who is or has dealt with these same issues. Or maybe by your open and honest approach to those hidden things, by confessing your own faults and shortcoming, it may just provide the answer for someone else in need. Ephesians 4:15-16 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV) When working on cars these days they do a diagnostic check of the engine to make sure that everything is working properly. If one part of the engine is out of sync and not working right it can affect the engines performance as a whole. The same holds true with the body of Christ; the Lord sees the hidden things of darkness within the heart and shows us how to make the adjustments so that there won’t be a breakdown. But if it is ignored and not dealt with properly then it eventually can lead to a breakdown. If you have ever been around mechanics they often share their own experiences they have had with vehicles, some good ones and some bad ones, and some just plain hilarious. The more people can be open and honest with their relationship with the Father, the more effectual they will become and learn how to edify themselves, maintaining their own relationship with their heavenly Father. 2 Corinthians 4:1-2 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; (2) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. (KJV) How are you representing yourself; are you a manifestation of truth to every man as well as in the sight of God who looks not at the outward but the inward motives? Have you renounced hidden things that offend our Father, things that most of mankind may never be aware of but are things that do not please our Lord? If you have been open and honest with our Lord then you will come off open and honest to His people. But if you haven’t been honest and up front then whatever area you have been overcome by that same thing will keep you in bondage and you won’t be very effective in your communication of faith. I have seen enough plastic people; those in leadership roles who put up these false fronts, these holier than thou attitudes thinking they are God’s gift to mankind rather than being a representation of who truly is that gift to mankind, Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV) Maybe the way of escape that the Lord is providing for someone suffering and struggling in an area is your willingness to be open and honest in sharing some hidden thing you have dealt with yourself. By letting them know that it happened to you, it may just be the liberty they needed to hear for themselves, and enables them to open up as well. Have you ever had a situation happen to you that you thought was crazy, no one else has ever done this or experienced this, only to find out someone else actually had dealt with this same thing and found the way of escape they needed to be able to escape the bondage? Thus the word common. Thayer’s definition for common: 442 anthropinos- human; applied to things belonging to men This is what is called confessing faults, praying for one another, providing an effectual result to set one free, that being with truth and honesty. Many struggle with things and are confused, especially when the devil tries to tell them that they are nuts and no one else has ever dealt with something like that. But the truth be known Church, is that there is nothing new under the sun, and there is nothing you have or are dealing with that hasn’t been dealt with before, a common occurrence to us humans. Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (KJV) By trying to hide things from God you are in turn hiding them from the brethren, because by not letting the truth set you free by being honest with our Lord you will not be of much effect when around His people. Instead of building up others and edifying them, being able to share the victory we have in Christ, you end up being more of a burden than an asset. Psalms 62:7-8 In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. (8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (KJV) Do you truly trust in the Lord at all times; do you wish to be closer to Him and effectual? If you desire Him to draw near to you then He asks that you draw nigh unto Him first. If you truly trust the Lord then you will open up to Him. Why not pour out your heart unto Him? After all He already sees what your true motives are. The truth will set you free; so by being truthful with our Lord you will be free indeed. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 2:19-21 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (20) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. (21) If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. (KJV)
Thayer’s definition for meet: 5543 chrestos- 1) fit, fit for use, useful; virtuous, good 2) manageable a) mild, pleasant (as opp. to harsh, hard sharp, bitter) How fit and ready are you today to give God’s answer to all those you come in contact with today, whether in word or in deed? Maybe the reason you are not so ready and equipped for the Master’s use is because you have been hanging around with a bunch of vessels who claim they are of God, but in reality are useless dishonorable and unfit for use. Those that name the name of Christ and become joint participants of His kingdom will have their senses exercised to know the difference between what is of God and what isn’t; thus withdrawing themselves from any evil communications which would corrupt their good morals. The foundation of God stands sure, and so do those that are in agreement with His plan of salvation and the doctrine of Christ; while the other vessels are like wannabes and pretenders, those that don’t quite cut it and make the grade, disallowed of our Lord. If you are in a place the Lord doesn’t want you to be, or surrounded by those that are not healthy to you spiritually, then you need to purge yourself from these situations as well as any other unhealthy people that profess to know God, but in reality deny Him. Like the logo for the Marines, God is looking for those, even if it is just a few good men, to deliver His plan of salvation. And just like a soldier, someone who has training to carry out His plan, even if it means laying down their own lives for the benefit of others. Proverbs 25:11-12 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (12) As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. (KJV) A word fitly spoken will be by those God says are fit and ready to deliver His words of life. Gold and silver are examples of vessels that are fit for use, honorable and sanctified for the Master; while those that are unapproved are cheap imitations and not of much use. Your time and preparation in hearing the Lord and how to deliver His message is of much use to the body of Christ. As precious as ornaments of gold are to the outward, it is precious to our Lord to have a wise man of His speak a message of reproof to someone that is willing and obedient to God’s calling. So today, are you that vessel, that go to guy, that is fit and ready for use, or do you need to be benched and sent back to the practice squad? Proverbs 15:22-24 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. (23) A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! (24) The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. (KJV) When I think of a word ‘in due season’, I think of a drink of cool water on a hot day, something very timely and fitting, delivered just at the right moment when I was getting weak and faint. Are you prepared with the living waters for a thirsty world around you, thirsting for truth in a fallen world of lies and deception? A true counselor will be prepared to give God’s answer whether in season or out of season, in other words anytime, anywhere; because now is the day of salvation and now is the accepted time for God’s people to be ready with His message of hope. What a relief it is to be able to hear the truth that sets one free from the doubt and confusion that was being hurled our way in the form of the fiery darts of the wicked one. Is your vessel one of living waters that is actively flowing forth from the heart watering a dry and thirsty world around you, or has your well run dry? Isaiah 50:4-5 The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. (5) The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. (KJV) The tongue of the learned will come from one that is prepared in the things of the Lord so that they can give His answer to speak a word in due season and bring relief to those that are wearied. Are your ears open to the truth, or are you looking to have them tickled instead? Do you seek first the kingdom of God, which is spiritual, so that you can be prepared not only for what you have need of but for those you may encounter this day? It takes practice and preparation daily, learning to hear the voice of the Lord and not that of the enemy. Knowing and not just guessing how to speak in a timely fashion, in due season, to those who are in need; presenting a clear written epistle for all to see. Neither turning away despite the reception; rather being steadfast and unmovable, delivering the message no matter what the conditions are. Just because you are not a crowd favorite with mankind doesn’t mean you are not pleasing to God. Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV) The Lord describes His people as a body of believers, those that have prepared themselves in the things of His spirit and have learned to speak the truth in love which causes the growth and maturity in Christ. Not only have they heard the truth, but they know enough of the truth for themselves so that they won’t be tossed around like children, but rather know how to edify themselves in the love of God. By your learning to speak the truth in love it will also cause others to grow and mature in Christ, bringing words of encouragement at a proper time, in due season as needed. Not only have you learned to grow and mature in Christ, but you are able to teach others to grow by your example, being diligent in your preparation to speak words of life. John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation for John 6:63 63. The Spirit is what gives life; the flesh does not help at all. The truths that I have told you are spirit and life. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so is God’s ways much higher than ours. The Lord doesn’t need our help when speaking His word, and He doesn’t need mans’ help when it comes to delivering His message. In fact just the opposite is true; the more we can keep ourselves out of the way, the more fit and prepared we will be to speak His word. God’s word is living spiritual waters that bring life to those that partake and drink of it. Now the question is, ‘will you be one of His vessels fit and ready for use so that these waters can flow through you and towards His people?’ God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 16:1-3 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD. (2) All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits. (3) Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. (KJV)
Are you absolutely positively sure the answer you are giving today, right now, is from the Lord? Have you committed yourself unto the Lord, and are you established upon the foundation of God this day, Jesus Christ being in control of everything in your walk including your tongue? The Lord has an answer for every man and He expects His people to be ready to give it anytime, and anywhere the opportunity presents itself. The question is are you prepared; have you done what is necessary today to give His response, an answer that has eternal consequences? Although mankind judges things according to the outward appearance, thus thinking He is clean, the Lord looks to the inward motives of the heart and that is what He wishes to address. Are you one of His vessels today, fit and ready for the Master’s use so that He can speak and work through you to address the spiritual needs of others, or are you like many others that have scripted answers that are more appealing to the outward man than the inward one? Someday we will all have to stand before God Himself and answer for our own lives the things we did and the things we spoke; so if the answer you give today is of our Father then you will have no need to be ashamed today, as well as the day of judgment. It’s much easier to give the Lord’s answer to mankind when it is something you have put into practice and know firsthand for yourself how it works. However, if you are just reading from someone else’s script of how they perceive the Lord, and how they think people should be witnessing to others, then you are just giving a second hand account of someone else’s experience and not your own, thus the term novice. Proverbs 19:20-21 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. (21) There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. (KJV) Here is a reminder; how about giving a simple straight forward answer to anyone that would ask of you a reason of the hope within you and how they too can partake of this heavenly gift? Mankind keeps coming up with a bunch of gimmicks on how to win people to the Lord, when the Lord Himself said that the truth and only the truth would set them free. First and foremost you need to hear the Lord’s counsel for yourself, knowing who He is and how to be an example of the believers, not just words but conduct also. Only the counsel of the Lord will stand, and only those that receive His word will be able to stand as well; while the rest may have had good intentions in the beginning of their walk they will eventually fall away, returning to the realm they were once delivered from. I will tell you one that really stands out to me when I think of the many devices of man, is some of this so called Christian rock music, people that stoop to the lower fallen nature of mankind thinking that will win souls over. Having watched some of these so called artists, and listening to some of this nonsense on the radio, the only thing different between them and the world is that they just change a few words and then think it has the Lord’s approval. Somehow I just can’t see my Lord on a stage jumping around with a guitar in hand acting like some out of control lunatic. For those that do attempt to portray my Lord and Savior that way obviously don’t have a clue who He truly is and how He desires His kingdom to be represented here on earth. You go stand before my God someday with this song and dance and see how far you get; then try explaining to a spiritual being how something that began in the Spirit was being so misrepresented by a bunch of lame brains in the flesh. We are the ones that should be transformed and different from the world and its way of thinking; imitators of Christ and not conforming to this world and its fallen realm. Galatians 1:6-7 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: (7) Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (KJV) These false doctrines of man, these winds of doctrines that blow around us; Paul marveled at how quickly God’s people had given in and were being deceived into some perversion of the gospel. The Bible says we should fight the good fight of faith; but how much of a fight do we put up, are we like the lion on the Wizard of Oz who made a lot of noise until someone tapped him in the snout and he gave up crying? These gospels that man claims will win the people to the Lord have nothing to do with the Lord; they are nothing more than a cheap hoax that appeals to the flesh and not the Spirit. No matter what form it manifests in, it is up to you to exercise your spiritual senses so that you can rightly discern what is of God and what isn’t. I marvel at how spiritually illiterate many people who claim to be of God really are; when the time they need to be teachers they are truly the ones that need to be taught all over from the beginning, having missed the simple first principles of God and how His kingdom truly operates. While many may read and search through the scriptures to find the answer they miss the spiritual implications and meaning of them because they still only see a man named Jesus, but never come to an understanding of who Christ within Him is and how to be led by His spirit. If any man has not the spirit of Christ and an understanding of how to operate by faith in His message, then He is not of God and will not be able to give the answer God intended for that man to give, which can only be given by those that truly know the doctrine of Christ. Proverbs 18:12-13 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. (13) He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. (KJV) That answer you gave to someone, was it really from the Lord, or was it something you gave to impress them? Have you taken the time to hear the message of Christ firsthand for yourself so that you know and are not just guessing that what you are speaking came from the Father through Him? If you don’t know or are not sure, then it would do you good not to say anything rather than mislead someone to another gospel that is not of our Lord. I don’t care personally what others think or say about me or my walk as long as I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness concerning how to answer a man; then I know God is answering my prayers when I speak to Him, as well as seeking my own personal requests. Psalms 145:18-21 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. (19) He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them. (20) The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. (21) My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever. (KJV) Do you wish to be near and dear to our Lord? Then it can only be accomplished in truth, being open and honest with Him, not trying to hide things, but letting Him show you how to be an overcomer in these things so that you can speak boldly with confidence on His behalf when asked. If you call on Him in truth then you can expect an honest response in truth; however, if you try to lie then don’t expect His response. Your mouth will truly speak the praises of the Lord when you truly make Him the Lord in your life and allow Him to have His way in and through you; sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that even those that are outside the kingdom of God won’t have anything they can pin on you. John 4:23-24 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. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (KJV) You know people, worshipping God is not standing in some building with your hands in the air looking up to the ceiling like you’re in some kind of trance, or hallucinating like your having a flashback to Woodstock; rather true worship, reverence for God and His word, is done in a lifestyle that is in Spirit and according to His truth. Truly worshipping God is presenting yourself to Him as a living sacrifice, alive spiritually and dead to your own desires of the flesh; ready, willing, and able to give His answer to any that would be seeking. How fit and prepared are you to walk in the Spirit and know that you are speaking words of life, giving the only answer our Father approves of today? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 15:2-4 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (3) The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (4) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. (KJV)
You know that word you just spoke or the person you just spoke about recently, oh yeah the Lord was listening in as well; as He does with all that we speak. So what exactly flowed from your mouth, was it sweet water or bitter? Something that was living waters to bring life and growth to those around you or was it like a poison, bitter, and what the word of God describes as a breach in the spirit; that relationship with the Father that has been breached and compromised thus allowing a foreign substance into the heart? The mouth of a fool is constantly pouring out foolishness, and is now a pour excuse for a Christian. You know people, not everything you hear about someone or some situation needs to be broadcast, rather kept in secret and prayed about, before a public proclamation is made. You ever deal with people that all they do is talk about everyone else, like their own life doesn’t even exist and probably wouldn’t have much of an existence if they didn’t have something or in most cases someone to talk about? What about our Lord, didn’t He give us enough to talk about without being so enamored with everyone else’s business? If you did need to speak concerning someone else, would it not be more proper to deal with them first rather than broadcasting it aloud? Is there anything more disgusting then all the tabloid journalism we see today, especially when it involves a scandal? Rather than focus on the positive and the good that is going on, this is what appeals more to those in the realm of the flesh and not the Spirit. It’s one thing for a fallen world to partake of this stuff; it’s another when it gets dragged into the Church realm with those that should know better. Proverbs 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. (KJV) The Bible says love shall cover a multitude of sins. That thing you heard about someone, or that thing they confided in you with, was that done in trust and confidentiality, or was it something you couldn’t wait to hear and broadcast? A wise man operating in the wisdom of God will know what to speak and when to speak something if needed. A fool or a carnal childish person will utter all their mind with no regard for who it offends, even our heavenly Father and His children. Proverbs 17:9-10 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. (10) A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. (KJV) Nothing to me is more of a turn off than listening to people constantly talk about others behind their back; saying things they wouldn’t be able to say faithfully to their face. If that is the case then obviously it wasn’t something that needed to be spoken at all, but rather kept covered in love; being more concerned with the welfare of the brethren than their own. Oh sure hearing gossip and stuff about other people perks ones interest, especially the lower fallen nature that thrives on that stuff, but our new man in Christ needs to discern rightly what is of God and what isn’t so that we don’t cause strife and contention in the body; separating what was once a tight knit family. And heed the warning in verse 10 concerning reproof, because a wise man will take it to heart, but a fool will reject it no matter how many times you bring it, or how harshly you administer the reproof. Proverbs 11:12-13 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. (13) A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter. (KJV) Are you totally sure of what you heard about someone else, that it was actually based on truth, a factual account of what really took place? If not, it wasn’t right for the knowledge, or should I say lack of it, to be passed on; worse yet, it wasn’t right for you to keep the chain of tale bearing alive and spreading like a raging wildfire. Are you a faithful person that is not void of wisdom? Then you will know when to speak and how to speak; and just as important when not to speak as well. Remember that neighbor you are speaking about may just be one of God’s own people; and when you become a tale bearer as well, you have now entered into the realm of the enemy; instead of holding your peace you have now let it go and lost it. Proverbs 25:8-10 Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. (9) Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: (10) Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away. (KJV) Strong’s definition for infamy: 1681 dibbah (dib-baw'); from 1680 (in the sense of furtive motion); slander: KJV-- defaming, evil report, infamy, slander. All that tale bearing you chose to spread forth, you know, what you chose to keep going around, it has just come back around on your doorstep in the form of shame. Rather than being quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath, you chose to react according to emotions and not to respond in the Spirit, which has resulted in a breach not only with God but with His people. What should and could have been handled one on one was not done decently and in order, but rather like something hitting the fan and those around it as well. That smear campaign you were running ended up to be a dead end chase; and now rather than being an example of the believers you sound just like those of the world and its fallen nature. Wisdom people, think before you speak; understand what it is you are going to speak before you say it, and make sure your motive is one of love and not anger, because only one will be approved of God while the other will cause shame and misery. Proverbs 2:20-23 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. (21) As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. (22) The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. (23) Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. (KJV) That burning that is going on inside of you, is it a result of your own words, the things you allowed into the heart that is spewing from the mouth? Are you building up the body of Christ, or are you wounding their conscience and thus actually sinning against Him? Living waters bring life and keep things alive and growing, while a wildfire can be destructive and fanned by the tongue of those that are not wise. Proverbs 26:24-28 He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; (25) When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart. (26) Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation. (27) Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him. (28) A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. (KJV) As we clearly see the end result of flattery is ruin, and will be exposed not only to God but to all those of His congregation who have their spiritual senses exercised to know the difference between good and evil speech. There is no greater love that we can have for the Church than to lay down our lives for the brethren. And one effective way to do that is with our words or our lack of them concerning God’s people. When a pit was dug, it was hewn out of the side of a hill and then a stone would be rolled in front of it, like a tomb. Remember what kind of people end up in a tomb and then ask yourself ‘is that where you want to end up also?’ Death and life are in the power of the tongue which is an extension of the heart; what you allow in to the heart is what will be coming out of it. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Williams New Testament translation for Matthew 5:37
37. But your way of speaking must be a simple `Yes' or `No.' Anything beyond this comes from the evil one. How sound and sure is the speech that is proceeding from your mouth? Are you absolutely sure that what you say is what you mean? Are others around you sure of where you are coming from or are you one of those that claim to be one of God’s people, but yet still friendly with the worlds way of thinking? The world and its way of thinking is full of nice guys, okie dokie people that don’t like to ripple the water; people that would rather tickle ears than feed the spirit; professing themselves to be wise, they actually are fools. Practice what you preach, being a written epistle that is easily known and read of all men so that there is no doubt about who you really are and who you are a representation of. Matthew 12:35-37 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (36) But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (KJV) Some of the definitions for the word idle include, inactive, lazy, as well as useless words that obviously are not spiritual and not bringing life to the hearers. These words can come in the form of flattery, saying one thing but meaning another, presenting a false front, words that you will need to give account of before our heavenly Father and basically explain to Him why you lied. If you are not sure what to say, or cannot say it faithfully, then it would be best kept unsaid until a time you knew was appropriate. Maybe your perception of a situation isn’t totally clear, so rather than shoot first and aim second, you need to make sure of who or what you’re pointing at before you fire a round. The church of God, which is His people, really need to understand how important our words truly are, because as we see in the above verses they can definitely make or break your fellowship with the Father; and if not checked, even to the point of eternal damnation. Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. (16) But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. (17) And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (KJV) The word of God is very clear on how to handle a matter, especially between the brethren. As we see in the above verses there is a very clear and orderly pattern for how things should be dealt with in the Church. However, despite how clear and precise it is laid out, most of the time it is handled in reverse and sometimes to the point of making molehills into gigantic mountains of strife and contention, let alone the backbiting. If you have an issue with someone concerning their walk with the Lord, after hopefully praying about the situation first, then it would be fitting to go and discuss the matter with the individual first, face to face to see if it can be resolved. Maybe what ends up getting resolved is your own take on the situation and how what you perceived was a problem was actually more of a simple misunderstanding, lack of communication if you would, which the enemy was more than delighted to throw fuel on the fire to keep it burning. If the issue does in fact turn out to be something that needs to be dealt with, and the person you spoke to wasn’t very open and wanted a clearer explanation, or wasn’t receptive to resolving the matter, then you can take one or two more with you, which not only refers to brethren, but having at least two spiritual witnesses of the word of God to back up your claims. I have seen firsthand what happens when this order is reversed; how when a situation arises among the brethren it first gets published to everyone else other than to the person involved in the matter. Then after a public proclamation is made to everyone else, sometimes they find out that it wasn’t really such an issue, rather their own personal differences which were based more on their carnal senses and not their spiritual ones. Simply put in laymen’s terms, whatsoever is not of faith is sin; if you can’t faithfully say something to a person’s face, then by God you should not be saying and spewing this petty nonsense to everyone else’s face. Talk about speaking in an unknown tongue; nothing is more unknown and contrary to our Lord than backbiting, strives, and petty contentions over things that have nothing to do with salvation, but rather personal misguided jealousies of people who think they are getting the short end of the stick. When you sin against the brethren, as the Bible says, you are sinning against Christ Himself. A fire can be a good thing; it can be used for cleansing metals, cooking and heating, but it can be a deadly destructive force if it is fanned with winds of the tongue, a wildfire out of control that destroys anything in its path. Proverbs 27:3-6 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. (4) Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? (5) Open rebuke is better than secret love. (6) Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (KJV) The Bible tells us that the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God, it is similar to a stone or how about a millstone; you know the one that is tied to those that offend others and then cast into the sea. These factions and frictions that arise amongst the brethren, is it something spiritual or is it something else like envy, your own perception of how you viewed someone else’s walk? Faithful are the wounds of a friend, like with surgery, it cuts deep and hurts but it brings forth healing afterwards. Our Father considers that openness, even if it is in the form of rebuke, is better than a secret love; those whose mouth says one thing but their heart is far from it. And who can forget one of the most famous kisses of an enemy, the one by a man named Judas who was actually a follower of our Lord yet betrayed Him with a simple kiss as though he was still one of His. Are you an open book to those around you, like a written epistle, so that others know who you truly are and who you truly serve; like the term wearing your heart on your sleeve? Or are you more of a people pleaser, kissing up to others rather than taking a stand for who you are, or should I say who you should be a representation of? When you start kissing peoples anatomy you become a friend of the world, which the Bible clearly states is an enemy with God. Those words of faith that you promised God you would speak on His behalf are now idle useless words which are ready to perish and so will those that speak them. 2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. (KJV) Oh and by the way, I would be negligent if I didn’t warn you about the effects of bringing truth to others around us, especially when we are surrounded by a fallen world, that the more you do open up and bring a message of salvation to, the less you will be welcomed with open arms. In fact if you are looking to be popular with mankind and the life of the party then you have chosen the wrong field, because just the opposite will take place. In fact all you need to do is go through the Bible and see those that stood up for the Lord were the ones the enemy did all he could to knock them down. Kind of like with sporting events, the guy with the ball is the target of the defense because he is the one in position to score and achieve the goal. So don’t take it personal people if you are rejected by mankind; in fact, the closer you get to the Lord the farther removed you will be from those that claim to be of God who are more interested in their own personal matters than our Lord’s. Proverbs 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue. (KJV) That favour, you will find first and foremost should be coming from God, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, and how He would have you handle a matter. If you are more concerned with pleasing people then you will be more apt to flatter them with smooth words rather than words of life that were intended to build them up, which is what they ignored in the first place. So basically speaking, you need to choose this day who you will truly serve because if you are not willing to speak words of life on behalf of our Father then He will just move on to someone else who is willing to; and then someday you can explain to Him all that idle chatter you chose to speak and all the idle people you chose to please instead of Him. Get real. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1Thessalonians 2:3-6 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: (4) But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (5) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: (6) Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (KJV)
Flattering words are those that seek to please the people, which can actually beguile them as well if one is not saying what they truly mean. Say what you mean and mean what you say when speaking on behalf of our Lord. Many are more concerned with what people’s perception of them is rather than the approval of our Lord, which makes them more of a hindrance than an asset to the body of Christ. So how do you give God’s answer to people, is it the straight forward truth that will set them free or are you sugar coating the speech to make it more acceptable to them? When you are asked a question, do you give simple yes and no answers or do you feel it is necessary to explain yourself to people, trying to explain it in a way you hope they will accept? For those that wish to truly please our Lord you will find that trying to please God and man just doesn’t seem to work, like mixing oil and water, it just doesn’t gel. For those that are truly steadfast and unmovable in their walk, they will find that pleasing God alone may leave you on a narrow path, one that is not heavily traveled, but the only one that leads to our eternal inheritance. Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation for Matthew 5:37 37. But your way of speaking must be a simple `Yes' or `No.' Anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Have you ever had someone ask you a question or make a request for you to do something and your answer was no? Then once you gave your answer there is a space of uncomfortable silence, where now you are expected or think you owe an explanation? This is exactly what the Lord is referring to here; keep your answer simple and to the point and don’t think you always have to explain yourself. Many of us have been brought up with the mindset that we need to be polite and do things just to please others, even things that are contrary to sound doctrine or something the Lord just isn’t asking us to partake of. Now I am not saying to be a jerk, but rather if the Lord asks you not to involve yourself in something, no matter how popular it may be to others, a simple yes or no answer is all that is needed to be pleasing to our Father. And don’t think you need to manufacture an answer just because someone else is putting the pressure on you, if you don’t have an answer at the time or if you are just not sure, then it would be in your best interest to leave it alone and not try to make something up that you will regret later. Sometimes the Lord just may ask you to not get involved even though at the time you are not sure why; but by letting patience have its perfect work, sometime later the answer will manifest as to why the Lord had you withdraw from it. Simply put this is just another way of saying we walk by faith and not sight. Basically what Paul is saying is that if you are always seeking to be a people pleaser, then don’t expect to be used by God. However if you chose His approval above anyone or anything else then you will be a vessel fit, ready for the Masters use. Psalms 5:8-9 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. (9) For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. (KJV) Have you ever seen people and the term ‘slick’ applies as a fitting nickname? Someone that always tells everyone what they want to hear, someone that just uses people for their own advantage? The reason there is no faithfulness coming out of the mouth is because there is nothing in the heart but two faced double talk; always the nice guy telling people what they want to hear and not what is really going on, which aptly describes many of the so called pastors and teachers we have around today. Are you able to give a straightforward answer concerning the kingdom of God or do you skirt the truth leaving out the essentials so as not to offend anyone? When someone asks your response to an issue are you able to respond with what is pleasing to God or are you more concerned with mans opinion of you? If someone asks you to get involved in something that is not peaceable, something you know is not of God, do you feel the need to explain it in a way they will accept, sugar coating it, or do you just give a simple yes or no answer and let them ask God for themselves if they are really concerned? We have way too many people pleasers preaching and teaching things they shouldn’t be for their own advantage sake and not the Lord’s anymore, which will have dire consequences to those that follow these wishy washy doctrines. Ephesians 4:29-30 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (30) And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV) Sometimes what is edifying to the hearers is not always something that is pleasing to them, but something they needed to hear. One of the ways many corrupt the true communication that should be coming from the mouth is by flattery, people pleasing, someone that should have been a minister of grace is now a disgrace in the sight of our Lord. It grieves the Holy Spirit to see the true intention of God watered down by those that don’t have the spiritual spine to stand up and tell the people what they need to hear and not just what they want to hear. When you were raising your children and all they were concerned with in their diet was things that had sugar and spice, things that they thought were nice, did you cave in and give them what they wanted or what they needed? As one matures, and this does include maturing in the Lord, you find out that in order to grow strong it will take a much better diet than that to maintain a healthy body. So it is not only a matter of what you are feeding yourself spiritually, but what are you feeding others around you as well? Is it simple truth that will build them up and edify or are you halting between two opinions seeking the favor of man and God at the same time? Psalms 12:1-4 Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. (2) They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. (3) The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: (4) Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? (KJV) Ever hear the term two faced? Well we have a lot of two faced people that speak from both sides of their mouth because of a double heart, which makes them double minded and unstable in the things of our Lord. So who is Lord in your life, and whose words are you speaking today? Are they spirit and are they life to the brethren or are they of your own tongue seeking your own desires? Don’t wait till it’s too late to find out, remember flattery will get you nowhere. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (KJV)
Wasn’t the whole idea for accepting God’s plan of salvation into your life was to make it to the end and receive His eternal reward of inheritance? Having gone through the trial of this life which one can only be an overcomer by faith, it is the salvation of your soul that is of the utmost importance, especially when the day comes that you stand before God and give an account of your life; this life of faith in the message delivered by Christ. Jesus Christ is the first and the last; it was His word of life that brought you into the Kingdom and He will have the last say concerning your entrance into His eternal one. He is the author and finisher of our faith as well, so if you have been resurrected into the realm of the Spirit and are confident that the message you preach and follow came from the Father through the Son, then you will not be ashamed when it is time to be resurrected into His eternal realm forever. You may have entered this race with good intentions, but it is so vital that you continue and endure to the end so that you will be saved and receive the eternal inheritance. While many think all they have to do is answer some alter call to be saved, the truth be known, that is just the beginning; now you need to continue in the faith grounded and settled and don’t be moved away from the only hope of the gospel, which is Jesus Christ and His message of faith to the believers, a faith without which we cannot be pleasing to Him. Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) Do you know what the worst part about reading the above verses is, that the people described were actually believers, those that had a zeal for God but obviously it wasn’t according to His knowledge; God’s people perishing for lack of knowledge. Take note of the fact that we are not just talking about a few here, but verse 22 is quite clear to point out that it is many that end up being deceived and do not receive the reward of inheritance, the salvation of their own souls. Somewhere along the line in their walk they were no longer communicating with the Father, but rather the father of lies who comes to steal the truth, kill the life within them, and then watch their soul eternally destroyed in the lake of fire. Are you totally sure of the message you are hearing today is of God? Does it line up with His word or have you been sidetracked and are now following a different protocol? Are there question marks in your life concerning your walk? When you stand before God someday you will know and not guess you are one of His? Remember the word of God tells us that whatsoever is not of faith is sin, so if it isn’t the Lord directing your steps then you are none of His. Those that wish to enter into the Lord’s eternal inheritance need to let the Lord in their life now, today, so that there will be no doubt or question marks concerning their reward of inheritance. Simply put people, if you don’t let the Lord into your life then He is not going to let you into His either. What rightfully belonged to people who were at one time children of God was stolen from them without them even knowing it, because somewhere along the path of life they started out on they turned and followed a different path that led to destruction. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) There is only one path that leads to eternal life; and sad to say, only a few who find it. Years ago there was on old song that said ‘there’s a whole lot of people going home’, however the truth be known only a few will actually make it in, while many will be rejected. There is only one path, one Lord, and one faith that lead us unto life; and without this knowledge of who, what, and where this path is for you, you will not receive your eternal reward. Have you ever heard the statement ‘all paths lead to the same place’? Well that’s true, because when it involves any other way into the Kingdom besides the one our Lord said would get you in, then all those other ways are that of a thief and a robber, which is widely known as the path of destruction. Don’t be deceived into thinking that just because you joined some religious organization, or because you tithe twice a week or any other of our own works, you have your ticket stamped. Without faith, as the Bible says the just shall live by faith, without hearing this message on a daily basis then acting on what is heard you will end up eternally on the outside wishing in, knowing what was yours and what you had access to only to let it slip away from your grasp. 1 Corinthians 15:53-57 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) You know folks, this once saved always saved doctrine just doesn’t fly. Oh it sounds good and sure is an ear tickler which gives many a warm feeling inside, but the truth be known your salvation is based on your ability to hear the message delivered by Christ, then being a doer and not a hearer only unto the end. Your born again experience was just the beginning, now we will see if you will truly allow Jesus Christ to be the author and finisher of your faith so that you can receive your eternal inheritance. Again as we notice in the above verses, that it is not until we are given a new incorruptible body are we then allowed access into God’s kingdom; then and only then will we escape the second death which is eternal separation from the Father. So before you kick back in your easy chair and think you got this thing licked, heed the warnings in the word of God so that you can continue in the love of God and spend your eternity with Him. Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (KJV) Strong’s definition for overcometh: 3528 nikao (nik-ah'-o); from 3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively): KJV-- conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. You know the Lord just didn’t ask us to squeak by or hope we are one of His, but rather we should be an overcomer and walk in victory. It is our faith in what Christ has begun in us and continues to do that gives us this victory and will give us access to His eternal reward so that we can spend eternity doing a victory lap in His kingdom. Don’t be fooled Church, don’t be lulled back into a spiritual sleep and entombed into the realm of the flesh again, but hold fast your profession of faith without wavering, a message coming from the only author who will lead you to victory. Hebrews 10:35-39 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (36) For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (38) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV) In this fast paced world patience is not something that is often spoke of, let alone put into practice. But by letting patience have its perfect work we can mature in the Lord, lacking nothing. You have been reborn, resurrected to a new life in Christ, which is just the beginning. Continue in the faith, letting the good work that our Lord began in you to continue to the end so that you can receive what is rightfully yours, the salvation of your soul. Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (KJV) My prayer for each and everyone is that the end of this trail here will result in the beginning of their eternal reward with our heavenly Father. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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