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Good morning. Today's video Cup of the Lord is on the topic of partaking of the Lord's cup. Are you willing to partake of the cup of the Lord? You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning, today's encouragement is to come into agreement with God's thoughts and ways which are much higher than ours.
If you would like to download a copy click on the Daily Bread For Life Archive link above to access the link to get your downloaded copy. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. God’s Thoughts and Ways Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (KJV) God’s thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours; which is why he encourages us to diligently hearken unto him and eat that which is good, and let our soul delight itself in fatness (of fertility, of blessing, or abundance). In the abundance of His grace and peace in truth, which sets us free to walk in that same faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. When we are at peace (in agreement with Him), then He is pleased with us because we have ceased from our own works (the carnal mind) and have entered into His rest (the mind of Christ) where His yoke is easy and His burden is light, and where He is able to enlighten the eyes of our understanding that we may know the mind of the Lord (God’s will; His ways, and thoughts). As we continue in the faith, operating in the mind of Christ, we partake of a more abundant life where all things are possible. Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6). Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all that you have need of will be added unto you. Going to God through Jesus Christ allows God to be your source (Isaiah 55:1-2) for all your need; so let His Spirit bear witness with your spirit; walking by faith (by every word of God, what He speaks or reveals unto you personally), and not by sight (bread alone) which limits you to the carnal realm. 2 Timothy 2:9-10 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore, I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. (KJV) Walking by faith is where the word of God is not bound; it releases all things possible (to those who believe) according to the will of God (Isaiah 55:11). Then you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree (a noble tree), and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree (a fragrant tree); and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off (Isaiah 55:12-13). Ephesians 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor. (KJV) Faith that works by love (Galatians 5:6). Be that noble tree (the fir tree, strong and steady in truth) unto the Lord and a sweet-smelling savor unto God our Father (the myrtle tree, a fragrant living sacrifice; dying daily to your wants and desires so Christ is increasing and you are decreasing). Lastly dear brethren, when the Holy Spirit is grieved (something doesn’t seem right), examine yourself if are operating in faith; ask yourself if your thoughts and ways are not in line with God’s; and if you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. And when your spirit is at peace (in agreement) with His Spirit, then you will have this confidence, your thoughts and ways are in line with His, you are in the mind of Christ. Romans 8:1 There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. God bless, and peace be with you through our Lord Jesus Christ. Good morning. Today's video Lord Willing is continuing on the topic of doing the will of God. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video Fire is on the topic of being baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Colossians 2:11-15 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: (12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (14) 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)
Williams New Testament translation for Colossians 2:11-15 11. And through your union with Him you once received, not a hand-performed circumcision but one performed by Christ, in stripping you of your lower nature, 12. for you were buried with Him in baptism and raised to life with Him through your faith in the power of God who raised Him from the dead. 13. Yes, although you were dead through your shortcomings and were physically uncircumcised, God made you live again through fellowship with Christ. He graciously forgave us all our shortcomings, 14. canceled the note that stood against us, with its requirements, and has put it out of our way by nailing it to the cross. 15. He thus stripped the principalities and dominions of power and made a public display of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Again as we notice in the above illustrations, that rituals of the old law were symbolic of what is taking place in the spiritual realm. As we ended yesterday’s study we concluded with the fact that circumcision means nothing to our Lord anymore because He is more concerned with the new man, a new creation in Christ that is forming within the believer. Baptism is illustrated again for us as one of spiritual in nature, a life changing event that should be taking place within the believer and not some outward show or ritual. Once one is able to die to self and their own desires of the flesh then the Spirit is able to take over so that your desires are more of those things which are above and not below, or below our Lord’s standards and intent for His people. The Lord removed the curse of the old law and nailed it to His cross symbolizing that the debt is paid and we are now free to walk in the liberty which is only found in Christ. When we see people still holding to laws and rituals, we are seeing people that profess to know God but by dead works deny Him and the completed work He accomplished for us. Simply put, they are calling God a liar and claiming He didn’t do a complete work and that more was needed; not a good place to be in people. 1 Corinthians 1:14-18 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; (15) Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. (16) And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. (17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (KJV) I don’t know if there was a more die hard staunch believer, as well as indoctrinated in the old law, as a man named Paul, formerly known as Saul. As we see illustrated in the above verses, Paul himself came to the conclusion of what his calling truly was and how he himself was crossing over from the old into the new. Many people today enjoy hearing the word of God especially when it deals with blessings, but start teaching about dying to self, crucifying the flesh and its lusts, and that same many will head for the exits. Paul clearly states and points out that Christ did not send him to baptize, but rather teach the doctrine of Christ that deals with the new inward creation not the old fallen one. While many still consider the preaching and teaching of the cross and what it truly takes to be baptized into Christ foolishness, few realize that is where their salvation and power is. Take notice of verse 17 as well, because for those that still hold to these outward rituals and ignore the true spiritual meaning or implication of them, they are in essence leaning back to their own understanding and their teaching and preaching is of none effect. Hebrews 6:1-6 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. (4) 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) Remember watching the movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’, and how painful it was to watch them nail our Lord to the cross? How one would watch this take place and think ‘how could they ever do that to our Lord’? Did you ever stop and think that is what is still taking place when people misinterpret the true spiritual meaning of the word of God, they are in essence crucifying the Lord and His doctrine again? One way or the other, you have a choice to either take up your own cross and follow our Lord, or drive another nail into our Lord and His people by teaching doctrine contrary to what our Lord intended. Remember when you sin and wound the conscience of the believers you are sinning personally against Christ, and crucifying Him all over again. As we see in the first few verses of Hebrews, that these basic principles and doctrines that were in place before are things we should be leaving behind, not still trying to implement. Once a believer gets a true taste of the truth and what these things symbolized it is time to move forward and walk in the Spirit, not trying to fulfill an old law that our Lord already did for us. Galatians 3:23-28 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (24) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (25) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) 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. (KJV) Schools out people, and has been for over two thousand years. God’s people have graduated and are now walking in a new realm, one of faith in what Christ Jesus has done on our behalf and wishes to continue in each and every believer. When you enter the realm of the Spirit and seek to be seated with Christ then you need to leave your old nature at the door and put on a new man in order to enter into this realm. While some people claim that a certain sect or group of people were responsible for the crucifixion of our Lord; the word clearly states that God knows no one after the flesh but after the Spirit. Bottom line, we are either for Him or against Him, and spiritually many are still crucifying and butchering the true spiritual meaning of the word of God by hanging onto dead rituals that were nailed to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you crossing over into the realm of the Spirit, or are you still hanging onto dead things which only bring dead results? He that has ears to hear let them hear what the Spirit is truly speaking today. God’s best and continue to walk in the Spirit. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:5-8 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. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (8) Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: (KJV)
As we see in the above verses, although our Lord was crucified on the cross at Calvary it didn’t end there, but rather there is a continual crucifixion that has to take place in each and every believer if they to wish to partake of a new life in Christ. Do you know for a fact that your old fallen nature is crucified and being kept in subjection to the Spirit, or are you running from the truth and looking for an alternate way out? You wonder why at times that it seems hard to believe in the word of God more than what the outward circumstances are dictating, most likely it is because you haven’t died to self, but rather you spend more time feeding the flesh than the Spirit. Our Lord went to a cross at Calvary so that He could die and a new man could resurrect. We too are constantly dying on a daily basis so that a new man can resurrect and live a life dictated by the Spirit and not the flesh and its lethal desires. If you notice in the above verses, 6&8, you see words like, is crucified, and now if we be dead with Christ. Many teach a one and done theory, that all you have to do is show up at some organization, do some ritual or recite some sinners prayer and your ticket is stamped; but be assured nothing could be farther from the truth; and this once saved always saved is a doctrine the devil enjoys seeing taught. Your commitment to our Lord is just the beginning, so the fact that God sent His Son to do a complete work on our behalf and give us a perfect example He expects nothing short of a whole hearted commitment as well if you wish to obtain your inheritance, which simply put means, walk not just talk. Galatians 2:17-20 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. (19) For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. (20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (KJV) Paul didn’t make the statement I was, or I am thinking about this crucifixion stuff, but rather it is something that he continued in to the end. The devil made me do it or blaming others for your lack of diligence in the word of God is not an excuse for sin, and don’t think for one moment that you would be the first person to ever accept the Lord and walk with Him for a season only to end up walking away and falling back into sin. Thus the reason why God had Paul write words of encouragement concerning baptism and crucifixion so that God’s people wouldn’t fall back into the old ways but continue to walk in the Spirit realm. No one said it was going to be an easy path that leads to eternal life, however there is only one that will get you there and it is the same one our Lord walked, even that stuff that happened at Calvary. As a Christian, in order to maintain a healthy walk with the Lord you will have to take up your own cross on a daily basis if you truly wish to move forward in your walk. Otherwise you will end up sitting at the garden of Gethsemane sweating drops of blood and dreading the outcome. Please keep in mind that although there was a death it was followed by a glorious resurrection; so know too for yourself that even though the Lord is asking us to nail something to the cross, afterward there is also a glorious resurrection of a new found life in Christ. Once you put your hand to the plow the enemy will do all he can to keep you from looking forward to the new life the Lord has for you, but rather he will try to keep you stuck in the old realm drinking the old whine. Be sure that if the Lord is asking you to walk away from something, focus more on what He is asking you to walk into knowing that it is for your benefit, one that will draw you closer to Him. Galatians 6:12-15 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. (13) For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. (14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (KJV) Williams New Testament translation for Galatians 6:12-13 12. These men who are trying to force you to let yourselves be circumcised simply want to make a fine outward show, only to keep you from being persecuted for the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 13. Indeed, the very men who let themselves be circumcised do not themselves observe the law. But they simply want you to let yourselves be circumcised, so that they can boast of you as members of their party. Did you ever stop and think why people still hold to rituals, works of the law? Most of it is just some big show. Like a circus, they use the people so that they can boast of big numbers; really, like that is going to impress God. Quite the opposite is true people; Paul realized that in order to please a Spiritual being he could no longer be a people pleaser, one that was seeking approval from the world and its worldly preachers. Worldly people seek recognition of other worldly people and base their results on outward things and not inward. Whether it manifests in the form of circumcision, water baptism, or some other dead end ritual it’s all for naught and avails nothing. The only thing important to God is that new creation within, something you should be concerned with as well. While many people flock to a circus to see some death defying act, or to get entertained, many of these so called traveling evangelists and preachers are nothing more than a circus act. Back in the day when a man named P.T. Barnum started the circus he realized that the acts, tricks, and illusions would bring in thousands of people as well as thousands of dollars. He also made the statement concerning the flocks of people ‘that a sucker is born every day’. As I look around at what man calls preachers and teachers and so called sound doctrine, I too see ‘that suckers are born again every day’ because of their lack of diligence and knowledge in the word of God; and the fact that they don’t take a stand for the Lord, and they end up falling for any cheap trick and illusion of the devil seeking more to be entertained than built up in the truth. A crucifixion took place at Calvary some two thousand years ago to pay the price for mankind and allow you access into the realm of the Spirit. It didn’t end there people, but is a symbol, a likeness or representation of something that should be continuing in each and every believer so that they can continue their walk in the Spirit no longer feeding and nurturing the old fallen man. A new day has come, now go walk in it. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:4-7 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. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (KJV)
When our Lord does something or asks something of us it is for our benefit, a change that will be long lasting. While mankind and their doctrines fall short and bring short term solutions to eternal issues, like for instance the old law, it could never take away sin but rather just covered it up, like a cheap deodorant. The living waters cleanse us from all sin, doesn’t just cover it up, but rather it cleans it up and removes it from us. So which realm are you walking in today and which law do you hold to; a spiritual law of faith that brings new life to the believer, or the letter of the old law which is dead and keeps those that are following it dead as well? Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV) John the Baptist was considered one of the greatest prophets, yet he was still under the old law and limited by the carnal rituals of it. Even though our Lord separates the two baptisms in the above verses, encouraging the disciples that a better one was on the way, I am amazed today at how many grasp and cling to the old rather than take hold of the new life that is available in Christ. Here is a tidbit and something to chew on; you know, if you hold someone under water long enough it cuts off the source of life and results in physical death. Now if we take a different look at baptism from a spiritual aspect we can see a similar pattern, if one immerses themselves in the living spiritual waters, which is what baptism truly means and what Paul is teaching, then that too will result in death to an area of our flesh that has been hindering our walk with the Lord. Could it really be that simple people; when you really stop and pray and ask the Lord, you may find out that mankind and his limited carnal thinking is the one that made it so complicated and confusing. The Lord made His word simple, so simple in fact that man doesn’t comprehend it, they distort the scriptures to make it fit into their way of thinking. The Lord said the words that He spoke are Spirit and they are life. So are you able to see the spiritual meaning of the word of God that will bring new life within you, or are you like so many that hold to outward dead rituals which end up watering down the true meaning? Hebrews 9:8-14 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. (11) But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; (12) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (13) For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: (14) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (KJV) If you so desire you can go back to the beginning of Hebrews Chapter 9 and read it in its entirety, I just wanted to highlight a few points today. The things in the Old Testament were a figure, a representation or symbol of something new that would take place in the spiritual realm. The question being asked today is ‘have you taken your place where you belong which is in the Spirit as well so that you can see the true meaning and intent of the word of God for yourself’? It’s just as idiotic to think that the blood of goats and of calves, or any other ritual from the old law is going to bring you any closer to the Lord than what the blood of Christ has done to make a permanent way into His realm. And it is just as much of a waste of time, let alone missing the mark and the true meaning of God’s word, to think that pouring water or dunking someone in it is going to make one more spiritual when verse 10 says these things were imposed until the time of reformation, a time that ended once the Lord paid the price for His people. You want the old law, then why stop at water baptism, how about building alters in your back yard and offering sacrifices? Oh guys, instead of a super bowl party how about a circumcision one instead? Hey wait a minute, where are you guys going? Sound silly and ridiculous? Not anymore ridiculous than the way you try to serve a spiritual God with carnal ordinances. Since when do you get to pick and choose which ones you are going to institute? You want to purge a conscience from dead works, then you best get some living waters in there if you wish to achieve this, otherwise you are just all wet. --Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice (May, 1989) 907 baptizo- to overwhelm Not to be confused with 0911, bapto. The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B. C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be `dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then `baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change. When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. For example, Mark 16:16. `He that believes and is baptized shall be saved'. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle! Take some time and pray about where you truly stand with the Lord, or should I say if you are truly standing with Him. The things of this realm are referred to as temporal, temporary; while the things of God are referred to as eternal. If you desire a change, to walk in a new life which is in Christ, then you will need to operate in the realm of the Spirit in order to make the permanent change. Get out of the old people and get into the new. God bless and keep the faith. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 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. (KJV)
Ever pick up an instrument when you were younger, or watch a child handle a new instrument, say a guitar or a set of drums? They will strum the guitar or beat away at the drums, which eventually gets to the point of irritation to the listener. The same holds true in the Church as well. There are people who think speaking in tongues makes them more spiritual or something, which is what Paul dealt with and spoke of in the above verses. Now to listen to someone who is trained and practiced with an instrument it can produce a sound that is familiar and easy to listen to, while the flip side can be something loud and boisterous, something or someone that gets old fast, and not pleasant to be around. If our motives for the things that we do are anything other than a pure motive of love, then we too will be nothing more than an instrument that is making sounds but nothing worth listening to. Love means that we are more interested in the edifying of someone else rather than trying to draw attention to ourselves and make ourselves seem so spiritual because we can speak in an unknown tongue. 1 Corinthians 14:7-11 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. (KJV) Again we see that when one goes to attend a fellowship of believers, whether it is a Bible study or a church service, you are going there to get built up and edified, not to put on a show. If you want to make a lot of noise and act like a child rather than go to the church service, you would be just as well served to hang out in the day care center with the other younger noise makers, who at least have an excuse. So before you get all caught up in the commotion of trying to prove yourself some spiritual giant, it would do you well to be quick to hear and slow to speak, something that bodes well with any of our daily encounters. 1 Corinthians 14:23-25 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? (24) But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: (25) And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. (KJV) I am kind of jumping around here with the scriptures, but we will get back to the point on this subject. I can tell you for myself and from what others have shared with me over the years concerning an organization they were checking out, nothing turned them off quicker, and quenched the Spirit faster, than having a bunch of childish people rattling off in tongues; because the people doing it were not using wisdom, but rather putting on an outward show. Thayer’s definition for mad: 3105 mainomai- to rave as a maniac, to be mad, to rave; used of one who so speaks that he seems not to be in his right mind Is this really the first and possibly last impression one would want to make with someone seeking truth? This would be like going to a foreign film at a theatre and not having any captions to explain the dialogue. How about if you paid to go to a concert and the person that got up on the stage didn’t have a clue how to play an instrument, wouldn’t you be dissatisfied to say the least? So how do you think the so called Christians come off when they act like a bunch of lunatics in the name of Christianity, would it be something our Lord would approve of? If you are motivated by anything other than the love of God, it doesn’t make any difference how much faith you have, or how many scriptures you can rattle off, or how much you think you are accomplishing for the Lord, it’s all for naught unless it is brought forth in love. Greater love has no man than to lay down his/her life for the brethren, fellow believers, putting their needs before your own. 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 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 an order in His church, which He describes as the body of Christ. If you are called to be a teacher, don’t try to be an apostle or prophet. Do you have an understanding as verse 30 refers to in the area of tongues or the interpretation of them, or are you just imitating someone else by thinking the more you can speak in tongues and the louder you are, the more others will think you are spiritual? The best gift we can covet and hold to is the gift of Christ, and everything in the above verses is a result of the manifestation of Him. So now it is a matter of learning how to operate effectively in the Spirit so that we can provide the need not only for ourselves, but be able to build up those that are seeking as well. Proverbs 15:2-4 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (3) The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (4) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. (KJV) The tongue is an extension of the heart; so what is in the heart is what the mouth will speak. Before you act, before you speak something into existence, ask yourself, ‘is this something that is spiritual and will bring life to the hearers, or is it something that is confusing, and rather than lead someone closer to the Lord it will drive them away?’ So if something is not peaceable then it is not of God; and I can assure you that a lot of this mumbo jumbo stuff sounds more like a voodoo chant than something that is going to build up and edify someone. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
Not only is our Lord requiring His people to confess Him, but as we see in verse 2 He requires us to prove it. The best way to do that is by letting Him increase, which takes place when we decrease. Haven’t you wasted enough time trying to do things your own way? Matthew 12:47-50 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, who is my mother? And who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. (KJV) As you can see our Lord has a totally different viewpoint when it comes to who His real family is. Which one has the most influence on you today; is it people on the outside, or are you more familiar with those on the inside? It may not seem like a big deal to you, but if you are hanging onto old dead things, you eventually will end up dead as well. 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (KJV) The Lord wouldn’t have me do that, it sounds so foolish! For those that are in the flesh the things of God and the cross of Christ is foolishness; but notice it’s only foolish to those that are perishing. For those that take up their own cross and die to the things of this life, they find it opens up a new life where we are now able to unleash the power of God within. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 But the natural man receives 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 judges 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) Given the fact that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, our Lord requires His people go beyond the realm of the natural into the spiritual. How many times has the Lord tried to get through to you only to find your response was foolish? You have access to the mind of Christ, but only when you are willing to let go of yours. Romans 8:5-8 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (KJV) Do your truly desire to be used by God so that He can work in and through you? Then get the enmity out of the way so that you can present yourselves a living sacrifice; someone holy and acceptable to God. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord dearly loved. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
Our Lord shows us what it takes to get from this life to the eternal one. We see our Lord dying on a cross which symbolizes what we have to do to make it home. It will take suffering on our part, however, the reward for those that are willing to endure their own cross is eternal. 2 Corinthians 5:15-17 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. (KJV) Being a living sacrifice means that you die to the outward, so that you can see within. What you find is that everything you thought you knew about our Lord was based on your limited carnal mind and not the mind of Christ. We talked yesterday about relationships and how we have been taught to handle them especially with people we were closest to. What you see now is that when you look to the inward man, Christ within you, you see what is really going on and how He would have you handle them. As we see above, it was our Lord that died for all mankind so that all mankind would live unto Him. Sometimes we still try to influence those we are close to by what we think needs to be changed in them; most of the time we do more harm than good by enabling them because we are too emotionally attached to them and the situation. Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (KJV) Notice when Christ makes Himself known and apparent in one’s life? It’s when you die to the flesh and become a living sacrifice. When you make Him your first priority then He makes you His. If you don’t sense your prayers are being answered or your life seems a bit stale, you will find the issue is not on our Lord’s end. Hebrews 4:9-11 There remains therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (KJV) The only work or labor of love that is left for us is, to get out of the way so that Christ can have His way. Salvation works when you are willing and obedient to what our Lord is asking, and not man. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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