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Matthew 16:13-15 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (14) And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (KJV)
If you go into any city and take the time to look into a phone book under the title of churches you will find pages and pages of different so called faiths and denominations. In others words, when posed with the same question we see in the above verses mankind is still rendering many different opinions on who this Jesus of Nazareth was and what to call this man. In fact some two thousand plus years ago some were trying to associate him with the Baptist, which being the fact that he didn’t acknowledge himself to be one back then I don’t know why so many today are still trying to pin that label on him. We do see him acknowledging himself as the Son of man, having partaken of flesh and blood, but as we are about to see, something else will come into play and expand the field so to speak. Matthew 16:16-18 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV) Christ, the Son of the living God, not God as many claim, but His Son. The fact that God Himself is a Spirit it would only be fitting that His Son, Christ, is of that realm also. Not only was this Jesus born of the flesh but he was also reborn of the Spirit and is Spirit also; the same Spirit of Christ that led this man Jesus of Nazareth is the same Spirit that is abiding in you and what should be leading you as well. This rock foundation is spiritual, and the only foundation that will withstand and prevail against the gates of hell. It is this Spirit of Christ within the believer that allows each of us to be a part of the family of God so that we too can receive the adoption of Sons. We see our Lord acknowledging the two births again, that which is born of flesh is flesh, Jesus of Nazareth, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit, Christ, which if any man has not His Spirit he is not of God, which now makes it a complete package, Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. 1 Corinthians 10:2-5 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; (3) And did all eat the same spiritual meat; (4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (5) But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. (KJV) Even in the Old Testament we see the Son of God, Christ, alive and well, His Spirit working among the people. Back then it was providing water that fed the flesh, today it provides us living spiritual water that quenches our spiritual thirst. This is the only name, the rock solid name of the Son of God that our Father acknowledges as one of His and the only name that you can get your prayers through to our Father. Though many claim that Christ was born in Bethlehem, it was Jesus the son of man that was born, Christ always was and always will be, or as He put it I AM. Again that which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit; you must be born again with this Spirit of Christ or you cannot see the kingdom of God. Colossians 1:26-29 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (KJV) Paul described this revelation of Christ as a mystery, something hid and kept secret but now made manifest. To those that operate solely in the realm of the flesh this continues to be a mystery. And like we saw with the question asked in Matthew 16:13-15, many are still answering this question according to popular opinion and not by a personal revelation and relationship with God in the Spirit. So no matter what man thinks or how many labels and titles they try to put on Him, His word is quite specific on how His plan of salvation works and who it is that is working in His people. So people, before you jump on these bandwagons of popular beliefs and doctrines take the time in the word of God and prayer, and see for yourself who the Lord truly is and by what name does He go by and acknowledges Himself to be. The only teaching and the only way to present the believer perfect, mature in all wisdom, will only be accomplished by the wisdom of God through the knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (KJV) This is a great mystery and continues to be because it is hid to the carnal man and his way of thinking, and only revealed to the spiritual man and those that desire to worship God in spirit and in truth. God truly was manifest in the flesh, His plan of salvation and the miracles that He worked through Jesus of Nazareth were only accomplished by the Spirit of Christ within Him and His willingness and obedience to follow that leading. As this Jesus Christ is known also as the Son of God, so are you if you continue your relationship with the Father by basing your walk on what the Spirit of Christ working within you dictates and not by the box mankind tries to stick Him in and label Him with. It takes one to know one; so if you want to resemble your Father in heaven then you need to follow the example of the Son and the Spirit of Him, Christ, if you wish to receive the reward of inheritance. We will continue with this topic of the Son of God, so keep the faith grounded and settled within you, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Have you ever heard the statement that Jesus was God? Some have referred to him as the God man, and that he was actually God himself. An interesting statement, one that raises eyebrows, but as far as truth goes by what the Bible says, tells me different. As in any case or any doctrine that blows through town it is up to you, the individual believer, to take the time to study the word of God and rightly divide the word of truth so that you will know for yourself what the Lord’s take is on the matter, and find the spiritual meaning within all scripture. Remember your salvation is riding on the fact of you finding the truth and letting that truth set you free so that you can worship our Lord in spirit and in truth. So who was this Jesus of Nazareth, and was he actually God, or was he a man whom God chose to reveal His plan of salvation through, and to have him present himself a living sacrifice for all mankind to reconcile us into a relationship with the Father through his obedience to Him?
Acts 10:36-38 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) (37) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; (38) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (KJV) As I look at these verses it is quite clear that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power. Now had Jesus been God, then He would not have had to anoint Himself would he? Rather the word of God is quite specific to show us the difference between man and God. You know, you too have been anointed with this same Holy Ghost and power once you accepted God’s plan of salvation and chose to follow Him. The question you now face is the same one Jesus of Nazareth did, and all those that chose to follow His example face on a daily basis as well; will you walk in the Spirit and overcome the lusts and desires of the flesh, or will you give in to the desires of the flesh and mind, and fall back into destruction? If you notice at the end of verse 38 it clearly points out that God was with him, not God was him. God has used different people throughout the Old and New Testament to deliver His message, and has worked miracles through them, but it didn’t mean they were God, just obedient messengers of His word. If Jesus of Nazareth and Paul the apostle were any more special than you and I what hope would we truly have if we desired to walk with God as well? It’s the same spirit of Christ that worked in them that is working within us, the only difference was their willingness and obedience to it. So please, quit looking at all these people in the Bible like they are Marvel comic super heroes, and start seeing yourself in God’s plan of salvation, and let Him be your Father also. Jesus of Nazareth lived a life in the Spirit without sin, and laid down His life so that we too could live without the influence of sin and death in our lives, and bring the same message of hope and healing to a dying dark world. James 1:12-15 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (13) Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (KJV) One of the differences between me and Jesus of Nazareth is that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit; a pure blood line separated from the bloodline of a fallen mankind, and thus was able to live a life without sin having been led by the Spirit of Christ from conception. I on the other hand spent many years in a life of sin and separation from God, and have spent many years undoing the old ways and thoughts, retraining myself to walk in the things of God which takes a daily renewing of the mind. So even though I was duped, and allowed myself to be drawn into sin, Jesus of Nazareth didn’t allow the temptation to draw him away from God to the point of sin, falling into its deception, but held fast His profession of faith without wavering. Take special note of verse 13 which clearly states that not only does God not tempt with evil neither can He be tempted with it. So if Jesus was God then how could He have been tempted? Hebrews 2:16-18 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. (17) Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (18) For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (KJV) The word succour in verse 18 means to bring aid, help or relief; and what better example or man than the one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus who suffered through the same temptations that we dealt with and yet sinned not. In other words we have someone seated at the right hand of the Father who is not asking us to do something He himself wasn’t willing to do, and to show us how we too can overcome these by faith in Him. Would that not have been an unfair advantage had he been God and didn’t have to suffer through these same things as we do? Isn’t it a relief to know that we can now access someone who has been there and done it under the same terms and conditions as we do and yet was able to accomplish it successfully and complete without sin? 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. (15) 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. (16) 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) How many times do we see the term Son of God, and not God being given to not only Jesus Christ of Nazareth, but unto all those that answer the call of God and become adopted into His family? You too have been adopted into the family of Christ, and are now one of those that are following His example. Though you may be called of God, and being a Christian looks like a good way to follow, something one might want to check into, it’s only those that know the truth and let it set them free that will be able to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, and the sin which leads to separation and an eternal death from the Father. Matthew 4:1-3 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (2) 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. (KJV) Again note, if Jesus was God then how could he have been tempted when the Bible tells us God cannot be tempted? This same Jesus took part of the same flesh and blood body you have and it’s frailties, yet sinned not. The question for today is, will you now partake of the same Spirit of Christ that was within Jesus of Nazareth and is within you, this same Jesus Christ that is seated at the right hand of the Father ready to make intercession for you, and show you how in all things to be more than conquerors by keeping your body in subjection to the Spirit? So walk in that same Spirit, and you too will not be trapped in the lusts of the flesh. Was Jesus God? Well not according to God’s word he wasn’t. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 4:11-15 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (3) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (KJV)
There are some today that claim there are no more apostles and prophets, and no more miracles because they ceased after the disciples and the work they accomplished. But if you look at the above verses we see they are given and called by God for the work of the ministry to help build up the body of Christ and teach them how to grow and mature in Him. So simply put, as long as there is a body of believers in Christ, and as long as there is a ministry work being done, then nothing could be further from the truth than to think that there are no more apostles and prophets out there still answering the call. The reason people preach this nonsense is because they haven’t answered their own call to the ministry work, and have limited God by what others tell them and not what the spirit of God would be speaking. Many think of a prophet as one that just speaks of future events or someone the Lord has worked a miracle through; and because they don’t see it for themselves then they think it doesn’t work for others. Matthew 16:1-4 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. (2) He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. (3) And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? (4) A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. (KJV) The Lord Himself was confronted with those that limited the things of God by the outward, not realizing the plan of salvation that would be manifested to the believers by an inward change. Many today are looking for some outward sign and miracle, and fall short of their calling because they miss the greatest miracle of all, which is salvation, and being able to be born again into the realm of the Spirit. Things that were previously hidden and unable to be understood by man are now being unveiled and revealed to them through the Spirit, and the miracle of this new life and beginning. The Old Testament prophets could only speak as the Holy Spirit came upon them, and delivered the message of a Messiah that God would send for the salvation of the world. The New Testament prophets are the ones that should be teaching the Church the mystery of the gospel, and enlightening them to the Messiah that has come; pointing them in the direction of the spiritual realm, and to quit looking for an outward manifestation or sign. God is still more than capable of miracles; which to us they are awe inspiring but to Him it’s just business as usual. The question is ‘where are you looking for the answer to the mystery of the gospel; will you keep looking for an outward sign or will you seek the inward confirmation that will build a firm foundation for you to stand on’? Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV) People today still look at Jesus the man and the demonstration of the power of God he allowed to work through him, which was only done by the spirit of Christ within Him. Today many still teach and preach the blessings of God and relate it only to the outward manifestations they can see, totally ignoring all the spiritual blessings we have been blessed with which are in the heavenly places, and can only be found by those that are able to operate within the realm of the Spirit. Matthew 10:7-8 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (KJV) Before our conversion we were all spiritually sick. Spiritually we were like the lepers; which when they contracted the disease, had to be separated from others so as not to spread this deadly disease. We have all been raised from the dead spiritually, and are able to walk in a newness of life leaving the old ways and the old man behind us. I am able to cast down every negative imagination of the devil which he would try to mislead me with, by the renewing of my mind so that I can operate with the mind of Christ. With all that is available in the spiritual realm, why are so many still looking for an outward sign in a realm where the Lord said He wouldn’t be found? Freely we have received this gift of Christ and freely we should be distributing it; which is why I don’t understand why so many have put a price tag on the word of God. If one is truly called of God and preaching His word then they will be distributing it freely without fleecing the flock and making merchandise of them. Ephesians 3:3-5 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, (4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (5) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; (KJV) Obviously this mystery that Paul wrote about, ministering to the Church his personal knowledge of Christ, is still a mystery to many which claim there are no more prophets today. As long as there is the Church, the body of believers still left here, there will be those that are still called to this position; the question is, will they answer the call in the Spirit, or will they miss out because they seek the answer in the flesh. Paul found his answer in the realm of the Spirit, and wrote to the Church that is in Christ, the Son of God, that this mystery is only revealed through a personal knowledge in Christ. Ephesians 3:6-10 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (8) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (9) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (10) To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (KJV) The answer is in Christ. Those that have been called to His ministry will not limit their calling to what man tries to dictate; rather they will come to a personal knowledge of the mystery of the gospel so that they not only can see for themselves the unsearchable riches in Christ, but continue to teach others and allow the truth in Him to still be in play. The manifold wisdom of God is still available to all that would seek a relationship with the Father; but it can only be accomplished by those that seek to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Don’t limit God, and don’t be taken in by these false doctrines of man that have chosen to limit Him and their own calling, but rather walk by faith and let Him reveal Himself to you. God bless and keep the faith. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 4:1-5 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (KJV)
The Lord and His people have been warning us to be on the lookout for not just a few but the many false prophets, who like wolves, prey on the wounded and the weak of the flock. Too many Christians have let their guard down; and like an unsuspecting boxer, end up getting sucker punched by someone they thought was legit. When you listen to these sermons today they focus on worldly areas that many people struggle in; and like with many infomercials you see on TV they promise quick fix solutions to people still in bondage to spiritual ailments; which if they addressed those first, then the troublesome areas in these people’s lives would be more easily overcome. Rather than focus on the spiritual (which is why it is the spirit of antichrist), the one thing that would set them free is ignored; they keep giving worldly solutions to solve a spiritual need and many then end up falling short and discouraged. If any man has not the spirit of Christ, a working knowledge of the Son of God, then He is none of His. Greater is He, Christ in you the hope of glory, than he the spirit of antichrist which is roaming this planet like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour with the cares and distractions of this life. Case in point, at times I see the headline about ministers who complain about opening their books to congress to give an account of their spending habits. These ministers claim government intrusion, the same government they bowed down to in order to get their tax exempt status. If you don’t want them intruding into your business then get out of theirs and just pay your fair share of taxes; which according to God’s word is the obligation of the Church. Wake up people and quit letting the fox guard the henhouse. Matthew 4:8-10 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (KJV) Jesus Christ was faced with this spirit of antichrist which would have liked nothing better than to see Him change His message of salvation, soften His stance a bit, and maybe start compromising. Unlike many we see today that think they can mix and match like a buffet table, taking the things they desire and try to match them up with spiritual things, the Lord held His ground knowing that this life is temporary and that the message of salvation is eternal. The Lord knew He could not serve two masters because if He was double minded, like we see and hear in so many of mans’ sermons, then He would have become unstable and unable to receive the things of God. Are you holding fast your profession of faith this moment without wavering? Or have you been sucker punched by a worldly doctrine that you never saw coming because you weren’t watching and keeping your guard up? Ephesians 1:3-6 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (5) Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (6) To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV) With an unending priceless gift of spiritual blessings, have you even begun to explore all that is available to those in Christ? No wonder the devil comes a knocking. After all, he was at one time seated in the heavenly places but fell because of pride, and let go of his eternal reward. That spirit of antichrist would like nothing better than to keep you focused on the dead end things of this world so that you won’t look into the realm of the Spirit to see all that God has blessed you with. That joy and peace you have experienced is a result of an eternal plan of salvation God has for His people; and by His grace He has made it available for our benefit. So being that this plan originated in the heavenly realm and not this worldly one, then it would only be fitting to say that you can only continue in this new found joy and peace by looking to Christ and not this world. 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: (33) But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. (34) There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. (35) And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. (KJV) Here is an area where many let their guard down and get sucker punched. Rather than continue seeking the spiritual blessings in Christ they think the only way they will be complete is to have that special someone in their life. Now granted, God ordained marriage and it is a blessing when it is done according to who He joins together and not what our lower nature becomes attached to. Ever hear the term high maintenance? Well if you marry someone for the wrong reason, and they are still quite attached to the things of this world and not the things of God, you will find it nothing short of a distraction and a hindrance to your walk. I have seen many people who rather than realize they are complete in Christ, they try to fulfill a spiritual need with a physical one and end up bruised and beaten. Any time you look to the world or worldly people to find the answer, you will find that it did not come from God. It may look good and sound good to the outward man but inwardly it is a total abomination, a heartache that could have been avoided. Remember the devil will show you just the highlights and not the consequences. So when the party is over there will be a huge tab to pick up. 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) The world and its ways are passing away, and so are those that hang onto them. Only those that do the will of God and seek those things which are above will experience a life of joy and peace above and beyond what this world could ever offer. So what is your priority today at this moment? Are you seeking the spiritual blessings or are you still chasing your tail stuck in this dead end realm of misery and heartache? Jesus Christ came that you would have life and have it more abundantly in Him so that you could avoid a world of hurt, and not end up with some cheap imitation of the devil. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 12:33-35 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. (34) O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (35) A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (KJV)
In this day and age when one looks around, they can easily see what the motive of man is, and how much emphasis has been placed on material things. Mankind puts bottom lines, corporate values, and monetary figures above their love for each other, and in the end as it is written, the love of many has waxed cold. Sad to say, this mindset has entered into many organizations that claim to be representing God, thus corrupting themselves as well as those that attend and support their folly. Matthew 6:24 No man 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. (KJV) Try as many do, you can only serve one master at a time. Though many claim to be a servant of God, in order to truly stay one, you have to sell out totally to God and not to the things of this life. The root of all evil is the love of money, and where their treasure is, there will be the heart also, as well as their messages which are based more on monetary value rather than spiritual. And rather than tell people what they really need to hear, and teach what really needs to be taught, most have sold out and would rather teach and preach things that keep the seats filled, not to mention their own wallets, rather than the heart. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, (5) Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (KJV) That’s all I hear lately, these money pitches and promises of prosperity and wealth. You know Church, you have been blessed with all spiritual blessings; a treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge from above so that you can walk in this confidence and not some false confidence based on money. Just because they have sold out, doesn’t mean you have to. So when they pitch this stuff at you about gain, which means money, getting acquisition, instead of looking for your wallets, that’s when you should start looking for the exit. Wake up people, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks; and it doesn’t take long if one is listening, to tell where someone is coming from, and what the true motive of their heart is. You have been grafted into the tree of life which is able to give you an eternal inheritance. So don’t be misled, and don’t allow your relationship to be broken off and wither away because you chose to follow some empty doctrine which promises much and delivers nothing but heartache and misery. Proverbs 23:4-6 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. (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. (6) Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats: (KJV) Ever try to catch a bird? When I was younger I would try to sneak up on birds in the yard and see if I could catch one. Though at times it would seem I got close, they always made their escape and eluded me. The same holds true with these birdbrain doctrines of man; they claim to be sharing the bread of life, but the only bread they truly desire is what they can get the congregation to cough up, and how much they can get out of them. I have heard it said ‘a fool and his money are soon parted’; and obviously many corrupt individuals have figured this out and brought it into the religious realm; having found out that, rather than take the time to hear the Lord for themselves and establish a foundation for salvation, many would take the word of some cheap huckster and let him dictate to them how to live and at what cost, which by the way keeps going up. 1 Peter 1:22-23 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: (23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (KJV) It’s the truth of God’s word that brought you into His kingdom, and it is only His incorruptible Word that will keep you in it. The riches of this life are short lived, but the riches and glory that is available to those that put their trust in the Lord will abide forever. See that you walk in love as our Lord is love; and those that are truly His will be preaching and teaching an uncompromised message of love based on your spiritual outcome and not their own financial one. Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (KJV) Do you know what a viper is? It refers to a poisonous snake, which usually is unseen, but sneaks up on its prey quietly before it strikes. Many unsuspecting, oftentimes newborn Christians, find themselves in a snake pit as well, and don’t realize the poisonous doctrines that are striking them in the heart, which can paralyze and lead to death. Unless one takes the time in the word of God and makes it their priority in life, they too may end up getting bit with the venom of the enemy, and never see it coming because they became lazy and dull of hearing. Ephesians 4:29-30 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (30) And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV) Those that know the Lord and love Him with all their heart are those that do not wish to do anything displeasing to our Father or His people. Our motives and our words should be only to build up others and bring them closer to the Lord, not mislead them with empty self serving doctrines. If you continue to grieve the Holy Spirit and not do those things that are pleasing to God, don’t expect to be too pleased with your outcome either when you go to seek His reward come the day of reckoning. You have a choice this day, right now, and what comes out of the mouth will expose what your true motivation is. Will you speak of the Lord and lift Him up, or will you lower yourself and your standards and speak of the devil? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? (4) God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
The proper perspective on all of mans’ holidays or traditions should come from God and His Word. So whenever man says so… make sure you go to God and find out what He says; letting God be true and every man a liar. Just as a reminder… Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? So dearly loved don’t just take mans’ word for it; instead seek God for the truth of the matter and let Him have the final say; letting Him and His Word be the judge and jury of the matter. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
We are bombarded this time of year by what man calls Christmas; and sad to say many so called churches have adopted this as a doctrine which they think came from God. In fact the reason this doctrine was ever brought to the forefront was because a bunch of wishy washy compromising Christians decided they were going to adopt this time of year as the Lord’s birth, which just happened to coincide with pagan rituals. Mankind’s downfall from the beginning has been when they would mix and match with other beliefs and things God said were forbidden. Kind of like rock music, where many think they can incorporate something carnal and outrageous and attach it to Christ. Yeah right, I can see the Lord now on stage acting like some imbecile out of control. Exodus 32:3-7 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. (4) And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, these be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. (5) And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, tomorrow is a feast to the LORD. (6) And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. (7) And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou brought out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: (KJV) Back in the day the children of Israel decided to adopt a pagan tradition, and then thought they could attach it to the Lord and He would be on board. You can take the people out of Egypt; however it was hard getting the Egyptian traditions out of them. These people thought they could follow the traditions of man and then offer sacrifices to the Lord thinking it would be okay. Well if it didn’t float back then, why would so many think it will today? Jeremiah 10:2-4 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. (3) For the customs of the people are vain: for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. (4) They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers that it move not. (KJV) As we see, this junk has been going on for a long time; same devil, just a different disguise. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV) Many desire a closer relationship with our Lord, but in order to partake of the new you have to leave something old behind. Many today fall short because they try to hang onto old things and end up on the outside rather than in good standing with God. Psalms 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (KJV) So Church, enjoy this day in its proper perspective, knowing that we serve a God who can only be worshipped in spirit and in truth. Promoting a lie is not something our Lord has or ever will approve of; and let’s keep Christmas out of Christ and His doctrine. Remember, you can Google Christmas Saturnalia or go to YouTube and check out the information they have concerning the origins of Christmas and you will get more truth than what you are getting from many of mans’ so called churches. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 4:4 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. (KJV)
One of enemy’s best tricks is to make people, and yes God’s people, think that he is their friend by the disguising the truth with just enough to throw one out of bounds concerning what our Lord accepts as His doctrine. Every year at this time many are duped into thinking something special happened on December 25th. Now for those that have rightly divided the word of truth and see right through this phony façade they may spend this day together with family and friends but they don’t consider this day or the doctrine of Christmas as something that is or ever was ordained of Christ. 2 John 1:8-11 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (9) Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV) The biggest problem with Christmas is when so called Christians make this a doctrine, and actually try to attach it to Christ. Every year billboards and signs go up urging people to keep Christ in Christmas. Well Christ is as about as far removed from Christmas as He would be from gambling, drug dealing and prostitution; and it is not something He would endorse. Hebrews 6:4-6 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) You know one of the first big red flags for the Christian (which by the way I am speaking to those that are serious about salvation and making it a way of life) is when you see the majority of mankind partaking of it. All one has to do is go through the Bible and compare the many and the few, and you will see that many are not headed in the right direction. If one really was to take off their carnal feel good blinders they would see right through this nonsense that takes place every year in December. In fact I would suggest that you Google Christmas Saturnalia and you will see the true origins of how this doctrine came into existence. Today many are crucifying our Lord all over again and put Him to an open shame when they end up exchanging the truth for a lie. Hebrews 5:12-14 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 uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongs 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) Rightly divide the word of God in everything you do; and be open to the truth so that you can grow beyond the spiritual day care centers that many today call a church. If our Lord isn’t attached to something, neither should His people. For more information on the origins of Christmas you can Google Christmas Saturnalia or go to YouTube as well and check out the origins of Christmas. Then you can ask yourself honestly if this sounds like something our Lord ordained. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (KJV)
Again, a few of the definitions for ‘give attendance’ are: to hold the mind towards, pay attention to, apply oneself to, adhere to, or be given to. Strong’s definition for ‘doctrine’: 1319 didaskalia (did-as-kal-ee'-ah); from NT:1320; instruction (the function or the information): KJV - doctrine, learning, teaching. 2 John 9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV) What doctrine or instruction are you holding your mind towards? Is it from God or man? Did you receive it by the revelation of Jesus Christ or having it been taught to you by man? Are you paying attention so that you don’t end up pleasing man instead of God? Because if you are holding to man-made doctrines (which include its traditions) and not that which you have received and been taught through the leading of the Holy Spirit you will end up pleasing man and not God. Remember, if we yet seek to please man we can’t be the servant of Christ. Flesh and Spirit are contrary; and they that are Christ’s are instructed by God through Christ, and strengthened, in that they are able to crucify the affections and lusts of the flesh which are contrary to sound doctrine. Sound doctrine is those things that we have heard and have been assured of in the Spirit. The doctrine of Christ which is revealed to us personally by the Spirit in that the eyes of our understanding is enlightened to the things of God and what He requires of us to remain in good standing with Him. This sound doctrine enables us to continue to walk by faith and not by sight; to hold God to be true and every man a liar; to discern between what is of God and what is of man. It is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, it is without partiality and without hypocrisy. It produces the fruit of righteousness which is sown in peace of them that make peace with God. We are known by our fruit that is produced in our manner of life. What are you teaching through your manner of life whether it be in word or in deed? Is it the doctrine of Christ which has been revealed to you through the Spirit, or are you instructing others to follow man’s traditions and doctrines? Who has taught you or is teaching you? Do you know for sure? If not, it is time that you look to Christ for your instruction and allow His Spirit to lead and guide you into all truth so that you know that you are holding your mind toward His doctrine and not man’s. Today, abide in the doctrine of Christ and pay attention to your walk; examine the things which you have heard and know whether they line up with the word of God; His Spirit bearing witness with your spirit. Allow Him to instruct you through this life so that you are able to be a written epistle of the doctrine of Christ. And be ready in season and out of season to give an answer of the hope that is within you when asked; let it be the doctrine of Christ that then flows forth from your mouth. Most importantly, if there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. 1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (KJV) God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Galatians 1:6-8 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (KJV)
It doesn’t matter who or what source the enemy uses to deceive God’s people, the key is knowing, why is he so against the gospel of Christ? Obviously it is a threat to his kingdom because it shows the people how to be more than conquerors and how to triumph over the power the enemy previously had on them. Ephesians 4:13-16 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV) If you desire to be heading in the right direction, then it would be in your best interest to know who God put as the head of His church. Today I see many advances in the field of prosthetics, where a certain part of the body is cut off and replaced with something that makes it function. However, I have yet to see anyone decapitated having the head replaced, which is what mankind does when they leave out the gospel of Christ; you’re basically left with a dead body. Ephesians 5:23-25 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (KJV) You know, if you desire to move ahead in your walk then it would be in your best interest to know who God put as the head of the Church, Christ the Son of the living God, who is now seated right next to Him to mediate on our behalf. Just a side note, when you decide to get married to a Christian woman, that woman just happens to have a Father who requires you to love her just like Christ does His church. So if things are not too rosy at home, you may want to head to your prayer closet and find out why. 1 Peter 2:5-8 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (KJV) The reason many are tripping and falling over this corner stone is because they keep misplacing it and falling for some cheap imitation. Again we see that by leaving Christ out we are leaving the corner stone of His church out also. Keep Christ as your head dearly loved, and know that all things will work for the good to those who love God and do those things that are well pleasing in His sight. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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