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Hebrews 6:4-6 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (KJV)
Do you remember how you were first saved, and entered into the realm of the Spirit? This new found life of love, joy, and peace; was it something you did that made it happen, or was it someone you believed in that made it happen? So if you entered this realm with this simple thinking, would not it be safe to say that in order to remain in this realm it would take a simple faith in Christ to keep you there? And yet with as simple as God made His plan of salvation why do so many fall away again, backslide as some say, and are putting the Lord’s plan of salvation for them to an open shame because they are no longer operating in His realm, but are trying to mix faith and the works of the law, which is like the term awfully good. The carnal mind is enmity with God and cannot be renewed into the things of God because it is foolishness to those that are in the flesh. Some people don’t like pointing the attention to our heavenly Father, but rather enjoy keeping the spotlight on themselves and their works, thinking God needs their help to accomplish His work. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (15) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (16) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (KJV) When one is still trying to operate in the things of God according to their own thoughts and ways they will miss the mark and fall away. If one is not able to receive the things of God then obviously they are not going to do those things that are pleasing to Him, but rather they will continue in their quest to satisfy their own carnal desires. Again we see the word discerned; it’s this lack of discernment that causes many to fall back into the abyss of the flesh and its dead end desires. While many should be teaching and instructing others in the realm of the Spirit they have need that one teach them again the spiritual meaning of the word of God. And rather than operating with the mind and understanding of Christ, they are no longer able to function in His realm. Romans 10:1-5 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. (2) For I bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. (3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (5) For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. (KJV) Have you ever gone back and read what the Lord thinks of our own righteousness? How about the term self-righteous; which is not very flattering either? So why do so many miss the mark and enter this realm of mission impossible? Once again we see that their carnal thinking gets in the way and distorts the true meaning of God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Rather than submit themselves to right standing with God, which is only in Christ and that new creation being brought forth, many fall away again by trying to establish their own. As we see in verse 4 Christ is the end of the law, because He fulfilled it without sinning so that we wouldn’t have to be held in bondage to it any longer. But as one sees in the end of verse 4 it only works by a simple belief, nothing else. So in the end, those who try to establish a relationship with the Father by the law are those that choose to live or try to live in something that is dead and should be left for dead. Again Church, without faith it is impossible to please God; and once you have stepped out of the realm of faith, or try to add anything else besides faith, like works, you have now fallen under the title of a transgressor. Romans 6:3-6 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (KJV) When you think of baptism, do you just think of the water ritual, or are you able to discern the true meaning of what our Lord was demonstrating, and the spiritual implications of it? Again, we see similar to circumcision that it is not the outward one that the Lord is looking to, but it is that new creature or creation within you that is important. When you are baptized into Christ you are immersed into His plan of salvation, a new way of life that the believer should be eating, drinking, and partaking of spiritually, not just some one and done ritual. You have now been baptized, and have entered a whole new realm of thinking as well as living, a realm of faith no longer based on your works. You have been planted like a seed into the fertile heavenly ground so that the living waters could bring life to the new creation within you, so that Christ could again be resurrected within you and do those things that are pleasing to God through you. You no longer have to be a servant of sin, falling away into sin, but rather a new creation in Christ. Is your old nature buried with Him and left for dead so that you can be a partaker of the new nature, or are you hanging around the graveyard and digging up the dirt? Remember our God is not a God of the dead, spiritually, but a God of the living. So where are you finding life today; is it in Christ, or are still trying to do it by the works of the law which are no longer alive and in play, but dead and nailed to the cross of Christ? Galatians 3:27-29 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV) Have you truly put on Christ, or are you just a put on? Those that have truly been baptized, immersed in His living waters, will be walking in a newness of life and not the oldness of the letter which kills and causes one to fall away. If you are truly Christ’s then it can only be by believing in His promise of salvation, and not of works. 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) As we saw in Hebrews 6, that one of the things that was causing people to fall away, was their lack of discernment concerning the doctrine of baptisms. While many still hold to the outward ritual, which one do you believe our Lord is concerned with? Paul narrowed it down to one baptism, which can only be established by one faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you truly baptized into Christ and have put Him on which makes all things possible to them that believe, or are you still holding to the old laws and rituals that make it impossible to please Him? 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV) I will let you decide and discern for yourself so that you no longer will have to fall away, but be able to stay seated in the heavenly places in Christ. God bless and hold fast. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit. (KJV)
As we discussed last week it was needed that one be taught again the first principles of the oracles of God. Now today we are talking about moving past the first grade and graduating to a deeper more mature knowledge of God. The reason one has to learn again the first principles is that they need to be reminded of the spiritual implications of the doctrine of Christ, and not to hold to the outward rituals any more. Simply put what you see here in the first two verses refer to things of the old law, rituals and such that no longer have any reason to be continued in, being the fact that Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin and completed the work that was needed to reconcile us to God. What we basically see in the first three verses is that in order to move forward, which we will do as God permits or gives liberty (which knowing the truth sets one free), one needs to leave the works of the law dead and buried. What Paul was seeing, and what many of those in the early Church were dealing with, was people who were still trying to keep the old law and the works of it in play; which when you try to combine the two doesn’t allow for the growth that is necessary. Galatians 2:16-18 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (17) But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. (18) For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. (KJV) Actually, in order to move forward one has to make it simpler; which comes down to faith in what Jesus Christ has accomplished on our behalf, and not what we think still needs to be accomplished on His. If I start rebuilding something that was destroyed for good reason, being the old law and its ordinances, I have now transgressed and gone backwards instead of forward. While many claim to have known the Lord for a long time, the reality is that many are still stuck in neutral or the first grade, because rather than realizing it is faith that is pleasing to God they still try to access Him and establish a relationship with Him based on their works and not on His completed one. Colossians 2:14-15 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV) You know, the Lord took these ordinances and the handwriting of the old law out of the way for good reason, because it was working against us and not very edifying. Isn’t this life enough of a challenge trying to walk in the Spirit without adding a bunch of laws and rituals the Lord eliminated for our benefit? So rather than making things complicated Church, get rid of the excess baggage and keep it simple; a simple faith and belief in what the Lord is asking of you, and not what man keeps saying is important. The Lord spoke in parables and used analogies of things in this realm that had a spiritual meaning, so now it is time for you to discern what the meaning is spiritually and operate in that realm. Hebrews 9:7-10 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: (8) The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: (9) Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; (10) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV) You know folks, when I was in first grade I did things more because I was told what to do, not because I knew better. But as I grew and matured I was able to decide and discern for myself what was best for me, and what I was best suited for, although I didn’t always make the wisest choices. Carnal ordinances, certain foods and drinks, and washings which would definitely come under the term water baptism, were all imposed unto the people until the time of reformation which took place once the Lord paid the price for sin and released us from these old stale harsh rituals and doctrines. Once you have been released from this ball and chain, why would anyone desire to go back to it again, trying to build a foundation on something that was destroyed and nailed to a cross? Again, how much would you benefit from going back to the first grade and trying to learn from that literature? Now that the way into the holiest of holies has been made available for us by the blood of Christ and not the works of the law, why do so many hold more to the old rather than to the new? You have a clear path to the throne of God so that you can boldly go before Him and get the things you need which are spiritual on a daily basis; why would you make it more difficult and complicated than what the Lord made it? In fact the Lord laid down His life so that we could have a clear path; so by adding all this other stuff to His simple terms and conditions of salvation, are we not telling Him He didn’t do a complete work? Ephesians 2:13-18 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (17) And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. (18) For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. (KJV) Right now you have an open door in Christ to walk out and graduate from the old, and move on to perfection (maturity). That partition that has kept us stagnant and stuck in the old has been knocked down, and now we are able to leave these first principles of how the Lord was introduced to the people by the law behind us, and now move on to a deeper understanding having our spiritual eyes enlightened by the truth which sets us free. A basic summation; we have been reconciled to God, and that peace you have experienced and should be continuing in, is a result of faith and not of works, so that none can boast. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 14:1-4 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. (2) For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. (3) But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (4) He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (KJV)
Paul ended chapter 13 by talking about childish things, and then begins chapter 14 here teaching about love and how to operate in the love of God. Again verse 1 uses the term gifts, which is an added word not in the original text. Everything we have been talking about this week points back to the gift of Christ, and how we as believers can allow His Spirit to manifest through us for our profit. One of the childish things Paul saw happening in the Church was the speaking in tongues and the improper use of it. While many were just rattling off in tongues to the congregation, as I still see going on today, few knew the importance of prophesying; which simply means to speak under the inspiration of the Spirit. Basically what was being asked is, what is going to be the most edifying to the body, speaking words of life that will build up or speaking something that is not understood and of no avail. 1 Corinthians 14:5-6 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (6) Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? (KJV) It’s not that Paul was forbidding the manifestation of tongues in the Church, it was that he was trying to instruct them on how it was to be done decently and in order; something that would be from the motive of love to build up the Church and not to confuse it. So unless there is an understanding to what is being spoken then there should be nothing said. Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (KJV) The Spirit will pray through you with groanings or utterances, which without an understanding should not be uttered. Though these may be in the form of a tongue or an unknown language to the believer, it is the Spirit within you praying to the Father on behalf of all His people. So unless you’re sure what is being spoken, Paul is saying, it is best to keep it to yourself. Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (19) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (KJV) Again, Paul wasn’t forbidding the use of tongues, but rather was teaching them how to effectively operate with a new tongue which is a result of the new heart. Paul knew how to pray and communicate with God, as well as allowing God to communicate His message of salvation back through Him to reveal the mystery of the gospel. His desire was one of love, one to speak boldly, so that it would point the people to God and build them up, giving them an understanding into the mystery of Christ. 1 Corinthians 14:7-12 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? (8) For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? (9) So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. (10) There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. (11) Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. (12) Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. (KJV) Thayer’s definition for barbarian: 915 barbaros- 1) one whose speech is rude, rough and harsh 2) one who speaks a foreign or strange language which is not understood by another. Again, what is your motive when you come together? If you are trying to impress others then you will be like a barbarian to others, or like someone from a foreign country who is trying to communicate a message that is not discernable. Like verse 12 alludes to, desire Spiritual; something that will build up the Church and not self. 1 Corinthians 14:13-20 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. (14) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. (15) What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. (16) Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? (17) For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. (18) I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: (19) Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. (20) Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (KJV) If you are unable to interpret a tongue, whether it is in the form of a doctrine or what someone considers knowledge or any other utterance, unless it is done with understanding then they should keep silent. In other words quit acting like a bunch of children with a new toy; if you don’t know how it works you will end up causing more harm than good. Like Paul said, he would rather speak five words that would build up and edify, than sounding off like some auctioneer that makes a lot of noise without any substance. Colossians 4:3-4 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (4) That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. (KJV) The most important gift that we can covet and hold to is the gift of Christ, and all that we have access to through His name. For those that are going to mature in Christ and effectively allow the Spirit to manifest through them will be those who have learned how to speak and teach the mystery of Christ from the motive of love. Let’s put away childish things, and come to a loving and mature understanding of God and how He desires His people to operate and speak on His behalf. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)
God gave us the perfect gift in the form of His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we too could manifest God’s plan of salvation however or whatever way He sees fit. The question you have to answer for yourself is ‘will you find your place in the body of Christ and allow His spirit to work in you as well?’ 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (28) And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? (30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. (KJV) God has set and would like to set you in the body where He knows you are best suited, and where you would be able to be the most effective. While many think that they know how to be the most effective, it’s only those that allow God to work through them in the place He would have them to be who will be the ones He will work through, and manifest His Spirit through. Are all of us qualified to be in the position of an apostle or a prophet, if not then leave it alone. Are you developed enough in the calling or qualification of healing, or speaking in tongues and interpreting them as well, if not then don’t pretend you are just because someone else is. Like verse 31 says, covet the best gifts or qualifications that you are best suited for; because if you haven’t been called to a certain position, or you are trying to operate in a place that God hasn’t called you to or you are not developed in, you will be ineffective. I have been a truck driver and a transit operator for most of my working days which is a talent God gave me and blessed me with. But I can assure you that if I needed medical attention or knew someone else that did, I would gladly point them or myself to someone that was qualified and had an understanding concerning healing. You know what they say about those that are their own doctor; they end up with fools for patients. Have you ever watched medical shows on TV when they do an operation? You see that it takes someone who is trained and knows what they are doing so that they can provide the remedy. Just because you stayed at a Holiday Inn doesn’t make you qualified; the same holds true in the Spiritual realm. God does not want a novice any more than you would want a novice physician doing life and death surgery on you. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (KJV) Paul ended chapter 12 saying that he would show us a more excellent way, and here it is, what it comes down to is the motive of the heart. You may have a tremendous zeal for God, but if it is not being done in love then it is all for naught and will profit nothing. Love is laying down your life for the brethren; finding your place in the body and allowing God to work through you no matter where He has set you in the body, or how He chooses to work through you. You may have learned to speak and pray in a tongue of man, or that of an angel, or a spiritual nature, but if it is not done in love it is of no avail. So again, what is the motive of your heart, and how are you responding to the calling of God and the gift He has given? Are you a gift that is allowing the life of God to flow through you, or have you become a stumbling block to others, causing more confusion than peace? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (KJV) The manifestation of the Spirit is given for us to profit in, and nothing will demonstrate that better than the motive of love. Everything we see here in the above verses totally contradicts what we have learned from the past, like the term looking out for number one. Number one is now the members of the one body in Christ, something we should be more concerned with than our own desires. The Bible says that we should do unto others as we would like done unto us, even though the second part of that verse doesn’t always turn out that way. Even though we don’t always receive from others what we put forth, it doesn’t mean we should lower our standards and stoop to a different level. 1 Corinthians 13:8-11 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (11) When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (KJV) God so loved the world that He gave us His only begotten Son so that we could partake of His divine nature and learn how to reciprocate His charity, which is another word for love, back to Him as well as other members of the body. Love never fails; it is a sure fire way to allow the Spirit, the gift of Christ, to manifest and work through us. While many have tried to impress others with much speaking and head knowledge, and while others thought that by speaking in tongues they would really be impressive, in the end it will all just vanish away and the only thing left that will make any difference is those that chose to walk in love. How have you answered the call of God? Are you doing it with the motive of love not only on His behalf but for the members of the body of Christ as well, or are you motivated by trying to impress others, which has just been described as being of no profit? 1 Corinthians 13:12-13 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (13) And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (KJV) Someday we will be able to see the totality of God’s plan of salvation without having to deal with our carnal understanding. So for now we will have to settle for a glimpse into the heavenly realm, building a foundation one day at a time. The best way to clear this up for today is with an understanding and a motive of love, a perfect mature love that casts out all fear. How are you handling the gift God gave? Are you able to see for yourself where you fit in the body and is your desire to edify others, or are motives childish and self serving? It’s the best gift available to all mankind, the gift of God, which He would love for you to receive if you would love to have it. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Timothy 2:4-7 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth? (5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (6) Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (7) Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. (KJV)
Strong’s definition for mediator : 3316 mesites (mes-ee'-tace); from 3319; a go-between, i.e. (simply) an internunciator, or (by implication) a reconciler (intercessor): KJV-- mediator. Paul knew what his calling of God was, and that it was to point the people to the Father through His Son, the one and only mediator between God and man, that man being Christ Jesus. This is the mystery of the gospel that God enlightened unto Paul, and why he suffered so much persecution for teaching them the name of Christ and the power in His name. When I look at verse 4 I think of many that have been saved at one time and walked with the Lord but never came to a working knowledge of the truth so that they could endure to the end. Some think all they have to do is make some commitment, or answer some alter call and it is done. The truth be known, this is only the first step. In order to continue in the faith grounded and settled and not moved away one needs to come to a working knowledge of the mystery of the gospel by accessing the Father through the only name whereby one can be saved, that being Jesus Christ the name above all names. 2 Timothy 3:1-7 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, (3) Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (4) Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (5) Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (6) For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, (7) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (KJV) We are in the last days, and the fallen nature of man continues to wax worse and worse with deceptions and lies, most of which are found in the form of religion and religious organizations. Mankind is more in love with themselves and their own desires than having a love for God and seeking His truth which will set them free from their lusts. While many promise liberty and are ever learning scriptures that pertain to the Bible they twist them to fit their own lifestyles and never come to the knowledge of the truth which is only found in Christ, the one mediator between God and man. They portray a form of godliness but deny the power of God which is Christ and are left defenseless. Romans 1:15-16 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. (16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (KJV) The devil doesn’t mind religion as long as there is no truth, and especially if there is no power source. No wonder our adversary is referred to as the spirit of antichrist, doing all he can to keep the people of God powerless and without truth. You mention the name of Jesus and you are speaking a common name that is used of mankind and still is in use, but you add the name of Christ and now you have plugged the people into the heavenly power source, a mediator that is able to give us the truth, and only the truth will set one free. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; (24) But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (KJV) So many books are written about power in the name of Jesus, so many sermons and prayers on the name of Jesus, this being taught despite what the word of God clearly says. Christ is the Son of God, the one and only mediator, our go between and middle man, our only source of power and access to the wisdom of God. What good is having a light if you never plug it in; this is just the place the devil wants the Church to be in, darkness. If you don’t know the Son then you won’t know the Father, because the word of God is quite specific to say that we cannot access our Father without this knowledge. To some it is a stumbling block and to others it is foolish; thinking what difference does it make if I just say Jesus and not Christ, God knows our heart? God does know your heart, now the question is how well do you know Him? The only way you are going to get to know Him is through His Son and what He has done on our behalf, and what He is still doing on our behalf. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV) If you don’t have peace in your life today be assured it is not on God’s end. If you desire His peace and answers to your prayers then it will only come through His mediator, Christ Jesus. Our Lord said that He was the door and it was only by Him that we would have access into the heavenly realm to be partakers of the heavenly gift. If you don’t know the family name then how can you expect to partake of our heavenly inheritance which is only given to those in Christ? 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) Have you rented a motel room lately and seen how they use cards to get access to the rooms? If you don’t have the right card to the right door you don’t get in. How about a computer, you need the right password to get access otherwise you are denied. The Bible is very specific to tell us who the one mediator is between God and man, and what His name is. In fact there is no other name under heaven that is given among mankind, or any name mankind can come up with that will give them access, but the name of Jesus Christ. So if you sense today that you are still on the outside looking in here is the key that will unlock the door and let you step out of the realm of the flesh and into the realm of the Spirit, Jesus Christ. Not just because I say so; but if you take the time to read the Bible you will see that the Lord’s people throughout the New Testament were instructing His people and pointing them to the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 3:11-13 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (12) Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. (13) Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. (KJV)
What did Abel do wrong to deserve the hate which led to his death? The answer is nothing; however, he did choose to hold God to be true, which brought about the persecution. So what are you doing wrong or think you are doing wrong because you have brought the wrath of man to the surface and manifested what is really going on in the heart? Don’t stand in awe or wonder, and marvel if the world and its ways hate the message you live and bring forth, rather continue in the love of God even though the majority of what we are surrounded with chooses to hate. Even back to the beginning of mankind we see the strife and contention manifested in the form of hatred; so if you encounter these things on the path of life you are walking don’t be ashamed or think it strange, rather rejoice because you are partakers of the same sufferings that others who have chosen this same path have encountered. John 15:17-21 These things I command you, that ye love one another. (18) If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (19) If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth 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. (KJV) We see the warnings again of what will happen to those that choose to be followers of our Lord and the opposition they will encounter. As you see though, we should not take these things personal, as it is not us they hate but the One we represent, that is who they truly hate and despise. Whatever visions you had of Christianity, or however our Lord has been portrayed by mankind, are most likely based on illusions of pleasing man, people pleasers if you would, which we are surrounded with and why so many are weak. They persecuted our Lord they will do the same to you. So get used to it and be prepared; don’t take it personal, because all they are doing is taking their frustrations out on the messenger. We are like postmen who must deliver the mail despite the fact that there are some nasty dogs out there that bark and bite. Our responsibility is to deliver the message, a message of hope and love to a dying world, even though they may interpret it as hate. John 17:13-16 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. (14) I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (15) I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (16) They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (KJV) Our Lord’s prayer for His people shortly before His crucifixion was for their edification and comfort, despite the hatred they would encounter after His departure. The more one grows in the knowledge of our Lord and the things of His realm, the more it will contradict those of this realm, the world as it is referred to and its fallen ways. The more you let the truth set you free the more it will convict those that wish to establish their own righteousness which is based on works and not on grace. The Lord was in this world but not of it and did not subject Himself or His belief in its system and way of thinking. We too are confronted daily with the same temptations and man’s way of thinking, that if we would only bend a bit here and compromise a bit there then we could fit in with the world, and not have to suffer the hatred and persecution. But like Paul said, if we seek to please man then we cannot be the servants of Christ. John 7:1-7 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. (2) Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand. (3) His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. (4) For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. (5) For neither did his brethren believe in him. (6) Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. (7) The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. (KJV) We see that our Lord was not always a crowd favorite and well received. It got to the point where He had to be watchful where He went because many didn’t take His message as one of love, but rather chose to hate. Isn’t it just like mankind illustrated in verse 4, who thinks they need to go and show themselves to the world and demonstrate the things of God to a larger audience in order to be a success? But the Lord knew His calling and who He was seeking to please. And the more He chose to love, the less He was loved, rather hated. And just like our Lord, just because those that have been close to you don’t believe, even your own brothers or sisters, it doesn’t mean you are a failure or have done anything wrong. John 7:5 [Neither did his brethren believe in him.] They did not receive him as the promised Messiah; but, having seen so many of his miracles, they could not but consider him as an eminent prophet. They supposed that, if he were the Messiah, he would wish to manifest himself as such to the world; and, because he did not do so, they did not believe that he was the salvation of Israel. (from Adam Clarke Commentary) Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. (23) Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. (KJV) Don’t always think right away that you have done something wrong, or that you are offending people in a negative way just because you choose to live the truth and be a true believer of our Lord, not just in word but in deed as well. Although our Lord brought a message of love to a fallen mankind, many choose to hate rather than reciprocate His love in return; and if you experience these situations in your own walk don’t think it strange, rather rejoice in that you are partakers of these same sufferings which are an evident sign that you are on the right path and in good standing with our Father. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 4:11-14 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; (12) And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: (13) Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. (14) I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. (KJV)
Remember the TV program Fantasy Island, where they fly into the island with a problem and leave with the solution? They make it look so easy; and how they look up to the people that provide the solutions and put them on pedestals. Well today we still have re-runs of that program which are displayed by many false teachers of the gospel of Christ, who make ministry work look so glamorous and exciting; how well thought of they are in the community, and looked up to as leaders and pillars. With their three piece suits and two bit doctrines they try to compare themselves with those that God has used before, but as one can see from the above verses, the gap between reality and fantasy is huge. If you think you want to be like Paul, Peter or some of the other people God has used then you need to look at what I will call the fine print; because for many ear tickling preachers it seems they have left this part out, or do their best to hide the true fact that the closer one gets to the Lord the more they truly will endure suffering on His behalf. It would be nice if all one had to do is write of the blessings of God and all the wonderful things that accompany them, but I would be negligent in presenting the truth about the things that don’t tickle the ear, but warn the heart of the reality, for those that chose to be led of the Spirit. Philippians 1:27-30 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (28) And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. (29) For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (30) Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. (KJV) The more one is led of the Spirit the more it contradicts those that are led of the flesh, and to them the doctrine of Christ seems foolish and a waste of time. The warning Paul was giving to the people was not only to believe in Christ but also that there would be suffering for His sake to those that speak on His behalf. Although Paul was used of God to write a good portion of the epistles, if you read through His accounts you will see there was plenty of conflict and opposition along the way. So don’t be discouraged if you encounter these things also, because it doesn’t mean you did something wrong but rather just the opposite. I see a lot of these do gooders who claim to be of God, who write and sell their books, who preach a life of prosperity living the American dream in the name of God, yet they are selling their souls for a buck (money). Many would like to only tell the people what they want to hear instead of what they need; the truth that will set them free indeed. So before you choose to enter the ministry based on these false illusions, the reality is that the only reason many false teachers sell this stuff is because they are not a threat to the enemy but rather an asset to him; settling for the rewards of this realm and not for an eternal reward of inheritance. Christian brothers and sisters, know there will be opposition, but also take comfort in the fact that it is because you are doing what is right in the sight of the Lord; which is why it will rub man the wrong way and cause the conflict. 1 Peter 4:15-19 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. (16) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (17) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (18) And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (19) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (KJV) We have many false prophets out and about that the Lord warned us of that bring false doctrines and rob the people of the truth. They portray a people pleasing life of a minister as being someone that is looked up to and revered by many, which in reality is nothing more than seeking the honor of man rather than that of God. If you suffer as a Christian don’t be ashamed, even if it is by other so called Christians that would rather water down the truth and not deal with the reality of those that truly choose to follow the leading of the Spirit. Again don’t think it so strange concerning the fiery trials that come your way, because the more you choose to live the truth and speak it, the more those darts will be hurled your way. And don’t be surprised if you end up taking some friendly fire from those that claim to be of God, false brethren that smile to your face and stab you in the back. 2 Timothy 3:10-15 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (11) Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. (12) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (13) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (14) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (15) 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. (KJV) The reason the righteous are scarcely saved is because evil men and seducers are getting worse and worse with their deceptions and lies, and many Christians do not take the time in the word of God for themselves to know the difference, but rather get caught up in them. The reason Paul suffered so much is because of the doctrine of Christ that he taught and preached as well as lived, which is why there was so much opposition. That is why we are to continue in the faith grounded and settled and not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which is Christ in you, His leading and guiding of the Spirit. We see the encouragement in verse 14, to continue in these things despite the sufferings and persecutions because you know the truth and that is why you are suffering, not because you did something wrong. Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. (KJV) Still interested in ministry work? Then time for a reality check. If you think you are going to be revered and highly thought of in the community, think again. If you wish to be highly thought of and a pillar in God’s community then proceed forward. Those that portray a one sided version of the ministry are living in a fantasy world on an island located somewhere in the dead sea, and will find their program cancelled. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I could speak the languages of men, of angels too, and have no love, I am only a rattling pan or a clashing cymbal. (2) If I should have the gift of prophecy, And know all secret truths, and knowledge in its every form, and have such perfect faith that I could move mountains, but have no love, I am nothing. (3) If I should dole out everything I have for charity, and give my body up to torture in mere boasting pride, but have no love, I get from it no good at all. (Williams Translation)
Think about what people are truly looking for in life; that one true love that will make them complete. How many endless songs, movies, and novels have been written describing those that find that one true love, or those that lose a loved one, how empty their lives are? For those that experience a love relationship it is very exciting in the beginning; then as reality sets in for those that decide to marry they realize in order to maintain a quality relationship it has to be from the heart, with the right motives in order to be long lasting. The same holds true with serving the Lord, once you have tasted and partaken of the goodness of the Lord nothing else will ever come close or satisfy that void that was in our lives. In order to maintain this relationship it has to be from the heart, with the motive of love for our Lord as well as His people. So just like with our earthly marriages, anything less than a commitment based on love will not last, but end up going by the wayside. 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) Only those that do the will of God from the heart with the motive of love will be allowed access into our Father’s eternal kingdom. That is why the word of God says ‘blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God’, because without this vision the people perish. We see in the above verses that many thought they were serving our Lord, and may have had a zeal for Him but it was not according to His knowledge, or a faith in Him which only works by love. Many still think that they need to help the Lord out with their own versions of the gospel, and never come to a working knowledge of our Lord and how He intended His word to be ministered. So although many can quote the scriptures backward and forward, and claim they are doing so much for the Lord, they fail to teach the people the mystery of the gospel which is the only truth that will set them free. For myself I am quite tired of the endless works of man who act like God takes orders from them. A true preacher and teacher of the Lord will instruct the people of the love of God that was shown toward mankind, which is based on the completed work our Lord did on our behalf, and not what so many think they are doing on His behalf. Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (KJV) There is a wise man teaching this parable; Jesus of Nazareth taught the people how to operate in the wisdom of God by building our foundation upon a rock, the name of Christ and His doctrine. Those that come to a working knowledge of Christ are able to understand the love of God so that when the winds of doctrines blow through they will not fall for mankind’s cheap imitations and perverted doctrines. Those that do not know the love of Christ will be on shaky ground and fall for man’s self serving doctrines which are based more on the love of money than the love of God. James 2:14-17 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, (16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (KJV) If you found a child out in the elements without proper clothing and food would you not do something out of a love for that child to make sure they got what they needed and required to keep alive and healthy? So if you look at the spiritual implications of these scriptures, how many times do we come across the path of God’s children who are in the same predicament spiritually? Are you prepared and ready to give them what is needed, or will you leave them in worse shape than you found them? Faith which works by love is what will give the body of Christ what is needed to restore them; spirit, soul, and body. As harmful as it is to our physical body to bear the elements without proper clothing and food, how much more devastating is it to the spiritual body if one is not able to provide what is needed for them spiritually? This is where many miss the mark, they are more interested in building themselves up than the people; what may have started out as a love for God has now grown cold trying to maintain the outward image instead of ministering to the inward. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV) So whose works are you operating in today? Are you in harmony with the completed work God did on your behalf and ordained for you to walk in, or are you trying to impress people with your own works and how you think God operates? Strong’s definition for workmanship 4161 poiema (poy'-ay-mah); from 4160; a product, i.e. fabric (literally or figuratively): KJV-- thing that is made, workmanship. You are a product, the offspring of a God of love. Only those that establish a relationship with our Father based on a true loving commitment will seek those things that are pleasing to Him and trust more in His work than their own vain empty attempts. Who loves ya? Our Lord endlessly, eternally, and unconditionally based on your willingness and obedience to His plan of salvation that was drawn up for you before the foundation of this world. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Acts 2:36-38 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (37) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
Jesus of Nazareth was made a little lower than the angels and was born into this realm, having been a partaker of flesh and blood. The Bible states clearly that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. So after His death, burial and resurrection, He was then glorified by God having accepted the blood sacrifice for the sin of the world and is now elevated to the position of Lord and Christ, the one mediator between God and man, seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. Matthew 26:63-65 But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. (64) Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. (65) Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. (KJV) When we see the reference to Christ the Son of God as well as the Son of man sitting on the right hand and coming in the clouds, the statement is truth, making reference to what we just saw in Acts 2:36, of these two God has made one new man so making peace, which culminates in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is now no condemnation to those that are in Christ; and those that choose to follow the same leading of the Holy Spirit will find an abundance of peace in the new man God is forming within them also. Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: (17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (KJV) We too have access to the same Spirit. And the more we allow this Spirit to bear witness to our spirit, the more we are reminded of our inheritance in Christ, and how we too can receive the reward of inheritance and a glorified body so that we can be together with Him for an eternity. The more you receive this witness from above the more you realize that you are truly a son of God and will start acting like one of His also. So who is it or what is it you are bearing witness with? Because the Bible clearly states that whatsoever is not of faith, the message delivered by Christ, is sin. Without faith and this Spirit bearing witness with our spirit then it is impossible to please God, we end up thieves and robbers trying to access the Father by our flesh and blood carnal thinking which cannot inherit His kingdom. Galatians 4:19-21 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, (20) I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice for I stand in doubt of you. (21) Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? (KJV) It pained Paul to see the people who were born again into the realm of the Spirit by their simple hearing of faith, only to see them fall back to their old ways by the works of the law. There is a new creation within you, ready to birth and come to life within you so that you can be a new creation in Christ and leave the old man and its old ways dead and buried behind you. So are you nurturing that new man within you by giving it a steady daily dose of the word of God, or are you trying to feed him with old dead, decaying, unhealthy doctrines of man? Colossians 2:8-10 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. (9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) If any man has not the Spirit of Christ working within them and bearing witness to them of who they are in Christ, then they are none of His. Our Lord Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead, and having received a glorified body is now a part of the Godhead. Some refer to the Godhead as the trinity; the Bible speaks of three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, which these three agree in one and operate in unison together as one. We too become one with God through Christ, and we are complete in Him when we receive His witness as truth and let that set us free from the traditions and rudiments of this fallen world. Our Lord Jesus Christ is an active part of this Godhead, having taken His place at the right hand of the Father; and by His sacrifice has prepared a place for us with Him as well. Ephesians 2:11-12 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; (12) That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: (KJV) A Gentile is a reference to an unbeliever, someone outside the realm of faith and not walking in God’s plan of salvation. Some have tried to link the mystery of the gospel as the Jew and Gentile coming together as one, which is based on the outward and not the inward. The mystery of the gospel is Christ in you and me, someone that was on the outside of salvation, an unbeliever who was in the flesh and only knew how to operate in that realm, but who has now been reconciled to God by His Son and His Spirit within us. Ephesians 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (15) Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (KJV) It began with the Son of man, a child born unto us Jesus of Nazareth, and it culminated into the Son of God, Christ, the Son given. Of these two God made one new man so that we could be more like Him, Christ like, and continue in the peace of God. Is there new life springing forth in you also, are you letting His Spirit bear witness with your spirit so that you can be one with Him and be that new creation in Christ? You have the mind of Christ; and the more you let Him witness to your mind the more you stay one with Him and in agreement to what God is asking of you today. It’s when we become double minded that we end up unstable and are no longer receiving the things of God. Who’s number one? We are, if we continue to let this new man take over and leave our old nature in the graveyard. God bless. And have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 16:13-15 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (14) And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. (15) He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? (KJV)
If you go into any city and take the time to look into a phone book under the title of churches you will find pages and pages of different so called faiths and denominations. In others words, when posed with the same question we see in the above verses mankind is still rendering many different opinions on who this Jesus of Nazareth was and what to call this man. In fact some two thousand plus years ago some were trying to associate him with the Baptist, which being the fact that he didn’t acknowledge himself to be one back then I don’t know why so many today are still trying to pin that label on him. We do see him acknowledging himself as the Son of man, having partaken of flesh and blood, but as we are about to see, something else will come into play and expand the field so to speak. Matthew 16:16-18 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (18) And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV) Christ, the Son of the living God, not God as many claim, but His Son. The fact that God Himself is a Spirit it would only be fitting that His Son, Christ, is of that realm also. Not only was this Jesus born of the flesh but he was also reborn of the Spirit and is Spirit also; the same Spirit of Christ that led this man Jesus of Nazareth is the same Spirit that is abiding in you and what should be leading you as well. This rock foundation is spiritual, and the only foundation that will withstand and prevail against the gates of hell. It is this Spirit of Christ within the believer that allows each of us to be a part of the family of God so that we too can receive the adoption of Sons. We see our Lord acknowledging the two births again, that which is born of flesh is flesh, Jesus of Nazareth, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit, Christ, which if any man has not His Spirit he is not of God, which now makes it a complete package, Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. 1 Corinthians 10:2-5 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; (3) And did all eat the same spiritual meat; (4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (5) But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. (KJV) Even in the Old Testament we see the Son of God, Christ, alive and well, His Spirit working among the people. Back then it was providing water that fed the flesh, today it provides us living spiritual water that quenches our spiritual thirst. This is the only name, the rock solid name of the Son of God that our Father acknowledges as one of His and the only name that you can get your prayers through to our Father. Though many claim that Christ was born in Bethlehem, it was Jesus the son of man that was born, Christ always was and always will be, or as He put it I AM. Again that which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit; you must be born again with this Spirit of Christ or you cannot see the kingdom of God. Colossians 1:26-29 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (29) Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (KJV) Paul described this revelation of Christ as a mystery, something hid and kept secret but now made manifest. To those that operate solely in the realm of the flesh this continues to be a mystery. And like we saw with the question asked in Matthew 16:13-15, many are still answering this question according to popular opinion and not by a personal revelation and relationship with God in the Spirit. So no matter what man thinks or how many labels and titles they try to put on Him, His word is quite specific on how His plan of salvation works and who it is that is working in His people. So people, before you jump on these bandwagons of popular beliefs and doctrines take the time in the word of God and prayer, and see for yourself who the Lord truly is and by what name does He go by and acknowledges Himself to be. The only teaching and the only way to present the believer perfect, mature in all wisdom, will only be accomplished by the wisdom of God through the knowledge of His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (KJV) This is a great mystery and continues to be because it is hid to the carnal man and his way of thinking, and only revealed to the spiritual man and those that desire to worship God in spirit and in truth. God truly was manifest in the flesh, His plan of salvation and the miracles that He worked through Jesus of Nazareth were only accomplished by the Spirit of Christ within Him and His willingness and obedience to follow that leading. As this Jesus Christ is known also as the Son of God, so are you if you continue your relationship with the Father by basing your walk on what the Spirit of Christ working within you dictates and not by the box mankind tries to stick Him in and label Him with. It takes one to know one; so if you want to resemble your Father in heaven then you need to follow the example of the Son and the Spirit of Him, Christ, if you wish to receive the reward of inheritance. We will continue with this topic of the Son of God, so keep the faith grounded and settled within you, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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