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John 10:9-11 I am the door: by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. (KJV)
Another form of deception the thief uses to mask the truth is works, religious rituals, and works of the old law that are no longer in play. For some reason man decided that once they were saved they would need to continue the works of the law that the Lord already fulfilled on their behalf so that they would no longer be in bondage to them. The thief ties up many of God’s people when they allow strings to be attached to the simple liberating doctrine of Christ by reverting back to works. Titus 1:14-16 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (KJV) One of the issues that rob the Jews today from walking in the truth is that they still hold to the old law and its outdated commandments. Whether Jew or Gentile they all get the same results when operating outside the realm of grace by faith. Many today claim to be saved by grace, then turn right around and go back to the works of the law which puts them in the category of a reprobate, unapproved of God, or should I say robbed blind? Galatians 3:10-12 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them. (KJV) Many of God’s people begin in the Spirit, but then get taken back down by the works of the law that the Lord came and did away with. When you revert back to these dead works you have to live with the results as well, which is a curse. If you are not with God and on the same page then you are in opposition, which as we see, is robbery to say the least. 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) If you are not seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then you will not be justified in His sight. When one reverts back to the works of the law you are in a realm where sin is still in play and not done away which is just the place the enemy desires to see you, tied up and gagged while he is pilfering your house. Dearly loved, what shall you do that you might work the works of God? You are to believe on Him whom He has sent. Keep is simple and let the Spirit do the leading. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 4:18-19 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (KJV)
We have been talking about masks this week, those things which veil and hide the truth from many who should know better; which is why God sent His Son our way, to unveil the truth. God promises to supply all and not just some of our need; however, that only happens when we do it His way. The reason many don’t know their true source is due to the fact that they walk more by outward, than inward sight. Romans 13:1-3 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resists the power resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of the same: (KJV) When you resist the power of God you end up in the damnation column, and not the winners circle. You find that somewhere along the line you got duped into something that wasn’t of God and were derailed. Romans 13:4-6 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (KJV) Hey preachers, while you are whining and fussing about a lack of support, did you know that God considers those that are firemen, policemen, and military His ministers also? With that in mind do you see what is required on our end concerning this matter? Yes, that would mean that we are definitely required to pay tribute which does mean taxes, something you need to embrace rather than turn away from. Romans 13:7-8 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. 8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law. (KJV) Bottom line, if your preacher is asking for support from his congregation, take a moment and ask him if he is paying his fair share in the form of custom, which are taxes. If not, then anyone of those people who are hiding under the guise of the 501-C3 tax loophole of man should not be someone you or any other Christian should be giving their support to. Mark 12:14-17 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and cares for no man: for thou regards not the person of men, but teaches the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it. 16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's. 17 And Jesus answering said unto them, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marveled at him. (KJV) Take note of verse 15 which describes those that were trying to sidestep their tax obligations. We see the Lord put them in the category of hypocrites. Given the fact that the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever what makes you think He is going to change His mind today? Also note that the Lord is crystal clear on the fact that we need to render to Caesar as well as to God. You can’t have one without the other. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 10:9-10 I am the door: by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)
Today it’s time to uncover another mask that many preachers have been hiding under; their obligation when it comes to paying taxes. The reality is many are drowning because they have gone off the deep end trying to do an end run around what their obligation is concerning this topic. Church we are supposed to be an example of the believers and if we are sidestepping and tap dancing around the truth, we will find our self robbed blind. James 5:4-5 Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, cried: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbath. 5 Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. (KJV) Oh that stuff in the book of James only refers to CEO’S of big corporations and not ministers. Really, well who built the road that your so called minister drove on to get to his building? How about the nice, convenient indoor plumbing fixtures that the city installed? The list goes on and on, but the bottom line is that those same ministers are not shy about reminding people of their obligations when it comes time to pass the plate are they? Leviticus 19:12-14 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shall thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. 13 Thou shall not defraud thy neighbor, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning. 14 Thou shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear thy God: I am the LORD. (KJV) Many are robbing God the opportunity to work on their behalf and supply all their need by taking a shortcut when it comes time to pay their fair share of taxes. They hide under the mask of a 501-C3 tax law thinking it allows them to be exempt. I thought the Church was supposed to live by a higher law, that being a law of faith. Jeremiah 22:12-13 But he shall die in the place whither they have led him captive, and shall see this land no more. 13 Woe unto him that builds his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that uses his neighbor’s service without wages, and gives him not for his work; (KJV) What do you tell our Vets that are sitting in your congregations in need of assistance? Usually the buck is passed and the finger pointed at the government, but why wouldn’t you be willing to do your part and pay your fair share? Matthew 17:25-27 He saith, yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, what thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of strangers? 26 Peter saith unto him, of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, then are the children free. 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shall find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. (KJV) Given the fact that the Lord was sent to be our example then why are God’s people not following suit? The truth is they are letting the thief rob them blind. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 10:10-13 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and cares not for the sheep. (KJV)
Many false prophets have risen up and are pulling off easy heists on people that should know better, the Christians. Many of God’s people begin with good intentions, and then get lazy and dull of hearing, looking more to man for the answer than God. Many think salvation is a meal ticket and that being a pastor is more of an occupation and not a real way of life. Those are the ones our Lord has put in the category of hirelings, the ones who when the going gets tough, usually get going in the opposite direction. Luke 8:5-8 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit a hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear let him hear. (KJV) Let’s pull the mask off one of the doctrines man tries to pawn off as truth and see for ourselves what really lies beneath all this nonsense man equates with the term hundred fold. Let me ask you this question straight up, when the Lord came along and sowed His seed, was He walking around throwing out wads of cash, or was His seed referring to something else, something spiritual? So why does mankind today associate the seed with something carnal, that being a love of money? Luke 8:9-12 And his disciples asked him, saying, what might this parable be? 10 And he said, unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. (KJV) The devil is alive and on the move today equating the things of God with carnal things and robbing the people blind. As we see clearly illustrated the seed is the word of God which is described as something living and powerful. No wonder the thief tries and equate that with something other than what God intended, which is seeing His people fruitful, living, and powerful. Mark 4:18-20 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred. (KJV) The reality is, does God actually owe us a hundredfold return on the money you give to man’s so called ministry, or is it us that He expects a hundredfold return on the seed He has sown within us, a full harvest of the fruit of the Spirit? God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 10:8-10 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV)
This week we will uncover the many masks of satan; and for those that have the eyes of their understanding enlightened to the truth, they will not have the wool, or veil pulled over their eyes. In order to live an abundant life in the Spirit you will need to no longer allow the enemy to rob you blind. Have you ever noticed when a thief pulls off a heist they put a mask on to cover their true identity? The Lord and His people are able to see right through these carnal facades which manifest in the form of man’s religions and doctrines and like verse 8 alludes to; all those that put themselves or their own names before the Lord’s are not going to end up in a good place. Isaiah 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (KJV) It’s the pits for those that think they know better than God, those who try to distort His plan of salvation by diverting attention from God back to man. I have noticed the truth being masked by many who have the audacity to put their own names on their ministries. The truth is, they are actually attempting to put their own names above the name which is above every name and that just doesn’t fly through the Lord’s spiritual radar, nor should it through yours. John 5:40-43 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. 41 I receive not honor from men. 42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. 43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. (KJV) Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak; when you see any other name attached to a ministry, it’s telling you whose ministry it really is. There is only one mediator God gives ear to and that is the man Christ Jesus sitting to His right, and not all the other pretenders who will end up left out. John 5:44-45 How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuses you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. (KJV) The devil is described as the accuser of the brethren and we see clearly through the masks of man that those that seek their honor and rewards here on earth will end up convicted and sentenced to an eternity of despair. Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (KJV) Clearly seen, there is a difference between those that exalt themselves, and those the Lord exalts; Jesus Christ is still seated above while all others are sent packing. In conclusion, if someone decides to put their name above the Lord’s it would do you well to move on. God bless and don’t settle for less. |
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