|
Romans 4:1-5 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? (2) For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. (3) For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (4) Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. (5) But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (KJV)
Williams New Testament Romans 4:1-5: 1. Then what are we to say about our forefather Abraham? 2. For if he was considered in right standing with God on the condition of what he did, he has something to boast of, but not before God. 3. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham put his faith in God, and it was credited to him as right standing with God." 4. Now when a workman gets his pay, it is not considered from the point of view of a favor but of an obligation; 5. but the man who does no work, but simply puts his faith in Him who brings the ungodly into right standing with Himself, has his faith credited to him as right standing. When you really stop and think about God’s plan of salvation aren’t you glad it is not based on works? Or how about our reward of inheritance, that too is something that I wouldn’t want to be based on a debt, something I had to earn. If we all got what was coming to us or what we truly deserved based on works, then we would be back under the old grueling law, a place our Lord doesn’t desire for anyone anymore. Actually if we all got what was coming to us we would still be under a death sentence, separated from God, thus why He sent His Son to bring reconciliation to mankind. So what work did Abraham do to be in right standing with God, which is what the word righteousness means? If you said nothing (however, he was willing to believe in someone greater than himself), then you too would be headed in the right direction to be in right standing with God as well. Personally I am relieved, glad that salvation isn’t left up to me or my way of thinking, and certainly not according to my strength or abilities, but rather I can cast all my cares upon the Lord and let Him do the caring for me. In fact long before it ever occurred to me to cast my cares His way, even before the foundation of the world, God made a plan for my life, a path He chose for me as well as anyone else who was willing to simply believe in Him. Yet with that in mind, the simplicity of this plan by a God whose ways and thoughts are so much higher than mine, why at times do we still doubt or think we need to be doing something other than putting our faith in God and trusting in what He is able to do if only we will let Him? 1 Corinthians 3:18-21 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. (19) For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. (20) And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. (21) Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; (KJV) Strong’s definition for fool: 3474 moros (mo-ros'); probably from the base of 3466; dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e. heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd: KJV-- fool (-ish, X -ishness). Now before you go out and start acting like one of the above definitions because you just read where Paul said ‘let him become a fool, that he may be wise’ keep in mind that many think they can instruct God on how His plan of salvation works which they base more on works than on believing. I mean, if mankind is so smart and intelligent then why when the word of God specifically tells us there is one Lord and one faith, that in this country alone we have thousands of different so called faiths; now talk about blockheads. What man calls wisdom! Especially the wisdom of this world and its worldly preachers who base their salvation on works and not a simple belief in the completed work Jesus Christ has done on our behalf. While many profess themselves to be wise, they are in essence fools when teaching any other doctrine than the doctrine of Christ and the work He has begun and desires to do within the believer. So when someone tries to tell you that you have to do something in order to be in right standing with God, which most of the time means giving more money to their organizations, simple truth is that it is your ability to believe in the message being delivered by Christ to His people on a daily basis is what will keep one strong in the Lord and the power of His might. How can two walk together unless they be in agreement? It would be to your advantage to build a relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ so that you can hear His message of faith firsthand and no longer seek the glory of mankind. Nothing is more foolish, absurd, heedless and stupid than to see a bunch of people patting themselves on the back and boasting about all the things they are doing for God, and not the other way around. John 14:8-11 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. (9) Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? (10) Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. (11) Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. (KJV) Here is a different take on salvation, did you ever stop and think that this man Jesus of Nazareth had to rely on hearing and obeying in order to attain salvation for himself? While some claim he was God, the simple fact is that he was a man just like us believers seeking to please our Father; and that in order for him to inherit eternal life he too had to be willing and obedient to what God had planned for his life. Jesus was a man who was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power so that he could manifest God’s plan of salvation and be an example of how to live a life that is pleasing to Him. The same Spirit that worked in Him is in us as well. Now it is a matter of hearing the words of God and learning to speak not of ourselves but what the Spirit within is speaking. Jesus of Nazareth was the first born, or the first born again man into the realm of the Spirit, to demonstrate a life based on the grace of God through faith and not that of himself; willing to lay down His life for us. Are you in the Father this day and is His word working mightily in you? Are you believing in Him because of what He is doing or are you trying to base your salvation on your own works? In order to operate in the wisdom of God one needs to realize how futile and foolish their own thinking is. Matthew 6:31-34 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. (KJV) Once you come into agreement with God’s plan of salvation, and the more you remain in that realm, the more you see it contradicts the way of the world. First and foremost one needs to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness then all that is needed is added after we hear His take on it. While many seek to take care of the outward man first which is foolish, few are willing to enter into the realm of God, cease from their own works, and allow Him to be their source. The Spirit is willing, it is the flesh and its carnal thinking that is weak and futile. God’s gift is of grace not based on our works; which is so simple and yet so hard for many to let go and trust in the Lord with all their heart and no longer lean unto their own understanding. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 11:11-14 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. (12) Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. (13) Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. (14) Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. (KJV)
God’s word was made flesh and dwelt among us in the form of Jesus Christ, who was sent from God to deliver mankind from a death sentence to one of eternal life. The things our Lord did and demonstrated are still available to His people today; those that God sends to speak words of life and wake people up from their spiritual stupors. When you see the phrase sleep it does refer to death also. Lazarus is someone we can identify with ourselves. And as we read yesterday, a man who was stuck in darkness, bound up in grave clothes whose life stunk, and was being resurrected from his sleep by the word of the Lord. We too were dead in sin and trespasses but are now made alive again so that we are able to walk in newness of life in the Spirit, no longer bound by the desires of the flesh. Ephesians 5:14-16 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. (15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (KJV) Many think and are taught that someday there will be a wonderful resurrection to a new eternal life with Christ, and for many of them they can hardly wait for that day to come. Those that have their spiritual senses exercised today know that now it is time to awaken from our spiritual stupor, arise from the dead and walk in the light of the glorious gospel of Christ and the path He chose for us before the foundation of the world. Thayer’s definition for awake: 1453 egeiro- to arouse, to cause to rise a) to arouse from sleep, to awake b) to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to life Romans 13:11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. (12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. (14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (KJV) Have you woken up from the dead; are you arising now and heeding the spiritual calling, or are you all caught up in the striving and cares of this life? Now it is high time; time for you to be seated in the heavenly places with Christ, and not stuck in this dead end realm of the flesh with its dead end results. Your salvation is near, the Lord Himself is standing at your door knocking on the heart to see if you will let Him in and give you new life. Like with the example of Lazarus, He is ready to roll away the old stony heart and set you free to the only liberty you will find, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. So are you heeding the call of our Lord; are you stepping out in faith into a new realm so that you can be partakers of the heavenly gift that God sent to us through His Son Jesus Christ? Now is the day of salvation, now it is much nearer than you thought; so will you get up from your spiritual hangover and answer the call, or will you sleep in and miss out on an eternal heavenly reward which is rightfully yours for the taking? Have you put on the whole armor of God which is Jesus Christ so that you will no longer be taken down by the fiery darts of the enemy and put back to sleep? Walk in the Spirit of Christ so that you no longer have to be in bondage to the lusts of the flesh, fulfilling its deadly desires which are contrary to our Lord’s desire for you. 1 Corinthians 15:31-34 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (32) If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. (33) Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. (34) Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. (KJV) Paul himself realized that in order to resurrect daily to this new life in Christ he would have to die on a daily basis. The outward or the old man continues to perish on a daily basis, because we are now walking by faith and relying more on our spiritual sight than the physical one. Our inward man should be renewed on a daily basis so that we stay awake and alert spiritually, and are not ambushed by the enemy. Are the eyes of your understanding enlightened to the things of the Spirit, or are they becoming heavy and you are drifting back to sleep again? Take heed to the warning in verse 33, because Paul did not say that evil communication might corrupt, but rather would corrupt good manners. These warnings are not put in the Bible just to fill in pages or finish a paragraph, but are there for the benefit of His people so they won’t be deceived back to sleep again, but rather stay awake and alert to the things of God. Some people are not aware of these things that many may consider little and trivial, but remember it only took a little leaven to leaven the whole lump, and for those that don’t operate in this knowledge, like Paul said, he speaks this to their shame. It’s one thing if the people of the world decide to ignore the word of the Lord and perish; it’s another to see God’s people perish because of their lack of knowledge in spiritual matters; which in the end is all that truly matters. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. (28) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (29) For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (30) For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (KJV) The Bible says that we all need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, coming to an understanding of God’s plan of salvation for ourselves so that we no longer have to guess, but know who we are in Christ, and find our place within the body. Many that have had a spiritual awakening at some time, end up falling back to sleep, this after becoming weak and sickly. It’s because of their lack of discernment and diligence, as well in making the Lord their priority that they ended up in this condition. The Bible warns us of the many false prophets that shall come preaching damnable heresies to the point of denying the Lord, and they bring upon themselves swift destruction. Not only will the false prophets suffer eternal consequences because what should have been the bread of life was actually polluted and full of deadly spiritual diseases which eat like a cancer, but those that follow them and lend their support to them will also suffer the same consequences as well. So wake up Church; you have a Bible and you have access to the throne of God so that you can sit together with Christ on a daily basis and hear His words firsthand; they are spirit and they are life to those that hear. Don’t fall asleep at the wheel again and end up in a ditch spinning your wheels, but stay alert and follow the only path that leads to eternal life, the same path our leader and forerunner Jesus Christ followed Himself. God bless and keep the faith. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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)
Do you remember how you were first saved, and entered into the realm of the Spirit? This new found life of love, joy, and peace; was it something you did that made it happen, or was it someone you believed in that made it happen? So if you entered this realm with this simple thinking, would not it be safe to say that in order to remain in this realm it would take a simple faith in Christ to keep you there? And yet with as simple as God made His plan of salvation why do so many fall away again, backslide as some say, and are putting the Lord’s plan of salvation for them to an open shame because they are no longer operating in His realm, but are trying to mix faith and the works of the law, which is like the term awfully good. The carnal mind is enmity with God and cannot be renewed into the things of God because it is foolishness to those that are in the flesh. Some people don’t like pointing the attention to our heavenly Father, but rather enjoy keeping the spotlight on themselves and their works, thinking God needs their help to accomplish His work. 1 Corinthians 2:14-16 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (15) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (16) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (KJV) When one is still trying to operate in the things of God according to their own thoughts and ways they will miss the mark and fall away. If one is not able to receive the things of God then obviously they are not going to do those things that are pleasing to Him, but rather they will continue in their quest to satisfy their own carnal desires. Again we see the word discerned; it’s this lack of discernment that causes many to fall back into the abyss of the flesh and its dead end desires. While many should be teaching and instructing others in the realm of the Spirit they have need that one teach them again the spiritual meaning of the word of God. And rather than operating with the mind and understanding of Christ, they are no longer able to function in His realm. Romans 10:1-5 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. (2) For I bear them record that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. (3) For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (4) For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (5) For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them. (KJV) Have you ever gone back and read what the Lord thinks of our own righteousness? How about the term self-righteous; which is not very flattering either? So why do so many miss the mark and enter this realm of mission impossible? Once again we see that their carnal thinking gets in the way and distorts the true meaning of God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Rather than submit themselves to right standing with God, which is only in Christ and that new creation being brought forth, many fall away again by trying to establish their own. As we see in verse 4 Christ is the end of the law, because He fulfilled it without sinning so that we wouldn’t have to be held in bondage to it any longer. But as one sees in the end of verse 4 it only works by a simple belief, nothing else. So in the end, those who try to establish a relationship with the Father by the law are those that choose to live or try to live in something that is dead and should be left for dead. Again Church, without faith it is impossible to please God; and once you have stepped out of the realm of faith, or try to add anything else besides faith, like works, you have now fallen under the title of a transgressor. Romans 6:3-6 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (KJV) When you think of baptism, do you just think of the water ritual, or are you able to discern the true meaning of what our Lord was demonstrating, and the spiritual implications of it? Again, we see similar to circumcision that it is not the outward one that the Lord is looking to, but it is that new creature or creation within you that is important. When you are baptized into Christ you are immersed into His plan of salvation, a new way of life that the believer should be eating, drinking, and partaking of spiritually, not just some one and done ritual. You have now been baptized, and have entered a whole new realm of thinking as well as living, a realm of faith no longer based on your works. You have been planted like a seed into the fertile heavenly ground so that the living waters could bring life to the new creation within you, so that Christ could again be resurrected within you and do those things that are pleasing to God through you. You no longer have to be a servant of sin, falling away into sin, but rather a new creation in Christ. Is your old nature buried with Him and left for dead so that you can be a partaker of the new nature, or are you hanging around the graveyard and digging up the dirt? Remember our God is not a God of the dead, spiritually, but a God of the living. So where are you finding life today; is it in Christ, or are still trying to do it by the works of the law which are no longer alive and in play, but dead and nailed to the cross of Christ? Galatians 3:27-29 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. (29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV) Have you truly put on Christ, or are you just a put on? Those that have truly been baptized, immersed in His living waters, will be walking in a newness of life and not the oldness of the letter which kills and causes one to fall away. If you are truly Christ’s then it can only be by believing in His promise of salvation, and not of works. Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (KJV) As we saw in Hebrews 6, that one of the things that was causing people to fall away, was their lack of discernment concerning the doctrine of baptisms. While many still hold to the outward ritual, which one do you believe our Lord is concerned with? Paul narrowed it down to one baptism, which can only be established by one faith and belief in our Lord Jesus Christ. Are you truly baptized into Christ and have put Him on which makes all things possible to them that believe, or are you still holding to the old laws and rituals that make it impossible to please Him? 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV) I will let you decide and discern for yourself so that you no longer will have to fall away, but be able to stay seated in the heavenly places in Christ. God bless and hold fast. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (54) So, when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (KJV)
Did you know there is a dress code in order for you to gain your eternal access into the God’s kingdom? In order to gain access into this spiritual kingdom, then one would need to be clothed in a spiritual robe as well. It is not until this mortal, meaning liable to death, is able to put on immortality, or this corruptible body is replaced with an incorruptible one, that you will receive the reward of eternal life. Until that time we are still subject to death; one separates us from our physical body, the second death would separate us from the body of Christ and result in eternal separation from God. So watch and pray always, because it is only those that endure to the end that are going to receive this reward, while the rest will be like Adam and Eve, who realized that they could not hide their sin from God, and were naked and exposed for who they really were. Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (KJV) God looks at the thoughts and intents of the heart; so have you properly dressed yourself with a spiritual covering, or will you be charged with indecent exposure? Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. (KJV) Think about the first thing we that do when waking up; you dress yourself and prepare for the day. The Bible says to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all that is needed will be added unto us. Are we as diligent with our spiritual clothing as we are with the outward covering? You wouldn’t dare walk out of the house unclothed physically, why would you do it spiritually? That would be lewd and unlawful, and one would be subject to prosecution. Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (KJV) Ever heard the term self righteous? So has the Lord; and the word of God is clear on how far our own righteousness will get us, and how disgusting it is in the sight of the Lord. Basically speaking, by trying to achieve salvation our own way, we are telling the Lord that He didn’t do a good enough job and that we know better. Without faith it is impossible to please God, my ability to hear the message delivered by Christ and operate in His righteousness. Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (KJV) The definition for endued refers to being clothed with a garment, which if coming from on high, would be referring to a spiritual covering. So are you covered this day, or are you exposed to the elements? Matthew 22:11-13 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: (12) And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. (13) Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (KJV) Here’s a classic example of someone that tried to do things their own way, trying to find a different way into the kingdom of God. He didn’t have much of an answer when it came time to give an account of himself and his apparel. We have all been invited to this wedding feast as well, so time to get dressed and don’t be late. Zephaniah 1:7-8 Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. (8) And it shall come to pass in the day of the LORD's sacrifice, that I will punish the princes, and the king's children, and all such as are clothed with strange apparel. (KJV) Have you noticed over the years how fashions change with the times? Dress codes that man would have considered an abomination years ago are now acceptable and the norm. And if you notice over the years, the coverings have gotten smaller, leaving more and more exposed. The same holds true with many doctrines of man, they change as well with the times, rather than covering the lower nature with a robe of righteousness, they leave more and more of the truth out, exposing themselves for who they really are. 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2) For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: (3) If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. (4) For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. (KJV) You need to realize that what is appropriate in God’s sight is not the same as what man considers appropriate. God covers us completely, spirit, soul and body, while man just tries to cover his backside, which the Bible says we are to be the head and not the tail. Revelation 3:5-6 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (6) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (KJV) Are you listening Church, and do you take the message of our Lord seriously? We need to be overcomers not underachievers in order to gain access to our inheritance. When a name is blotted out, which means to erase, it means at one time it was actually a part of the book of life. So is your name still on the guest list, and do you check it on a daily basis to make sure your invitation is still intact? Remember, only those that are a part of the family and dressed for the occasion will be allowed into the wedding feast of the Lamb. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
AuthorWe are stewards of the mystery of Christ. Ambassadors on His behalf to share the conditions of peace with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Archives
February 2025
Categories
All
|