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Acts 9:3-5 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: (4) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5) And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (KJV)
The person in the above paragraph was Paul, who at one time was referred to as Saul. He experienced a life changing event, an eye opening experience that would last him an eternity. However or whoever God uses to get His point across to us, once we have been enlightened to the truth and are able to see the error of our ways, we are then held responsible from that point forward to walk in this newness of life leaving the old behind. So we are able to see by this example, that it is the calling of God that we all answer too; and now it is vital for us to establish a personal relationship with Him, so that we can continue on His path of life. 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (KJV) Keep in mind that it is a spiritual light that enlightens the heart, and brings an understanding to our spirit man. It doesn’t matter how much you witness to people, or how hard you try to cram the word of God at them, as well as making personal judgments and trying to fix them, it’s only as they allow this light to shine within, will they be able to come to an understanding of the ways of the Lord. When we try to make the correction our self, or we think we know how to fix others, we miss the mark because we are trying to illuminate areas in our walk that God is not dealing with us on, or them in, at this particular time. Sometimes to we are blinded by our own hypocrisy, holding others to a higher standard that we are not willing to walk in. In some cases as well, those that are a shining example of the gospel don’t like having a light shined in their closet either, exposing skeletons they think they have been hiding. Ephesians 1:17-19 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (KJV) Have you ever comprehended the fact that you have spiritual eyes that are able to see into the spiritual realm and give an understanding so that you can know, and not have to guess anymore, what the hope of His calling is so that you can see clearly the inheritance that is waiting for you? Keep in mind, once you have been enlightened to the truth, you are now held to a higher standard and need to walk accordingly; letting His spirit lead and guide you into all truth. Have you ever driven at night and turned off your headlights for a brief moment? It doesn’t take long before one is headed for a ditch or other hazards. The same holds true spiritually. Once the light is shined, it is up to you to keep it that way so that you can let the Lord navigate you in a dark fallen world. Hebrews 6:4-8 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. (7) For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: (8) But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. (KJV) Ever hear the term backslider? So has the Lord and He has warnings throughout His word on what happens when one has been enlightened, only to put on their blinders and choose another path. Once someone willingly takes the plunge, there is nothing that anyone can do for them. Be assured Go is not going to send another savior, one was sufficient enough. When and at what point does one enter this realm is between them and God. The fact that they willingly walked into His kingdom, they can willingly walk away if they so desire. As you will see in the next example the decision to reject the Lord can lead to someone crashing and burning. Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, (27) But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (KJV) Once you have been enlightened to the truth, and willfully, voluntarily walk away from the plan of salvation the Lord made available to you, there is not much to look forward to; and I can assure you that plan B comes with some serious consequences. James 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (KJV) We all know when we have fallen short and made mistakes. Now are you willing to get up again and fight the good fight of faith? How do you know for sure? When you keep going round and round with a situation, and can’t come to a peaceable solution. When you keep pointing the finger at others, and try to blame someone else when in reality you knew better and should have maintained a higher standard of living, even if it meant turning the other cheek. When no matter which way you turn, the finger points back at you; it’s only the person you see in the mirror, who is the one you can change. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin; and without faith it is impossible to please God, which is why many have turmoil and strife, walking blindly into the traps and snares of the enemy. Exodus 27:20 And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. (KJV) Are your motives pure before the Lord? Is it the pure word of God you have allowed into your temple to keep the lamp burning always? It’s only the pure in heart that are able to see the Lord, letting Him illuminate the path for them. 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: (KJV) Is the path of life getting clearer? Are you able to see more and more into the spiritual realm, and relying less and less on the outward? Arise, it is a new day, wake up and smell the coffee, and open the shades of your heart and let the Son shine in. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 4:4-5 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 dwells in us lusts to envy? (KJV)
This week we have pointed out a few areas where the enemy has infiltrated the Church and the Church, in essence, has committed spiritual adultery. Many today are influenced by the media and what they portray as reality instead of seeing things from our Lord’s spiritual perspective. I John 4:5-6 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (KJV) You will find that as you get closer to the Lord it will bring you away from what man perceives and settles for as truth. You will see that many sound just like the world in their way of thinking even though they profess to know God. Nehemiah 13:23-26 In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: 24 And their children spoke half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people. 25 And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, you shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. 26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God and God made him, king over all Israel: nevertheless even he did outlandish women cause to sin. (KJV) We see how the downfall of the Jews was intermingling with those of the world and what it took to remedy the situation. The same situation applies today and is nothing new; not much has changed because many who claim to be Christians also speak the same language as those of the world. Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets. (KJV) What you will find if you decide to take a stand with the Lord is that you will no longer jive with the world. It is at that point that you have to decide who you are going to please and not waver or cheat on our Lord. 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) Who and what has the most influence on you today? Dearly loved we pray that you might let the Spirit influence you more than the world and its ways today; so come out from among the world and be separated unto the Lord where there is life and life more abundantly. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 4:3-4 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 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)
Many today are asking for things that are not healthy to their walk with the Lord; they are seeking more to please the outward rather than the inward man they committed to. Just like in a marriage when one or the other strays outside the marriage commitment it ends up in divorce. Well, spiritually many have cheated on our Lord and someday when they show up at the altar for the wedding they will find their plan altered. Mark 12:14-17 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and cares for no man: for thou regards not the person of men, but teaches the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him. (KJV) One of the areas the so called church is cheating on the Lord is in the area of taxes, where they sidestep their obligations. I see in verse 15 above that the term hypocrisy is used. I thought the Church was supposed to set the example for the world, not the other way around? Matthew 22:16-18 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teaches the way of God in truth, neither cares thou for any man: for thou regards not the person of men. 17 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? (KJV) As we see our Lord is consistent in where He stands with this obligation; and given the fact that our Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever, any organization that doesn’t fulfill their obligations concerning this matter will be labeled hypocrites as well; not something you should be supporting. Luke 20:22-25 Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no? 23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, why tempt ye me? 24 Show me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar's. 25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's. (KJV) You can add craftiness to that list also, which refers to trickery. How many have allowed the enemy to play tricks on them thinking they can sidestep their obligations when it comes to taxes? Romans 13:6-8 For for this cause pay you 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; honor to whom honor. 8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law. (KJV) I don’t care what kind of reasons they use; we are either with our Lord or against Him. Guilt by association is not an excuse. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 4:3-4 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 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)
So much of the world and its fallen ways have slipped right past the spiritual radars of many and have infiltrated those that are seeking truth; much of what man calls a church today will not float with our Lord and is sinking quickly into the abyss of darkness. John 2:23-25 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. (KJV) Today it seems like many are looking to make a name for themselves rather than proclaiming the name which is above every name. Our Lord did not spend His time making a name for himself or looking for mans’ approval; instead we see the opposite is true. Do you need someone’s approval or are you no longer concerned with what man thinks of you? 2 Corinthians 10:12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (KJV) It seems like many think a church is like a business or corporation where bigger is better. Many spend more time comparing themselves with others and trying to make a name for their organizations instead of teaching the people who they are in Christ and how to measure their lives by His standard; now that’s when you make some real progress in your walk Church. John 7:6-7 Then Jesus said unto them, my time is not yet come: but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. (KJV) A true man or woman of God is not going to be popular with the people, because the deeper you walk with the Lord the more it contradicts the world. The more you see and speak things that pertain to the Lord, the more it exposes the wannabe’s and pretenders whose motives for serving the Lord are not exactly legitimate. John 15:17-19 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 18 If the world hates you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (KJV) Oh and please don’t take it personally if you get some heat from the so called believers. After all it wasn’t the heathen that crucified our Lord rather it was those that claimed they were believers. As I look around today I see many who are crucifying the Lord all over again with their fallen doctrines which are based more on the world’s standards and not on our Lord’s. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Mark 11:15-17 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; 16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. 17 And he taught, saying unto them, is it not written, my house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves. (KJV)
We have been talking about spiritual adultery, what it entails and how our Lord sees things from where he is seated. When our Lord went into the temple and saw the abomination taking place he didn’t lend His support to their hypocrisy. I bring this up because it seems like as soon as the Lord left, many have decided to set up the tables again and are thinking they can make merchandise of the Church. Luke 21:1-4 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 3 And he said, of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: 4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. (KJV) As we see above our Lord did acknowledge an offering, however, we see how differently he viewed it. I say this because I recently turned on the TV only to be inundated with another of mans’ so called ministries and one of their ungodly telethons taking place. Oddly enough, not only were they peddling their goods to the highest bidders, but they kept offering more perks to those that gave the most, which totally contradicts how the Lord views it. James 2:1-4 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that wears the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (KJV) Talk about spiritual adultery; since when does the Church give more honor to the rich than the poor? Apparently once you have a worldwide audience and a so called ministry, anything goes right? What amazes me is that this slips right past the radars of many who should know better. Oh and for those who support this nonsense, shame on you for not taking a stand, and thinking just because they are big they are legitimate as far as the Lord is concerned. Acts 8:18-20 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power that on whomsoever I lay hands; he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. (KJV) I have another question; during all their money pitches they kept referring to the gifts of the people as being large and small; I am wondering, what is the cutoff point where one goes from a small gift to a large one? Is it only based on the outward amounts and not the inward one where our Lord is looking? As we see illustrated above the gift of God couldn’t be purchased before, what makes anyone think it can be today? God bless dearly loved and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Psalms 50:17-19 Seeing thou hates instruction, and casts my words behind thee. 18 When thou sawest a thief, then thou consented with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. 19 Thou gives thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frames deceit. (KJV)
When you accepted salvation and pledged your life to the Lord you were enlightened; and like a marriage vow, you vow that you will walk with our Lord and not do anything that would damage that relationship with Him. We have all heard about adultery and what it entails according to the flesh, however, there is another definition that involves the realm of the Spirit. Many of God’s people have limited their understanding to the outward and are committing spiritual adultery without even realizing it. In fact, one of the definitions for adultery is idolatrous worship. Matthew 19:7-9 They say unto him, why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another commits adultery: and whoso marries her who is put away doth commit adultery. (KJV) Now I have heard it said by many professing Christians that “God hates divorce”. I have seen others who carry a backpack full of guilt thinking because they are divorced they are cursed and unable to move forward if they decide to remarry. Well, fornication and adultery go beyond the realm of the flesh, and is a byproduct of something that began in the spirit. The fornication our Lord is pointing out today begins in the spirit, and many times manifests itself in the form of so called churches, which is worse than the physical cheating. James 4:1-2 From whence come wars and fighting’s 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. (KJV) What happened to the peace you had in the beginning of your walk with the Lord, where did it go? Well, like a husband or wife who decides to step outside the marriage and seek attention, you may have stirred up a hornets’ nest inside. James 4:3-4 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. 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) Some of these places and organizations that call themselves churches are nothing short of an abomination in the sight of our Lord. Some of the pastors and prophets have sold their souls for the approval of man more than God. Many need a bill of divorcement from those who profess to know God, but their lifestyles are just like the world. Jeremiah 23:10-11 For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourns; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil and their force is not right. 11 For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD. (KJV) We are warned that in the last days things are not going to get better, but worse. So as we go along this week and point out areas where the enemy has infiltrated the church, ask yourself, how does the Lord really see me and is it all good? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord dearly loved. |
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