Good day. Today we are posting a recent writing. We pray that you are strengthened and encouraged by it. ​​​​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Independence Day!

Many celebrate July 4th, Independence Day, here in the United States of America, with parades, parties, and fireworks; but do they remember why, or what they have been given; the freedom and liberty afforded them all on the sacrifices that many men gave for this country, even unto death, that they can freely live a life with liberty and the pursuit of happiness in it. Over the years many have forgotten these freedoms and desire to be in bondage again.
 
Independence Day for a Christian is:
 
First when they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in which they are delivered from their sins and this present evil world. When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you were baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire (Luke 3:16). The fire burns off the chaff (old dead things that easily blow in the wind), cleansing the ground of our heart to be ready to receive the spiritual increase of God, to come to the knowledge of the truth where there is true independence.
 
And second continuing daily in the faith and liberty that we have been blessed with in Christ (Colossians 1:12-14). Knowing that our citizenship in heaven, every day in Christ should be celebrated in Spirit and in truth as Independence Day. This is the day (today) that the Lord has made, and we shall rejoice and be glad in it.
 
Having been baptized with the Holy Spirit, we are to continue daily to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth and show us things to come (John 16:13-15). If you accept and continue in the truth, the truth will make you free; and if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:31-36). The truth is in the Son, not in the buildings made with hands and in their traditions and doctrines with which many are brought into bondage again (Read 2 Peter 2).
 
So let our Father in heaven by his Holy Spirit enlighten the eyes of your understanding, as the truth is in Jesus, so that you may know the Son revealed by the Father and walk in that liberty. Sad to say, though many know Jesus, few have not so learned Christ. (Ephesians 1:18-23, Galatians 1:11-12, Galatians 1:15-16, Ephesians 4:20-24)
 
Remember this liberty which you have been blessed with through the sacrifice spiritually and physically of our Lord Jesus Christ, and please don’t let it slip away or take it for granted. Jesus Christ came that we might have life and life more abundantly; the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy what has been sown in our hearts, the word of God.
  
2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (KJV)
 
Now that you have liberty, do you consider yourself independently wealthy?
 
I’m not talking about the outward realm of that which the world considers wealth to be, that is, abundance of money. Remember the “love of” money is the root of all evil, which while some have coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
 
I’m talking about being independently wealthy spiritually. We have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. We have been given the true riches, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ.
 
Ephesians 1:2-14 (KJV) Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (KJV)
 
Colossians 2:2-3 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (KJV)
 
Knowing this we are to be independent of external circumstances, not allowing what is going on in the outward realm to affect us spiritually. Not allowing the cares of this life, deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of other things to enter in and choke the word of God that has been sown in our hearts.
 
Put away from you the distractions of this life and seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and become independently wealthy spiritually knowing that all that we have need of in this life here on earth will be added unto us; our Father knows have we have need of before we ask.
 
Cast all you care unto God through his Son Jesus Christ, who will do the caring for you and be content (content with one’s lot, one’s means though they may be the slenderest) with such things as you have, for he will never leave us nor forsake us. Remember the just shall live by faith.
 
Put to death the lusts of the flesh, those things of our former life before we accepted Jesus Christ (what fruit had you then in those things whereof you are now ashamed?), for the end of those things is death. For they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24).
 
Ephesians 2:2-7 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (KJV)
 
Today, are you content or are you anxious for your life? It is Independence Day today! Today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time. Stay in today and trust that no matter what comes your way, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.
 
Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV)
 
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV)
 
Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)
 
Content (G842):
          Thayer Definition:
1. sufficient for one’s self, strong enough or processing enough to need no aid or support.
2. independent of external circumstances
3. contented with one’s lot, with one’s means, though the slenderest
 
          Strong’s Definition: from G714; self complacent, that is, contented: - content
         
 (G714):
          Thayer definition:
 1. To be possessed of unfailing strength
     a) To be strong, to suffice, to be enough
1) To defend, ward off
     b) To be satisfied to be contented
 
          Strong’s definition: be content, be enough, suffice, be sufficient
 
Dearly loved brethren, whatever our circumstances in this life, stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made you free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Be content with such things as you have so that you may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. And remember godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. So Church, stay independent today in Christ. God bless and keep the faith.
 
Written to the Church through Charlene Giefer, Christ’s servant, your sister and fellow saint in the kingdom and righteousness of God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

You can view all previous writings by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive.

Good day. Today we are posting the newsletter Christian! Are you Dressed? Part 6 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?           v18n22
No Need To Duck! Part 6
  
Ephesians 6:10-16 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (KJV)

Faith comes by the message heard, as long as the message heard is from Jesus Christ! We need to put aside our distractions, (whatever they may be), and heed the word from Father. The word that he speaks to you and I. To study to please Father, takes discipline, and quality time. Not the leftovers, but the time when we are fresh, and attentive to hear and obey. Much study is a weariness to the flesh.

You have to train yourself, in taking the time, to allow the Spirit of truth, to lead you and guide you in all truth. This is where the problem arises. Father does not get the quality time. We need to be quiet, cut out all the distractions, and listen to what the Word of God has to say. Have you ever tried to study with a lot of noise and distractions going on around you? If you have, you will know that it is quite hard to concentrate.

If you only give Father fifteen minutes a day, guess how big your shield of faith will be? How many fiery darts, do you think that will stop? If the shield fails, it is not Father's fault.

Now faith is! It is my ability to hear, trust, and believe Father at this very moment, and to act upon it. Irregardless of what people or the circumstances say. (But you have to realize, that this does not happen overnight). Especially, since most of us have been taught contrary to the Word of God the majority of our lives.

Most of us are like Thomas the Apostle. Except we can see and touch, we do not want to believe. (John 20:24-25). We want to tell Father we will believe when we see the answer!

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content: (NKJ).

Paul is not talking about Wisconsin, Minnesota, or Montana in Philippians 4:11. He is referring to the fact, that if we trust and believe Father, we are not moved by the circumstances that may surround us. We are to be independent of all the distractions and turmoil that is all around us. That is why Paul, was able to continue on in the Word, because he did not let the world distract him from the mission Father had set before him. He knew that he could do all things through Christ, who was his strength. How content are you?

Luke 17:6 And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. (KJV)

Note the preceding verse. The Apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith! The Lord's reply was, if ye had faith! He did not say, let us increase your faith. They could not get the measure of faith until the day of Pentecost, the moment that they were born-again. Then, the Spirit of truth, could bring to their remembrance, all the words that Jesus Christ had spoken to them. Once you were given the measure of faith, what have you done with it?

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, (KJV)

Now, we have to continue in the Word of truth! We have to continue in His word, to keep God's shield of faith operating in front of us. My words, the devil will laugh at. God's Word, the devil will flee from. I am not to be concerned with the rear; Father will handle that if I am following his Word.

Isaiah 52:12 For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight; for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rereward. (KJV)

rereward = to bring up the rear, rear guard

Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven, of which I, Paul, am made a minister. (KJV)

Galatians 3:2-3 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (KJV)

John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself; but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. (KJV)

Faith is our ability to hear Father, and to be able to recognize his voice. Then we have to act upon it. And yet at the same time, to not be governed by what we see or feel in the physical realm; for our battle is not against flesh and blood. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen by the physical eye. The worlds around us were formed by the Word of God. He did not need Visa or Master card to accomplish it. Father spoke it into existence.

This same faith, Father has given the measure of it, faith! He has given to us, the same measure of faith that he gave to his Son, Jesus Christ!

It is the same measure of faith that allowed Jesus Christ to feed the multitudes on the hillside. He was not governed by Judas’ fear of what appeared to be lacking in the purse. He was not swayed by how far the furthest bakery was. He asked what was available, blessed it, gave thanks and praise to Father, and then proceeded to feed all that were there. Just from a few loaves and fish.

Have you ever noticed how many baskets were left to be collected? Twelve! Possibly one, for each doubting Apostle?

Jesus Christ was able to believe Father, irregardless of what the circumstances tried to dictate. Now faith is!

How is your shield holding up? Is your now faith, in operation?

Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing, then, that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV)

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

Next week: The helmet of salvation!

​Content
1)   sufficient for oneself, strong enough or processing enough to need no aid or support
2)   independent of external circumstances
3)   contented with one's lot, with one's means, though the slenderest

Luke 16:13-15 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (14) And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. (15) And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV)  

Is there anything more highly esteemed and sought after by mankind than the riches of this life; which many are led to believe that by someday acquiring enough of them they will find peace in their life? As we see again in verse 14, the Lord addressed and warned those that were covetous, which is just another form of idolatry. This get rich mentality has crept into the teachings of many; so in order to justify their lifestyles they become people pleasers with prosperity messages  limited to the realm of the flesh that promise so much and deliver so little. No wonder our Lord was derided and chastised for teaching against these false doctrines, trying to point the people to the realm of the Spirit by forsaking the things of the flesh.  

Matthew 19:16-24 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? (17) And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. (18) He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, (19) Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (20) The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? (21) Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. (22) But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. (23) Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. (24) And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (KJV)  

Why are so many people preaching and teaching a doctrine today that can be detrimental to ones spiritual well being? No man can serve two masters; in order to grow and mature in the Lord one has to forsake the things which are highly esteemed here on earth to partake of the heavenly gift. The Lord instructed the rich man to go and sell out to this way of thinking; and rather than continue seeking the treasures of this earth become a follower of Christ and begin partaking of His spiritual treasure. If you notice to, the Lord didn’t try to get Him to donate all his riches to the Jesus Christ worldwide evangelical association, but rather distribute it to the poor. How few true teachers do we have left today who are more interested in the spiritual welfare of the congregation and not for their own personal welfare, who are willing to lay down their lives and desires for the sake of others. The eye of the needle has been described as a smaller opening in the large gates which go into the city. In those times the cites had walls surrounding them with a large gate in front that had a smaller opening just big enough for quick access into it. In order for the camel to enter in it would have to crouch down on all fours having had all the cargo it was carrying removed before it could get through. The same holds true with the believers; we humble ourselves before the Lord, and before entering into His realm we leave all the old baggage and what we thought were priorities behind us and walk in a newness of life. Anytime we try to hang onto the old and enter into the new, any excess baggage and cargo will get in the way and block ones entrance and not allow them to continue forward, which is what the rich man in the above parable was experiencing. Is there something you are hanging onto today that is keeping you stuck in the realm of the flesh and not allowing you to move forward on the path of life? That thing that has been eating at you, something you have been trying to justify before men may just be what is now an abomination in the sight of God and needs to be discarded and left behind so that you are not the one that ends up left behind and on the outside looking in.  

1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV)  

All these things that are so highly esteemed among mankind and highly sought after look good and sound good to our carnal senses, but make no sense to the spiritual ones. If your love and affection is more toward the world and the things of it, which are in the process of dying and passing away, then you too will end up passing away with them. It’s only those that are willing to forsake these things, take up their cross and crucify the flesh and its carnal desires, who will be allowed access into the realm of God, and who will continue in the truth grounded and settled and not moved away by cheap imitations of the devil. No man can serve two masters; double minded, unstable, and unable to move forward in their walk: like the old time prisoners which had the ball and chains attached to them to keep them bound.  

1 Timothy 6:5-8 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (6) But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (KJV)  

While the world and its worldly preachers will tell you the importance of giving so that you can acquire more, the simple truth is in being content; content with the fact that you are a part of the kingdom of God and an inheritor of His eternal life, having forsaken the desires of this temporal one. While so many that have been called to teach and preach the things of God end up to be nothing more than cheap hucksters peddling the word of God and giving special treatment to the highest bidders, simple contentment is where one will find true peace, and the joy of the Lord. You came into this world with nothing and you have the opportunity to leave it with everything. The question is, ‘what is highly esteemed in your life today, and is there anything you are coveting after that is causing you to err and miss the mark?’ Anything other than contentment is idol worship, and it will keep one idling instead of moving forward and maturing in the Lord.  

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Galatians 1:3-4 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (4) Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (KJV)  

The word deliver in verse 4 means to rescue; and being that we live in a fallen world we are constantly surrounded by its influences and cheap imitations of what we think will bring peace and fulfillment to our lives. Where you look and what realm you look to, will be the determining factor of where you will spend your eternity. So will you continue looking to this world for the answer or will you seek those things which are above, to find an eternal one? It is the Lord’s will that none should perish but that all would come to repentance. So now the question is, are you willing to continue in this plan of salvation or have you been sidetracked with the cares of this life? What would you think if you saw one of your own children drowning and when you threw them the life preserver they ignored it and perished? Basically that is what mankind has done to their heavenly Father; they ignore His plan of salvation and His spiritual life preserver that was sent to us, and they end up over their head drowning in destruction and despair. So how are you doing today? Are you keeping the ship afloat and heading in the right direction, or have you gone off the deep end and going under?  

1 Timothy 6:6-9 But godliness with contentment is great gain. (7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. (8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (KJV)  

Have you forgotten how you arrived in this realm, wearing nothing but a smile? All those things you have been fussing and fighting over, not a one of them are going with you when it is time to depart this realm either. Have you learned to be content with the fact that today you have food and raiment? If not, just try going a day without them and see how overlooked and taken for granted some of these simple things we have are discounted as nothing. The food and raiment is not just limited to the physical either; have you taken the time to seek your spiritual meat as well as being dressed in the full armor of God so that you can quench all the fiery darts the wicked one will fire your direction? Stop and ask yourself this honest question, are the things that I am so concerned with today, the priorities I have established in my life, really leading me to a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father? Or is it something in this realm that may actually be drawing me away from Him; something that I am getting so wrapped up in, and has nothing to do with my eternal life?  

Matthew 16:25-26 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (26) 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? (KJV)  

You have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realm in Christ, and yet do you hang onto the things in this world thinking it will fulfill and bring peace and joy? Can you even imagine for a moment what it will be like to stand before our Father some day and see all that was available in His kingdom only to find out that you missed out on it because you decided to hang onto the things of this life? Can you name one thing that is really worth hanging onto in this world that would keep you from inheriting your eternal reward? It’s only those that are willing to let go of their own life and desires that will find a new life in Christ and be able to inherit His eternal reward; those that were willing to look above and beyond what this world would ever have to offer. So can you honestly say that the will of God, His desire for you and your desire to serve Him are one in the same? Or are you still hanging onto something in this world that is choking the life from you slowly but surely? Is it worth exchanging your soul, which translates to eternal separation from God? A question that is not only being asked today, but one that will be asked again someday when we stand before Him and give an account of how we walked in His plan of salvation; was it truly a walk, or just a lot of talk.  

Ephesians 3:19-21 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (20) Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, (21) Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (KJV)  

You wonder why your life seems stagnant and unfulfilled at times, it’s simple, you keep looking to stagnant and unfulfilling things to bring you joy. Right now, this moment, there is a God who is able to do above and beyond what you could have ever thought or imagined; but how would you ever know this or experience this unless your priority is with the spiritual things which are above and beyond anything you will experience in this realm. When you pray and seek God and His answer, are you truly expecting the best, are you experiencing the love of Christ which goes way beyond our knowledge and limited carnal thinking? Do you know God hears you, and do you expect nothing short of victory in your life? Or are you still settling for the leftovers of this world and whatever they are willing to hand out? God has never failed His people and never will. So why are so many still hesitant to seek His counsel and deliverance from this present evil world; hanging onto the anchor instead of the life preserver? Are you yoked together with Christ today, letting Him handle the burdens, or have you unhooked yourself having decided you can handle things by yourself, and then wonder why you are so worn out and frustrated?  

Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV)  

Do you desire better results? Do you seek a more confident prayer life? Then start looking above and don’t limit yourself to this realm if you truly wish to have our Father’s results which are above and beyond anything we could ever ask for or think of. We as humans had been limited to this carnal realm, and could only operate according to what our outward vision and senses would dictate. But now in Christ we are able to see the things of God, and operate in a truly higher dimension; one that will bring joy, peace and an eternal victory to those of us that look to the Lord for His answer.  

Colossians 3:1-2 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. (KJV)  

In order to be risen with Christ it means you have let go of your life and its desires, and to have chosen a new life in Him. We are in this world, but we don’t have to be in agreement with it, or limit ourselves to what this world has to offer and its cheap imitations. Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. So if you wish to experience something that is out of this world, then start looking beyond this realm so that the Lord can open the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing above and beyond what you could have ever thought or asked for.  

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.