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1 Corinthians 15:49-50 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. (50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (KJV)
In order to be a partaker of an inheritance one must be a member of that family. God is a Spirit so only those that worship Him in spirit and in truth will be partakers as well as inheritors of His kingdom. Many people think that someday they will go to heaven and then see all their family members, and there will be a great reunion. However the truth be known, once you accepted the Lord’s plan of salvation you were adopted into a new family with a pure bloodline, that being the blood of Christ which cleanses us from all sin and allows us to be a part of His spiritual family. Luke 8:19-21 Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. (20) And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. (21) And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. (KJV) Which realm do you hold to now; in other words which one has the most influence in your life, the spiritual or the flesh and blood realm? Despite the fact that our Lord was very clear in who His family truly is, today many still hold and put more value in the fleshly realm than the spiritual one, and then wonder why their relationship with the Lord goes stale. If you were brought up in a Christian home that’s great, but what if those of your own household were not likeminded with you? In fact many times those of your own household may be more of a hindrance than a help to your spiritual welfare. My question is today, did the Lord make you the savior of your physical family, or does His word give specific warnings on how to handle these situations? Mark 6:1-6 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. (2) And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? (3) Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. (4) But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house. (5) And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them. (6) And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching. (KJV) Isn’t it interesting that the Lord Himself wasn’t given the royal treatment when around His own physical family, in His own country? So if our Lord didn’t fare to well with flesh and blood what makes you think you will either? Why let the enemy lay a guilt trip on you because you think you are a failure if your family doesn’t get saved the way you think they should? Let me share this tidbit also, at the end of verse three we see that they were offended in Him, which by the way included His physical family. Before you pack your bags to embark on a guilt trip, realize that you are in good company if some are offended in what you believe, even those of your own household. The theory of relativity doesn’t work with God; in other words once you entered the kingdom of God and sought out His righteousness you entered a whole new realm populated with a whole new spiritual family in Christ. Many people still look and see only the outward man, as with Jesus, they judged according to the flesh and blood line, and were unable to acknowledge who the Son of God is, who was standing in front of them, which was Christ in Him the only hope of glory. Today the majority of people still have this veil on their heart and only give credence to the outward, while a few ever truly come to a working knowledge of the inward man Christ and become partakers of His divine nature. Psalms 69:7-8 Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face. (8) I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. (KJV) Did not our Lord say that if they persecuted Him they would do it to you also? Whether you believe it or not, Jesus of Nazareth’s own flesh and blood family were not on board with where the spirit of Christ was leading Him; which eventually ended up at a cross. While many teach and preach that you should be holding to your physical family until they get saved, the truth be known that the word of God is quite clear that the realm of the flesh is contrary to that of the Spirit. It is basically like trying to mix water and oil together. So Church, if you don’t quite jive with those of your own household don’t take it personally, because quite frankly you are in good company and good standing with our Lord. Matthew 10:34-38 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (35) For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (36) And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. (37) He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (38) And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (KJV) Choose you this day who you will serve, because no man can serve two masters, and a house divided will definitely fall. The Lord said quite clearly that they who were not with Him were against Him. So just because you made a decision to serve our Lord doesn’t mean everyone else around you will. The question now becomes, if you are not finding peace where you are at, and around those you have been familiar with are you willing to move on in order to maintain that peace you have with God, or will you keep trying to find peace in a realm the Lord said it wouldn’t be found in? Nobody said it was an easy path to heaven; now the question becomes, will you take up your own cross in order to follow our Lord no matter who or what form it manifests itself in? When the Lord put these instructions in the Bible they are put there for our benefit; like throwing a lifeline to someone about to drown in destruction and despair. Luke 18:28-30 Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. (29) And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, (30) Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. (KJV) We just talked the last couple of days about relationships, those between a man and a woman and why we entered into these situations. Your life in the past was based on flesh and blood, the carnal mind that chose things that were pleasing to the flesh and not the Spirit. Now that you are a new creation in Christ old things are passed away and all things are become new, including your family in Christ and who our Lord now considers are your brothers and sisters in Christ. Maybe these people you are surrounded by are just not edifying you anymore and it is time to move on; again, no matter who or how it manifests. The question today is which realm are you holding more to, the Spirit or the flesh? Because while one will allow you to continue in your walk with the Lord, the other is a dead end that will have you coming up short if you continue to hold to an anchor and not a lifeline of escape. Revelation 21:4-5 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (5) And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. (KJV) Do you wish to partake of a new life? Then that needs to start today in order to partake of it for an eternity. While many people think that someday they will see lost loved ones based on flesh and blood ties; the truth be known, a spiritual God is only going to allow spiritual people access to His kingdom. There will be a family reunion in heaven that will be based on those in Christ; His brothers and sisters that chose to be lead of the Spirit and not the flesh. If you are unable to recognize the spiritual now then don’t expect to be recognized by a spiritual being in the here-after; because they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Who do you consider to be your true family; is it the family in Christ and what His word says, or are you holding more to the traditions and doctrines of man? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Peter 1:7-9 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (8) Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (9) Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (KJV)
Wasn’t the whole idea for accepting God’s plan of salvation into your life was to make it to the end and receive His eternal reward of inheritance? Having gone through the trial of this life which one can only be an overcomer by faith, it is the salvation of your soul that is of the utmost importance, especially when the day comes that you stand before God and give an account of your life; this life of faith in the message delivered by Christ. Jesus Christ is the first and the last; it was His word of life that brought you into the Kingdom and He will have the last say concerning your entrance into His eternal one. He is the author and finisher of our faith as well, so if you have been resurrected into the realm of the Spirit and are confident that the message you preach and follow came from the Father through the Son, then you will not be ashamed when it is time to be resurrected into His eternal realm forever. You may have entered this race with good intentions, but it is so vital that you continue and endure to the end so that you will be saved and receive the eternal inheritance. While many think all they have to do is answer some alter call to be saved, the truth be known, that is just the beginning; now you need to continue in the faith grounded and settled and don’t be moved away from the only hope of the gospel, which is Jesus Christ and His message of faith to the believers, a faith without which we cannot be pleasing to Him. Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV) Do you know what the worst part about reading the above verses is, that the people described were actually believers, those that had a zeal for God but obviously it wasn’t according to His knowledge; God’s people perishing for lack of knowledge. Take note of the fact that we are not just talking about a few here, but verse 22 is quite clear to point out that it is many that end up being deceived and do not receive the reward of inheritance, the salvation of their own souls. Somewhere along the line in their walk they were no longer communicating with the Father, but rather the father of lies who comes to steal the truth, kill the life within them, and then watch their soul eternally destroyed in the lake of fire. Are you totally sure of the message you are hearing today is of God? Does it line up with His word or have you been sidetracked and are now following a different protocol? Are there question marks in your life concerning your walk? When you stand before God someday you will know and not guess you are one of His? Remember the word of God tells us that whatsoever is not of faith is sin, so if it isn’t the Lord directing your steps then you are none of His. Those that wish to enter into the Lord’s eternal inheritance need to let the Lord in their life now, today, so that there will be no doubt or question marks concerning their reward of inheritance. Simply put people, if you don’t let the Lord into your life then He is not going to let you into His either. What rightfully belonged to people who were at one time children of God was stolen from them without them even knowing it, because somewhere along the path of life they started out on they turned and followed a different path that led to destruction. Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (KJV) There is only one path that leads to eternal life; and sad to say, only a few who find it. Years ago there was on old song that said ‘there’s a whole lot of people going home’, however the truth be known only a few will actually make it in, while many will be rejected. There is only one path, one Lord, and one faith that lead us unto life; and without this knowledge of who, what, and where this path is for you, you will not receive your eternal reward. Have you ever heard the statement ‘all paths lead to the same place’? Well that’s true, because when it involves any other way into the Kingdom besides the one our Lord said would get you in, then all those other ways are that of a thief and a robber, which is widely known as the path of destruction. Don’t be deceived into thinking that just because you joined some religious organization, or because you tithe twice a week or any other of our own works, you have your ticket stamped. Without faith, as the Bible says the just shall live by faith, without hearing this message on a daily basis then acting on what is heard you will end up eternally on the outside wishing in, knowing what was yours and what you had access to only to let it slip away from your grasp. 1 Corinthians 15:53-57 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (54) So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (55) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (56) The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) You know folks, this once saved always saved doctrine just doesn’t fly. Oh it sounds good and sure is an ear tickler which gives many a warm feeling inside, but the truth be known your salvation is based on your ability to hear the message delivered by Christ, then being a doer and not a hearer only unto the end. Your born again experience was just the beginning, now we will see if you will truly allow Jesus Christ to be the author and finisher of your faith so that you can receive your eternal inheritance. Again as we notice in the above verses, that it is not until we are given a new incorruptible body are we then allowed access into God’s kingdom; then and only then will we escape the second death which is eternal separation from the Father. So before you kick back in your easy chair and think you got this thing licked, heed the warnings in the word of God so that you can continue in the love of God and spend your eternity with Him. Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (KJV) Strong’s definition for overcometh: 3528 nikao (nik-ah'-o); from 3529; to subdue (literally or figuratively): KJV-- conquer, overcome, prevail, get the victory. You know the Lord just didn’t ask us to squeak by or hope we are one of His, but rather we should be an overcomer and walk in victory. It is our faith in what Christ has begun in us and continues to do that gives us this victory and will give us access to His eternal reward so that we can spend eternity doing a victory lap in His kingdom. Don’t be fooled Church, don’t be lulled back into a spiritual sleep and entombed into the realm of the flesh again, but hold fast your profession of faith without wavering, a message coming from the only author who will lead you to victory. Hebrews 10:35-39 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. (36) For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (37) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. (38) Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (39) But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (KJV) In this fast paced world patience is not something that is often spoke of, let alone put into practice. But by letting patience have its perfect work we can mature in the Lord, lacking nothing. You have been reborn, resurrected to a new life in Christ, which is just the beginning. Continue in the faith, letting the good work that our Lord began in you to continue to the end so that you can receive what is rightfully yours, the salvation of your soul. Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. (KJV) My prayer for each and everyone is that the end of this trail here will result in the beginning of their eternal reward with our heavenly Father. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 13:44-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (45) Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: (46) Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. (KJV)
What would you do if you won the lottery? You would double, triple, quadruple check your winning numbers over and over, again and again, making sure it was real. You would then imagine the new life you could be living, a life of freedom to do what you want when you want however you want with no concern about the cost. You might hire a lawyer, seek financial counsel, basically you would do all you could to collect on the winnings, and protect your investment. Spiritually you have a winning ticket, Jesus Christ is the first born of many brethren, which gives you access to all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge from above, an eternal life of joy, peace and freedom, your debt completely paid in full. How much do you treasure this gift, and what are you willing to do to maintain your winning ticket? Are you willing to sell out and let go of anything and anyone that would stand in your way and hinder you from collecting your winnings? Which do you hold in higher esteem, the short term self interest rewards of this earth, or the eternal things of the spiritual realm? Where your treasure is there will your heart be. 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) Could you imagine if you were poor and struggling trying to raise a family, knowing you had a winning lottery ticket that would take care of all your financial need, only to find out you misplaced it or lost it by neglect, and could not collect on the reward? Now think of the spiritual realm which is much greater than this physical one, to have access to an eternal inheritance, only to find out that you let it slip through your hands, and be blown away with winds of doctrines? You too would be put to an open shame, knowing what you had access to, what was rightfully yours, knowing it was your choice to fall away and not follow through with the terms and conditions set forth to receive your reward of inheritance. Salvation is there for the taking, this day, right now. Have you done all to stand this day and follow through with what He requires so you won’t fall away? Just like with a lottery ticket, no one is going to print you up a new one; the same holds true with salvation, the Lord is not going to rewrite His plan, or bend and change so you can fit in. God is not going to send another Saviour. If you don’t accept His plan, you don’t get His reward. Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. (KJV) If you wish, you may go back and read the whole account of the unjust steward, it basically refers to a person who had control of a rich man’s finances, and how he was wasting it. So when the time came to give account of it, he had to correct it by being diligent with what he was in charge of. I use verse 8, because of the second part of it, comparing the children of the world to the children of light. We as Christians are the children of light; what a statement to make to the Church; yet it is due to our own lack of diligence at times for the gift of life we have been given. Let me share this example… Luke 16:8 [Children of light] Those who have been enlightened from above-- who are Christians. This may be considered as the application of the parable. It does not mean that it is more wise to be a worldly man than to be a child of light, but that those who "are" worldly show much prudence in providing for themselves; seize occasions for making good bargains; are active and industrious; try to turn everything to the best account, and thus exert themselves to the utmost to advance their interests; while Christians often suffer opportunities of doing good to pass unimproved; are less steady, firm, and anxious about eternal things, and thus show less wisdom. Alas! this is too true; and we cannot but reflect here how different the world would be if all Christians were as anxious, and diligent, and prudent in religious matters as others are in worldly things. (from Barnes' Notes) Have you ever seen the casinos in Las Vegas, how well protected they are. They have to upgrade their security on a daily basis to keep up with the con men and thieves of this world. How diligent they are to protect their riches, and how quick they are to confront and remove those that would try to steal from them. And yet for the gift we have been given, are we as a Church anywhere near as diligent, to protect ourselves with the armor of God, and quick to confront and cast out anything that would try to come into the Lord’s temple and steal our treasure? How about a bank, with all the security and bank vaults, how well protected they keep their banks to insure themselves from being robbed. Unless one stays alert and upgrades their spiritual protection on a daily basis, they will end up being robbed and pilfered of all the treasures the Lord gave His life for to provide for His children. So what is it you truly treasure this day, and what are doing with your winning ticket to heaven? Luke 16:9-11 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. (10) He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (11) If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (KJV) If you are still hanging on to the things of this life, you will not be able to inherit those of the next one. Do you choose personal wealth over the wealth of others? If you had a choice of a multimillion dollar lottery ticket or a ticket to heaven, which one would you really choose? Which would you consider of more value? Are you willing to let go of the old so that you can partake of the new? Many fail because they choose the things of this life over those of the next one; loving money and falling into covetousness which the Bible says is idolatry. What would the Church be like if we were as diligent to protect our spiritual assets, as the world is to protect its financial ones? Which prize are you truly pressing toward, and are you willing to do all that is required to receive it? It’s your pick. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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