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Good morning. This week's video Make Merchandise, is on the topic of many false teachers who are fleecing the flock of God and making merchandise of them. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous week in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 18:18-19 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (19) And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation of Luke 18:18-19 18. Then a certain member of the council asked Him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to get possession of eternal life?" 19. Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me perfectly good? No one is perfectly good but God Himself. Why does mankind keep trying to make God in man’s image and likeness, and not the other way around; you know, the way God said He made it? You know, this man Jesus of Nazareth didn’t say he was God because that would have made him a liar now wouldn’t it? In fact he was quite explicit and plain in his speech to point out that he wasn’t God, but that he was here to point people to a realm where God operates, that being the spiritual one. Today we see so many people put on pedestals, placing themselves in positions of authority especially in the Church or what man calls a church, pointing people to their works instead of the completed work God had His Son do on our behalf. Oh you might have gotten saved at some organization or building, but keep in mind it was the word of God that brought forth this new life and not the person that was speaking on His behalf, because remember, God has spoken to people in diverse manners; one time through an ass so that someone wouldn’t make himself into one. Go to the source people, give credit where credit is due, that being to our Father in heaven and not to any man on this earth who claims special privileges because they may have spoke His word, or make claims of all the wonderful works they think they are doing on His behalf. John 14:28-29 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. (29) And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. (KJV) But the preacher last night said that Jesus was God, yet when I read what the Bible says it tells me something different. Get used to it folks, because the deeper you get into the word of truth the more complicated you see how mankind has made it, and how backwards the order is also according to man’s carnal reasoning. Jesus was a man, who just like you and I had to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit in order for him to inherit eternal life. He was a man that was tempted in all manner as we are, yet chose obedience over sin, even to the point of the cross. A man that was conceived by the Holy Spirit, a pure blood line so that the last man Adam could be restored to fellowship with the Father just like the first man Adam was before the fall. Keep in mind people, that this Jesus of Nazareth was a man, a vessel that housed the Holy Spirit and set the example for us to follow, pointing people to the Father and His divine nature, and not to any man and his fallen one. Jude 1:16-19 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. (17) But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; (18) How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. (19) These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. (KJV) The whole point today is to keep in mind that when all is said and done, it is your heavenly Father that will have the last say so concerning your entrance into His eternal kingdom, not some loud mouth who keeps boasting and pointing people to their own works and creations. Bottom line, yes there may be people that have spoken words that brought life to your spirit, but remember it is God’s word that brought it, not mans’. So learn to rightly divide the difference so that you can go directly to the source of the river of life. These people that are being spoken of in the book of Jude are not those that deny God, well at least not in word, but rather those that claim to be of God but in works deny Him, pointing the people more toward their creations and not the new one that God began within you. Don’t put people on pedestals because they don’t belong there; all mankind, no matter who or what they claim to be; this is one bad decision, one temptation away from falling from grace into sin, no matter how strong or bullet proof they claim they are. Rightly divide the word of truth, learn to separate soul from spirit; in other words what is of God and what is of man. Many today that stand in the pulpits claiming to be working and speaking on His behalf are more self serving than God serving, pointing people to other people rather than pointing them in the direction of the Spirit. In fact many today still point and put most of their emphasis on a man named Jesus, rather than a man named Jesus Christ, who is seated at the right hand of the Father working as a mediator on our behalf. Knowing the difference between that which is of the flesh and that which is Spirit is vital in order for you to come to a clear understanding of God’s plan of salvation and how it truly operates; or as it is described in the Bible, a mystery. 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? (KJV) You know, once again God reminds us that He is not a man, nor is He the son of man, yet so many still try to claim Jesus was God despite what the word of God is clearly saying. The point is that we are the ones that were made in the image and likeness of God, not the other way around as so many think or try to dictate to God. The more you realize and allow God to be your one true source for strength and life, the less likely you will fall for mankind’s versions of who they think God is, based on their limited carnal thinking and not the unlimited mind of Christ that is available. So get rid of the pedestals people, because the higher you put someone on them and the higher they choose to climb them, the farther and harder the fall will be when reality hits you and them in the form of truth. Psalms 146:3-6 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. (4) His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. (5) Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: (6) Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: (KJV) God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Genesis 1:27-28 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (KJV)
You know, of all the things God has asked of mankind here is the one thing they have done, and that is being fruitful and replenishing this earth. In fact they have become so fruitful that in the last 30 years or so they have erected clinics to undo some of this fruitfulness, which has drawn much protest and interest from those that truly realize the ramifications of these practices. For those that have the eyes of their understanding opened and enlightened to the realm of the Spirit they see that these verses have a deeper meaning; so while mankind thinks bearing more offspring is being fruitful, the Lord is asking His people to be more fruitful, in other words bearing the fruit of the Spirit. So while people are protesting abortions that take place in the carnal realm, how many are taking place in the spiritual realm, the unseen realm of man but totally visible to our Lord? While mankind considers abortion the ultimate crime against humanity because it takes the life of a young baby, how many realize the new life that has begun in the believers, and how the spiritual thief has been allowed to perform spiritual abortions on many new born babes in Christ? And how few even realize this practice is taking place right in front of them? John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV) You know, a new life has begun in you, the believer in Christ, who has asked the Lord to take up residence within you. Be aware though, there is a spiritual thief, one that tries to steal the truth from the believer, which kills the new life that has begun in them and results in their soul being destroyed forever by being separated from God for eternity. Sometimes this thief comes in the form of a minister who claims to be of God but in reality is ministering a lethal dose of false doctrine; like with a poison it may be undetectable to the senses but lethal enough to result in death. Similar to the protesters which parade around abortion clinics and endure persecution, the same holds true spiritually for those that walk in truth and expose these deadly practices. James 4:2-5 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. (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. (5) Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? (KJV) You lust; you kill; so what is being killed? Well how about that new life in Christ you promised Him and how you said you would walk in truth? Instead of desiring the things of the Spirit you continue your pursuit of things of this life, you know like being lukewarm. Instead of fighting the good fight of faith keeping your body in subjection to the Spirit you are fighting and fussing over things of this temporal realm, which ends up drowning out the voice of God which you made a vow to follow. Some of these places you call a church, are nothing more than a cheap disguise for an abortion clinic, one that promises liberty but the results are deadly. You know as a Christian you would never lend your support to a clinic that aborts a baby in the flesh, yet how many are supporting spiritual abortions and don’t even realize it because of their lack of diligence in the word of God? 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) When you choke the Word, similar to what was written in the book of Hebrews, you are crucifying the Son of God all over again, putting Him to an open shame. If you notice in verse 19, that instead of being fruitful, keep in mind Church the fruit of the Spirit, it has now become unfruitful, barren and dead. What was once impregnated with a new life and should have been brought to term ended up terminated instead, and so will those that allow their own desires to have precedence over the things of the Spirit. Are you growing daily in the word of God and feeding your spirit man, that new life within, or have you terminated it and have decided it was a mistake? Galatians 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (21) I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV) Is Christ alive and well within you, growing and maturing so that you can grow up into Him? Are you aware that God’s plan of salvation is one of grace and not by our works, especially the works of the old law, the letter of the law that kills rather than brings life? Did you ever stop and think that by coming into agreement with those that still hold to the old law and its dead rituals you are actually killing rather than bringing life to the believer? Do you want to actually go before God and tell Him that the sacrifice of His Son was done in vain, that you chose not to accept it? Like with many young people that get talked into aborting their pregnancies; it’s not until afterward that the true reality of what happened hits them in the form of guilt and sorrow. Don’t be one of those who allow the enemy to distort the truth and talk you out of God’s plan of salvation, aborting a new life and spending an eternity of guilt and sorrow when it comes time to deal with the reality of your decision. 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (KJV) Be aware people, the Bible warns us about the many false prophets that promise liberty but in reality are the servants of corruption. Just like with the doctors and counselors that promise liberty to those that abort a child, what they said would bring freedom and peace to the mother actually results in a criminal act that has long lasting consequences. Those that promise liberty and peace to the believers in Christ and still hold to the letter of the old law, in essence kill the true meaning of the doctrine of Christ which was meant to bring life and not death, and will have eternal consequences as well. What are you lending your support to today; and is it based on truth, the only thing that sets one free and allows you to continue walking the path of life? Do you know the doctrine of Christ that will bring life to the believer? Because quite simply put, anything else is an abortion. Being the fact that the spiritual is greater than the physical you definitely do not want to be lending your support to these practices. In conclusion today; people abort what they call unwanted pregnancies because they decide it is too much of a burden and will interfere with their own desires. In reading the verses from today’s study we see the same holds true in the spiritual realm also. Be fruitful. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Things I ponder, things I have heard in the course of my life here on planet earth, so many things that are said, but in the end, who is really speaking, and what are the words we give ear to; are they spirit and life or are they words that are idle, useless and vain, lies that are intended to make one comfortable in their fallen state of sin rather than rising to the new creation in Christ that is available for all? All roads or paths lead to the same place, in other words all these different faiths and religions all end up in heaven; says who!?
Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (KJV) So how do you respond to life’s questions, and where do you turn to find peace; is it in the truth that sets one free, or do you just assume it is so because someone said it is? It’s true, all paths that are outside the realm of faith do lead to the same place, but according to the word of God it is not the place He intended for you to end up in. So while mankind has developed so many man-made religions and paths that they claim will lead to life, only one is going to get you to your intended destination because whatsoever is not of faith is sin. There are claims being made that there are millions, maybe billions of people that are going to go to heaven some day, even songs are written that claim “there is a whole lot of people going home”, but again I ask, says who!? Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) Well that just answered my other question; if many are called then why are few chosen, and as I see in the above statements, many are choosing a losing path. What this tells me is the reason many miss the mark and are not on the chosen path is because they stay in the realm of the flesh and not the Spirit, following the crowd rather than our Lord. But they have a big following, their organization is the fastest growing church in the country, so that would clearly indicate they are of God, right, says who!? Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) Oh my God, there’s the many again; you mean to tell me many are on the wrong path, but you’re talking about religious people, big name organizations that have done so many good works, haven’t they? Do you know the difference for yourself and are you able to rightly divide the word of truth so that someday when the Lord asks you, ‘says who?’ you will know and not guess that you are one of His. Better yet, how about today eliminating the question marks in your life so that you can eliminate the guesswork; especially when it comes to eternal consequences? Oh but I just wrote out a check to this big ministry I saw on TV because a big name personality told me I would be blessed financially, a hundred times in fact, well says who!? 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV) Will you look at that, there is the many that has been talked about; many that are preaching these prosperity messages and getting you to buy into their version or perversion of the gospel are nothing more than a factory making the people more like merchandise than Christ like. But they showed me all the good things they were doing, and all these wonderful miracles they were performing, and how many people they were winning to the Lord; oh my, that sounds just like the people I read about in Matthew 7:21-23. Well my words are not really that important that I spoke, after all I was just joking, right, says who!? Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (KJV) Our Lord said that the words that He spoke were spirit and life, words which He heard personally from the Father. Given the fact that He is now seated at the right hand of the Father, and is there to mediate on our behalf, would it not do you good to give ear to what He is saying and not what man keeps spewing out? Romans 14:11-12 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (KJV) With all that the Lord has done on our behalf, with all that God has provided for mankind to partake of and have fellowship restored with Him, is there any excuse why when it comes time to stand before Him that when you are asked ‘says who?’ you can boldly answer, says you? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 4:1-3 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. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for ‘try’: 1381 dokimazo (dok-im-ad'-zo); from 1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve: KJV-- allow, discern, examine, X like, (ap-) prove, try. Would you like to do a spiritual test to see if it makes the grade; then why not ask a spiritual question? What is one of the first things one asks when they wish to identify someone? How about the name, or what name they go by? A name will give the identity of a person, who they are and what their family lineage is. When you ask someone their name you will find that the first name they give is quite common with mankind, say for instance John. When I think of the name John, different people and personalities come to mind. However, when you ask them the rest of their name then it narrows the field and identifies them with a certain family. When one names the name of Jesus they speak of a common name among mankind, one that many have used. However, when you use the name of Jesus Christ you have now identified a man sent from heaven, a man now seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for His people. By giving the complete name you now give an accurate complete account of who you are dealing with, the one and only name under heaven whereby we can obtain salvation. You know, this test that is being referred to, was given by another man, one I know passed it himself. 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) As we see in the above verses someone else also gave a test to see who knew the true identity of the Son. As we see all these names were common among mankind, well known by many, yet not what our Lord was looking for. So what is the answer our Lord was revealing to His people and wishes to reveal to His people concerning Himself? 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) There’s that name again, the complete name that gives the whole answer that our Lord was looking for back then and is still looking for today, those that truly wish to serve Him in Spirit and in truth. You know what people, if Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, then that name, the answer Peter gave, would still hold true today would it not? Furthermore, if you look at the source of where Peter got his response you see it came from a God who cannot lie and who thought it was important enough to make mention of it. A builder wouldn’t dare erect a building without having a firm foundation to build on, so why would God’s people try to build on anything less than what was approved by God? John 17:1-3 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: (2) As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. (3) And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (KJV) The Lord’s prayer shortly before His departure from this earth clearly spells out who He is and the one name that will give us eternal life. Again I reiterate that if this name was good enough for Him and got Him access to the heavenly realm as well as an eternal reward, would it not be good enough for you? If our own Lord and Savior used this name to describe Himself then obviously it is meant for us to use as well in order to gain access to the kingdom of God. Luke 2:25-32 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. (26) And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. (27) And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, (28) Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, (29) Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: (30) For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, (31) Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; (32) A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (KJV) Interesting to see again what was revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit; something that made it complete. While most everyone was looking in the outward realm and saw a child named Jesus, the spirit was revealing Christ the inward man that would bring a spiritual enlightenment to a fallen world. What or who do you see when reading the scriptures, do you just see and acknowledge Jesus of Nazareth, or has God revealed something deeper, beyond the realm of the flesh for you to see also? Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. (12) For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (KJV) You know whether it was Peter, Paul, or our Lord Jesus Christ, they all had one thing in common, and one name that identified them with God. They all knew personally for themselves who our Lord is and what name He acknowledges as His. If someone comes your way this day to see where you stand, will you be able to pass the test, or will you end up like many, giving man’s answer to a heavenly question? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Malachi 3:8-10 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (9) Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (KJV)
When you now think of a storehouse, as well as the term mine house which we see illustrated in verse 10, you should now be thinking of the Church, the true house of God which is His people, of which you can include yourself. In the past our efforts and mindset were things that were not of God, thus robbing Him the opportunity to work in our lives. Now that you are able to understand what the house of God is, and that His people are a storehouse for His word, you then set your affection on the things of God which opens the heavenly windows to pour out a blessing for His Church, which is Christ the gift of God given to mankind for edification. Hebrews 5:14 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) You know, when you are really hungry and in need of a meal, solid food in the form of meat not only satisfies the hunger but provides the nourishment that is needed for the physical body. The same holds true in the spiritual realm, there is a time where those that truly wish to mature in the Lord need to wean themselves off the milk of the word of God and into the meat of it. It is the Lord’s desire that the people not only get the proper nourishment that is needed in the form of solid spiritual meat, but that those who are overseers of the flock, pastors and preachers, provide the meat for the house of God which is His church, the people. While so many these days focus on brick and mortar buildings, the building God is concerned with is His spiritual one, the people that should be getting built up and established in the truth, and not robbed of the true riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge. It is time for God’s people to focus more on the inward and less on the outward in order to be blessed of God and allow His windows to keep open and rain living waters on His people. It is also up to you the individual to spend time in the word of God for yourself so that you can keep your spiritual senses exercised to know the difference between the good and evil, and not be duped by self serving people who are more interested in building up a name for themselves rather than the name of Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. (10) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. (11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (KJV) Thayer’s definition for husbandry: 1091 georgion-a cultivated field, husbandry, tillage You, the people of God, are what He considers His building, His storehouse if you would, and that is where the priority for those that have been called to preach should be. You can always tell who the good farmer is because he is outstanding in his field. You are the field, a place where the seed is planted, the storehouse is built, and are now bringing forth fruit unto God in the form of love, joy, peace, and longsuffering as well. There is a wise masterbuilder we can pattern our lives after who can build an eternal building, one that will withstand the storms of this life and preserve His crops for the Master. Are you established in the truth, grounded and settled on the foundation of Jesus Christ and His doctrine, or have you built a foundation on sand that is not settled and can be blown around with a wind of doctrine? 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (14) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (KJV) Once you have begun this building it is vital that you endure to the end and make sure it stands. While many may have begun with good intentions somewhere along the line they got sidetracked, and what began in the Spirit was not perfected in the Spirit, but they try to perfect it by the flesh. Our God is a consuming fire, a fire that can be used for purifying as well. Gold and silver and other precious materials can be purified by fire, getting rid of the slag and impurities, leaving the pureness intact. Other things like wood, hay, or stubble are not purified but rather they burn and are destroyed, as they cannot withstand the fire. Many man-made self serving doctrines are similar to wood, hay, and stubble, highly flammable and not of much use; not something you want to build a house with, especially when it is dealing with our eternal residence. When I look at verse 15 and see the word burned, I think of chastening, and how God deals with us concerning impurities in our walk; and though it hurts the flesh to let go of these things, the spirit is set free and yields to the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Philippians 3:7-9 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. (8) Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (9) And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: (KJV) Paul had his own take on God’s consuming fire, and in the end Paul realized just where the world and its ways ranked as compared to the things of God. Although Paul suffered the loss of all things in this realm he found it opened a new realm for him to operate in and allow God to open the windows of heaven to him so that he could write a good part of the epistles; which at the time he thought were just letters to certain churches, but ended up to be letters for the Church today as well. So where do the things of this life rank with you? Do you consider it a pile of dung also when compared to the things of God, or are you still putting up with a lot unpleasant things to the spirit man which are starting to stink to high heaven? Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (17) If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (KJV) You are God’s building, the temple He wishes to occupy and bless. Are you bringing all your efforts and priorities His way, or are you still trying to do things your old dead end ways? Don’t be duped by those that claim to be of God but are defiling His temple with false doctrines and covetous practices; because with what measure is given out will come back their way in a most unpleasant manner with eternal consequences. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Malachi 3:8-11 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (9) Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (11) And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (KJV)
Here would be another way to look at verse 10; cast all your cares and bring them to God’s storehouse, which is spiritual, and leave them there, letting Him do the caring for you. Being that our God already knows what you had need of before you asked, which by the way that need first and foremost is spiritual, then who better to cast it upon and leave it with than Him? Now that you have begun your walk in the Spirit, concentrate all your efforts and priorities toward the heavenly realm. You know, if someone in this world told or should I say dared you to prove them, then it would be fitting to think that they were confident and able to accomplish what they said. Are you willing to let your heavenly Father prove Himself in your life, or are you more confident in your own abilities? In looking at verse 11 I think of the many ranchers around Montana whose crops can start out so well but be wiped out with one hail storm. For those in Christ, and those that stay grounded and rooted in His promises, God promises to protect our spiritual crop so that it won’t be destroyed by the storms of this life. Remember people, you are a child of God and not just some credit card number, or someone that is merchandised for someone else’s benefit; so allow the Lord to work in your life and don’t settle for anything less. Deuteronomy 24:7 If a man be found stealing any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and maketh merchandise of him, or selleth him; then that thief shall die; and thou shalt put evil away from among you. (KJV) You know, if someone took one of your children from you, then turned around and sold them to make profit off them, there would be an amber alert to get them back and stop this crime. How do you think our Father enjoys seeing His children going into spiritual captivity because of those that claim to be one of His who are robbing the people of truth and selling out to the way of the world and its thinking? According to Deuteronomy 24:7 it is a death sentence, separation from God, an evil that should be put away from God’s people and not supported by them. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (KJV) When it would please our Father to give them His kingdom, it grieves Him to see it rejected by His own people, robbing Him the opportunity to work on their behalf and bless them the way they were intended to be blessed. Because they forget the law of God they too are forgotten of Him. When they should be bringing their attention and efforts to His storehouse which is spiritual, they are more wrapped up and concerned with the knowledge of this world and miss the mark, exchanging the truth for a lie; those that should be blessed have been cursed and rejected to what was rightfully theirs. John 2:13-16 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, (14) And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: (15) And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; (16) And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. (KJV) You know, if this is the example our Lord set for us while He walked this earth, then what makes people think that just because He left it is ok to make His house, which by the way we are, a house of merchandising? In fact when I look at the above verses and see that He made a scourge of small cords, He obviously was delivering a pretty stern message to the people. Now if this kind of mentality was not acceptable then, why would anyone think it is today? All this effort we have put in the past concerning our physical upkeep and gain should now be cast out, and replaced with a new set of priorities which are now aimed at the realm of the Spirit. Have you ever desired something in this life, and were bound and determined to get it no matter what; whether a job, husband, wife, anything or anyone you thought was going to bring you peace and fulfillment? Now imagine taking that same effort and mindset and applying it to the spiritual realm, letting God open His windows and not just pour out but receive all the spiritual blessings that are available in Christ. You are more than just merchandise to God, as your own children are to you, so don’t let anyone or any organization treat you like you are; because be assured that those that practice this kind of deception will also be met with a threefold cord when they try to gain access to their eternal reward as well. 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV) We see again how many rob God, and are robbed of His spiritual blessings because they fall for man’s cheap self serving damnable heresies which deny the truth our Lord delivered through His word, and keep the people in bondage. While it would be our Father’s good pleasure to open the windows of heaven upon those that are His, they keep the windows shut and damned up because of their false teachings. While mankind thinks bigger is better, the more the merrier, God is still looking for those few that are willing to walk that narrow path that leads to life, an eternal life that is rightfully theirs and given to them by the sacrifice of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Proverbs 3:13-18 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. (16) Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. (17) Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. (18) She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. (KJV) Where your treasure is today is where you heart is and what will determine your outcome. Are you willing to let go of the things of this life so that you can partake of the true riches, or are you robbing God the opportunity to bless you the way He intended? You are more than just a number or a piece of merchandise in God’s sight, and don’t be taken in by those that think and teach otherwise. It is our Father’s good pleasure to give you His kingdom, which is above and beyond anything you could have thought or imagined. So go partake of what is rightfully yours and don’t settle for anything less. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (KJV)
In this day and age of computers and high tech we are constantly being warned to be on the lookout for identity theft. Which is when someone takes the name and other personal information of another person without their knowledge and claims to be that person; then they go out and about misrepresenting that person for their own advantage or gain. The same holds true in the spiritual realm; many have taken the name of Christ, so called Christians who claim to be Christ like, and use His name for their own advantage or gain, many times robbing the people blind without them even knowing it is taking place. We are told to take heed, be aware and on the lookout, so that when this type of crime is being committed one will take action and not allow their spiritual account to be robbed and pilfered. You know how quickly you would be on the phone demanding a response if you found your credit card was being accessed by someone else; yet are you as quick and alert spiritually, as well as persistent, to address spiritual theft in like manner, or do you ignore the warnings until you are literally bankrupt spiritually? Ephesians 5:6-11 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. (11) And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (KJV) Some of these people you associate with: are you doing it because they truly are preaching sound doctrine which brings health to the spirit man, or are you more of a friend of the world blindly following an organization because of a highly regarded personality or denomination? It’s up to you, the individual, on what you put your stamp of approval on, or should I say what you put God’s stamp of approval on, because many have chosen the wide path of destruction that is misrepresenting God’s identity and replacing it with man’s. The word of God is very specific to point out that not only should we not be caught up in this identity theft, but the moment it is spotted we should immediately take action by not having fellowship with it, and reprove them just as we would if it involved our financial state. Malachi 3:7-9 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? (8) Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. (9) Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (KJV) Here is a different take on the above verses, on how many have robbed God similar to identity theft. While many of today’s so called preachers claim that the reason people are robbing God the opportunity to work on their behalf is because they don’t tithe enough and give to their organizations, the truth be known is that they are being duped into tithing and giving to the wrong organizations, supporting those that claim to be of God but are not. While many may have good intentions in the beginning, instead of being on the lookout and alert they let their spiritual shield of faith down and get hit with the fiery darts of the enemy. Malachi 3:9-11 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. (10) Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (11) And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts. (KJV) While you were asleep at the wheel, by the time you woke up you were in a ditch spinning your wheels and going nowhere fast. Instead of being doers of the word of God and not hearers only, you were putting tithes in the wrong storehouse; and were now a part of those that were robbing God and His people of the true riches of His inheritance which are in the spiritual realm, and not the financial one as many claim. God is a Spirit; His storehouse is a spiritual one as well, which means the meat that should be in His house, which you happen to be, should be of a spiritual nature as well so that you can get off the milk of the word of God and grow strong and mature. But sad to say, for when the time you need to be teaching and instructing others, you have need that one teach you again the first principles so that you can quickly identify the difference between the truth and the lies. It’s only those that come to the realization that God is a Spirit and in order to truly worship Him it has to be done in spirit, as well as in truth; so in order for Him to open the windows of heaven you have to be operating in His realm, and not stuck in the dead end realm of the flesh with all its cheap imitations of what man says are riches. God’s storehouse is spiritual, located in the heavenly realm, while many man-made doctrines are stuck in the physical realm so that many are unable to partake of His spiritual blessing that has been poured out for His people. Could you imagine if you were a delivery driver with a full load of cargo and ended up delivering the load to the wrong warehouse? How long do you think you would have a job let alone expect to get a paycheck? This is in essence what the above verses in Malachi are referring to; those that get caught up in the identity theft end up being diverted from the truth, delivering to the enemy’s storehouse instead of the Lord’s. While many limit tithing to just money, it is your time and talent the Lord is truly seeking; because with what measure you meet His way is measured back to you; and it is the Lord’s good pleasure to open His windows and pour blessings out unto His people; same as, we as parents desire for our own children. Quit being duped Church; if you want God in your life and wish to be partakers of His heavenly reward then you need to be seeking those things which are above to find the right storehouse. It’s time you double check the address, the only way to the Father is through His Son Jesus Christ, so that you can grow strong in the Lord and the power of His might, and allow Him to open His window of opportunity your way and receive His spiritual reward. John 4:31-34 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. (32) But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. (33) Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? (34) Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. (KJV) Which storehouse are you delivering to today? Where are you looking for your answer, for the spiritual meat of the word of God that will strengthen and sustain you today? Is there meat in your house, or has the enemy diverted your load and stolen what is rightfully yours with some cheap imitation, and mislabeled the product so that what was intended to be healthy is actually spoiled and rotten because it never arrived at its destination? Talk about identity theft, the true spiritual meat of the word of God and God’s true intention of it is being stolen from many, and they have shut the windows of heaven and are not partaking of all of the spiritual blessings God has for His people. Don’t be duped Church; for because of these things comes the wrath of God, not only on those that do this stuff and preach these false doctrines, but also on those that lend their support to it will also suffer dire eternal consequences as well. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:8-12 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, (11) According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. (KJV)
Why did Paul describe the riches of Christ as being unsearchable? Mainly because you won’t find the riches of Christ in the realm of the flesh, which is where many are still looking for the answer, and are still being deceived into thinking they will find it in the riches of this life. Where else and what price tag can you put on having a boldness and access to the throne of God with a confidence because of your faith in Christ? Nowhere else could this be found, nothing else could come remotely close to giving you this kind of peace and joy; a perfect love which casts out all our fear. This is the manifold wisdom that the devil has been fighting against the Church to try to detour us from this truth which sets us free and allows us to see and understand the fellowship of this mystery, which is hid to the carnal man but revealed to the spiritual man in Christ. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so great is this mercy and the riches of this wisdom to those that seek and find it with all their heart. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (KJV) While we were running around on this earth chasing our tail in destruction and misery before our conversion in Christ, we were missing out on all the spiritual blessings that are in Christ. Haven’t you spent enough time knowing that the things of this life are nothing more than a dead end? So why do so many try to incorporate the riches of this life with the riches of God? Like Paul said, ‘have we suffered so many things in vain if it yet be in vain?’ When you try to mix and match you end up corrupting the original living waters with man-made additives that pollute and distort the original intention. While I hear of so many testimonies of people that limit blessings to this realm, mostly how God has blessed them financially, I rarely hear of those that have come to a true understanding of the mystery of the gospel where all the treasures of God’s wisdom and knowledge are hid in Christ, and those that have a working knowledge of the Son. The things of this life are temporal, which refers to temporary, but the things of God are eternal, and only those that build their foundation on the name of Jesus Christ will be able to tap into all these spiritual blessings in Him. So why settle for less Church? If you desire the things of God then you need to start looking in His realm, on His turf, which is spiritual and located in the heavenly places. If you wish to seek the riches of this life then go get the Wall Street Journal. Luke 6:24-26 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. (25) Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. (26) Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (KJV) Those that have settled for the riches of this life have their reward; and as we brought nothing into this world, they have nothing to take with them once they depart. Because they chose to have a good time while they were here they will spend an eternity mourning and weeping over the fact that they neglected the true riches and spiritual blessings that were in Christ because they listened to and supported a bunch of people pleasing ear tickling hucksters who claimed to be prophets of God. So when all men speak well of them watch out, because obviously they were no threat to the devil but rather were speaking on his behalf under the pretense of religion. While many think the so called church of today is so strong and growing rapidly, the devil doesn’t mind if mankind has religion as long as it doesn’t involve the truth which will set them free. After all the enemy has been playing mankind for a chump since the garden of Eden by talking mankind out of partaking of the tree of life, which is Christ, and settling for a cheap imitation for something of this life. While many are building their monuments which they claim are in the name of the Lord, then have the nerve to name the ministries after themselves which truly shows you whose ministry it really is; very few are building the people up in the name of Jesus Christ, the only name under heaven whereby we may be saved. Ephesians 3:14-19 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (15) Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (16) That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; (17) That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. (KJV) Again, what price tag can you put on the riches of this inner strength that is only available to those that know our Lord Jesus Christ and how to access Him? To be able to have a faith in Him rooted and grounded in the love of God, like a tree planted by the river of life so that no matter what storms we endure we will not be blown over with winds and self serving doctrines of man, is priceless. This is a love, a confidence and strength that goes beyond anything we could have ever imagined or thought of, one that can’t be bought or found with the riches of this life but is freely given to those that seek it in the heavenly realm. The Lord’s riches of His glory are eternal. The riches of this life are only temporal and have an eternal price tag of misery and destruction to those that chose to limit themselves to them. Matthew 13:22-23 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. (23) But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (KJV) The seed is the word of God which is Christ; and those that nurture and water it with the living spiritual waters will see it grow and produce a spiritual crop, all the spiritual blessings God intended for you to partake of. Those that choose the things of this life will find themselves deceived in the end and forever regretting what they ignored and were talked out of. So where is your treasure today, and what realm are you seeking it in? Are you settling for something of this realm, or are you looking above and beyond this one into the heavenly realm to find the unsearchable riches in Christ so that the eyes of your understanding can be enlightened to a working knowledge of this mystery? 1 Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (KJV) The root of all evil can be traced back to one thing, the love of money. So where does your root system lead to, the love of God, or to the love of money? What source are you drawing from today will determine your true intents and motives of the heart, and where you are going to spend your eternity. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 55:1-3 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (2) Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. (3) Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (KJV)
Salvation is truly a free gift; the good and perfect gift which came down from above in the form of Jesus Christ the Son of God who came to bring reconciliation between God and mankind. While the world is constantly peddling its goods to people, and spicing up its ads with the offer of a free gift included, in the end the buyer ends up footing the bill, it’s just disguised somewhere in the fine print. The Lord who provided a free gift to all mankind having paid the price by His own sacrifice has now asked us to receive this gift freely and distribute it that way also. Mankind may play favorites especially with the rich, but God’s word is available to all, and should be made available by those that have been called to teach and preach without a price tag. Now that doesn’t mean that if you are getting fed somewhere and the Lord asks you to help support the cause, that you ignore Him; but the key is knowing when the Lord is asking and not when these fat cat preachers are begging the congregation with their giving messages. Those that are operating in the liberty of Christ will be preaching messages that are building up the people and showing them who they are in Christ. Those that haven’t been set free and are still more concerned with the treasures and upkeep of this life will center their sermons around the upkeep of their ministry and their works, not on the ministry and work the Lord has done for them. Luke 16:19-25 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (20) And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, (21) And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (22) And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (24) And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (25) But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (KJV) When looking at this example it parallels what I see going on today in the so called churches and with many of its worldly preachers. Because they have spent so much time and effort on their own upkeep, which many of them do on the backs of others instead of giving the congregation the meat of the word of God, they just end up with crummy self serving doctrines. Those that had come to their organizations seeking the Lord ended up with nothing less than watered down doctrines and a few crumbs, while those that should have been giving them the bread of life were more concerned with collecting the bread from the congregation. As we see the end result, with what measure they gave was measured back to them, having chosen the riches of this world over the eternal riches of the Lord. If you find you are being bombarded with endless sermons that focus more on giving and supporting the organization rather than focusing on the spiritual needs of the congregation, it may be time to move on if you truly desire to grow in the Lord. And by the way, whose lame brain idea was it to do these stupid telethons, especially this stuff I see on TV? I don’t care who they are or who they think they are, the last time I looked the Lord went into the temple with a three-fold cord and cast those cheap hucksters out. It was the devil that invited them back in to set up their cheap carnival side show acts, and its people that don’t spend enough time in the word of God that support this junk and will also be held accountable for doing so. Oh, they may promise you liberty but the truth is they are the servants of corruption because of the fact that they have sold out themselves, and have been overcome by their own desires, and are now brought into bondage of them. Just because they have sold out doesn’t mean you have to support them in their folly. Many of these people have taken the calling of God and then added their own interpretation to it and have created a monster, thinking bigger is better, the more the merrier. Just because they haven’t lived within the means God had intended doesn’t mean it is up to you to feed their monster which is just a manifestation of their inflated egos. Matthew 23:16-23 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! (17) Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? (18) And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. (19) Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? (20) Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. (21) And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. (22) And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. (23) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (KJV) Basically what they are saying here is the priority has been misconstrued, putting the cart before the horse. Today I see and hear a lot of doctrines that have the people sitting in a cart, getting what comes out the backside of the horse as well. Instead of being more concerned with the weightier matters, faith, mercy and righteous judgment, they are more concerned with their commitment to giving and supporting the temple. They are willing to overlook spiritual matters, it’s the gold they are concentrating on and holding the people to. It doesn’t matter to them if you don’t spend time in the word of God or grow in the things of the Lord, that seems to be the least of their concerns, but don’t you dare miss tithing or that’s when they claim you will suffer the wrath of God. Everything to these people and their fallen nature’s is center on giving, which is why they twist the scriptures and sermons to make it look like God is more concerned with it as well. Again it is important and your obligation is to support wherever you are being fed, but when the outward temple becomes more of a priority than feeding the inward one, then it may be time to rethink and pray about moving on. Matthew 23:24-26 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. (25) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. (26) Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. (KJV) God is more concerned with the inside rather than the outward appearances. Now it is up to you to discern and rightly divide the truth so that you too can freely receive the gift of God and freely distribute it as well. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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