Good morning. Today's video The Son - Part21 is on the topic of who the Son of God is;  continuing in the Son.

Luke 21:33-36 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (KJV)

Watch and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which we have been warned about. The cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches when allowed to enter into the heart, choke the Word and it becomes unfruitful and withers away.

Proverbs 4:23-27 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. (KJV)

You cannot serve God and mammon. If you are a friend of the world you are counted an enemy of God.

1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. (KJV)

Paul said that if he yet pleased men, that he should not be the servant of Christ. One is our Master, even Christ.

Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (KJV)

This is not once saved always saved. The scriptures are clear.

John 15:1-6 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (KJV)

So if we don’t abide in Him, then we are not His and we will be cut off from the tree of life; blotted out of the book of life. Which is why we are encouraged to continue in the faith grounded and settled, and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel, which is Christ in you (Colossians 1:27) the Son of the living God. If we abide in Him, He will continue to abide in us; and we will be counted the sons of God; as we were given the power to be so in Him. So let us hold fast the profession of faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised. As the Son could do nothing without the Father, so we can do nothing without the Son (John 5:19; 5:30). But if we endure steadfast in the faith of the Son of God, Christ in us, unto the end we shall be saved.

Matthew 24:11-13 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (KJV)

John 8:31-36 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (KJV)

Watch and pray always so that your house does not get broken into, and all your goods which were wrought in Christ in you be stolen from your heart by the thief (Satan) who comes only to steal, kill and destroy. Christ came that we might have life and life more abundantly in Him.

Heed the warnings Church; hold fast to eternal life which you have in Christ Jesus our Lord that no man deceive you of your reward and take your crown. God bless.

​You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry.

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

1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (KJV)

Wasn’t the whole idea for accepting God’s plan of salvation into your life was to make it to the end and receive His eternal reward of inheritance? Having gone through the trial of this life which one can only be an overcomer by faith, it is the salvation of your soul that is of the utmost importance, especially when the day comes that you stand before God and give an account of your life; this life of faith in the message delivered by Christ. Jesus Christ is the first and the last; it was His word of life that brought you into the Kingdom and He will have the last say concerning your entrance into His eternal one. He is the author and finisher of our faith as well, so if you have been resurrected into the realm of the Spirit and are confident that the message you preach and follow came from the Father through the Son, then you will not be ashamed when it is time to be resurrected into His eternal realm forever. You may have entered this race with good intentions, but it is so vital that you continue and endure to the end so that you will be saved and receive the eternal inheritance. While many think all they have to do is answer some alter call to be saved, the truth be known, that is just the beginning; now you need to continue in the faith grounded and settled and don’t be moved away from the only hope of the gospel, which is Jesus Christ and His message of faith to the believers, a faith without which we cannot be pleasing to Him.

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)

Do you know what the worst part about reading the above verses is, that the people described were actually believers, those that had a zeal for God but obviously it wasn’t according to His knowledge; God’s people perishing for lack of knowledge. Take note of the fact that we are not just talking about a few here, but verse 22 is quite clear to point out that it is many that end up being deceived and do not receive the reward of inheritance, the salvation of their own souls. Somewhere along the line in their walk they were no longer communicating with the Father, but rather the father of lies who comes to steal the truth, kill the life within them, and then watch their soul eternally destroyed in the lake of fire. Are you totally sure of the message you are hearing today is of God? Does it line up with His word or have you been sidetracked and are now following a different protocol? Are there question marks in your life concerning your walk? When you stand before God someday you will know and not guess you are one of His?

Remember the word of God tells us that whatsoever is not of faith is sin, so if it isn’t the Lord directing your steps then you are none of His. Those that wish to enter into the Lord’s eternal inheritance need to let the Lord in their life now, today, so that there will be no doubt or question marks concerning their reward of inheritance. Simply put people, if you don’t let the Lord into your life then He is not going to let you into His either. What rightfully belonged to people who were at one time children of God was stolen from them without them even knowing it, because somewhere along the path of life they started out on they turned and followed a different path that led to destruction.

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)

There is only one path that leads to eternal life; and sad to say, only a few who find it. Years ago there was on old song that said ‘there’s a whole lot of people going home’, however the truth be known only a few will actually make it in, while many will be rejected. There is only one path, one Lord, and one faith that lead us unto life; and without this knowledge of who, what, and where this path is for you, you will not receive your eternal reward. Have you ever heard the statement ‘all paths lead to the same place’? Well that’s true, because when it involves any other way into the Kingdom besides the one our Lord said would get you in, then all those other ways are that of a thief and a robber, which is widely known as the path of destruction. Don’t be deceived into thinking that just because you joined some religious organization, or because you tithe twice a week or any other of our own works, you have your ticket stamped. Without faith, as the Bible says the just shall live by faith, without hearing this message on a daily basis then acting on what is heard you will end up eternally on the outside wishing in, knowing what was yours and what you had access to only to let it slip away from your grasp.

1 Corinthians 15:53-57 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)

You know folks, this once saved always saved doctrine just doesn’t fly. Oh it sounds good and sure is an ear tickler which gives many a warm feeling inside, but the truth be known your salvation is based on your ability to hear the message delivered by Christ, then being a doer and not a hearer only unto the end. Your born again experience was just the beginning, now we will see if you will truly allow Jesus Christ to be the author and finisher of your faith so that you can receive your eternal inheritance. Again as we notice in the above verses, that it is not until we are given a new incorruptible body are we then allowed access into God’s kingdom; then and only then will we escape the second death which is eternal separation from the Father. So before you kick back in your easy chair and think you got this thing licked, heed the warnings in the word of God so that you can continue in the love of God and spend your eternity with Him.

Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (KJV)

Strong’s definition for overcometh:
3528  nikao (nik-ah'-o); from 3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively):
KJV-- conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory.

You know the Lord just didn’t ask us to squeak by or hope we are one of His, but rather we should be an overcomer and walk in victory. It is our faith in what Christ has begun in us and continues to do that gives us this victory and will give us access to His eternal reward so that we can spend eternity doing a victory lap in His kingdom. Don’t be fooled Church, don’t be lulled back into a spiritual sleep and entombed into the realm of the flesh again, but hold fast your profession of faith without wavering, a message coming from the only author who will lead you to victory.

Hebrews 10:35-39 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (36) For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (38) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV)

In this fast paced world patience is not something that is often spoke of, let alone put into practice. But by letting patience have its perfect work we can mature in the Lord, lacking nothing. You have been reborn, resurrected to a new life in Christ, which is just the beginning. Continue in the faith, letting the good work that our Lord began in you to continue to the end so that you can receive what is rightfully yours, the salvation of your soul.

Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (KJV)

My prayer for each and everyone is that the end of this trail here will result in the beginning of their eternal reward with our heavenly Father.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 11:11-14 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. (12) Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. (13) Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. (14) Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. (KJV)  

God’s word was made flesh and dwelt among us in the form of Jesus Christ, who was sent from God to deliver mankind from a death sentence to one of eternal life. The things our Lord did and demonstrated are still available to His people today; those that God sends to speak words of life and wake people up from their spiritual stupors. When you see the phrase sleep it does refer to death also. Lazarus is someone we can identify with ourselves. And as we read yesterday, a man who was stuck in darkness, bound up in grave clothes whose life stunk, and was being resurrected from his sleep by the word of the Lord. We too were dead in sin and trespasses but are now made alive again so that we are able to walk in newness of life in the Spirit, no longer bound by the desires of the flesh.  

Ephesians 5:14-16 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. (15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (KJV)  

Many think and are taught that someday there will be a wonderful resurrection to a new eternal life with Christ, and for many of them they can hardly wait for that day to come. Those that have their spiritual senses exercised today know that now it is time to awaken from our spiritual stupor, arise from the dead and walk in the light of the glorious gospel of Christ and the path He chose for us before the foundation of the world.  

Thayer’s definition for awake:
1453  egeiro- to arouse, to cause to rise
a) to arouse from sleep, to awake
b) to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life  

Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. (12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (KJV)  

Have you woken up from the dead; are you arising now and heeding the spiritual calling, or are you all caught up in the striving and cares of this life? Now it is high time; time for you to be seated in the heavenly places with Christ, and not stuck in this dead end realm of the flesh with its dead end results. Your salvation is near, the Lord Himself is standing at your door knocking on the heart to see if you will let Him in and give you new life. Like with the example of Lazarus, He is ready to roll away the old stony heart and set you free to the only liberty you will find, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. So are you heeding the call of our Lord; are you stepping out in faith into a new realm so that you can be partakers of the heavenly gift that God sent to us through His Son Jesus Christ? Now is the day of salvation, now it is much nearer than you thought; so will you get up from your spiritual hangover and answer the call, or will you sleep in and miss out on an eternal heavenly reward which is rightfully yours for the taking?  Have you put on the whole armor of God which is Jesus Christ so that you will no longer be taken down by the fiery darts of the enemy and put back to sleep? Walk in the Spirit of Christ so that you no longer have to be in bondage to the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling its deadly desires which are contrary to our Lord’s desire for you.  

1 Corinthians 15:31-34 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (32) If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. (33) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. (KJV)  

Paul himself realized that in order to resurrect daily to this new life in Christ he would have to die on a daily basis. The outward or the old man continues to perish on a daily basis, because we are now walking by faith and relying more on our spiritual sight than the physical one. Our inward man should be renewed on a daily basis so that we stay awake and alert spiritually, and are not ambushed by the enemy. Are the eyes of your understanding enlightened to the things of the Spirit, or are they becoming heavy and you are drifting back to sleep again? Take heed to the warning in verse 33, because Paul did not say that evil communication might corrupt, but rather would corrupt good manners. These warnings are not put in the Bible just to fill in pages or finish a paragraph, but are there for the benefit of His people so they won’t be deceived back to sleep again, but rather stay awake and alert to the things of God. Some people are not aware of these things that many may consider little and trivial, but remember it only took a little leaven to leaven the whole lump, and for those that don’t operate in this knowledge, like Paul said, he speaks this to their shame. It’s one thing if the people of the world decide to ignore the word of the Lord and perish; it’s another to see God’s people perish because of their lack of knowledge in spiritual matters; which in the end is all that truly matters.  

1 Corinthians 11:27-30 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. (28) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (29) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (30) For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (KJV)  

The Bible says that we all need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, coming to an understanding of God’s plan of salvation for ourselves so that we no longer have to guess, but know who we are in Christ, and find our place within the body. Many that have had a spiritual awakening at some time, end up falling back to sleep, this after becoming weak and sickly. It’s because of their lack of discernment and diligence, as well in making the Lord their priority that they ended up in this condition. The Bible warns us of the many false prophets that shall come preaching damnable heresies to the point of denying the Lord, and they bring upon themselves swift destruction. Not only will the false prophets suffer eternal consequences because what should have been the bread of life was actually polluted and full of deadly spiritual diseases which eat like a cancer, but those that follow them and lend their support to them will also suffer the same consequences as well. So wake up Church; you have a Bible and you have access to the throne of God so that you can sit together with Christ on a daily basis and hear His words firsthand; they are spirit and they are life to those that hear. Don’t fall asleep at the wheel again and end up in a ditch spinning your wheels, but stay alert and follow the only path that leads to eternal life, the same path our leader and forerunner Jesus Christ followed Himself. God bless and keep the faith.  

Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Malachi 3:10 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)  

The Old Testament was written with examples for us to follow, not in the literal sense but now discerning the spiritual meaning and implications of the writings. God’s storehouse is the people, and the meat that should be brought into it is spiritual in nature, and one that is intended to build up the inward man, and not to be so focused on the outward one anymore. We still have many today who twist and pervert the true meaning of the scriptures because they are more self seeking, worshipping their own creations more than the Creator Himself. While many claim the reason God doesn’t bless them is because of their lack of giving in the form of tithes and offerings, the truth be known is that their attention is focused in the wrong realm; and those that are doing the teaching are the ones that need to be re-taught themselves the basic principles of Christianity. Knowing who and what God’s true storehouse is will allow you to grow up strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  

Acts 17:22-25 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. (23) For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. (24) God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; (25) Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; (KJV)  

Many people today base their beliefs in what a church is on what they were told by man, and not by what they hear from the Lord Himself. Many are indoctrinated with beliefs based on what their parents and grandparents believed, and not on what they have found to be the truth themselves. If you drive around a town and point out certain buildings many would tell you it is a church or the house of God. If you were to open the phone book and look up the word church you would find many different names and titles man has come up with for what a church is. The simple truth is that, the people are the Church, the true worshippers of God, and that He lives and dwells within them. Yet with this simple truth in mind, why are so many still pointing people to the outward creations of man and not to the new man that has taken up residence within them? Why do so many claim the people are robbing God because of their lack of giving, when the truth be known the robbery is being committed by those that should be teaching truth and yet have need to be re-taught themselves the basic principles of Christianity.  

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)  

Here is the building God truly is concerned with and would like to see His people concentrating their attention toward, one that is spiritual in nature and able to withstand all the spiritual winds of doctrines that would try to blow it over. Is Christ truly the foundation of your building so that the gates of hell and its influence will no longer prevail against you? Are you building a case on the rock solid spiritual evidence presented to us through the Son, or are you still settling for second hand self serving doctrines of man? Has our Father revealed Himself to you personally so that you can know and not just guess that you are one of His, the true Church of the living God, or are you concentrating more on man’s outward creations of what they think a church is?  

Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)

There are a lot of builders out there who claim they are building in the name of the Lord. Just like with construction, if that cornerstone is not set right, if it is not in its proper place, then the whole building will end up off kilter. The Lord said He would build His Church; now the question is, how many are letting Him build it within them based on His foundation and not on what a bunch of other builders think it is; wannabe’s and pretenders who worship their own creations more than the Creator. There is no other name, no other foundation that the true Church of God can be built on, than the name of Jesus Christ. Only the doctrine of Christ will be able to build up His people and allow them to withstand all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  

1 Peter 2:4-8 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, (5) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an 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 Sion 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)  

You are a spiritual being; God’s true Church is one of spiritual in nature, one that should be getting built up on a daily basis and not torn down by man-made doctrines. As a true believer in Christ this is what is precious in the sight of God, His people, not some building or organization that puts more emphasis on outward things rather than on the inward one. This is your salvation to which you are appointed to inherit, so don’t be taken in by those that try to pack your bags for a guilt trip, thinking God doesn’t bless His people because of their lack of giving to their organizations. When they promise you liberty while they are still themselves the servants of corruption, and not the true servants of God they claim to be, it is time to reevaluate your situation and turn away from those that don’t know who God’s true storehouse is and how to keep them built up in the word of God.  

Acts 20:32-34 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (33) I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. (34) Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. (KJV)  

Paul dealt with some of this same nonsense we see today, those that were more concerned with silver and gold, and not the precious things of God which is His Church, the people. Paul was willing to do whatever it took to deliver the word of God which would build them up, including working with his own hands. If you’re in a situation where the emphasis is more on the outward buildings rather than on the inward one, then you will not get built up either, but rather fall short of what God truly intended for His Church.  

Ephesians 2:19-22 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (20) And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (21) In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (KJV)  

You are the Church people; you are God’s true storehouse, and considered a holy temple of His. Concentrate your effort and priority in His realm, His direction, and prove Him, that He will pour out for you a blessing that there will not be room enough in your storehouse to contain; good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over with living waters that proceed from the heart and give life to those around you as well. God bless Church.  

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.

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 useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (KJV)  

Thayer’s definition for principles:
4747  stoicheion- any first thing, from which the others belonging to some series or composite whole take their rise, an element, first principal  

Could you imagine going back to first grade and starting over again? How about if you were to read first grade books and think you would learn something new? How long does a child last on milk before they will no longer grow, but rather regress, as well as become weak and sickly? Spiritually this is what the writer is making reference to; those that continue in a first grade mindset when they actually should be teaching instead of having to be re-educated.  

Strong’s definition for babe:
3516  nepios (nay'-pee-os); from an obsolete particle ne- (implying negation) and 2031; not speaking, i.e. an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian: KJV-- babe, child (+-ish).  

So how can one tell when a person or an organization is not progressing past the first grade? Here are some warnings that will raise some red flags.  

1 Corinthians 3:1-5 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. (2) I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (3) For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (4) For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? (5) Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (KJV)  

One of the first signs is when you see strife or contentions; those that hold others in high esteem sometimes to the point of letting them dictate their salvation, or what the leaders perceive as salvation. Some will hold to a denomination which is basically nothing more than putting God in a box, wrapping His gift in colorful packages which look good to the outward man but do nothing for the inward one. Then of course they put people on pedestals, similar to when I was young and told people that my dad could beat up their dad. Now the Lord does say in His word that we need to come to Him as a child in order to inherit His kingdom, but that doesn’t mean we act like children, rather learn to mature and grow up into Christ in all things who is the head of the Church, and our perfect example of how to operate in it. When you see people defending denominations or people rather than taking a stand for the doctrine of Christ and holding fast to that, these are basically people that have never gotten past a first grade level; and then to add insult to injury one engages in strife and contentions, silly arguments over things that have nothing to do with salvation. What should be a fellowship of believers who are mature in Christ resembles more the area where they let the children play during the services, silly petty bickering and nonsense.  

Colossians 2:6-8 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (7) Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (KJV)  

As you allow the Lord to manifest Himself to you, being open to the things of the Spirit, it is just as important to be like the Bereans, a group of people mentioned in the book of Acts chapter 17, who chose to check out the things they were hearing with what the word of God said, and not just take mans’ word for it. When I was in first grade I could be told many things that sounded interesting and would get my attention but had nothing to do with truth; like Easter bunnies and Santa Clauses. Although these things would excite me it was only as I grew older that I was able to see that it was nothing more than a cheap hoax. Today many man-made doctrines are doing the same thing and having the same effect; though they may excite the emotions and get the people stirred up, it does nothing for the spiritual growth and development of the believer. Is your salvation based and rooted in Christ, and the things of His realm, or are you still being swayed with things of this realm? Back a few of months ago many were moved to celebrate a tradition they call Christmas; which if you truly go back to its real origins you will find that it is nothing more than a man-made tradition, and not a Christ like one. The same holds true with the one that just occurred in March, in the form of Easter; though many swear up and down it is a special time of year, those that have matured in Christ will find that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and neither does He or His people find or observe one day to be more important than another.  

Galatians 4:9-11 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? (10) Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. (11) I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. (KJV)  

You will find that the words element, rudiments and principles all have the same meaning. So what the Lord was saying to the people then, as well as to us now, is that when you are still holding to these traditions and doctrines of man you are basically being held back in the first grade and are no longer moving forward in your walk. How qualified would you be in today’s field of work if on your application you could only list a first grade education? The only way you will receive the things of God, which by the way is readily available to all that are willing to hear His word, is by spending time in His word on a daily basis. Do you take the things that you hear, and see if they line up with the word of God, or do you take the things of God and try to make them fit into the realm of man? In everything that you do, does it really have a scriptural basis and foundation, or have you done it because so many others do, and it is something you have done since you were a child? Do you truly wish to move on past the first grade rather than hold onto childish things? Then you will need to put them away, as well as anything or anyone else that would try to keep you in that realm. When you were a child, or in the first grade, you spoke like one and thought like one and acted like one. In order to mature in Christ you will need to put aside these childish things.  

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)  

The more attendance we give to God and His Word, the more our minds will continually be renewed which enables us to hear His voice more clearly, to rightly divide and discern a situation or thoughts.  

The more attendance we give enables us to remain in agreement with Him, instead of being in opposition trying to figure it out on our own, leaning to our old way of thinking.  

Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (KJV)  

We have the mind of Christ; now it is a matter of whether we choose to operate in it instead of leaning to our old mind which is corrupt and alienates us from the truth that is in Him. The old mind does not know the ways or things of God and can’t know them for they are Spiritually discerned. For each of us it is learning to operate at all times in the mind of Christ, the new man; remaining reconciled with God.  

Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (KJV)  

Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (KJV)  

Strong’s definition for ‘affection’ is to exercise the mind, to be (mentally) disposed, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience).  

Exercise the mind, be mentally disposed on and interest yourself with things above, keeping your thoughts in agreement with God and His Word. Another way to look at it is to practice occupying your mind with the things above, not with the things on earth which are perishing.  

As one continues to give attendance (to hold the mind towards) to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine the mind is continually exercised and renewed on those things above. In all that we do throughout each day if we are mentally disposed on doing those things that please our Father in heaven, then that too will enable the mind to be continually renewed; and through this we are learning and growing, maturing, up into Christ in all things. And able to minister to others whether in word or in deed the love, the grace, the mercy, and the truth and the life that is in Christ and all that we have been given in and through Him that one more may seek to live a life godly in Christ Jesus.  

So today,
Stop living in accordance with the customs of this world, but by the new ideals that mold your minds continue to transform yourselves, so as to find and follow God’s will; that is, what is good, well pleasing to Him, and perfect. (Williams New Testament, Romans 12:2)  

Continue to give attendance to these things, hold fast, and continue in them: for in doing this you shall both save yourself, and those that hear you.  

God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.