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Good morning. Today's video Angels Unaware is a follow up on the topic of angels: what they are; who they are; is there still a purpose for angels; are they still in play? You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video Angel of God is on the topic of the angels of God and their place in our lives. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 3:3-4 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? (4) God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
The proper perspective on all of mans’ holidays or traditions should come from God and His Word. So whenever man says so…make sure you go to God and find out what He says; letting God be true and every man a liar. Just as a reminder… Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? So dearly loved don’t just take mans’ word for it; instead seek God for the truth of the matter and let Him have the final say; letting Him and His Word be the judge and jury of the matter. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
We are bombarded this time of year by what man calls Christmas; and sad to say many so called churches have adopted this as a doctrine which they think came from God. In fact the reason this doctrine was ever brought to the forefront was because a bunch of wishy washy compromising Christians decided they were going to adopt this time of year as the Lord’s birth, which just happened to coincide with pagan rituals. Mankind’s downfall from the beginning has been when they would mix and match with other beliefs and things God said were forbidden. Kind of like rock music, where many think they can incorporate something carnal and outrageous and attach it to Christ. Yeah right, I can see the Lord now on stage acting like some imbecile out of control. Exodus 32:3-7 And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. (4) And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, these be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. (5) And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, tomorrow is a feast to the LORD. (6) And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. (7) And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou brought out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: (KJV) Back in the day the children of Israel decided to adopt a pagan tradition, and then thought they could attach it to the Lord and He would be on board. You can take the people out of Egypt; however it was hard getting the Egyptian traditions out of them. These people thought they could follow the traditions of man and then offer sacrifices to the Lord thinking it would be okay. Well if it didn’t float back then, why would so many think it will today? Jeremiah 10:2-4 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. (3) For the customs of the people are vain: for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. (4) They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers that it move not. (KJV) As we see, this junk has been going on for a long time; same devil, just a different disguise. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV) Many desire a closer relationship with our Lord, but in order to partake of the new you have to leave something old behind. Many today fall short because they try to hang onto old things and end up on the outside rather than in good standing with God. Psalms 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (KJV) So Church, enjoy this holiday in its proper perspective, knowing that we serve a God who can only be worshipped in spirit and in truth. Promoting a lie is not something our Lord has or ever will approve of; and let’s keep Christmas out of Christ and His doctrine. Remember, you can Google ‘Christmas Saturnalia’ or go to YouTube and check out the information they have concerning the origins of Christmas and you will get more truth than what you are getting from many of mans’ so called churches. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (KJV)
One of enemy’s best tricks is to make people, and yes God’s people, think that he is their friend by disguising the truth just enough to throw one out of bounds concerning what our Lord accepts as His doctrine. Every year at this time many are duped into thinking something special happened on December 25th. Now for those that have rightly divided the word of truth and see right through this phony façade they may spend this day together with family and friends but they don’t consider this day, or the doctrine of Christmas as something that is or ever was ordained of Christ. 2 John 1:8-11 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (9) Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (10) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: (11) For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (KJV) The biggest problem with Christmas is when so called Christians make this a doctrine, and actually try to attach it to Christ. Every year billboards and signs go up urging people to keep Christ in Christmas. Well Christ is about as far removed from Christmas as He would be from gambling, drug dealing and prostitution; and it is not something He would endorse. 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 one of the first big red flags for the Christian (which by the way I am speaking to those that are serious about salvation and making it a way of life) is when you see the majority of mankind partaking of it. All one has to do is go through the Bible and compare the many and the few, and you will see that many are not headed in the right direction. If one really was to take off their carnal feel good blinders they would see right through this nonsense that takes place every year in December. In fact I would suggest that you Google ‘Christmas Saturnalia’ and you will see the true origins of how this doctrine came into existence. Today many are crucifying our Lord all over again and put Him to an open shame when they end up exchanging the truth for a lie. Hebrews 5:12-14 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (13) For every one that uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (14) But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (KJV) Rightly divide the word of God in everything you do; and be open to the truth so that you can grow beyond the spiritual day care centers that many today call a church. If our Lord isn’t attached to something, neither should His people. Again, for more information on the origins of Christmas you can Google ‘Christmas Saturnalia’ or go to YouTube as well and check out the origins of Christmas. Then you can ask yourself honestly if this sounds like something our Lord ordained. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Santa, satan, hmm, not much different is it? Just change one letter around and you basically have the same thing, or should I say same origin? As a child being indoctrinated with the traditions of man, I was able to see through them and realize there was no such thing as Santa. As one matures in the Lord they should be able to see through these manmade doctrines and traditions of man, so they can take a stand and no longer be caught up in satan’s clause. The holiday has become a road show of reindeer, winter scenes, elves, and the God substitute, Santa Claus, who serves as a front for merchants seeking to play on the guilt some parents bear for ignoring their children the rest of the year. Why participate any longer in this charade where the focal point of worship has shifted from a babe in a manger to a babe in the Victoria Secret’s window? No room in the inn has been replaced by no room in the mall parking lot.
Jeremiah 10:2-4 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. (3) For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. (4) They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. (KJV) Sound familiar? Rather than ignore the ways of the heathen, those that claim to be of God continue to allow these traditions and doctrines of man to prevail. Rather than taking a stand, many cave in and compromise so that they can fit in with the crowd instead of stepping out of the mainstream of deception. If one is not willing to take a stand now, what makes you think you will in other areas? Where your treasure is, there will truly be the heart; and when all is said and done, we are either with Him or against Him. Psalms 115:3-8 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. (4) Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. (5) They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: (6) They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: (7) They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. (8) They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them. (KJV) Take a look around at all the idols that are placed in peoples yards this time of year. They may look good to the outward and have such pretty shining lights around them, but take a look at what the word of God says about them and the similarity between the idols and those that put them up; verse 7&8. Are you sure you want to partake of this, or is it time to take a second look and ask the Lord what He thinks of all this stuff? Matthew 2:7-11 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. (8) And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. (9) When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. (10) When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. (11) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (KJV) How many times have you seen the wise men depicted at the manger? Sound petty and trivial? If they can’t get this right, I question how many other things they overlook because of their lack of diligence. Basically what it comes down to is this, one person said it that way and the rest followed, not taking the time to check it out in the word of God for themselves. Note verse 11 which clearly states that they came into the house, not the manger, where they saw the young child. Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. (KJV) Are you walking with wise men today; in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord or are you blindly following the traditions and doctrines of man based on emotions and not the Spirit? One will lead you closer to our Lord and the other will have you blindly worshipping Him in vain. Oh, by the way, there was a manger scene that did take place, and it gives us an accurate account of what really took place as all scripture does for our benefit. Luke 2:4-16 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) (5) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (6) And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. (7) And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (8) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (9) And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. (10) And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. (12) And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, (14) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (15) And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. (16) And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. (KJV) There was a Savior born into our realm to manifest God’s plan of salvation to mankind so that we could be reborn into His spiritual realm. Once you have been born again it is vital that you learn how to operate in the Spirit and not try to perfect it by the flesh and its traditions. God has stipulations, clauses in His word that point us to the truth and sets us free to worship Him. Satan’s clause is based on cheap imitations that appeal to the fleshly nature of man and are in reality an abomination in the sight of God. Before you dive head first in the traditions of man and follow the crowds, make sure there is some living water in it before you leap; otherwise you may find it to be nothing more than a mirage; ouch! That will leave a mark. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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 labor in vain. (KJV)
Remember back a couple of months ago when mankind went out and dressed up in all kinds of costumes, most of which resembled dead people and other abominations, going door to door trick or treating? Then we have some professing Christians who get up on their soapbox and condemn this holiday claiming it has nothing to do with God. So how come if you are willing to take a stand with that one, you cave in and celebrate these other manmade holidays that have their origins embedded in pagan worship? Have you taken the time to ever look at the origins of say Christmas and what the word of God says concerning this? Or are you like so many that blindly take it for granted, that just because many others do it then it has to be ok and accepted by God. Matthew 15:8-9 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. (9) But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (KJV) Where do these traditions originate from and what is the foundation of them? Are they founded on Biblical principles, or maybe these things are propagated by mankind and his desire to make gain by putting people in bondage to a retailer’s celebration which has nothing to do with the Lord. In fact many claim they are celebrating the birth of Jesus, which by the way did not happen on December 25th, another red flag for those that claim to be of God. In fact, if you go back to the origins of these holidays you will find most originated from pagan worship, then it was adopted by the so called church to appease the people. Last time I looked it said the truth would set me free, so would God tell us a lie to promote His truth? Deuteronomy 12:29-30 When the LORD thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; (30) Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. (KJV) Where’s the discernment anymore, and what do we base our lives on? I thought we were supposed to be different from the world; to be separate and base our lives on what the word of God says and not on what man tries to dictate. I thought we were to be imitators of Christ, and not those of the world. And yet having said all this, looking around, all I see is a bunch of false pagan worship based on pleasing man and not God. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV) Conformed; means to fashion after the same pattern. Jesus Christ gave us a perfect example of how to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Yet with the example and writings left to the Church, why are so many patterning their lives after man? Are we oblivious, or do we just choose to ignore the teachings and warnings in His word, thinking that a little fun can’t hurt anything? How true the verse about a little leaven leavens the whole lump! Just look around and see how many have sold out to the world and its way of thinking. Luke 16:13-15 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (14) And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. (15) And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (KJV) Here is another red flag; when you see everyone else doing it that should be your first clue that it has nothing to do with the Lord. Are you going to tell me that these traditions and manmade holidays are there for any other reason except to make money, especially this one that takes place in December? No man can serve two masters because in the end you end up selling out totally, either to the Lord or the world. And if we are not faithful in the smaller matters we will not advance and grow into bigger things in the realm of the Lord. In fact eventually, if you are not willing to take a stand, you compromise your belief in God, which will end up in a continual backward process rather than moving forward. 1 John 2:14-17 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. (15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (KJV) How did the young men become strong and able to overcome the wicked one, the prince of the power of the air, the voice of popular opinion and doctrines of man? By not loving the world and the things that are manmade, things that appeal to the lower nature, but are of no profit to the new nature within. They were able to tell the difference between what is of God and what is of man. The world and all its vain empty pursuits are someday going to pass away. The question is, will you pass away with it or will you be a doer and not just a hearer of the word of God? 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) Are old things passing away or are you passing away in the ways of the world which contradict the things of God? Though we have known Christ in the past after the flesh and have allowed our thinking to be limited by our carnal fleshly minds, we should know Him no more in that way; rather all things including our thoughts and deeds should be a new way of life and not an old traditional one. So before all you hollow weenies get back on your soap box and preach your gospel, you had better make sure you have your own closet clean and not full of a bunch of skeletal remains of manmade traditions and doctrines of the world. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Luke 16:19-21 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (20) And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, (21) And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (KJV)
Did you ever wonder what kind of interview some well known famous people would give after their death, even some big name preachers who looked so good on the outside, but inwardly they were empty? Do you think the message they would deliver would be the same as the one they gave here on earth, or do you think they would like to have another crack at it, maybe this time with some truth added to the mix? The above example reminds me of many of today’s so called churches and even politicians, who live high off the hog and the backs of other people then leave them with crumbs, or in the case of the preachers, crummy doctrines of man. Oh they look so good on the outward, but inwardly they are empty and dead, so instead of feeding the flock of God they end up fleecing it. Luke 16:22-24 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (23) And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (24) And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (KJV) So being rich and famous isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be is it? If famous news organizations could go and interview people after their death I am sure it would be quite an exclusive interview, let alone a change in the message they used to deliver. But then that is not going to happen; the enemy isn’t going to expose himself or the consequences because that would get the people’s attention pointed in the direction of the truth. So for the believers in Christ, we have the word of God to rely on, and it is vital that we get to know this Word so that we don’t end up in a hell of a predicament. James 2:1-5 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. (2) For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (3) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: (4) Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (5) Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (KJV) Just because you are not rich and famous in the outward doesn’t mean you can’t be rich on the inside does it? Nor does it mean you are doing anything wrong if your focus and attention is more on eternal things and not on the temporal things. Talk about idiotic, have you ever noticed some of these big name ministries on TV that do their telethons and offer more perks and privileges to the people that can give the most and basically discard all others, including some that may be poor? Does that sound like something our Lord approves of, especially when He has had His people write letters to the Church warning and forbidding these abominations? Yet with this in mind, how do godly people still get duped and support this junk; you know like if you don’t take a stand with the Lord then you will fall for anything; or another way of putting it is, a fool and his money are soon parted. Luke 16:25-26 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (26) And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. (KJV) Do you recall what the root of all evil is? As we see in the above verses a love for God was drowned out by a love of money; so what may have started out as a servant to the people ended up worshipping and serving mammon instead; the end result was a place where one can’t buy their way out of. Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (4) Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (KJV) Are you looking out for others, your brethren in Christ, or are you looking to make another score using others for your own advantage sake? There will be consequences, not only for those that initiate these practices but also for those that support them in their folly. Luke 16:26-31 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. (27) Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: (28) For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. (29) Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. (30) And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. (31) And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (KJV) You know, someone has risen from the dead; in fact He is the author and finisher of our faith who gave us the word of God so that we could avoid the pitfall we see in the above verses. Have you given ear to the word of God today, or are you following some deadbeat that is more concerned with their things and not the things that edify? While many think that they need to go witnessing to others in order for them to be saved, the truth is they need to hear how to present the word of God effectively so that it points the people more toward the Lord and not man and his own creations of what he claims is a church. Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (KJV) There is a man who was dead and now lives, who is seated at the right hand of our Father, ready to deliver a personal message of faith to any and all that would call upon His name, that being Jesus Christ. Are you taking the time to hear His message so that you can be delivered from destruction, or are you following some dead man talking but not really walking? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Colossians 2:11-15 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: (12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV)
Williams New Testament translation for Colossians 2:11-15 11. And through your union with Him you once received, not a hand-performed circumcision but one performed by Christ, in stripping you of your lower nature, 12. for you were buried with Him in baptism and raised to life with Him through your faith in the power of God who raised Him from the dead. 13. Yes, although you were dead through your shortcomings and were physically uncircumcised, God made you live again through fellowship with Christ. He graciously forgave us all our shortcomings, 14. canceled the note that stood against us, with its requirements, and has put it out of our way by nailing it to the cross. 15. He thus stripped the principalities and dominions of power and made a public display of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Again as we notice in the above illustrations, that rituals of the old law were symbolic of what is taking place in the spiritual realm. As we ended yesterday’s study we concluded with the fact that circumcision means nothing to our Lord anymore because He is more concerned with the new man, a new creation in Christ that is forming within the believer. Baptism is illustrated again for us as one of spiritual in nature, a life changing event that should be taking place within the believer and not some outward show or ritual. Once one is able to die to self and their own desires of the flesh then the Spirit is able to take over so that your desires are more of those things which are above and not below, or below our Lord’s standards and intent for His people. The Lord removed the curse of the old law and nailed it to His cross symbolizing that the debt is paid and we are now free to walk in the liberty which is only found in Christ. When we see people still holding to laws and rituals, we are seeing people that profess to know God but by dead works deny Him and the completed work He accomplished for us. Simply put, they are calling God a liar and claiming He didn’t do a complete work and that more was needed; not a good place to be in people. 1 Corinthians 1:14-18 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; (15) Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. (16) And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. (17) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (KJV) I don’t know if there was a more die hard staunch believer, as well as indoctrinated in the old law, as a man named Paul, formerly known as Saul. As we see illustrated in the above verses, Paul himself came to the conclusion of what his calling truly was and how he himself was crossing over from the old into the new. Many people today enjoy hearing the word of God especially when it deals with blessings, but start teaching about dying to self, crucifying the flesh and its lusts, and that same many will head for the exits. Paul clearly states and points out that Christ did not send him to baptize, but rather teach the doctrine of Christ that deals with the new inward creation not the old fallen one. While many still consider the preaching and teaching of the cross and what it truly takes to be baptized into Christ foolishness, few realize that is where their salvation and power is. Take notice of verse 17 as well, because for those that still hold to these outward rituals and ignore the true spiritual meaning or implication of them, they are in essence leaning back to their own understanding and their teaching and preaching is of none effect. Hebrews 6:1-6 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (3) And this will we do, if God permit. (4) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, (5) And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, (6) If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. (KJV) Remember watching the movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’, and how painful it was to watch them nail our Lord to the cross? How one would watch this take place and think ‘how could they ever do that to our Lord’? Did you ever stop and think that is what is still taking place when people misinterpret the true spiritual meaning of the word of God, they are in essence crucifying the Lord and His doctrine again? One way or the other, you have a choice to either take up your own cross and follow our Lord, or drive another nail into our Lord and His people by teaching doctrine contrary to what our Lord intended. Remember when you sin and wound the conscience of the believers you are sinning personally against Christ, and crucifying Him all over again. As we see in the first few verses of Hebrews, that these basic principles and doctrines that were in place before are things we should be leaving behind, not still trying to implement. Once a believer gets a true taste of the truth and what these things symbolized it is time to move forward and walk in the Spirit, not trying to fulfill an old law that our Lord already did for us. Galatians 3:23-28 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (24) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (25) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.(28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (KJV) Schools out people, and has been for over two thousand years. God’s people have graduated and are now walking in a new realm, one of faith in what Christ Jesus has done on our behalf and wishes to continue in each and every believer. When you enter the realm of the Spirit and seek to be seated with Christ then you need to leave your old nature at the door and put on a new man in order to enter into this realm. While some people claim that a certain sect or group of people were responsible for the crucifixion of our Lord; the word clearly states that God knows no one after the flesh but after the Spirit. Bottom line, we are either for Him or against Him, and spiritually many are still crucifying and butchering the true spiritual meaning of the word of God by hanging onto dead rituals that were nailed to the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you crossing over into the realm of the Spirit, or are you still hanging onto dead things which only bring dead results? He that has ears to hear let them hear what the Spirit is truly speaking today. God’s best and continue to walk in the Spirit. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. James 1:17-18 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (18) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. (KJV)
Why should you expect the best? How about the fact that you serve the best, someone who always has your best interest at heart. When mankind was in dire need of a savior God gave us His best in the form of His Son Jesus Christ to restore the fellowship between us and Him, and give us the gift of life. When the answer to your prayers manifest you know it is of God because there is not a shadow of doubt that it came from Him and was just what you needed; at times above and beyond what you could have ever thought of or asked for. We have been reborn into a new realm of the Spirit by the word of truth so that we could tap into the tree of life and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit, now becoming rooted and grounded in the love of God which is shed abroad in our hearts. So when you come before the throne of God and make your requests, do you truly expect the best or are your prayers like throwing dice, hoping you will get a good roll? Romans 11:16-22 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. (17) And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; (18) Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. (19) Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. (20) Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: (21) For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. (22) Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. (KJV) You know Church this tree you have been grafted into is not one of chance or luck, but rather a sure thing to those that partake of it. Actually you are grafted into the tree of life which is Christ so that you can now be an active participant in a new life. A branch can break off a tree because of high winds, or in the case of a believer winds of doctrine that blow through which causes one to doubt and speak words that cut them off from the source of life. What is the cause for the branch being broke off; simple unbelief. What allows you to continue to partake of the root and fatness of the tree; simple faith. The more one stays attached to this tree of life the more deeply rooted and grounded they become in it and bear the fruit of it as well. God is no respecter of persons and didn’t play favorites with His natural branches which were the Jews, and He has now allowed any and all that would call upon the name of the Lord to be saved and partake of this new life in Him. As long as you continue to remain rooted and grounded in the love of God partaking of this tree of life you to should be expecting the goodness of God in your life. Psalms 23:4-6 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (KJV) There are times that our carnal minds wander in the depths of despair, a shadow of death because we have allowed something to block the light from shining in. As a true believer in Christ one should be retraining, renewing their mind to think like our Lord, reminding ourselves that we are the head and should quit acting like the tail end. So once one is able to get their mind out of the gutter, that valley or low point in their walk, and recover themselves they are able to clearly see the answer the Lord has for them in verses 5&6. We have all experienced heartache and frustration in the past; trying to find peace in the dead realm of the flesh, exerting so much energy only to end up frustrated and defeated. Now that we are grafted into this new realm of the Spirit, a realm of victory, we need to be confident in the fact that surely, not maybe or possibly, goodness and mercy is now a part of my life and continues to follow me all, not just some of, the days of my life. God has prepared a table for you in His heavenly realm and is now seeking those that wish to be seated with Christ and partake of the meat of His word on a daily basis. The more you stay seated with Him the less you will be caught up and entangled with the things of this life, so that like with a branch, the fellowship won’t be broken again. Quite simply put, now that you are a part of the tree of life bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit you should continue to expect the best from our Lord and not expect the results you used to get from your past. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (18) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; (KJV) You are a new creature, a new creation in Christ, old failures, old results, old excuses are now passed away and your life should be a totally new experience, one of confidence and peace as well as a newfound inner strength that you never knew existed before. When you pray and make your requests to God through Jesus Christ, where there was once a shadow of doubt there should now be a new expectation of confidence, boldness, and assurance that your prayers are heard and answered. What was once a life of a day late and a dollar short is now replaced by an assurance that in all things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Instead of being a loser and ending up with the short end of the stick, I can now expect my cup to be running over with living waters which flow from the heart and bring new life and shed light where there was darkness and despair. Are you living in the new today or are you still holding to the past, stuck in a valley looking for the way out? Do you really expect the best from God? Then start giving Him your best effort, because with what measure you give His way will come back your way. Sometimes the reason we don’t see our way out of a situation is because we don’t spend enough time seated in the heavenly realm to hear the message delivered by Christ and we end up stooping to the ways of the world. You need to spend enough time in the word of God renewing the mind so that you can take words like ‘I can’t’ or ‘it just isn’t possible’ out of your vocabulary and replace it with words like ‘I can do all things through Christ’ or ‘with God all things are possible’, and nothing I mean nothing is impossible to those that believe. A new creation in Christ means that what was impossible to man in his fallen realm is now possible and should be expected by those that are a part of this new realm, a new life made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord. Isaiah 42:8-9 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. (9) Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. (KJV) You know, when you read the news of the world it is not really news or anything new, but rather the same negative things resulting from a fallen world. People fighting and warring trying to find peace in a realm the Lord said was dead, and there is no life. When one partakes of the word of God they are able to partake of a totally new realm, actually a realm where the victory is guaranteed before hand, with a promise of goodness and mercy all the days of our lives. If you give God your best then you can expect the best in return, letting His word be your one true source of life. Expect the best, because after all you serve the best. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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