Good morning. Today's video Personal Effects is on the topic of when you sin against the brethren, you sin against Christ; the effects are personal. Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV) 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) Everything which is done to a follower of Christ, whether it be good or evil, the Lord considers as done to himself. We are to nourish and cherish the members of the body of Christ even as the Lord does the church, which we are if we abide in his love; for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Remember his prayer in John 17, specifically verses 20-23. Matthew 25:31-41 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (32) And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: (33) And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. (34) Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (35) For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: (36) Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. (37) Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? (38) When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? (39) Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? (40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. (41) Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (KJV) Matthew 18:2-7 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, (3) And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (4) Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (5) And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. (6) But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (7) Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! (KJV) Acts 9:3-5 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: (4) And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5) And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. (KJV) 1 Corinthians 8:9-12 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. (9) For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; (11) And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? (12) But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. (KJV) Romans 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. (KJV) James 3:1-2 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (2) For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. (KJV) Watch and pray always and consider what you say and what you do. Look not on your own things, but on the things of others; follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith you may edify another. Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason of the hope that is within you, which hope is Christ (1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27). Ephesians 4:15-16 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV) Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (KJV) All members are needful, and God sets them in the body as he sees fit (read 1 Corinthians 12). If you or anyone else comes against any part of the body, you come against God and his Christ. The effects to the body are personal to our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. So be aware that what we say or do can have a personal effect on the body of Christ; we are members one of another; and we are not our own. 1 Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (KJV) Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (KJV) 1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (KJV) Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: (KJV) Further references: James 2:15-16, 1 John 3:16-18, Deuteronomy 15:7-8, Luke 6:20-38, Proverbs 3:27-28, James 5:13-20, 1 Timothy 4:1-16, 2 Timothy 2:24-26, Proverbs 19:17, Colossians 3:23-24 There are many who corrupt the word of God and crucify the Son of God afresh. But there is still a remnant (few) who continue to hold forth the word of God in sincerity and in truth to the edification of the body of Christ and his glory. The personal effects are eternal; whether it be the sheep on the right hand of the Lord who have done the will of God, blessed of the Father, who will inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world, or whether it be the goats on the left who the Lord considers workers of iniquity and told them to depart from him into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. With what measure you mete; it shall be measured unto you again. As for us personally, we will continue to serve the Lord Jesus Christ, effectually ministering and holding forth the gospel of Christ in sincerity and in truth for his body’s sake and all those who shall believe on him through our word. Will you do the same? God bless and keep the faith. Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (KJV) You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Daily Bread For Life Archive Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video Captivity is on the topic of bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Each day we have the choice to remain captive of the Lord at His will or allow ourselves to become captive of the devil at his will. Our thoughts brought us to where we are today; and they will bring us to where we are tomorrow. What are you thinking on? We are encouraged to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (we have the mind of Christ) and to cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. All things are lawful for us, but all things are not profitable to our salvation and growth in the wisdom and knowledge of God; all things are lawful for us, but all things do not build us up in faith and confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ. This includes our thoughts; although we have liberty in Christ, we are not to use our liberty as an occasion to fulfil the lusts of the flesh. Why do we say this? Because the carnal mind is enmity with God. And if you don’t bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ and cast down those things that are contrary to God, then how will you know whether it is of God or not; how will you be able to remain in the liberty which is in Christ and not be brought into bondage again to the traditions of men after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ? When a thought that is not of God is left to itself, not checked out or brought into captivity, it can lead to imaginations or temptation in other words, and draw you away of your own lust and entice you (remember we still have a carnal nature to overcome). Now you are left with a choice, cast down the imagination or act on the imagination; if you act on it, lust has conceived, it brings forth sin, and when sin is finished, it brings forth death; or enmity with God, and you are now captive at the devil’s will. This is why it is so important to renew our minds daily on the things of God so that we are able to rightly divide the word of truth having our spiritual senses exercised to discern between that which is of God, and that which is of the world and the prince of the power of the air, which is Satan who walks about continually seeking whom he may devour. When the Lord ascended to the right hand of God he led captivity captive, and gave us the gift of life and life more abundantly, the Spirit of truth to guide us into all truth so that we are enabled to not be brought into bondage again (being captive of the devil at his will). In Christ is all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; and we have been given this treasure within us to lead us in a better way of life based on truth and not imaginations. Salvation is a daily choice; today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time (2 Corinthians 6:2); choose you this day whom you will serve; choose you this day to whom you will be captive. God bless and lead captivity captive in your own life as the Lord did in his. Please note in the video the following corrections to scripture references: Proverbs 6:22 should be 6:16-19 Romans 7:23 should be 7:14 Luke 11 reference toward the end of the video on counting the cost should be Luke 14:25-33 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. Good morning. Today's video The Son - Part25 is on the topic of who the Son of God is; he that is not with Christ is against Him. Luke 11:21-26 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. (KJV) The warnings Church are clear. Our strength is in Christ. If we continue to abide in him, he will continue to abide in us; and in Him we have his fullness to help us to discern between good and evil, to rightly divide the word of truth, and the strength to come out from among anything or anyone that is not healthy for us in spirit, soul, or body. A little leaven allowed in will leaven the whole lump. If we don’t keep vigilant in our relationship with the Lord, remaining and gathering with Him (holding too and being the workman who needs not to be ashamed in the gospel of Christ), then we will be counted as against him and our goods will be scattered. And we could end up like the strong man who did not keep his palace (not remaining diligent in the Spirit holding to the gospel of Christ); or be overtaken by the unclean spirit again with seven other of his buddies more wicked than himself, and the last state of ourselves would be worse than the first. 2 John 1:7-11 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV) There are many false prophets with their false doctrines that have infiltrated the Church today; just as in the Old Testament times when Israel intermingled with other nations (the Gentiles) and took on their customs, worshiping and serving their gods, and look at what the consequences were. They left their first love. Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. (KJV) It is no different for the Church today; if you are not abiding in and holding fast to the grace and gospel of Christ, but have turned unto another gospel other than that which Jesus Christ preached unto you, then there are consequences for what you allow into your house. It will eat away at your foundation and eventually your house will fall. For strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leads unto life and few be there that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in that way. Abiding in Christ is a strait and narrow path; God does not lie, neither does he compromise. The Lord did not preach for filthy lucre (money) sake and neither did he ever ask his ministers too. So why are many Christians supporting those ministers and their ministry who do? And why when these so called men of God compromise to fit into the world and its ways do many Christians continue to support them? And why as a Christian would you compromise to fit into the world and its ways and what they say is good and right, rather than fitting into the kingdom and righteousness of God and what He says is good and right? We are in a time where many will not endure sound doctrine but are heaping to themselves teachers having itching ears. Remember, you too were once on that wide path that leads to destruction, but when you accepted Jesus Christ you were separated unto God, and were removed from the path of destruction by the grace of God and placed on his path of life. Now the devil wants nothing more than to have those who remain on the wide path leading to destruction beguile you off the path of life to join them again in their excess. This is why we are to watch and pray always; lining up what we hear or see with the word of God; letting God be true and every man a liar, which includes those in the pulpits and our old man (thinking); and try the spirits whether they be of God or not. Because if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, they are not with God and His Son Christ Jesus, but against him. So Church, come out from among them and be separate and touch not the unclean thing; which are the doctrines of men, those of the world; and those who corrupt the word of God not holding the head, which is Christ, in sincerity and truth, but seek to glory in your flesh and bring you into bondage again to the commandments and traditions of men, not knowing Christ and his doctrine. Lest you become counted unclean before God; for evil communications do corrupt good morals. 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. Good morning. Today's video Angels Unaware is a follow up on the topic of angels: what they are; who they are; is there still a purpose for angels; are they still in play? 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. Good morning. This week's video Discern, is on the topic of the word "discern" in the Bible. Discernment is important; knowing what is of God and what isn't, for unto you it is given to know. 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. Williams New Testament translation of James 1:13-16:
13. No one must say, when he is tempted to do evil, "I have a temptation from God to do evil," for God cannot be tempted to do evil, and He never tempts anyone to do so. 14. But anyone is tempted to do evil when he is allured by his own evil desire and enticed by a bait. 15. Then evil desire conceives and gives birth to sin, and when sin is completed, it brings forth death. 16. You must avoid being misled, my dearly loved brothers. James 1:13-16 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (16) Do not err, my beloved brethren. (KJV) While mankind over the centuries has tried to blame God for their own shortcomings and faults, even some to the point of claiming God tests His people, the truth be known it is the people that do the testing and put themselves in a bad place. When one goes back to their own spiritual drawing board they will find out that the reason they were drawn away in the first place had nothing to do with God despite many teaching to that effect, thus why we are warned not to err. God does not tempt or test His people with evil, never has and never will because that would make Him a liar. That is why when we read accounts throughout the Word we need to rightly divide the truth and learn from people’s mistakes; not like many who make it look like God made a mistake by tempting people, like Job. Nothing and I mean nothing happens in the realm of God by chance or luck, but it is a sure thing to those that are willing and obedient to His word and what He promised for His people to inherit. Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: (2) But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (KJV) Do you wonder why people lose confidence in their prayer life, and rather than put their hand to their mouth and listen to the answer some have the nerve to actually blame God for their own shortcomings, or lean to their own understanding like with the book of Job where many claim God randomly picked him out as an example? If there is a fracture in the relationship between man and God, be assured it was not on His end, but rather it happened here first. The Bible is consistent throughout to point out that we serve an infallible God; so if there has been a breach in the Spirit it was because you were inconsistent in your walk and hearing of His word of truth and rightly dividing it. You know it’s not like God has a history of hit or miss, good or bad days; it’s not like He got up this morning on the wrong side of the throne and was moody like we are sometimes. The point is, don’t always try to compare God to man, because man is limited; and so are you if you choose to limit yourself to just the understanding of man and not operating with the mind of Christ that we have access to. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) You know, if you spent the time in the Word like you should then you wouldn’t be caught up in these false doctrines and limited understanding of childish people who claim to know God. All scripture, all of the Word of God, is for our benefit so that we can mature or grow up and not be tossed to and fro like we were when we were younger. If this scripture is what you are putting into your heart then that is what will be flowing from it; while anything else you allow into the heart is what will be spewing out of it, and so will God spew those that don’t speak His language. So while mankind has come up with many doctrines, many so called faiths, it is up to you personally to know for yourself the doctrine of Christ, which by the way is singular; one Lord, one faith, and only one doctrine our Lord accepts as His. This doctrine will only be found in the Word, your time spent studying for yourself so that you can stand approved before God and able to rightly divide the word of truth. Proverbs 15:28-29 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. (29) The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. (KJV) If you didn’t take the time to study the Word today, what did you find that was more important? You know, you can go from righteous back to wicked; just a few nasty words you let pour out of your mouth can put you back into a realm separated from God. Thus the reason why we are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness so that we can remain in good standing with Him and know that He hears our prayers. Some people think God plays favorites, or only approves of their denomination; but to those who are in Christ, they do not fall for man’s titles and approval, rather they are only concerned with that which is from above, His truth that sets us free. James 4:7-8 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (8) Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (KJV) Instead of entertaining the devil we should be resisting Him; which can only be done by remaining steadfast in the faith. If you notice it’s when we draw nigh or close to God that He does the same in return; but it is up to us to be clean before Him, which can only happen by the washing of the living waters of His word. When you decide to purify your heart, being single minded and not double minded, then the two are able to walk together again being in agreement. Isaiah 5:18-21 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: (19) That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! (20) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (21) Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (KJV) Where do you stand today, or should I say are you taking a stand today? There are many that call evil good and good evil because they haven’t taken the time to rightly divide the word of truth, which has drawn them away from God instead of closer. Do you know the difference for yourself of what is the doctrine of God, and what is of mankind; have you made it a priority? Are you drawing closer to God, or are you withdrawing from His realm? If you are not sure then it is time to get back to the drawing board. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (KJV)
Who you associate with; those that you put your stamp of approval on; whether ministers or ministries does make a big difference to God, and if the warning is not heeded, will have eternal consequences. Once you have attached yourself to someone or some organization, you get the whole package, whether it is a blessing or a curse. And though you may have good intentions the package you took delivery of may have come C.O.D, curse on delivery. So be on the lookout, because it is up to you to rightly divide the word of truth so that you will know the difference and make the necessary changes. Numbers 19:13 Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him. (KJV) Just like with a virus, or any other germ that can attack the body, many times it is not visible, but enters in unknowingly. So the quicker this is identified the less damage it will do to the body. In the Old Testament there were certain laws pertaining to the handling of the dead because of the threat of disease that existed. Today the same holds true spiritually. There are a lot spiritual deadbeats, wolves in sheep’s clothing, who spiritually are decomposing and riddled with unhealthy doctrines. So unless one keeps their spirit man sprinkled with the living waters of separation, they might find themselves unclean as well. In fact, one of the punishments in the Old Testament would be to strap a dead body to the person being punished, which if one can imagine would not be to healthy or pleasant. Eventually the living person would end up like the one strapped to him, inheriting all the uncleanness associated with that body. 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV) We have been adopted into the family of Christ, and are now the Sons of God by faith in Him. Do you want to continue with Him? Then you will need to rid yourself of any unclean habits, as well as unclean influences if you wish to walk a healthy spiritual path. So if the Lord points out certain areas, or certain individuals or an organization you thought was healthy, will you do what is necessary to stay clean, or will you keep dragging the old fallen nature around until it overcomes you as well? Who and what you associate with may not seem like a big deal, but it can have deadly consequences if it is ignored. That which looks good to man, may just be an abomination in the sight of God; knowing the difference is vital to our spirit man. Romans 1:30-32 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: (32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (KJV) To have pleasure in them, simply means to agree with, or assent to. Are you always sure of who and what you are agreeing to? Those that you take spiritual counsel from, is it the doctrine of Christ, or has it been twisted and perverted to fit their lifestyle, which in many cases ends up to be the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Inventors of evil things; remember the root of all evil is the love of money, which many have coveted, and they err from the faith. We have all seen these larger than life ministries, their money pitches and pyramid schemes and other slick twisted perversions of the pure word of God. Some are more obvious than others; but either way, they are still deadbeats, heading in the wrong direction, a dead end to those that follow. But why do they continue, and who is supporting their folly? The answer is simple minded, lazy immature people that rather than take the time in the word of God on a daily basis, rightly dividing the word of truth, they look for shortcuts, like a fast food drive through restaurant they pay the bill and eat on the run. But beware, because not only will the false prophets suffer eternal death and separation from the Father, so will those that put their stamp of approval on their organizations, and support them in misleading the flock. 2 John 1:9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV) What are you allowing entrance into your temple, which is the temple of God? What doctrine are you giving your stamp of approval to? If it is anything other than the doctrine of Christ, you have just attached something dead to yourself, as well as those around you. Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (KJV) Mark them means to take a look at, regard and consider. Many assume that just because something looks Christian, sounds good, and is approved by many it has to be of God. But beware so that you don’t end up like many simple unsuspecting Christians, who rather than mark and avoid unhealthy doctrine, end up a target and a bullseye of the devil. Isaiah 5:20-21 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (21) Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (KJV) Proverbs 21:16 the man that wandered out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. (KJV) Jesus Christ, don’t be caught dead without Him. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Genesis 3:22-23 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever: 23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. (KJV)
Despite the first man Adam falling away by partaking of the forbidden fruit, we as born again believers have access to the tree of life. Basically there is nothing new under the sun, but all things have become new under God’s Son. Proverbs 15:3-4 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. (KJV) When you decide to partake of the tree of life, then the words you speak will be spirit and life. Proverbs 3:13-18 Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets 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 honor. 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 retains her. (KJV) Why are so many of God’s people chasing the things of this life instead of partaking of the tree of life? The Bible says this wisdom is more precious than silver and gold, yet most of what I hear coming from pulpits today is just the opposite. Colossians 3:2-4 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (KJV) What are you really rooted and grounded in today, the things above or things that will keep you in bondage? 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. (KJV) Ask yourself honestly, what gets most of your undivided attention, the things above or are you wrapped up with the nonsense of this realm? John 15:4-6 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. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 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) If you stay attached to the tree of life, which is Christ, you will not get lit up and torched by the enemy anymore. John 14:5-6 Thomas says unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goes; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV) God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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)
As a child of God our Lord knows what you need before you even ask. With that said, why is mankind going out in the deep murky cesspools of this world, drowning in destruction? The enemy is pulling a fast one on mankind just like he did in the beginning with Eve, same forbidden fruit, different disguise. Genesis 3:4-6 And the serpent said unto the woman, ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. (KJV) As soon as the enemy was able to point the woman away from the tree of life it was game over. In looking at verse 6 we see the imagination being presented to the woman, something too good to be true. Many in the Church today think along the same lines, if they just had all this money these so called preachers have been promising them, they too could live the good life. Luke 4:5-8 And the devil, taking him up into a high mountain, showed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6 And the devil said unto him, all this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. 8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shall worship the Lord thy God, and him only shall thou serve. (KJV) The enemy took a shot at the second Adam and found out He wasn’t going to bite. Our Lord had His senses exercised to know the difference between what was good and what was the root cause of evil. As you see He was able to cast the imagination down immediately so that His mind didn’t wander off onto the things of this world. Wow, what could your life be like if you followed suit? I John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever. (KJV) This world and all its empty promises is passing away and so are all those who are holding to its way of thinking. Unfortunately this includes many of God’s people who begin so well in the Spirit, but are duped into thinking something in this world will perfect their walk. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 5:20-23 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: 23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! (KJV)
The difference between good and evil is night and day; at least it is when you allow the light of the gospel of Christ to shine in your heart. Today there are many who call what God considers evil, good, and what our Lord says is good, evil. The same thing was taking place in the time of Isaiah and it is only going to get worse and worse in these last days we are in. Malachi 2:16-17 For the LORD, the God of Israel saith that he hates putting away: for one covers violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit that ye deal not treacherously. 17 Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them; or, where is the God of judgment? (KJV) These same things are happening with God’s people and not just those of the world. They happen when mankind no longer chooses the tree of life, but instead settles for the forbidden fruit. John 7:6-7 Then Jesus said unto them, my time is not yet come: but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you; but me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. (KJV) The deeper you go with the Lord, the more removed you will become with the world and its fallen way of thinking. It is at that point in which you will have to decide who you are going to serve and please, the God in heaven or a fallen mankind? The only standing ovation you should be getting is when you are on your way out and not on the way in like many of mans’ false prophets. John 15:19-22 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you; the servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. (KJV) God still has a few that He has chosen who have not fallen for the fruit of this world, who will only accept the fruit of the Spirit. The reason for all the hatred is similar to what we saw with the first man Adam who had heard the voice of God and tried to cover up the outward man not realizing their spiritual nakedness. Matthew 23:26-28 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (KJV) The verses refer to rotten fruit which can be easily described in one word, religion. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord dearly loved. |
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