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Good day. Today we are posting a recent writing. We pray that you are strengthened and encouraged by it. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Independence Day! Many celebrate July 4th, Independence Day, here in the United States of America, with parades, parties, and fireworks; but do they remember why, or what they have been given; the freedom and liberty afforded them all on the sacrifices that many men gave for this country, even unto death, that they can freely live a life with liberty and the pursuit of happiness in it. Over the years many have forgotten these freedoms and desire to be in bondage again. Independence Day for a Christian is: First when they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in which they are delivered from their sins and this present evil world. When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior you were baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire (Luke 3:16). The fire burns off the chaff (old dead things that easily blow in the wind), cleansing the ground of our heart to be ready to receive the spiritual increase of God, to come to the knowledge of the truth where there is true independence. And second continuing daily in the faith and liberty that we have been blessed with in Christ (Colossians 1:12-14). Knowing that our citizenship in heaven, every day in Christ should be celebrated in Spirit and in truth as Independence Day. This is the day (today) that the Lord has made, and we shall rejoice and be glad in it. Having been baptized with the Holy Spirit, we are to continue daily to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us into all truth and show us things to come (John 16:13-15). If you accept and continue in the truth, the truth will make you free; and if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:31-36). The truth is in the Son, not in the buildings made with hands and in their traditions and doctrines with which many are brought into bondage again (Read 2 Peter 2). So let our Father in heaven by his Holy Spirit enlighten the eyes of your understanding, as the truth is in Jesus, so that you may know the Son revealed by the Father and walk in that liberty. Sad to say, though many know Jesus, few have not so learned Christ. (Ephesians 1:18-23, Galatians 1:11-12, Galatians 1:15-16, Ephesians 4:20-24) Remember this liberty which you have been blessed with through the sacrifice spiritually and physically of our Lord Jesus Christ, and please don’t let it slip away or take it for granted. Jesus Christ came that we might have life and life more abundantly; the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy what has been sown in our hearts, the word of God. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (KJV) Now that you have liberty, do you consider yourself independently wealthy? I’m not talking about the outward realm of that which the world considers wealth to be, that is, abundance of money. Remember the “love of” money is the root of all evil, which while some have coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. I’m talking about being independently wealthy spiritually. We have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. We have been given the true riches, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ. Ephesians 1:2-14 (KJV) Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (KJV) Colossians 2:2-3 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (KJV) Knowing this we are to be independent of external circumstances, not allowing what is going on in the outward realm to affect us spiritually. Not allowing the cares of this life, deceitfulness of riches, and lusts of other things to enter in and choke the word of God that has been sown in our hearts. Put away from you the distractions of this life and seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and become independently wealthy spiritually knowing that all that we have need of in this life here on earth will be added unto us; our Father knows have we have need of before we ask. Cast all you care unto God through his Son Jesus Christ, who will do the caring for you and be content (content with one’s lot, one’s means though they may be the slenderest) with such things as you have, for he will never leave us nor forsake us. Remember the just shall live by faith. Put to death the lusts of the flesh, those things of our former life before we accepted Jesus Christ (what fruit had you then in those things whereof you are now ashamed?), for the end of those things is death. For they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24). Ephesians 2:2-7 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (KJV) Today, are you content or are you anxious for your life? It is Independence Day today! Today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time. Stay in today and trust that no matter what comes your way, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV) 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV) Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (KJV) Content (G842): Thayer Definition: 1. sufficient for one’s self, strong enough or processing enough to need no aid or support. 2. independent of external circumstances 3. contented with one’s lot, with one’s means, though the slenderest Strong’s Definition: from G714; self complacent, that is, contented: - content (G714): Thayer definition: 1. To be possessed of unfailing strength a) To be strong, to suffice, to be enough 1) To defend, ward off b) To be satisfied to be contented Strong’s definition: be content, be enough, suffice, be sufficient Dearly loved brethren, whatever our circumstances in this life, stand fast in the liberty with which Christ has made you free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Be content with such things as you have so that you may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. And remember godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. So Church, stay independent today in Christ. God bless and keep the faith. Written to the Church through Charlene Giefer, Christ’s servant, your sister and fellow saint in the kingdom and righteousness of God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. You can view all previous writings by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive. Good day. Today's video Signed, Sealed, and Delivered is on the topic of: The message of salvation was signed, sealed, and delivered unto us from God, through his Son Jesus Christ the King of kings and Lord of lords, by the Holy Spirit of God. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, having received the message signed from the Father of heaven above, you are now sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise and spiritually delivered from this present evil world. Once you accept the message of salvation, you will need to seek through the contents of the message and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you into all truth, unto the knowledge of the truth which was in Jesus, which is also in you, Christ our only hope of glory, the mystery of the kingdom of God which is in you ready to be revealed. In the end will you be authenticated having the seal of the Holy Spirit of God, given by God through his Son Jesus Christ? If you continue in the faith grounded and settled and remain sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise you will see the face of God revealed through his Son, the Lamb, Jesus Christ, by his Holy Spirit. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Doctrine of Christ Ministry Archive. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video Outsourcing is on the topic of Are you outsourcing your salvation? Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (KJV) Are you outsourcing your salvation? Like a company outsources the manufacturing of their products. Today there are many Christians who are outsourcing their salvation to another. They are relying on a pastor, a minister, an organization to put together a spiritual meal for them, or tell them what is truth, or what they should do; and that may be once a week, or twice, or whenever they feel they need it because they are so busy with other things. And it does not seem to matter if there is truth or quality to it. It is like fast food; it never looks or tastes as good as they advertise it be, but people eat it anyway because they are hungry and at that point it does not matter what the truth of the ingredients are or if they are of quality. Few question or seek to know where their food is coming from or the quality of it, whether it be physically or spiritually. Broad is the path and easy is the way that leads to destruction, and many are blindly on that path and do not even know it. Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. (KJV) Who and what are you listening to? God and his doctrine; or men and their interpretation of God’s doctrine? It is given unto you to know. When you were born again you were given the gift of God and everything needful to come to the knowledge of the truth. It is all within you, now seek it out with the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit who will guide you into all truth. Do not rely on men to do it for you or you may get an inferior product of your salvation that will not be allowed into the kingdom of God. John 4:10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.(KJV) Proverbs 5:15-17 Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. (16) Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. (17) Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. (KJV) 1 John 2:20-27 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. (21) I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. (22) Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. (23) Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. (24) Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. (25) And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. (26) These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (27) But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (KJV) John 16:13-14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (14) He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (KJV) John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (KJV) The state of our salvation is a product of the time and effort that we spend daily seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Going straight to the throne of God through his Son Jesus Christ for our daily bread, for his wisdom on each situation that comes up, for his truth, comfort, grace, and mercy. Praying without ceasing; always in fellowship with God and his Son, so that our faith stands in the power of God, and not in the wisdom of men. Colossians 2:8-10 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. (9) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (KJV) We encourage you, please do not outsource your salvation to another doctrine, to another gospel than that which you have received of our Lord Jesus Christ, which the Holy Spirit confirms by leading you into all truth if you allow it to be so. Yes, the Lord can use others to speak to us, to enlighten us, to encourage us in our walk in faith; but always go to God our Father through Jesus Christ and make sure what you hear and receive is truly of Him because there are many false prophets in the world who serve the god of this world, Satan, and although they may appear as an angel of light, they are instead the servants of corruption, who seek their own gain. Do not be ignorant of Satan’s devices; if you know the truth you will know them by their fruit. The Lord warned us… Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (16) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. (18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (KJV) John 7:16-18 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. (17) If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (18) He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. (KJV) Dear brethren in our Lord Jesus Christ, try the spirits whether they be of God or not (1John 4:1-6). Let God be true and every man a liar, including ourselves until we come into agreement with God and his doctrine. Men are created beings in the likeness of sinful flesh due to the fall of mankind, not God! Always seek the truth from God, so that you can discern between good and evil, and rightly divide the word of truth which will enlighten your eyes to recognize the lies so that you are not taken captive by the devil at his will and brought into bondage again. Remember, just as God works through others to help us, so can the devil to try to steal, kill, and destroy. John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (KJV) When we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were given everything needed to in-source our salvation; each one of us is responsible for our own salvation (work own salvation with fear and trembling); to make our calling and election sure. Do you want to hear the Lord say unto you when you stand before Him, “well done my good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord” or “I never knew you, depart from me you worker of iniquity”? Outsource or In-source your salvation; you decide. Now, Thanks be unto God our Father, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. God bless and keep the faith. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry or by clicking on our archive page link above - Daily Bread For Life Archive Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video Miracles is on the topic of miracles which are still possible with God. We have been given a great cloud of witnesses that have proved God and his Word. All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and was written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Throughout the Bible there are accounts, not stories, of the signs, wonders, and miracles of God which followed those who believed and trusted in the Holy One of Israel and did not limit Him, but wholly followed Him regardless of what others around them had chosen to do. Another word for believe is faith. Hebrews 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? (KJV) Notice, all these occur according to what God wills and not men. Signs means an indication or a token of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him. Miracles are a display of God’s power that cannot be understood by the carnal mind, but are known to the inner man who wonders of this thing done, and is made known to those who believe, who have faith as a grain of mustard seed that their eyes and heart are enlightened to the mighty works of God. The greatest of miracles is salvation. Luke 7:20-23 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (KJV) We were once all these, but have been miraculously healed in all when we accepted Jesus Christ. How much more of a miracle can you think of that changed your heart in an instant? And when one more enters into the body of Christ you see a miracle taking place. God is merciful; he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil. He does not look on the outward but on the heart of men, and the plan or will that he has for them. He is ever watching and waiting for men’s hearts to turn unto His Son in repentance that they might not perish. Men will for a season turn to God when they see or partake of a big miracle. Many partake of miracles in their life whether they realize it or not, but how many turn back to the Lord and glorify God for that which was done on their behalf? You hear about miracles of a person or animal saving someone from sudden destruction, and yet how many stop and thank God for working through them or the animal to save the person? How many times have you seen or heard of a situation where something miraculous happened that saved a life; and have you or others given credit to an angel, to Jesus, or was it given to God? Many give credit to the creation and but few to the Creator of heaven and earth. Miracles happen every day; do you have your senses exercised to discern them? Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. You are a miracle of God and have been from the beginning. God bless. 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 Whole is on the topic of being whole; complete spirit, soul, and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV) Wholly means to accomplish, to perfect, to complete. Whole means completeness, maturity, health. We have been given the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil; this armour keeps our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus allowing us to continue to walk by faith, casting down imaginations and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, so that in our obedience disobedience is punished. All this was given that we may be whole and complete in all manner of life; able to attend upon the Lord without distraction. John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (KJV). Will you put on and keep on the whole armour of God? Prove it by reason of use; come to know, to understand, and operate in the power and wisdom of God? It has been given unto you to know. Our Father has given us all that we need to come to the knowledge of the truth, which is Christ in us the hope of glory, who is our life, the armour of God, and we are complete in Him (whole). God’s armour begins with truth and ends with the sword of the Spirit in which we are able to rightly divide the word of truth. It is the truth that will set you free and keep you free; and we have been given the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit which leads us and guides us into all truth. Truth holds all the armour together and by reason of use it frees us up to allow the manifestation of the Spirit to profit in our life (1 Corinthians 12:7-11) that our whole spirit, soul, and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ said, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes unto the Father but by me. There is no other way to be whole, but by truth, which leads to eternal life. It is a narrow path that is paved with the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; and few be there that find it. Few get to the point of letting go of all their life and allow God to manifest unto them wholly all things that pertain unto life and godliness that they may be whole, spirit, soul, and body. Will you be one of the few? God bless dear brethren, and may you be whole; spirit, soul, and body in Christ Jesus our Lord. You can view all previous videos by going to our YouTube channel Doctrine of Christ Ministry. Have a blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good morning. Today's video The Son - Part21 is on the topic of who the Son of God is; continuing in the Son. Luke 21:33-36 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. (KJV) Watch and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things which we have been warned about. The cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches when allowed to enter into the heart, choke the Word and it becomes unfruitful and withers away. Proverbs 4:23-27 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. (KJV) You cannot serve God and mammon. If you are a friend of the world you are counted an enemy of God. 1 Corinthians 10:21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. (KJV) Paul said that if he yet pleased men, that he should not be the servant of Christ. One is our Master, even Christ. Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (KJV) This is not once saved always saved. The scriptures are clear. John 15:1-6 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (KJV) So if we don’t abide in Him, then we are not His and we will be cut off from the tree of life; blotted out of the book of life. Which is why we are encouraged to continue in the faith grounded and settled, and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel, which is Christ in you (Colossians 1:27) the Son of the living God. If we abide in Him, He will continue to abide in us; and we will be counted the sons of God; as we were given the power to be so in Him. So let us hold fast the profession of faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised. As the Son could do nothing without the Father, so we can do nothing without the Son (John 5:19; 5:30). But if we endure steadfast in the faith of the Son of God, Christ in us, unto the end we shall be saved. Matthew 24:11-13 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (KJV) John 8:31-36 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (KJV) Watch and pray always so that your house does not get broken into, and all your goods which were wrought in Christ in you be stolen from your heart by the thief (Satan) who comes only to steal, kill and destroy. Christ came that we might have life and life more abundantly in Him. Heed the warnings Church; hold fast to eternal life which you have in Christ Jesus our Lord that no man deceive you of your reward and take your crown. God bless. 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. John 3:27-28 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. (28) Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. (KJV)
Back in the Lord’s short time here on this earth people were looking for a Messiah to manifest which they thought would take place in the outward realm; some wonderful spectacular event for all the world to see. While many continue today to look in the outward realm also, or as we see in the above verses at other men as their savior; few understand what was truly given to us from the Father which is manifested and brought to light through His Son, the hidden inward man. What are you receiving today; is your information and knowledge coming from above, or are you settling for second hand knowledge of man that is limited by their carnal thinking? Do you know for sure that the steps you take today are of faith; in other words those that God is asking of you, or are you following some man-made plan of salvation that doesn’t quite add up to our Lord’s standards? Salvation is a gift given to mankind from above, and just as you would be offended to give something of value to someone close to you only to find out it wasn’t appreciated or that they didn’t take the time to read the instructions before putting it to use; how it must hurt our Father to have so much to give to mankind only to see it ignored and discarded for a cheap imitation. Psalms 37:23-26 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. (24) Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. (25) I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. (26) He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. (KJV) Where are you heading today, and who is truly directing your path? Are you taking the time to receive your instructions from above knowing they are in order with our Lord, doing the things that are pleasing in His sight? Even though at times we do sin and fall short of the glory, the Lord is not casting us aside but rather like with a parent teaching a child to walk, He is there with His hand outstretched ready to pick us up again and get us back on the path of life. John 15:4-8 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (KJV) Again we see the word nothing, which without the Lord’s leading and guiding in our walk we cannot do those things that are pleasing in His sight. As a branch grafted into the tree of life the only way we can live and continue in this new life is if we continue to receive our nutrients from the source. As newborn spiritual beings in Christ we need to receive and continue to nurture this new being inside us with spiritual food and drink in order to maintain a healthy relationship with our Father. Those that reject our Lord’s plan of salvation have broken off the line of communication with their Father; they are no longer receiving His living waters and they will dry up and die of thirst, eventually being burned. John 3:14-18 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV) God gave us a Savior, and gave Him a name above all names so that those that received this revelation should not perish but have eternal life through this name. Verses 15&16 use the words ‘should not’ not ‘would not’, because the choice is still ours to choose this day who we will truly serve and whether or not we will truly receive the gift of God which is eternal life through His Son Jesus Christ. Acts 4:7-12 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? (8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, (9) If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; (10) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. (11) This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. (12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV) God gave mankind access to eternal life, and only one name under heaven gives us this life so that we should not perish but receive our eternal reward as well. It’s a given to the people of God who our one mediator between us and God is; as well as the whole name that will make us whole and complete in Him, that being Jesus Christ. It’s a given, have you got it? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (KJV)
Romans 6:23 [But the gift of God is eternal life] A man may MERIT hell, but he cannot MERIT heaven. The apostle does not say that the wages of righteousness is eternal life: no, but that this eternal life, even to the righteous, is to (grk 3588) charisma, the gracious gift of God. And even this gracious gift comes through Jesus Christ our Lord. He alone has procured it; and it is given to all those who find redemption in his blood. A sinner goes to hell because he deserves it; a righteous man goes to heaven because Christ has died for him, and communicated that grace by which his sin is pardoned and his soul was made holy. The word opsoonia (grk 3800), which we here render "wages", signified the daily pay of a Roman soldier. So, every sinner has a daily pay, and this pay is death; he has misery because he sins. Sin constitutes hell; the sinner has a hell in his own bosom; all is confusion and disorder where God does not reign: every indulgence of sinful passion increases the disorder, and consequently the misery of a sinner. If people were as much in earnest to get their souls saved as they are to prepare them for perdition, heaven would be highly populated, and devils would be their own companions. (from Adam Clarke Commentary) Salvation is a gift, it is not something one can earn, but rather something someone has already done on their behalf and given them access to. God’s plan of salvation comes to us through His Son Jesus Christ, that one mediator that was set up at the right hand of the Father to give us our daily instructions on how to walk in this plan. While many claim they are doing things for God, the reality is that only a few actually allow God to work in and through them to do those things that are pleasing in His sight. Philippians 2:12-15 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (13) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (14) Do all things without murmurings and disputings: (15) That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (KJV) Strong’s definition for ‘work out’: 2716 katergazomai (kat-er-gad'-zom-ahee); from 2596 and 2038; do work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion: KJV-- cause, to (deed), perform, work (out). To work out your own salvation means that you come to a working knowledge of God’s plan of salvation for you personally; what He is asking of you as well as your place in the body of Christ. You realize it is God that has begun a good work in you and desires to continue this good work so that you can receive His reward of inheritance. What I have seen with many Christians over the years is that when they come to the Lord they think they have to discard their own personality and unique characteristics that God gave them to present His word to others. What I see is a lot of religious clones, robotic images of what man wants them to be and not the unique individuals they are. So rather than let God work with them and refine these Godly characteristics, they become a cheap imitation of who they truly are in Christ; more like a cookie cutter assembly line product rather than the one our Creator had intended them to be. So don’t be taken in by a bunch of holier than thou goodie two shoes who think they are impressing God with their works rather than letting God work through them to deliver His message. We are the clay, God being the potter, so enter into His rest, cease from your own works, and let Him fashion and work with you the way He intended and not what others think. Philippians 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. (KJV) While we have so many different religions and doctrines of man that keep running in circles and in vain (which means empty or useless), don’t be like the many who still think they are earning their way to heaven based on their works. How would you like to run an endurance race and suffer all the heartache and pain that goes with it only to find out in the end you were disqualified for running the wrong course or trying to take a short cut? That is exactly what is happening to many that run in vain, who base their salvation on what others are doing and not on a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. Salvation is a gift, a gift of God which was given to mankind for their benefit; now it is a matter of how many are willing to receive it and operate according to His plan for their life, or walk a dead end path of destruction based on their own desires and not His. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (2) (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (KJV) This is a joint venture, a joint partnership with our Father, a gift given to us by the completed work of His Son Jesus Christ. Right now, today, are you hearing the message of God delivered by Christ so that you can walk the path of life He has established for you before the foundation of the world, or have you decided you know a better way? Basically that is what many are telling God, that they know better than Him how His plan works. Did you come to the Lord in the first place because you had your life so together and in control, or was it because you were in a tailspin, spiraling downward and ready to perish? If the latter of the two is the case, then at what point did you decide to take over the plan of salvation God intended for you and establish your own? This is exactly what happens when a gift based on grace is discarded and replace by one of works, dead vain works that promise so much and deliver nothing. Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (KJV) Our work, our labor should be to cease from our own thoughts and ideas and let someone who is mighty, work mightily in us. God is a Spirit and He is seeking those that are willing to worship Him in Spirit and truth, those that trust more in the work He is doing within them and not the works they are trying to do without Him. Your strength, confidence, boldness, as well as assuredness comes from what you allow the Lord to work in and through you by keeping your body in subjection to His spirit and keeping your own thoughts and ideas buried, not what you think you are doing for Him. After all, Jesus Christ is a tough act to follow, so it’s not like you’re going to do anything that is going to impress God, being the fact that our Lord did everything needed to restore our fellowship. Obedience is truly better than sacrifice, because a perfect sacrifice has already been presented and accepted by our Father; now He is asking us to receive His plan of salvation being presented to us through His Son. Hebrews 13:20-21 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, (21) Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV) Those that mature or are made perfect, are those that are willing to yield to the will of God so that they can be well pleasing in His sight despite anything or anyone that sees different. If salvation is a gift, then it is not something that can be earned, but rather appreciated for what has been given and what has been done on our behalf, not on what we think we need to be doing on God’s behalf. It’s an unmerited favor that is being delivered to us on a daily basis by our hearing the message of Christ and following through to the end with what He is asking so that we have not run nor labored in vain. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Matthew 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (KJV)
All this week we have discussed personal responsibility with the Lord; you desire and request a response from the Lord concerning your petitions, and the Lord in turn requests things from you as well. The words of a believer should be spirit and should be bringing forth life; while words of a non believer will keep them in bondage, bound by sin and unbelief. One of the areas that many seek the Lord in is the area of forgiveness; asking the Lord to pardon their transgression and set them free from that bondage. One of the things the Lord requests in return is that you also forgive others, thus loosing yourself from grudges; a root of bitterness not only defiles you, but many times by your words, those around you are getting rained on with your bitter water also. Your forgiveness is a two-way street; so if you truly wish to receive forgiveness from the Father then it is something you need to be willing to do yourself, forgiving others that have trespassed against you. Matthew 6:12-15 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (14) For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: (15) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (KJV) Do you feel weighed down at times and sense you are not moving forward in your walk with the Lord? Does it seem like you are being harassed by things from your past, something you just can’t seem to shake? When you have sinned and fallen short, are you as forgiving to others as you desire your heavenly Father to be with you? We basically have a contingency contract with our Father, with what measure you put out is measured back to you; or as some point out these days, what goes around comes around. So the question now is, are you just going for a ride on the not so merry go round; where it seems you end up in the same place and not able to move forward? Your willingness to forgive others can loose you from this bondage and set you free from these petty grudges you have been bound and determined to hang onto. Hebrews 12:1-3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (KJV) The cloud of witnesses that we are surrounded with is raining down on us in the form of living waters, examples we have in the Bible of those that learned to be overcomers despite the contradiction and shame. How many of these people would have accomplished what the Lord was asking of them if all they did was fight and argue with worldly people, and try to find ways to get even? How far do you think you will progress in your walk if you keep this same mindset? Simply put, by holding grudges you are in essence in a holding pattern yourself until you are ready to let go of these things from the heart so that you can return to the path of life and run the course the Lord desires for you. Let us truly consider someone that endured contradiction, and Lord willing it will ease your wearied mind. Luke 23:33-34 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. (34) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (KJV) Have you been nailed to a cross and left for dead, this after being beaten and bloodied? Have you been humiliated by a group of people that despised the message of love and hope you were bringing to a fallen dead world? Oh you may be acting like you have been; and these grudges you have been holding onto, do they even begin to compare to what our Lord endured? For those that have or are overweight physically, we all know what a burden it is to carry things around that are unwanted and unhealthy. The more we pack on the more it slows us down and can eventually lead to death if left unchecked. The reason many end up overweight is because they did not closely monitor what they were eating but allowed some unhealthy habits and foods into the temple. Spiritually this is what happens when we hold onto things and allow bitterness into the heart, it is like junk food that clogs the arteries and can stop one in their tracks. Take out the garbage people, and leave it in the dump. Rightly dividing the word of truth so that you can discard the excess spiritual weight that easily besets or harasses you, and run the endurance race that leads to an eternal life with our Father. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. (26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: (27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (KJV) Have you ever seen boxers? Those that are good at their profession are the ones that are well trained and in good shape so that they can go the distance. Those that are not trained, or haven’t properly prepared themselves, don’t make it in this profession but end up on their backside. Fighters that are overweight have a distinct disadvantage as well, because they will easily tire out and not be able to go the distance. One of the things that will tire a boxer out quickly is swinging and missing into the air, not hitting the target but expelling a lot of energy with no positive results. The same holds true when one listens to the prince of the power of the air, swinging at imaginary targets in our mind and bogged down by bitterness and grudges of things from our past. So what are you meditating on today, right now? Are you in the Lord’s ring being trained up in the things that are based on truth, or are you shadow boxing in the imaginary realm of the enemy? Psalms 19:12-14 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. (13) Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. (14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (KJV) Some of the secret faults that keep a Christian in bondage at times come in the form of forgiveness, or their unwillingness to forgive others. Although it may not be always apparent to the outward man, the Lord sees the inward motive and will not grant forgiveness our way until we are willing to forgive others. Remember, if you allow these things to overcome you then you are brought in bondage to them until you are willing to loose them and let them go. So in order to receive forgiveness you need to be willing to give it; like the word of God says, give and it shall be given. 1 John 1:6-9 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV) The darkness the devil wants you to walk in can manifest itself in the form of bitterness, your unwillingness to forgive and forget. It’s when we choose to walk in light that the fellowship is restored again and this root can be pulled out and discarded. Your stubbornness, pity parties, root of bitterness have kept you bound in the realm of the flesh rather than being loosed so that you can stand fast in the liberty in Christ and not entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Today instead of being bound and determined, allow yourself to be loosed in Christ and determined to walk in the liberty and light He has for you. 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. |
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