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Good morning. Today's video Easing Of The Burden is on the topic of allowing the Lord to help find and ease the burden you are carrying around in your spiritual backpack. Will you let Him? 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. Colossians 2:11-15 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: (12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation for Colossians 2:11-15 11. And through your union with Him you once received, not a hand-performed circumcision but one performed by Christ, in stripping you of your lower nature, 12. for you were buried with Him in baptism and raised to life with Him through your faith in the power of God who raised Him from the dead. 13. Yes, although you were dead through your shortcomings and were physically uncircumcised, God made you live again through fellowship with Christ. He graciously forgave us all our shortcomings, 14. canceled the note that stood against us, with its requirements, and has put it out of our way by nailing it to the cross. 15. He thus stripped the principalities and dominions of power and made a public display of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Again as we notice in the above illustrations, that rituals of the old law were symbolic of what is taking place in the spiritual realm. As we ended yesterday’s study we concluded with the fact that circumcision means nothing to our Lord anymore because He is more concerned with the new man, a new creation in Christ that is forming within the believer. Baptism is illustrated again for us as one of spiritual in nature, a life changing event that should be taking place within the believer and not some outward show or ritual. Once one is able to die to self and their own desires of the flesh then the Spirit is able to take over so that your desires are more of those things which are above and not below, or below our Lord’s standards and intent for His people. The Lord removed the curse of the old law and nailed it to His cross symbolizing that the debt is paid and we are now free to walk in the liberty which is only found in Christ. When we see people still holding to laws and rituals, we are seeing people that profess to know God but by dead works deny Him and the completed work He accomplished for us. Simply put, they are calling God a liar and claiming He didn’t do a complete work and that more was needed; not a good place to be in people. 1 Corinthians 1:14-18 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; (15) Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. (16) And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. (17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (KJV) I don’t know if there was a more die hard staunch believer, as well as indoctrinated in the old law, as a man named Paul, formerly known as Saul. As we see illustrated in the above verses, Paul himself came to the conclusion of what his calling truly was and how he himself was crossing over from the old into the new. Many people today enjoy hearing the word of God especially when it deals with blessings, but start teaching about dying to self, crucifying the flesh and its lusts, and that same many will head for the exits. Paul clearly states and points out that Christ did not send him to baptize, but rather teach the doctrine of Christ that deals with the new inward creation not the old fallen one. While many still consider the preaching and teaching of the cross and what it truly takes to be baptized into Christ foolishness, few realize that is where their salvation and power is. Take notice of verse 17 as well, because for those that still hold to these outward rituals and ignore the true spiritual meaning or implication of them, they are in essence leaning back to their own understanding and their teaching and preaching is of none effect. Hebrews 6:1-6 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit. (4) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (KJV) Remember watching the movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’, and how painful it was to watch them nail our Lord to the cross? How one would watch this take place and think ‘how could they ever do that to our Lord’? Did you ever stop and think that is what is still taking place when people misinterpret the true spiritual meaning of the word of God, they are in essence crucifying the Lord and His doctrine again? One way or the other, you have a choice to either take up your own cross and follow our Lord, or drive another nail into our Lord and His people by teaching doctrine contrary to what our Lord intended. Remember when you sin and wound the conscience of the believers you are sinning personally against Christ, and crucifying Him all over again. As we see in the first few verses of Hebrews, that these basic principles and doctrines that were in place before are things we should be leaving behind, not still trying to implement. Once a believer gets a true taste of the truth and what these things symbolized it is time to move forward and walk in the Spirit, not trying to fulfill an old law that our Lord already did for us. Galatians 3:23-28 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (24) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (25) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.(28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (KJV) Schools out people, and has been for over two thousand years. God’s people have graduated and are now walking in a new realm, one of faith in what Christ Jesus has done on our behalf and wishes to continue in each and every believer. When you enter the realm of the Spirit and seek to be seated with Christ then you need to leave your old nature at the door and put on a new man in order to enter into this realm. While some people claim that a certain sect or group of people were responsible for the crucifixion of our Lord; the word clearly states that God knows no one after the flesh but after the Spirit. Bottom line, we are either for Him or against Him, and spiritually many are still crucifying and butchering the true spiritual meaning of the word of God by hanging onto dead rituals that were nailed to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you crossing over into the realm of the Spirit, or are you still hanging onto dead things which only bring dead results? He that has ears to hear let them hear what the Spirit is truly speaking today. God’s best and continue to walk in the Spirit. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:5-8 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (8) Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (KJV)
As we see in the above verses, although our Lord was crucified on the cross at Calvary it didn’t end there, but rather there is a continual crucifixion that has to take place in each and every believer if they to wish to partake of a new life in Christ. Do you know for a fact that your old fallen nature is crucified and being kept in subjection to the Spirit, or are you running from the truth and looking for an alternate way out? You wonder why at times that it seems hard to believe in the word of God more than what the outward circumstances are dictating, most likely it is because you haven’t died to self, but rather you spend more time feeding the flesh than the Spirit. Our Lord went to a cross at Calvary so that He could die and a new man could resurrect. We too are constantly dying on a daily basis so that a new man can resurrect and live a life dictated by the Spirit and not the flesh and its lethal desires. If you notice in the above verses, 6&8, you see words like, is crucified, and now if we be dead with Christ. Many teach a one and done theory, that all you have to do is show up at some organization, do some ritual or recite some sinners prayer and your ticket is stamped; but be assured nothing could be farther from the truth; and this once saved always saved is a doctrine the devil enjoys seeing taught. Your commitment to our Lord is just the beginning, so the fact that God sent His Son to do a complete work on our behalf and give us a perfect example He expects nothing short of a whole hearted commitment as well if you wish to obtain your inheritance, which simply put means, walk not just talk. Galatians 2:17-20 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. (18) For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. (19) For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. (20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (KJV) Paul didn’t make the statement I was, or I am thinking about this crucifixion stuff, but rather it is something that he continued in to the end. The devil made me do it or blaming others for your lack of diligence in the word of God is not an excuse for sin, and don’t think for one moment that you would be the first person to ever accept the Lord and walk with Him for a season only to end up walking away and falling back into sin. Thus the reason why God had Paul write words of encouragement concerning baptism and crucifixion so that God’s people wouldn’t fall back into the old ways but continue to walk in the Spirit realm. No one said it was going to be an easy path that leads to eternal life, however there is only one that will get you there and it is the same one our Lord walked, even that stuff that happened at Calvary. As a Christian, in order to maintain a healthy walk with the Lord you will have to take up your own cross on a daily basis if you truly wish to move forward in your walk. Otherwise you will end up sitting at the garden of Gethsemane sweating drops of blood and dreading the outcome. Please keep in mind that although there was a death it was followed by a glorious resurrection; so know too for yourself that even though the Lord is asking us to nail something to the cross, afterward there is also a glorious resurrection of a new found life in Christ. Once you put your hand to the plow the enemy will do all he can to keep you from looking forward to the new life the Lord has for you, but rather he will try to keep you stuck in the old realm drinking the old whine. Be sure that if the Lord is asking you to walk away from something, focus more on what He is asking you to walk into knowing that it is for your benefit, one that will draw you closer to Him. Galatians 6:12-15 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. (13) For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. (14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation for Galatians 6:12-13 12. These men who are trying to force you to let yourselves be circumcised simply want to make a fine outward show, only to keep you from being persecuted for the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 13. Indeed, the very men who let themselves be circumcised do not themselves observe the law. But they simply want you to let yourselves be circumcised, so that they can boast of you as members of their party. Did you ever stop and think why people still hold to rituals, works of the law? Most of it is just some big show. Like a circus, they use the people so that they can boast of big numbers; really, like that is going to impress God. Quite the opposite is true people; Paul realized that in order to please a Spiritual being he could no longer be a people pleaser, one that was seeking approval from the world and its worldly preachers. Worldly people seek recognition of other worldly people and base their results on outward things and not inward. Whether it manifests in the form of circumcision, water baptism, or some other dead end ritual it’s all for naught and avails nothing. The only thing important to God is that new creation within, something you should be concerned with as well. While many people flock to a circus to see some death defying act, or to get entertained, many of these so called traveling evangelists and preachers are nothing more than a circus act. Back in the day when a man named P.T. Barnum started the circus he realized that the acts, tricks, and illusions would bring in thousands of people as well as thousands of dollars. He also made the statement concerning the flocks of people ‘that a sucker is born every day’. As I look around at what man calls preachers and teachers and so called sound doctrine, I too see ‘that suckers are born again every day’ because of their lack of diligence and knowledge in the word of God; and the fact that they don’t take a stand for the Lord, and they end up falling for any cheap trick and illusion of the devil seeking more to be entertained than built up in the truth. A crucifixion took place at Calvary some two thousand years ago to pay the price for mankind and allow you access into the realm of the Spirit. It didn’t end there people, but is a symbol, a likeness or representation of something that should be continuing in each and every believer so that they can continue their walk in the Spirit no longer feeding and nurturing the old fallen man. A new day has come, now go walk in it. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:3-7 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (KJV)
Thayer’s definition for ‘likeness’: 3667 homoioma- what has been made after the likeness of something a) a figure, a image, a likeness, a representation b) likeness that is, resemblance, such as amounts almost to equality or identity When we see the word ‘likeness’ we are now looking at something that is a representation, a resemblance, something that took place in the physical but now has spiritual meaning. Basically when looking at baptism and its true meaning we see it more as a continual process, not just some ritual where one gets dunked then goes merrily on their way. If you were to hold someone under water for an extended period of time it would eventually lead to death, drowning the physical which in turn would release the spirit from the body. In essence this is what Paul is making reference to, similar to the Old Testament sacrifices that were killed, which then released the spirit. When a believer immerses themselves in the living waters and remains in that realm the flesh, or as Paul described our old man, dies so that the Spirit can be released and take over. Another way the seed is planted, which our seed is Christ, is in the likeness of his death which was by crucifixion. In order for our Lord to resurrect and be seated at the right hand of the Father He had to go to the cross, which not only happened in the outward but also took place in the inward. In order for us to obtain our eternal inheritance we to have to die to self in the same fashion as our Lord did; however ours takes place in the spiritual realm. Luke 9:22-25 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. (23) And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (24) For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. (25) For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? (KJV) As our Lord was preparing to fulfill His calling and pay the price for mankind, he was also describing the same baptism Paul was describing in Romans 6, how each and every believer in Christ would have to take up their own cross on a daily basis in order to inherit their reward. As painful and excruciating as it was to drive nails into the body, it also subdued the body and kept it in subjection. Things in your life that you thought were gain, which were worldly, are now nailed to a spiritual cross and brought into subjection to the Spirit so that you won’t be lost, or cast away from your inheritance. Now the question becomes ‘how many are willing to follow our Lord, even as far as the cross’? We hear so many speak of baptism, but so few speak of the true spiritual baptism that brings new life to the believer by leaving their old life buried. Just as similar as it was in the time of our Lord, when it comes time to die many run for cover and scramble, even denying the Lord by rejecting the truth of what He is asking of His people; to take up their own cross. Every believer in Christ comes to their own crossroad, a time when the Lord says we need to nail down an area of the flesh that is hindering our walk so that the Spirit can take over. Sad to say this is where many draw the line and look for another way out, which the enemy is glad to show them an alternate route which ends up to be a dead end. When you are facing your own trial like our Lord did in the garden of Gethsemane, in the end will you let the Lord’s will be done, or will you walk away? Philippians 3:17-19 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (18) (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: (19) Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) (KJV) The cross of Christ is spiritual in nature, a doctrine that speaks of crucifying the flesh and its desires rather than pampering it and justifying the lower fallen nature. As I look around today and listen to man’s doctrines, they mostly speak of the world and seek their gain in this realm rather than looking deeper into the spiritual realm to seek and please our Heavenly Father. The phrase “if it feels good do it” no longer works for those in Christ, but rather they have come to the knowledge that the flesh and Spirit are contrary one to the other. A house divided will fall, so being the fact that you are the temple of the living God it would be in your best interest to keep your temple in subjection to the Spirit. John 6:24-27 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. (25) And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? (26) Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. (27) Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (KJV) What is your motive for serving the Lord, and why are you seeking Him? Is it truly to do His will, or are you looking to get a belly full? Like with many politicians today, many so called preachers promise liberty and a better life in the physical, however, they ignore the spiritual and the true meaning of the scriptures, and leave the people starving for lack of nourishment. As meat is a good source of protein for the physical body, spiritual meat is a definite requirement for the Spirit man if one is going to truly grow and mature in the Lord. Are you seeing the eternal meaning and intention of the scriptures and what they truly represent, or are you like so many carnal babies that think dunking people in water has any real substance? Remember, the things that are seen are temporal, it’s the unseen spiritual which is eternal and will endure to the end, will you? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 3:13-15 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, (14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘press’: 1377 dioko (dee-o'-ko); a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb dio (to flee; compare the base of 1169 and 1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute: KJV-- ensue, follow (after), given to, (suffer) persecute (-ion), press forward. Williams New Testament translation Philippians 3:13-15 13. Brothers, I do not think that I have captured it yet, but here is my one aspiration, so forgetting what is behind me and reaching out for what is ahead of me, 14. I am pressing onward toward the goal, to win the prize to which God through Jesus Christ is calling us upward. 15. So let us all who are mature have this attitude. If you have a different attitude, God will make it clear to you. When pressing or moving forward in your walk with the Lord, sometimes or some situations you will find it a struggle, at times overwhelming to the mind. Like with a long distance runner, at times it seems like their body just can’t take anymore but they know they have to continue moving forward if they wish to attain their goal at the finish line. You will find your walk at times with the Lord similar in the aspect that the Lord is asking you to move forward, whether a job situation, a different fellowship, or He is asking you to answer your own calling in an area He sees as your place in the body even though you may see different. Remember, the Spirit is willing it’s our flesh and our carnal thinking that is weak and limited; so for a season whatever the new area is that the Lord is moving you into it may take a while for your understanding to catch up with the Lord. What’s that saying, “no pain no gain”, well at times change seems painful, grievous; never the less afterward you will see the peaceable fruit of the Spirit manifest as long as you persevere. In order to continue moving forward in your walk with the Lord you will find that some of the old ways and old thoughts that you got by with in the past are no longer effective anymore and thus the need for change is in order to mature. So like we see Paul explaining, he was forgetting things which were behind him, old thoughts and ways that were no longer beneficial to his spiritual growth, and reaching forth or looking forward to find his new life in Christ. The point is, just because you have entered a place in your walk where it may seem to be a struggle for the time being, know that as you persevere and continue seeking the things of God you will adapt to what the Lord is asking, or where He is asking you to operate, and it will yield peaceable fruit. Luke 3:4-6 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (5) Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; (6) And all flesh shall see the salvation of God. (KJV) Ever hear the term “making a mountain out of a molehill”? Well those that endure and continue in their walk with the Lord are able to see the mountain turn into a molehill. Things that you thought in the past were impossible are now possible with Christ; and areas in your life that seemed so rough are now smooth and easy to walk in. Now that the valleys are filled in and that thing in your life that seemed like such a mountain is brought low the path is much steadier and your life is not such a roller coaster ride of emotional highs and lows anymore. Just like with a runner, the more they exercise and keep the body fit and built up the more they are able to endure the race that is before them as well as remain healthy. Spiritually these same principles work, by keeping your body in subjection to the Spirit you are able to endure this day the path the Lord has for you and make it to the finish line the way He intended you to. Yes there will be opposition and persecution along this path of life, and there may be times you get knocked down, but it’s not how many times you get knocked down that matters it is how many times you get back up and continue forward, that is what counts. Matthew 17:18-21 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. (19) Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? (20) And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (21) Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (KJV) A mountain can be anything that is in your path that appears to be a huge obstacle and hard to get past. Sometimes what seems simple to one person can be a huge distraction to another; while others struggle in things and are unable to move forward because they are still holding onto beliefs from their past. Whatever the situation is, it is important to pray one for another that they may be healed and find the comfort and deliverance through Christ. You will find your answer in prayer, continuing to communicate with the Father on a daily basis, seeking your answer in His word. Many fail to stay in communication with the Lord; rather they wait till a crisis arises before they seek His answer, a crisis that could have been avoided had the lines of communication stayed open. While fasting can refer to going without food it also refers to abstaining from anything that is feeding an area of our flesh that needs to be subdued and put into subjection. So rather than starve the flesh one spends more time feeding the flesh and its desires, then wonders why doubt and fear have crept in and kept them from achieving their goal. The more one feeds the Spirit the more they will see spiritual results that cannot and will not happen according to the carnal way of thinking and its dead ways. For you to grow and mature in the Lord you will be constantly going through changes in your life as you continue to step into the new realm the Lord has for you. Now the question is, ‘will you let go of the old childish things in order to press forward in your walk’? 1 Corinthians 13:10-11 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (KJV) When you are able to see and come to a perfect (mature) understanding of what the Lord is asking and requiring of you in order to move forward in your walk with Him, then that which is in part or any obstacle that has been impeding your sight is done away. Many people fail and fall short of the glory of God because they put their hand to the plow but keep looking back to find peace rather than pressing forward and maturing in the things of the Lord. So today, even though something may seem like a huge obstacle or mountainous in size, by pressing forward in your walk and persevering in the Lord you will find that you can do all things through Christ who is strengthening you. Those that have and continue to walk the path of life and grow up into the Lord find that many things that at one time were a distraction and an obstacle were nothing more than a mirage, an optical illusion of the devil. Just like watching old monster movies when I was a child I used to be frightened by the illusions of these movies, but as I grew up and matured I was able to see the cheap silly special effects of imaginary events and beings. God bless and press on. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Psalms 37:3-4 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (4) Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (KJV)
We have been talking lately about treasure and what it is the heart truly is set on; the things of God or the things of this life. Where your treasure is will determine where the heart is and which way it is going. As we have spent so much of our life in the past living in the realm of the flesh we were more concerned with our bank accounts here on earth than our spiritual welfare. We spent most of our time consumed with how to make deposits in our accounts so that we wouldn’t end up bankrupt. With a new heart will come a new desire; now our attention should be more on making a direct deposit into our spiritual bank account on a daily basis so that we have enough to supply the need. The enemy will try to access your account and rob you blind, so it is up to you to make sure you stay alert and keep a watch over your heart. It is the true riches of God that we have access to, and this is why the devil fights so hard to keep you from accessing these spiritual riches and would like nothing better than to keep you in bondage by chasing temporal riches. Proverbs 23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. (KJV) While driving a few weeks ago we spotted eagles and other birds off the road working on some fresh road kill. When we slowed down to get a picture the eagles were the first to fly off and not present a close picture, but kept their distance. For those that are stuck in the realm of the flesh and seek worldly riches the same holds true. Although they come up with their own ways to get rich, and think they are getting close to the answer, it somehow eludes them and is outside their grasp. This is just the realm the enemy would like to see the people of God pursuing as well, getting caught up in the things of this life so they are not able to access the things of God and His true riches. Proverbs 8:17-21 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. (18) Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. (19) My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. (20) I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: (21) That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. (KJV) Which account have you been depositing into today; which one will have the sufficient funds in it if needed; or will your reality check bounce because of insufficient funds? Has the devil gotten into your account and replaced the true riches of God with a fake love and affection for the things of this life, funny money? Or have you held fast your profession of faith without wavering and found the fruit of the Spirit, the love, joy and peace of God above and beyond any gold or silver this earth has to offer? Remember, no man can serve two masters; you will hold to one and despise the other. So which one are you holding to today, or should I say which one has a hold on you? Proverbs 8:10-11 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. (11) For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (KJV) Remember that parable about putting new wine into an old wineskin? It doesn’t work; it ends up breaking and spilling the new wine. The same holds true with us, we cannot grasp and hang onto the new unless we are willing to let go of the old desires, replacing them with new heavenly ones. Once one partakes of the new they find out that the old just doesn’t satisfy anymore. In fact the more one partakes of the new the more they realize how they have been ripped off and were missing out on the true riches of God, and how God does richly give us all things to enjoy without the bondage. Proverbs 2:1-5 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; (2) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; (3) Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; (4) If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; (5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. (KJV) Remember all that effort you have been putting into your physical desires? Well the Lord said He would give you the desire of your heart if you would put that same effort and affection into the things of His realm. Remember, even though you thought you made progress in the realm of the flesh it still left you empty and not satisfied. Well the peace of God which passes our understanding gives us the true desire of our heart despite what our outward circumstances may try to dictate. Once one has truly tasted the goodness of God they find that it is the one thing they were always looking for just never able to achieve in the realm of the flesh and its carnal thinking. Psalms 119:127 Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. (KJV) When you truly treasure the things of God more than the things of this realm that is when you will experience the love of God which is an eternal treasure. While so many teach and preach a prosperity message which limits them to the realm of the flesh, a few have found the true treasure chest which is located in the heavenly realm ready to be revealed to those that are willing to walk in the Spirit. Colossians 2:1-4 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (2) 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; (3) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (4) And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. (KJV) Why do you think Paul suffered such great conflict, and why the enemy did all he could to keep this truth from being preached? Is there anything more comforting than to know the true love of God; being able to have a full assurance and understanding of the mystery of God that has been hidden in Christ but now ready to be revealed and accessed by those that are more concerned with the eternal treasures? How many movies and books have been written that deal with treasure hunts and how those that seek it must follow the clues hidden in the maps to find it? These movies also show the opposition and how many thieves try to keep them from finding it, as well as attempting to steal it from them once it is found. You have a treasure map, and all the clues point to the Father who can only be accessed through His Son and a working knowledge of Christ where this treasure chest of spiritual wisdom and knowledge awaits those that seek it with all their heart. Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. (11) When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? (12) The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. (KJV) Ever hear of fools’ gold? Those that think something in this realm will ever satisfy a spiritual need will find themselves shortchanged and spiritually bankrupt, robbed blind. So while the world and its worldly preachers are asking what's in your wallet, the Lord is asking what is in the spiritual account, and what realm are you banking on? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: (2) And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. (KJV)
When one thinks of salvation, an eternity with God, no more pain, sorrow, or tears, it is comforting to know that someday when we leave this realm there is a much better life waiting for us in the next one. Some think that salvation is a one and done process, all one needs to do is walk up to some alter, recite some prayer, and then they are saved, set for this eternal place in heaven that so many speak of. There are those that would even go so far as to say ‘once saved always saved’, eternal securities is another term used as well. Before you jump on that ear tickling feel good bandwagon, it would do you well to look at what the word of God says, and what the conditions of this salvation truly are if you plan on being an inheritor of the kingdom of God. A simple word like ‘if’ which means on the condition of, can add a whole new eternal meaning to the true plan of salvation. So if you read Deuteronomy 28, the first 14 verses sound great, describing all the blessings that will come upon not only the hearers, but the doers as well. But it doesn’t end there. Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: (KJV) Remember Church, God’s people, this Bible is written to us, the blessings are real and available, as well as the curses. If you read the rest of Deuteronomy 28, you see that life from this point on is rather unpleasant and is a death sentence to those that continue on this path, no matter who they are, or even the fact that at some time in their life they made a commitment to God. You are a child of God, adopted into the family of Christ; salvation is not a ticket to sin, or a free pass to live like the devil. As sure as there are blessings, be aware the curses are still in play and no one is immune to them; just a matter of which path you choose to walk. John 15:6-7 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (KJV) Call this an endurance race; once you have entered you need to follow the instructor and His instructions if you wish to inherit eternal life. You need to observe all the terms and conditions of Father’s last will and testament given in His word, the fine print if you would, so that you realize that having made this commitment now it’s time to follow through. Looking at verse 6, the branch is withering, drying out. At some point it was actually a part of the vine, but was cut off from the source of life. Note to Church, if you are not sure what is cast into the fire, Revelation 20:15 explains it. Think of a job, if you went to the interview, and you like the job and the benefits, and was hired and told to start on Monday, and you didn’t show up till Friday, what makes you think you’re going to get a paycheck? So why would people think we can do that to God? Simply put, if you don’t make salvation a way of life, a total commitment to the things of God, expect to reap what you sow; and don’t think that you are above the law of faith, God does not play favorites no matter who you are or who you think you are. Romans 11:21-23 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. (22) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (23) And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. (KJV) It would be my pleasure to just write of the blessings and joy of the Lord, but I would not be able to speak on behalf of our Lord if I did not remind the Church of the flip side as well; so give heed to the voice of the Lord, so that you don’t fall from grace. Colossians 1:21-23 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (22) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: (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; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (KJV) Jesus Christ was sent by God to bring His message of salvation, the plan of reconciliation, not only what allows you access into this plan, but how to maintain this relationship as well. So will you continue in this plan so that you can remain blameless without fault in His sight, and receive the reward of inheritance? John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (KJV) By staying in the word continually, you will be a follower indeed, doing the will of our Father. It is knowing the truth that will continually set one free from the bondage of the flesh and allow the Spirit to take over in an area that has hindered our walk in the past. Hebrews 3:14-15 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (15) While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. (KJV) What are you holding true to; will you let God be true and mans’ doctrines be the lie, or are you following a crowded slippery slope leading to destruction? You may have started this race with good intentions, but will you finish strong or drop off? Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (KJV) It may not be a popular path, but it is the only one that leads to our eternal home. Are you in it for the long haul? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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