Good day. Today we are posting Let's Pay Tribute, written November 11, 2008. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this writing. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2008.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008
 
Let’s Pay Tribute
 
Romans 13:1-4 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (KJV)
 
First of all I would like to pay close attention to the first three words in verse 1, because ‘every’ does mean everyone. The powers that are ordained of God that are being spoken about, is our police, fire departments, as well as the military. We all have an obligation, including Christians, to follow and obey the laws of the land. You may not like and agree with all of them, but like it or not it is our duty to obey and stay in good standing with them. I make this point because we are going to touch on an area where the so called church thinks they can side step laws as well just because others do it or man says that it’s ok.
 
Romans 13:5-8 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. (6) For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (KJV)
 
Williams New Testament translation of Romans 13:5-8
5. Therefore, you must obey them, not only for the sake of escaping punishment, but also for conscience' sake; 6. for this is the reason why you pay your taxes, for the civil authorities are God's official servants faithfully devoting themselves to this very end. 7. Pay all of them what is due them -- tribute to the officer to receive it, taxes to the officer to receive them, respect to the man entitled to it, and honor to the man entitled to it. 8.  Stop owing anybody anything, except the obligation to love one another, for whoever practices loving others has perfectly satisfied the law.
 
You know what that word tribute means, yup taxes. “Oh but we are the church, all we have to do is file for our non-profit status and we are tax free right”? Well according to man that may be so, but according to the word of God that is not the case. Paul wasn’t writing this letter to those outside of the body of Christ, but rather these scriptures are for God’s people, are they not? You know preachers, when a policeman, fireman, or someone from the military comes to your congregation on Sunday you are not shy about passing around the collection plate are you? But have you done your fair share in giving as well? You know that tribute stuff the Lord says we need to pay to be in good standing with Him? “Oh but we would go broke if we had to pay it”. Well if God was truly your source then what you are telling me is that God went broke, right?
 
Matthew 22:17-21 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? (18) But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? (19) Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. (20) And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? (21) They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. (KJV)
 
Hmm, the Lord paid taxes; and being that we are imitators of Him wouldn’t it be fitting that we did also? You know the preachers are not shy about reminding the congregation of their duty of paying their fair share which the Bible says also, rendering to God the things that are His. But it is the preacher’s or pastor’s duty to render tribute to Caesar as well, which is in the form of taxes. So while our police officers and firemen, as well as the military are willing to lay down their lives for us, is the so called church that cheap and willing to show a total disregard for the duties performed by not paying their fair share in the form of taxes? After all if the Church doesn’t set the example in deed as well as word, then who will? Hey people, next time they hit you up with their endless giving sermons seeking to get more money out of the congregation, ask them if they have done their fair share, before you decide if you are going to support them as well.
 
1 Timothy 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (18) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. (KJV)
 
Here we see an example of taking care of God’s people, not muzzling them but rather supporting them in their work. Whatever calling they are answering, if you are getting fed at their organization and you know that they are teaching truth then God does require people to give and support it as well. Now the flip side though with God’s people is that you are required to give also to support the other works God has called, otherwise you haven’t truly fulfilled your duty. You know, that water and sewer system to your building was put in by a laborer and the Bible does tell us that the laborer is worthy of his reward doesn’t it? Maybe if you are having financial problems with your organization, it just may be a reflection of your own stinginess and lack of giving on your part in the form of tribute or taxes. Remember too that in Romans 13:4 God refers to our civil servants as being His ministers also; so while many ministers demand payment for their services from the congregations, are they doing their part themselves in the form of tribute?
 
Matthew 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (25) He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? (26) Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free. (27) Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. (KJV)
 
“Oh but big corporations get tax breaks, why can’t we get them”? “After all, the law says we can, doesn’t it”? Are you under the law of man only, or are you now under the law of faith as well? Our Lord paid taxes didn’t He? So being the fact that He is the perfect example God sent for mankind, then it would do me good to pay also, wouldn’t it? What an insult to tell our brave military, fire, and police men and women that we support them, only to do it with lip service and not in deed. You know if everyone did their fair share then we would not have to watch these people struggle financially, as well as getting the health care that they need. So Christians, is it our duty to give tribute? Well if you wish to be in good standing with God, yes, definitely!

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today's video Abide and Conquer is on the topic of: Abide in Christ and conquer or overcome the world within you (it's thoughts and ways) by the renewing of your mind on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Continue in the faith grounded and settled and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, the gospel of your salvation, Christ in you the hope of glory.
 
​​​​​​You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive.

​​​​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today's video O Foolish Christians! is on the topic of: O foolish Christians! Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh (the carnal mind)? Remember, the carnal mind is an enemy against God and the natural man cannot receive or know the things that have been freely given unto us by God through Jesus Christ. Without the mind of Christ, we can do nothing.
 
​​​​​​You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive.

​​​​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day five, written January 21, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Friday, January 21, 2011
 
A New Desire
 
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (KJV)
 
You know, it is nice to knock on a door and then have it opened, and to enter into a peaceable realm, or a house that is in order. For many though they are knocking on the wrong door with the wrong motives, then wonder why they are denied access to what is rightfully theirs for the taking. Knowing what door you are knocking on and what the code name is that will get you access will be rewarding to say the least.
 
John 10:1-5 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (2) But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (4) And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (5) And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. (KJV)
 
Our Lord is referred to as a fore runner, the first born as well; one who ran this race toward the mark of the prize which is located above and not below here. Our Lord went before us and died so that we could have access to the realm above, no longer entrapped and in bondage to the things below. Have you answered your call today; seeking first the kingdom of God, or were you to busy following something foreign, a stranger who will not get you to your destination?
 
John 10:6-9 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. (7) Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (8) All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. (9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (KJV)
 
You know, when you enter into the Lord’s realm or rest, it is then that you cease from your own works, and desire what He would have for you this day. All that ever comes before the Lord, any other thing or even person that you would put before our Lord on your priority list is robbery, and will not get you what our Lord desired for you to partake of this day.
 
Mark 11:23-24 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. (24) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. (KJV)
 
In this fallen realm that we are surrounded with many will make mountains out of mole hills, allowing a little leaven to get past their spiritual radar. In our Lord’s realm it is just the opposite; when you make our Lord a priority then what seemed like a big distraction and obstacle, is quickly cut down and removed. But this will only take place when you enter in through the door of our Lord and make Him your top priority.
 
Revelation 3:19-21 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. (20) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (21) To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (KJV)
 
In closing this week, we need to keep in mind that salvation and our prayer life are a two way street; our Lord responds to our requests and desires as we give ear to His. We all want that door in heaven opened, especially in a time of need. By keeping the door of your heart open to the Lord as well will allow you to be an over comer instead of an underachiever.
 
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV)
 
Are you a ‘can do’ Christian? Well, only if you allowed a can did person access to your heart. God bless and continue to desire Spiritual things.

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day four, written January 20, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Thursday, January 20, 2011
 
A New Desire
 
Psalms 37:4-6 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (6) And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. (KJV)
 
As you draw near to God, He in turn will draw near to you as well; making His kingdom as bright and apparent as a sunrise on a new day, and the results will be as clear as the light at noon. What are you really seeking after, and in hot pursuit of today; is it the things above, or are you settling for something inferior like the things below? The Lord made us spirit, soul, and body; so in order to be complete we will need to address all those areas. My prayer is that you put the Spiritual first, and not last which is why many don’t last.
 
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (KJV)
 
With both of these words, ask and seek, you will find the term desire as well as crave in the definitions. When you asked the Lord to come into your life you began on a new path that would lead to eternal life. When you sought His word and made it a priority in your life, you then were able to see beyond the veil of the flesh, and come to an understanding of the mystery of the gospel that is hid to the carnal man but ready to be revealed to the Spiritual one. Then as you continue knocking, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are only found in Christ is opened unto you so that you can walk in His wisdom, no longer leaning to your own understanding.
 
Colossians 1:9-11 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (11) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; (KJV)
 
Paul’s own prayer and desire for God’s people is that they would continue seeking the wisdom and spiritual understanding from above so that they could be strengthened from within. If you notice, there are a lot of things that are available for those that pursue Spiritual things, things that can’t be bought or found in this carnal ream.
 
2 Chronicles 15:1-4 And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded: (2) And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you. (3) Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law. (4) But when they in their trouble did turn unto the LORD God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them. (KJV)
 
The Bible is consistent throughout in the fact that with what measure we give to God is then measured back our way in return. You know, instead of waiting for a time of trouble to manifest in your life, many of these heartaches and frustrations can be avoided if you simply made the Lord your only desire. If you notice also, that trouble came a knocking once the people were no longer abiding in the truth of God, but rather were settling for a lie.
 
2 Chronicles 15:12-15 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; (13) That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. (14) And they sware unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. (15) And all Judah rejoiced at the oath: for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire; and he was found of them: and the LORD gave them rest round about. (KJV)
 
In the Old Testament it was a death sentence when they would not pursue the things of God, but rather desired things that were contrary. You will find in your walk too that if you start to desire something other than what our Lord intended for you to walk in, yeah that sunny day you started out with will become darkened with some storm clouds. Do take note also in verse 15, that the result of seeking the Lord was that there was some rejoicing taking place rather than doubt and frustration. So go seek the Lord and He will give you something to shout about today as well.

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day three, written January 19, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011
 
A New Desire
 
Psalms 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (KJV)
 
With a new heart will come a new desire; however, your new desire and way of life is totally contrary to the old one. It is our Father’s good pleasure to give us His kingdom; thus the reason why He sent us His Son to buy us back, and redeem us. Now you will notice that throughout your Bible there are terms and conditions for these desires to be fulfilled. Another way of looking at it is referring to your prayer life, not only knowing that your prayers are getting heard but getting some actual results and the response from above that you are looking for. You will also find that in order to get a response from above, you will need to respond accordingly as well. This is what will build your confidence and trust in the Lord, not only knowing that you can go to Him in time of need but that you will respond to His request as well. Yeah, believe it or not this salvation stuff is a two way street.
 
1 John 3:19-22 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (20) For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. (21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. (22) And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. (KJV)
 
Ever hear of the term identity theft; you know where someone gets a hold of someone else’s credit card and uses their name to make withdrawals? Many Christians are like that, they come to our Lord in time of need making withdrawals from their spiritual accounts, however, only a few return to see what they can deposit to keep their account open. If you notice above, that if there is peace in your heart then you know that you are still on the right path that our Lord ordained for you to walk on, and you will have confidence as well. However, if your heart is being pricked a bit you have a choice to cease and desist from something unhealthy, or continue on a path that will lead you further from the truth. The word ‘ask’ means to desire or crave; so as long as we continue to ask things that are in line with what our Lord intended for us to seek after, then we will get His results.
 
James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (2) Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. (3) Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. (KJV)
 
When looking at verse one, I personally don’t see much peace there, rather a lot of turmoil and frustration is starting to set in and take over. As you can see, this is all a result of our desire; trying to fill a Spiritual need with a carnal one, just not happening. Oh, and the more you try to justify yourself the more this stuff just keeps spinning and spinning inside of you, stirring up the more muck and mire. I find that with many, when all you hear is them trashing others, playing the blame game, yeah they are just taking out their own faults and shortcomings on others rather than coming clean and dealing with the real source of their fall.
 
James 4:4-6 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (5) Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (6) But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (KJV)
 
You know, when you make a commitment to the Lord and then go back to the world and its way of thinking, yeah, that is when you open the door for a world of hurt. Some of these people that you are associating with, even those that say that they are Christians, ahhh, the reality is that they are just like the world, it’s just a different disguise that they are wearing. Your Bible is very clear on what evil communication does to someone who may have started out with good intentions. Yeah, if continued in it, it will corrupt your good morals that you started with in the beginning of your walk.
 
1 John 5:13-15 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (14) And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (15) And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (KJV)
 
Hey, look what happens when we get our heart right with the Lord, and desire the things above instead of those below the standard that He intended for us. Instead of wars and frustrations, fear and doubt is replaced with words like knowing, believing, as well as some confidence being thrown in the mix for good measure. Do you desire results in your prayer life? Then seek those things above, and you will find them.

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day two, written January 18, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011
 
A New Desire
 
Psalms 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (KJV)
 
So where does your delight come from today; is it based on outward events and circumstances, or are you one of the few that has found the inward delight that can only come from above? If you commit yourself to the Lord and stay committed, well, He will stay committed to you as well so that your life will never become stale. You know, with a new heart will come a new desire, something that you definitely should be seeking after.
 
Ezekiel 11:18-20 And they shall come thither, and they shall take away all the detestable things thereof and all the abominations thereof from thence. (19) And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: (20) That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. (KJV)
 
Verse 19 talks about one heart, as well as a new spirit. In order to continue your walk on the path of life that our Lord ordained for you to walk on you will need to keep your mind renewed daily to the things above otherwise you will fall for any cheap hoax below. The Lord did a heart transplant on us once we received His plan of salvation, taking out the stony hard heart and replacing it with something that He can work with and mold, like clay. However, just like with clay, one needs a daily dose of living waters to keep it pliable, or else it will harden again.
 
Mark 4:3-6 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: (4) And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. (5) And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: (6) But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. (KJV)
 
Here we see some examples of what happens when a Christian no longer desires the things above, but rather starts looking elsewhere, thinking that something here on earth would ever satisfy an inward hunger. You know, one of the first things a good farmer will do is go into a field and pick all the rocks out of it before planting a crop. Without some good soil to work with, as well as living waters, the plant will not take root and will eventually wither away. Many of God’s people experience the same results when they no longer seek the things above but rather put their hand to the plow and then look back behind them for answers again.
 
Mark 4:18-20 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, (19) And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. (20) And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. (KJV)
 
You know, once you get your Spiritual house in order it is up to you to keep a watch over it and not allow anything contrary to sound doctrine to enter back in and mess it up. Verse 19 gives us a clear example of what is not desirable as far as the kingdom of God is concerned, and will choke the life out of the believer if they continue to pursue these things. Contrary to what many are teaching today, you know where they make it appear that God owes us a hundred fold return on our carnal riches, we are actually the ones who need to be bringing forth and bearing a hundred fold return on His seed, which is Spiritual. Christ is the only seed; the word of God is the only thing that we should be desiring and becoming rooted and grounded in; while anything else will just dry up and be blown away with many winds of doctrines.  

Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting A New Desire day one, written January 17, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Monday, January 17, 2011
 
A New Desire
 
Psalms 37:4-5 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (5) Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (KJV)
 
You will find that with any document or contract that there are terms and conditions that are written into them that explain how it works, or is made void and nullified. Our Father in heaven left mankind a will, His will and desire for mankind so that the time that they spend here on this earth would be blessed, as well as their eternal time once they leave this earth. Knowing for yourself how and why God responds to your prayer or desires, petition would be another way of putting it, will build a trust and confidence so that you can know and not have to guess that they have been heard and answered as well.
 
Proverbs 3:13-15 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. (14) For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. (15) She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. (KJV)
 
Oh if you could just bottle this up and then give someone a taste, then they would see how much greater the Spiritual is compared to this carnal fallen realm. In order to find wisdom and understanding, you would need to make these things a desire, or let’s say a priority in your life. This is where many draw the line, call it quits, looking more at what they are walking away from instead of the newness of life that they are walking into. With a new heart will come a new desire, a desire for the things pertaining to the Spirit, no longer being influenced and overwhelmed with the things of the flesh. So start looking up Church, and you won’t be let down by the things of this fallen realm that can never satisfy or bring peace and contentment to the inner man.
 
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) 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: (3) 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. (KJV)
 
The term quickened refers to bringing back to life. So your dead end life was a result of the dead end desires you sought after and thought would bring peace. The sad truth is that many of God’s own people are brought back to life for a season; however, that season dies when they think that they can still incorporate the old things with the new man in Christ. A life that we thought would be fulfilled by carnal things needs to be replaced with a desire for the Spiritual things of God if one truly desires to make it to their eternal destination. You will find someday when standing before the Lord and giving an account of what you desired here on earth, that you will definitely desire to hear the statement “well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord”.
 
Matthew 4:2-4 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. (3) And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (4) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (KJV)
 
You know, the enemy took a shot at our Lord at a time when the flesh definitely desired to be fed. However, our Lord knew that in order to live He would need to keep His body in subjection to the Spirit, and desire the Spiritual over the carnal. So what is your desire today, and are you feeding the inward first before seeking the outward?

​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today's video Heaven Sent is on the topic of: What or who was sent from heaven? God sent his word and healed us and delivered us from our destructions. God sent his Son, Jesus Christ into the world, that we through him might have eternal life. And this is eternal life, that you might know our Father, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he sent.
 
​​​​​​You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive.

​​​​Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Good day. Today we are posting A Famine Unheard Of  day five, written January 14, 2011. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this series of our writings. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 2011.

Friday, January 14, 2011
 
A Famine Unheard Of
 
Amos 8:11-12 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: (12) And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. (KJV)
 
All this week we have been looking at a famine that is taking place with many, and many are not even aware that it is taking place; which in reality is taking place right in front of their eyes. The problem is that it is unseen, as well as unheard of, because they have become dull of hearing by an improper use of their Spiritual senses.
 
Hebrews 5:11-14 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. (12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (KJV)
 
At what age growing up would you have died if you didn’t get off the bottle and onto some solid food? Now look at that from the Spiritual aspect, and you will be able to see and hear what Paul was making reference to with those that he saw were famished because of a lack of hearing the word of God. If you desire to grow up and mature in the Lord then you will need to start partaking of a diet that will cause that to take place, one which definitely involves the meat of God’s word. Many have become dull of hearing because they don’t exercise their Spiritual senses and discern the difference between what is of God and what is man’s fallen interpretations of the Word.
 
Luke 15:14-17 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. (15) And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. (16) And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. (17) And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! (KJV)
 
What you see taking place is what happens too many when they get around the wrong people, which is what Paul described about evil communications corrupting good morals. Many so called churches could be aptly described as a pig pen rather than something of substance that would feed the flock and not cause them to perish with hunger. Oh do take note of when and where this famine took place, yeah right after one steps out of the will of their Father.
 
Luke 15:20-23 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (21) And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. (22) But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: (23) And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: (KJV)
 
Hey look what happens when one gives ear to some truth, and decides to turn back to their Father. Instead of ingesting pig slop, the Lord would like you to partake of the meat again, that fatted calf that He has prepared for His people so that they no longer have to perish for lack of knowledge.
 
Mark 4:21-24 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? (22) For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad. (23) If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. (24) And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. (KJV)
 
The light of the glorious gospel of Christ is like a candle lit to show us the path of life. Unto us is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, so that we no longer have to die from the spiritual starvation that is plaguing mankind. Do you desire more of the Lord and His influence in your walk? Well, that all depends on how much you are willing to give ear to His word and follow through with your commitment with Him. God bless and stay fed in the Word, and fed up with any false doctrine that the enemy would try to throw your direction today.

​​​​Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.