Category:

First Class

7/22/2015

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)

Whether the old law and its rituals manifest in the form of circumcision, water baptisms, or any other outward events, the only thing that matters to God is that new creation within the believer. If one goes back through the Bible, especially the book of Acts, you will see that most of the persecution came from those that claimed to be believers; the problem they had with Paul is that He was bringing forth a new doctrine apart from the works of the law. As we see in verse 14 the only thing Paul was holding to was the work the Lord did on our behalf, and anything else was dead and crucified unto him, as he considered himself to be crucified unto any worldly doctrine of man. It’s no longer about the outward man that is going to bring peace, but rather that new creation in Christ is what has brought forth the restoration and a confidence in His work, and not ours.

Galatians 6:12-15 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. (14) But may it never be mine to boast of anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world! (15) For neither circumcision nor the lack of it has any value, but only a new creation. (Williams translation)

Today we see the same thing going on as was in the early church; rather than hold to the simple truth that it is of faith and not of works, so many cave in to peer pressure, because rather than take a stand they fall away into a realm the Lord said was destroyed and done away. The devil and his workers would like nothing better than to see the simplicity of the gospel of Christ perverted and complicated with a bunch of man-made doctrines and rituals, rather than have the simple truth in Christ. Many today try to seal the deal with these outward rituals so that they too can boast that you are one of theirs because of something they accomplished, and not what the Lord accomplished on their behalf. So what is your priority this day; is it feeding and nurturing that new creation within you, or are you still trying to establish a spiritual relationship based on some outward show?

2 Corinthians 5:16-17 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)

This is what we have been talking about all week, even though we knew Christ according to the old law and its fleshly or carnal ways, we are no longer to observe Him that way. Once one becomes a new creation in Christ all those old things which He took out of our way and nailed to His cross is passed away; dead, died, and buried. Now our only concern should be for that new man within us and how to do those things that are pleasing to God despite what mankind may think or comprehend as being godly. We should be renewed in the spirit of our mind, having access to the mind of Christ, so that we can continue to walk in this newness of life and not the oldness of the letter of the law which is death. After all, when you stand before the judgment seat of Christ someday what is it that will truly give you access into His eternal realm; the works you thought would impress Him, or allowing Him to do a new work in and through you?

Romans 3:20-22 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (21) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (KJV)

Here is your justification, a simple faith in what our Lord Jesus Christ did on our behalf, not by some works of the law that we think still needs to be accomplished on His behalf. Where is your faith truly rooted and grounded in people; in something you are going to do, or in a belief in what the Lord is doing in you? This is a faith that will keep you in good standing with our Lord so that you no longer will fall away back into the realm of the flesh, but learn more and more how to stay seated in the realm of the Spirit. Haven’t you heard enough testimonies of people that constantly backslide; people that truly had a zeal for God but obviously it wasn’t according to His knowledge? Many fall away and find that they are not being renewed because they are still under the works of the law where there is still a knowledge of sin, and not a confidence in the work the Lord is doing within them, they are still looking without for the answer. And while there are those that are promising them liberty, many are still the servants of corruption because of their lack of faith in Christ, and the only justification they will find in Him.

Romans 3:23-28 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (27) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. (28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (KJV)

Justified freely by His grace, that is it; that simple folks, nothing else. We are saved by grace through faith and not of works, which truly eliminates any boasting on our part. You have been given a first class ticket to the heavenly realm so that you can escape the corruption of this world and walk in the newness of life that God intended for you. Now all that is left for you to do in order to board this flight is to pass through security, and provide the proper password and documents to get you home. Jesus Christ said that He was the only way home by the truth which will set you free and give you this new life in Him, above and beyond what you could have ever asked or thought about. All aboard?

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Class Dismissed

7/21/2015

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)

The spirit is willing, it’s the flesh that is weak and still holds on to the weak and beggarly elements of this world that keep one in bondage, and not in the liberty God intended for us. It’s only the truth that sets us free; and this truth is only found in Christ, which gives us our permission slip to leave the basics and move on to perfection.

Galatians 3:23-26 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. (KJV)

Before we had access to the throne of God by faith we were kept locked in the realm of the old fallen nature, unable to access the new man in Christ. But now that we have access by faith into this new realm, why would someone want to go back to the old to try and establish this new relationship? Now that you are a child of God by faith, which is in Christ Jesus, you are now dismissed from the old law and its rituals, which could never make one mature in Christ but rather kept them in the first grade so to speak.

Strong’s definition for schoolmaster:
3807 paidagogos (pahee-dag-o-gos'); from 3816 and a reduplicated form of 71; a boy-leader, i.e. a servant whose office it was to take the children to school; (by implication [figuratively] a tutor ["paedagogue"]): KJV-- instructor, schoolmaster.

Galatians 3:23-26 But before this faith came, we were kept locked up under the law, in preparation for the faith which was to be unveiled. (24) So the law has been our attendant<n> to lead us to Christ, so that we might through faith obtain right standing with God. (25) But now that this faith has come, we are no longer in the charge of the attendant. (26) For all of you are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. (Williams translation)

When I first started school I needed someone to take me there and show me the basics. Once I became accustomed to these basics I was able to walk on my own. The old law served its purpose, and kept an order to things until the time of Christ, who set us free and allowed us to walk in the newness of the Spirit, and not by the old law. The Holy Spirit should be your new guide to show you the things of God and how to walk in them, no longer needing someone else to teach you. The more you rely on your spiritual senses the less likely you will be deceived by your physical ones. By the works of the law shall no flesh be justified because those that are in the flesh cannot please God. So who and what is instructing you today, what are you allowing to be your guide in everything you do? Is it according to the word of God, or is it more in line with the popular opinions of man?

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)

You know what happens when you take a simple faith and try to combine it with the works of the law? These chapters above give a perfect example of how so many fall away again, even after having partaken of the heavenly gift of Christ. What many are basically telling God is that He didn’t do a good enough, as well as a complete work through His Son, but that there is still more left to be done by the works and rituals of the law. Once one has fallen away back into the realm of the flesh, which is not the one the Lord operates in, they will not be able to come to an understanding let alone a renewing of the mind of how the Lord operates and what He is asking of them. What the Lord Himself said was crucified and nailed with Him to His cross, is now pulled back into play by those that think they can establish a relationship with God based on works and not on faith. This is why it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; because what the Lord said was destroyed and buried, mankind is digging up again and trying to build a foundation on the works of the law, and they end up crucifying the doctrine of Christ and distorting the simple meaning of His plan of salvation. Are there dead things and rituals you are still hanging onto; that rather than having been left for dead you continue to keep alive? By the way those holding on to dead things will end up in the same condition.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)

Here we see the word impossible again; so anyone outside the realm of faith is going to find it impossible to not only please God, but also to try to establish any kind of close personal relationship with Him. What greater reward is there than to find the love, joy, peace, and a confidence, as well as boldness and assurance in the work that has been done on your behalf to provide this access, and how you can see more and more on a daily basis into the measure of faith that was dealt to you. It’s impossible by our own works to get out of the first grade or move onto perfection until we come to an understanding of what Jesus Christ has accomplished on our behalf, and the liberty we have in Him.

Romans 8:3-8 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (5) 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)

The carnal laws and rituals were until the time of reformation; which as we see in the above verses has already taken place. You are no longer under a schoolmaster or tutor, but are now walking by faith. It’s our carnal mind and the realm of the flesh that is not pleasing to God; and for those that continue to be stuck in that realm will find it impossible to do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Class is dismissed, and was when Christ fulfilled the old law so that we wouldn’t have to be stuck in bondage of it any longer. Now move forward, and go to the head of the class, and let the author and finisher of our faith be your guide.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Basic Summation

7/20/2015

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.

Under A Rest

5/22/2015

Hebrews 4:9-11 There remaineth 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 labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (KJV)

You have been issued a cease and desist order from the Lord, which is what the word ‘rest’ means. In order to walk with the Lord you now need to cease from your own works, and walk in the completed work our Lord Jesus Christ has done on our behalf. Another way of putting it, is that your labor now is to enter into His rest, or as Paul wrote keeping our bodies in subjection to the Spirit. Now does this mean that we as Christians should all check into a rest home and not do anything anymore? Not quite. However, we all need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling so that we can find our place in the body of Christ, and carry out the calling that He is asking of us no matter what it is or how trivial we may think it is. A labor of love is another way of putting it; once you have entered into His rest, or abode, it is vital that we remain seated in a heavenly place with our Lord and not fall from grace because of unbelief.

Genesis 1:31-2:3 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. CHAPTER 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (2) And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (3) And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (KJV)

Was God tired, did He have to take a breather? Not at all, actually God saw everything that He made, everything that He planned before the foundation of the world, which by the way includes you and me the believers, had turned out very good. Everything that was needed for mankind was put in place, including His plan for salvation. In fact God knew already, before the foundation of the world, that man would fall and what it would take to bring reconciliation. God rested; which again means to cease and desist; everything that needed to be done was accomplished and put in place. Now the question is, will you find your place in His calling, and cease and desist from your own works?

Psalms 46:10-11 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (11) The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (KJV)

When praying about certain situations or decisions that you encounter, do you stop everything you are doing, cease and desist from any outside distractions, and take the time to enter into God’s rest to hear the answer? Maybe the reason you are so worn out is because you have been chasing the answer instead of letting the blessings come upon you and overtake you, which will not happen if you are always on the run. The peace of God you have experienced before is still available, but only if you are willing to cease from your own works and enter into the rest of God so that you can hear the rest of His answer. After all, how many hairs did you count on your head today? You think God isn’t concerned with your life and yet He has even the hairs on your head numbered; and we still doubt at times or question Him? Many times people blame God, and say He hasn’t answered their prayers; the truth be known it was that they didn’t take the time to hear His answer on how the prayers would be answered, and what they needed to do to let it be accomplished. Sometimes people get ahead of God, and rather than being still and knowing God, and that God has heard and answered the prayer, they take off running before they get directions. Ready, shoot, aim, and guess who gets blamed when things don’t turn out they way they thought it should, either God or His messengers or both.

Isaiah 46:10-13 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (11) Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (12) Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: (13) I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. (KJV)

Are you able to accurately declare an outcome before it happens? All the time? God does, because He has seen it before the foundation of the world, then created everything the way He wanted it to be and saw that it was very good. If your life is not very good and your walk is not where it should be, then somewhere along the way you got sidetracked and you need to stop and take a breather, cease from your own dead works and enter into the work of the Lord that He accomplished for you and your benefit (not the one where you end up throwing a fit). God saw you personally from the beginning, He then drew up a plan of salvation, and a path of life for you to walk on that would lead to His everlasting kingdom. God even saw the detours you would make at times, and provided a way of escape so that you could get back on course and enter into His rest. And yet we still doubt and question our Father’s ability at times, or wonder if He is even concerned with us? Parents, how easy is it to carry on a conversation with one of your children if they are always on the go and never stop long enough to talk with you? How sad is that for you to watch when you see them doing things that are not healthy or in their best interest, yet they never take the time to ask for your help or advice, from a loving parent who has experienced the things they are going through? All you wish for them to do is stop, cease from what they are doing, take the time to rest and hear your counsel and advice which would make it much easier for them and a lot healthier. And you as parents, have you stopped and taken the time to hear from your heavenly Father as well, before you end up frustrated and entangled with the affairs of this life by neglecting the things of your spiritual life?

John 6:27-29 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (28) Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (KJV)

Here is your labor, a labor of love, all that effort you have put into the things of this life is now being redirected to things that pertain to everlasting life. This is the work; the labor of keeping our bodies in subjection to the Spirit, keeping our minds renewed on a daily basis so that we not only enter into the rest or the realm of God, but more and more stay seated in heavenly places in Christ and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel. You are now under house a rest, you are the temple of the living God and are now living a life of faith; a belief in the completed work that Jesus Christ has done on our behalf, and is much better than any work we think we can do on His behalf. God bless, and take a time out on a daily basis and see the very good work God has begun in you and continues to do for your benefit.

Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus dear brethren.

According To Who?

5/21/2015

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: (27) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: (29) That no flesh should glory in his presence. (KJV)

God has chosen the foolish things of this world; which I consider myself one of those, having walked according to my own lusts and desires for so many years which always left me lacking and going backward instead of forward. The more one realizes just how weak they truly are, the more they will find how strong God truly is, and how to operate in that strength and confidence for themselves. There truly is strength in weakness. The more we realize this the more we can see the way of escape God has provided for us from this present evil world and its ungodly backwards thinking.

Titus 3:1-6 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (2) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (3) For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. (4) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (6) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; (KJV)

What is your calling and who is it based upon? Is it according to your works and abilities, or is it according to the working of the Lord and what you are allowing Him to do through you? Is your calling based on large numbers, thinking that the only way you can be effective for the Lord is to teach to large audiences, or has the Lord asked you to be more hands on, one on one, not concerned with head counts? And would you be content with working behind the scenes, not in the spotlight so to speak, but rather doing all things heartily as unto the Lord without concern for what man thinks or how others operate? So many have missed the Lord’s calling because they had preconceived ideas of how a ministry should operate, and anything less than what they perceive as being effective will not work for them. Others forget how they were saved, and how they were called of God, which was not based on their works or abilities but rather by the kindness, mercy, and love of God. This same kindness and mercy which gave you access into the kingdom of God is the same that we should be showing and demonstrating to others as well. Sometimes those that are in the position of ministry work forget that they too were once foolish and deceived; rather than show that same compassion with others that was shown toward them they expect changes in others right away, changes that they themselves were not willing to make right away, as they too needed some time to get past their own shortcomings and infirmities of the flesh.

2 Timothy 1:9-11 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (10) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (11) Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (KJV)

Grace; God’s unmerited favor toward mankind which definitely eliminates boasting on our part. Each and every believer has had a spiritual blueprint drawn up for them before the foundation of the world, not based on our works and abilities but according to the Lord’s own purpose for us, and the path He has chosen for us to walk. Many people will begin their walk in the Spirit, on His path, but then they come to the conclusion that they will perfect it in the flesh. Instead of man being made in the image and likeness of God, many manmade religions try to make God in their image and likeness, of how they think the Lord should operate based on their own purpose and not the Lord’s. Once a person steps out of the realm of grace through faith they can no longer be used of God, but rather have gone about to establish their own righteousness which is based on works and is not of grace.

Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (6) And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (KJV)

These verses remind me of the term awful good, an expression used by many. You are either one or the other; when you try to combine the two they don’t work. The same holds true with grace and works. Anytime someone tries to combine the works of the law with grace they end up with the awful, and not the good. They that are in the flesh and its realm of thinking cannot please God, it’s that simple. Anytime you base your walk with the Lord according to your works and your way of thinking you limit the Lord; you will eventually replace His plan of salvation that He had drawn up and intended for you before the foundation of the world with your own plan, which is a dead end.

Lamentations 3:22-24 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (23) They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (24) The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. (KJV)

Every day should be a new experience with the Lord, another step closer to Him on the path of life that He is willing to illuminate for all those that seek Him. Are you waiting on the Lord today to hear His answer and instruction for where He would have you on this path, the one He chose before the foundation of the world, or are you to busy running in circles chasing your tail on some dead end path you chose? The arm of the Lord is never too short to save; so if you have fallen down reach up and let Him pull you back up, get back to the place you belong, the one He chose for you and knew where you would be best suited.

Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (KJV)

Do you wish to be strong? Then become weak to your own thoughts and ways, let the Lord have His way, which according to Him was drawn up and planned long before any of us were around. Believe it or not, God was able to draw up this perfect plan of salvation for mankind without our input or opinions; and quite frankly for myself I have found out that He still doesn’t need my input. So who is your salvation based on, who is it according to, God’s perfect will or your own limited thinking?

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Law of the Land

4/21/2015

Romans 3:28-31 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (29) Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: (30) Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. (31) Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. (KJV)

We have been talking this week about the difference between the old law or covenant, and the new law of faith which is established by our belief in the work Jesus Christ accomplished for mankind to bring reconciliation to a fallen world. There is still a law in place that even though we are under the new law we still need to obey the laws of the land. Despite the fact that we live by faith, we need to stay obedient and diligent to laws here on earth, so that we don’t end up with total chaos and be distracted by it.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (KJV)

We are reminded to keep all those in a place of authority in our prayers daily so that we can serve our time here in a quiet and peaceable life. Not only do we pray for them, but it is up to us to be doers of the word of God also; living honestly and in a godly manner, being examples of the believers that in nothing the ministry would be blamed. So remember, just because everyone else is going over the speed limit doesn’t mean you are excluded from the laws of the land; and if you get caught it is not pleasing to our Father either.

Romans 13:1-5 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 resisteth the power, resisteth 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 shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth 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. (KJV)

These powers and ordinances that are being referred to in the above verses are things like police, fire departments and other services that help keep order. God has established these services to render assistance and to try to protect society from being overtaken by ungodly people; which would get to the point of riot and total chaos if we didn’t have these departments in place. So remember, if you break the laws of the land, even if you don’t get caught the first time, Father is watching; and so to keep your conscience clear you need to obey them even when the authorities aren’t watching. I know that laws have changed over the years and that they bend with society and tend to favor certain individuals more than others, but it is the only way to maintain some kind of order here and even though it is not a perfect system it is better than none at all. The fact that they are ordained of God for our benefit, it is important that we establish these laws and abide by them.

Romans 13:6-8 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. (7) Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. (8) Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (KJV)

This is what I am going to call my sound off section, something that I see happening in the so called church that doesn’t line up with the word of God. The tribute mentioned in the verses above is referring to taxes. If we are receiving the above mentioned services, no matter who we are, or who we think we are, we are all required to pay for them. So how come we have religious organizations that have these tax free exemptions? If their building gets vandalized or it starts on fire, who are the ones they call for help? The Bible says the workman is worthy of his hire, and that we are not to withhold wages to them they are due; so the fact that these are ordinances of God, why are these religious organizations exempt? If what they are doing is truly the work of God, is He not capable of supporting it then? Or maybe it is just another loophole so that these wannabe preachers can pocket more of the loot. Was not the Lord Himself our example that we are to follow and if so, didn’t he pay taxes?

Matthew 17:24-27 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute? (25) 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 shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. (KJV)

Here we see the Lord Himself didn’t argue or fuss about it, but knew who His source was and did what was required so not to offend. Let me ask this question; is there any group or organization that is more adamant on getting their fair share and supporting financially their ministers than the so called church we see today? It seems more and more the messages I hear coming from these groups focus more on the financial upkeep rather than the spiritual upkeep of the congregations. Truly where the treasure is, there will be the heart also. I see a total double standard; those that receive services that are ordained of God and require a financial upkeep are ignored by the people of God that should be living above the standard of man. The so called church and its preachers demand their fair share and in many cases well beyond that, and then neglect their duty to distribute what is fair for services rendered in their own communities, which is hypocritical.

Proverbs 3:27 Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. (KJV)

Next time a preacher stands up and teaches on giving, on how important it is that you all do your part, ask him or her before you give to their organization, if they are doing their part and paying their taxes according to the word of God. Just because man says that it’s ok and finds a loophole in the system, doesn’t mean God says its right; in fact His word is quite clear where He stands.

Jeremiah 22:13 Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour's service without wages, and giveth him not for his work; (KJV)

Have you ever heard the phrase or muttered the words ‘where’s a cop when you need one’? Isn’t it nice to have someone to call when there is an emergency, that at times is life threatening? How about our war veterans that lay their lives down so that we can have the freedom to worship our Lord; are they not worthy of their hire? How many times have we seen in the news where they don’t get the medical services and such that is required for them because of a lack of funds; have they not earned this right?

James 5:4 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. (KJV)

Talk about frauds; you may have found loopholes in man’s systems, but it won’t get through Father’s system. And many of those that stand before Him and claim to be preachers and teachers of the word of God will find out that they sold their souls for cheap loopholes and didn’t practice what they preach.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Alive and Well

4/20/2015

Luke 20:38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him. (KJV)

When a person is born again or born a new into the realm of the Spirit you realize that in order to maintain this life you need to hear how to continue in it so that you can grow strong in the Lord and maintain an intimate relationship with Him. Our Father is a God of the now and not the past. It is of utmost importance that one realizes that when you become a new creation in Christ old things are passed away, dead, and all things should now become new. You should now be viewing your life from a spiritual viewpoint, and able to rightly divide the difference between what is right and wrong, not according to mans’ standards, but God’s. You should now be experiencing a new life of peace and joy based on your inward vision, and not on what the outward would try to dictate.

Hebrews 10:18-22 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. (19) Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, (20) By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; (21) And having an high priest over the house of God; (22) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (KJV)

There is a new and living way to serve a living God, and it has been available for roughly the last 2000 years because of the offering of Jesus Christ. Instead of waiting for a priest to enter into the holy realm for us once a year according to the old law, we now have access anytime, at anyplace we choose to call upon the name of the Lord. With this opportunity afforded to us by a living mediator who is able to cleanse our hearts with pure living waters, why would anyone settle for less and keep operating in old dead rituals, carnal washings (water baptisms), which look good to the outward but do nothing for our inward? If you desire to serve the living God, His word says the just shall live by faith; and Church it is just that simple, because without faith it is impossible to please God. Jesus Christ is the only way, the only truth, and the only life that will lead you to your heavenly inheritance.

Hebrews 8:10-13 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: (11) And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. (12) For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. (13) In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away. (KJV)

Why do God’s people, or those that claim to be serving Him, still hang onto old laws and rituals that are dead and decaying? If you had an old car that was falling apart and not worth fixing again, you wouldn’t waste your time and money with it. If you had access to a brand new vehicle free of charge, would you not take the deal in a heartbeat? So why do so many people go around with a bunch of broken down rusted out jalopies rather than jump into a brand new vehicle every day and take a ride that leads us to our Father?

Matthew 9:16-17 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. (17) Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. (KJV)

You ever hear the term ‘trying to drive a square peg into a round hole’? It doesn’t fit, nor was it meant to fit. And the more you try the more you will end up throwing a fit and be discouraged. The same holds true with God; when you try to put the new back into the old it doesn’t work. In fact as verse 16 says it actually ends up worse, to the point that it will end up perishing as verse 17 makes reference to. So remember Church, our God is a God of the living, not anything dead or perishing. The more one is surrounded by dead things the less attractive it is; in fact it becomes quite unhealthy if not buried. The same holds true in the spiritual realm; and the more one hangs onto dead things, eventually they end up dead too.

2 Corinthians 3:7-12 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: (8) How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? (9) For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. (10) For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. (11) For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. (12) Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: (KJV)

Having access to a law of faith that excels above and beyond the old law which is done away, why would someone keep going back to the graveyard to find something living? Using as simple and plainness of speech as possible, if you wish to remain in good standing with our Father, it can only be done by the new and living way, not in some has- been worn out dead, died and forgotten works of the law which will not bring new life.

Williams reference for Romans 7:1-6
1. Do you not know, brothers -- for I speak to those who are acquainted with the law -- that the law can press its claim over a man only so long as he lives?
2. For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies, she is freed from the marriage bond.
3. So if she marries another man while her husband is living, she is called an adulteress, but if he dies, she is free from that marriage bond, so that she will not be an adulteress though later married to another man.
4. So, my brothers, you too in the body of Christ have ended your relation to the law, so that you may be married to another husband, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.
5. For when we were living in accordance with our lower nature, the sinful passions that were aroused by the law were operating in the parts of our bodies to make us bear fruit that leads to death.
6. But now we have been freed from our relation to the law; we have ended our relation to that by which we once were held in bonds, so that we may serve in a new spiritual way and not in the old literalistic way.

Romans 7:1-6 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? (2) For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. (3) So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. (4) Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. (5) For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. (6) But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. (KJV)

Under the old covenant the law was in play for that time, and so in order to have a relationship with God it was done according to the works of it. You need to realize that once this was done away, dead died and buried by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, you are now free to engage in a new life of liberty and freedom apart from the law so that you can now partake of living waters which will bring forth the fruit of the Spirit within you. Now being delivered from death, it is time to go to the well of life so that you can continue to be alive and well in the newness of the Spirit and not the oldness of the letter of the law which is a killer.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Set Free

4/17/2015

Romans 7:9-10 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. (10) And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. (KJV)

Paul like many of the other disciples found a new life in Christ through belief in Him and the completed work He accomplished. But as we will see in his writings, and if you notice especially with the early Church, something had been choking the life back out of them; the freedom they found in a simple belief in Christ was getting complicated by the old law and rituals that many were still hanging onto at the time.

2 Corinthians 3:3-6 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. (4) And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: (5) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; (6) Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. (KJV)

We should no longer be relying in ourselves, in any works of the law, or in carnal ordinances that we think will draw us closer to God; rather our attention needs to be in the spiritual realm if we want to experience this new life in Christ. God is a Spirit; so now the only way to worship Him, is in this realm of spirit and truth; only the Spirit which gave you life and brought you back from the dead is able to sustain this life, and bring you to a mature perfect understanding of God through Christ. Your ability to be an effective minister can only be accomplished by teaching others to walk in the Spirit and not the flesh.

Galatians 4:9-11 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? (10) Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. (11) I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. (KJV)

Once you have been set free and delivered from the bondage of death, it is vital that in order to maintain a quality life in Christ it can only be done in the Spirit, and not by turning back and trying to rebuild a foundation off dead vain works. Having watched the world spend the last few months caught up in worldly holidays where people claim certain days are holy or special to the Lord, we can see that there is nothing new under the sun; same devil and his cheap distractions, just different disguises over the years. If you try to return to these weak and beggarly things you will find yourself becoming weak also.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (KJV)

You have been set free and are now partakers of the divine nature in Christ. Having spent many years in the past partaking of the forbidden fruit of this world, once you are able to experience this new life in Christ, and the abundance of love, joy, as well as the peace of God that goes beyond our understanding, don’t let it be stolen from you again by falling from grace into a bunch of dead end vain doctrines and works of man. There is no law, no boundaries anymore to those in Christ. What once kept us bound and limited in the realm of the flesh is done away, and now we have access into this unlimited realm of peace and joy, which is unattainable by the works of the law. So stay away from these dead end doctrines which claim that we still need to do rituals in order to maintain our walk with the Lord, or you will find this love you were once experiencing growing cold.

Hebrews 9:8-12 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. (KJV)

If you take the time to read the book of Hebrews you will see the writer gives us a good illustration of the difference between the old law and the new. What we see here in verses 8-12 is quite similar to what I still see going on today. Mankind keeps seeking perfection through the works of the law, continually doing things over and over again thinking it will draw them closer to God. As you notice in verse 10, these ordinances were in place until the time of reformation, which was accomplished for us when Christ Himself entered into the Holy place to deliver the sacrifice for mankind which was accepted by our Father. So no matter what disguise you put on these carnal ordinances and washings (water baptism being a prime example), as long as you keep turning back to these dead end works you will not be able to grow and mature in the Lord. Rather than being set free you bring yourself back into the bondage of the weak and beggarly elements again.

So people, Church, either Jesus Christ did a complete job on our behalf or He didn’t. And every time you try to walk a spiritual path and incorporate the works of the law in it, you end up with a little spiritual leaven in the bread of life which is unacceptable to Father.

Hebrews 10:1-2 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. (2) For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. (KJV)

When you walk with the Lord and continue in the liberty in Christ you find that there are no gray areas with Him, no shadows of darkness; your path and the light within you gets brighter and brighter, illuminating this path of life and any obstacles in its way. We see again that the true worshippers were once purged, cleansed from sin, because of their faith in Jesus Christ and what He accomplished on our behalf and not by some unfinished works that they think they still need to do.

Romans 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV)

You want freedom? Do you desire righteousness? Do you wish to continue to be justified in the sight of our Lord? Then you need to continue in the liberty in Christ and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage; and this will only be accomplished in the realm of the Spirit. Now that you have been set free, stay set free indeed.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Not Going Anywhere For A While?

4/16/2015

Hebrews 7:19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. (KJV)

Do you want to draw close to God and grow in Him? Then you need to withdraw yourself from the law and the works of it to succeed. Many begin in the Spirit and still try to perfect or become mature in the Lord by the flesh and its carnal ordinances. Ever wonder why so many Christians are weak and sickly? Those that should be a beacon of spiritual light are a flickering candle getting dimmer and dimmer.

Galatians 3:10-14 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth 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. (13) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (14) That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (KJV)

The promise that mankind has been waiting for, the promise of the Messiah that the Old Testament prophets wrote of has arrived and brought us a perfect plan of salvation that would release us from the curse of the old law. If you read back to the beginning of this Chapter 3, you will find that many begin in the Spirit with a simple belief in Christ and then go and spoil the plan by reverting back to laws and rituals that are done away in Christ. Rather than having faith in the work Jesus Christ did on our behalf, and the sacrifice that was paid and accepted of the Father as complete, we in essence by these dead works are telling the Lord that He didn’t do a complete work. God the Father accepted the blood sacrifice of His Son, then released the debt of sin and separation from Him, and has given us a ministry of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. If you plan on continuing your walk in the Spirit, and would like to grow closer to the Lord, then from this point on it can only be accomplished by faith.

Acts 13:38-39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: (39) And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (KJV)

No matter how you slice it, no matter how much you twist and turn things to try to make them fit, the only justification with our Lord is apart from works. The man being referred to in the above verses is none other than Jesus Christ; and in order to be justified, which means to render free, innocent and righteous, it can only be accomplished by faith in Him. Anytime one steps outside the realm of faith they are walking away from the Lord and trying to find another way into the kingdom, which the Bible refers to them as a thief and a robber; letting the devil steal the life and cut off the line of communication of the believer. It’s the simplicity of the gospel that many miss. Rather than keeping it simple, they complicate a simple plan of salvation by faith with a bunch of man-made additional works that cause more confusion than peace.

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)

Our indoctrination into God’s plan of salvation came in the form of Jesus Christ, who came and fulfilled the law, which culminated in the perfect sacrifice through His laying down His life for all mankind. Having resurrected and now seated at the right hand of the Father, this simple plan of salvation is manifest through a law of faith. Many today still seek forgiveness and repentance through dead works thinking something else needs to be done in order to be justified. Many believe in God and have a faith toward Him but are unable to tap into the measure of faith they were given; so rather than look inward they are still seeking the answer in the outward. It goes without saying that many still keep the doctrine of the external baptism in play, which is nothing more than a watered down dead doctrine. Verse 3 uses the word permit, which means to give liberty or be set free. The only way a believer can be set free and draw nigh or close to God and go on to perfection (maturity) in Christ, is by leaving the works of the law dead and buried.

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)

Without faith it is impossible to please God and they that are in the flesh cannot please God. The reason many believers fall away and get duped by the devil is because they miss the simple fact that it was faith that got them into the kingdom, and only faith in the completed sacrifice of Jesus Christ can keep them in it. Many crucify the simple doctrine of Christ by basically telling Him that He didn’t do a complete job, and that there is still work that needs to be done.

John 6:28-29 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (KJV)

Christ in you is the only hope of glory. This is the hope that was brought to all mankind, the gift of life given to bring healing and restoration to a fallen world. Anytime you look outside the realm of faith to find your answer you are stepping away from the Lord instead of being drawn closer to Him. Anytime you put yourself back under the old law and its dead works which were nailed to the cross you are telling the Lord that He is a liar and did not do a complete job.

Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. (37) For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. (KJV)

The word idle means, inactive or useless; which sounds like dead works, those things that keep a person from moving forward. Words of faith will build up the believer and bring them closer to the Lord. Your words which come from the heart will either bring you justification or condemnation. And those that speak in line with the Lord and operate according to the law of faith will find themselves innocent and just before the Lord. Anything less will just keep one stagnant and idle, and they will not be going anywhere for a while.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Gift That Keeps Giving

3/9/2015

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)

The wages for a life of sin is death, separation from our Father for eternity. It’s literally a hell of a reward for all those that serve the devil and spend their lives to satisfy their own desires of the flesh and neglecting the will of our Father. Salvation is actually a gift given to all mankind, sent forth from our Father and manifested to us by His Son, to deliver us from all our destructions. Now the question each and every one of us needs to answer is this; have we received this gift or have we neglected it and are looking elsewhere for our answer?

John 1:10-12 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not. (12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (KJV)

What would it be like for you parents, to be able to have everything a child would need to grow up healthy and mature, only to watch them neglect your gift of love, and end up malnourished and sick? For those that live in cold climates, to have coats and all the winter clothing that is needed for the child, just to watch them walk out the door and not be dressed for the weather. And yet with all that our Father has done for his people, for their benefit, only to see how few receive the gift and walk in the spiritual provisions He has provided for His children; how it must hurt Him as well to see His people walk out into a cold dark world not properly dressed and fed either. The plan is established, the gift given, His spirit poured out on all mankind, now a matter of who is willing to receive it and walk in the blessings afforded through this gift.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (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)

There is a perfect plan of salvation made just for you; a path of good works which were drawn up like a blueprint for you to follow after; a free gift for any and all that would receive it this day. We are His workmanship; and what a piece of work we all are, and can continue to be, if we allow Him to have His way with us. Some claim that salvation is not something we can earn and therefore it is something we cannot lose. However, like with any gift, some have taken their gift and exchanged it for something else more appealing to the lower nature, and not to the new nature we received in Christ.

Romans 1:22-25 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (24) Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: (25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (KJV)

The word ‘changed’ actually means to exchange. So instead of being content with what the Lord has provided, they look elsewhere for their answer, and just like clockwork the enemy is ready and waiting to give them a cheap imitation of what the real gift can provide. So instead of letting the truth set them free, they are overcome again with the subtle doctrines of man and end up worshipping and serving their own lusts and desires, rather than seeking the things of God and what He desires for them. It’s not that the devil has the power to pull anyone out of the kingdom, but rather uses slick underhanded methods to try and talk you out of it, and get you to settle for a far less inferior plan, which in many cases gives the glory to man and not to God. Don’t be taken in by these larger than life ministers who claim they are God’s gift to mankind. In many cases what appears to be too good to be true usually is.

1 Timothy 4:14-16 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (15) Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. (16) Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (KJV)

How would you like it if you gave a gift to someone close to you, something that was of great value, only to show up one day at their house and find it discarded and thrown in the garbage? If you really knew the true value of what you have been given and what you have access to, and the sacrifice it took to get you this gift, you would give yourself wholly to it as well, not holding back, but receiving all that is yours as well as sharing it with all you come in contact with.

1 Peter 4:10-11 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (11) If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV)

As with any gift it comes with an instruction manual so that you can keep it operational and not void the warranty. This is a free gift given to you so that you can partake of our Lord’s divine nature and continue to minister words of life to those that are willing to let Him speak through you. So what have you done with this gift? Is it alive and real today, or is it a discarded memory of something many talk of, but not walk in?

Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (KJV)

You have been given the same measure of faith that Jesus Christ was given when He walked this planet. He considers His church the pearl of great price and was willing to die on our behalf. So today, are you holding fast to what is rightfully yours, or have you neglected it? Some day we will have to give an account of what we have done with this gift, and I pray that you will be able to measure up and not be discarded as well.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.