Christian! Are You Dressed? Part 2

Good day. Today we are posting the newsletter Christian! Are you Dressed? Part 2 written in 1996 by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka, Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writing for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the year 1996.

Christian! Are You Dressed?          v18n18
To The Armory! Part 2
 
Again, as we start to study the Word of God, let us get our minds thinking as Paul was, as he was trying to relate to the Ephesians. He was trying to impress upon them, the skills and dedication of the Roman foot-soldier.
 
In doing so, he was trying to get them to associate a physical picture, of something that was taking place in the spiritual realm.
 
"Stand, therefore, having your loins girded about with the truth." Ephesians 6:14 (KJV)
 
The first piece of armor as far as the Christian is concerned, is the girdle of truth. It is the foundation of our relationship with Father through Jesus Christ. It is, as far as the Roman soldier was concerned, vital! It laid the foundation for all the other equipment that he had.
 
It carried and supported his sword. It fastened and secured the breastplate. It supported the insignia of whom he represented. It covered his reproductive area. Things that we take for granted when we read about the armor of God. To most of us, it is just a good story.
 
What is the truth? Who is the truth? Who, is even concerned?
 
"Thus saith the Lord unto me, go and purchase a linen belt, and put it upon thy loins, and put it not in water. So I bought a belt according to the word of the Lord, and put it on my loins. And the word of the Lord came unto me a second time, saying, take the belt that thou hast bought which is upon thy loins, and arise, and go to the Euphrates, and hide it there in the cleft of the rock. So I went, and hid it by the Euphrates, as the Lord commanded me. And it came to pass after many days, that the Lord said unto me, Arise, go to the Euphrates, and take the belt from there, which I commanded thee to hide there. Then I went back to the Euphrates, and digged, and took the belt from the place where I had hidden it; and, behold, the belt was marred; it was profitable for nothing." Jeremiah 13:1-7 (KJV)
 
Father purchased a girdle of truth, with the price of His only begotten Son! And then, he made it available to us as a gift! All we have to do is receive it! It is the foundation of our relationship with father!
 
Speaking the truth, is not as easy as hiding it in a rock. What about you? Do you always put the Word of truth on the scene as Father desires? Or are we as most, and deny the Lord who ransomed us?
 
Any of you ever corrected your children? What kind of sour-puss look did they get on their faces? This is the same thing that happens when the Word of God is put on the scene. We see all kinds of soured expressions because they did not like what was said to them.
 
Jesus Christ said that he is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no man could come to the Father, but by him! Paul tells Timothy, that there is only one mediator between God and man. Do you know the truth?
 
The Father tells us that true worshipers, will worship him in spirit, and in truth. In John 17:17, it says that His Word is truth! How well do you know his Word? It does not say memorized; it says to know! Do you know what the difference is?
 
"If you hold fast to my teaching, then you are truly my disciples; and you shall know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free." John 8:31-32 Weymouth translation.
 
We, have to hold fast to what we learn. We can not be tossed to and for by every wind of doctrine that comes along. We have to become rooted and grounded in his Word!
 
The truth, (thy Word is truth, John. 17:17), is what sets us free. It liberates us from the traditions and doctrines of men. It shows us the proper path into His kingdom. It illuminates our path and directs the placement of our every step. It is always on solid ground, and sure footed!
 
"Earnestly seek to commend yourself to God as a servant who, because of his straightforward dealing with the Word of truth, has no reason to feel any shame. But from irreligious and frivolous talk hold aloof, for those who indulge in it will proceed from bad to worse in impiety, and their teaching will spread like a running sore." 2 Timothy 2:15-16 Weymouth translation.
 
Study Father's word, and for his approval only! He is the one who has the final say, therefore, it is only his approval I seek. Do not get caught up in arguments over silly and foolish matters. Let's look at 2 Timothy 2:15-16, out of the KJV.
 
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness." 2 Timothy 2:15-16 (KJV)
 
profane- to violate or treat with irreverence. violate- to break or disregard a promise.
 
vain- void of any real value.
 
You have to study, (renew your mind), seeking only your heavenly Father's approval. We have to learn to seek those things which are above, because we are seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus! You have to recognize and take hold of all that Father bestowed upon you in Christ.
 
Father never told us that it would be easy, holding on to the truth. He did tell us, that he would be there to help us with his Holy Spirit. That he would lead us and guide us into all truth. So many compromises come along, that try to lead us astray. We need to stay rooted and grounded in his Word, and then, we are able to thwart Satan's attacks, with the knowledge of the Truth!
 
Just as when we build a house, we need a sure foundation; the same is true as a Christian. We have to have a firm foundation in the Word of God! We have to have an understanding of who we serve, and why we serve Him!
 
The Roman soldier had garb that was loose fitting, so as not to be restrictive in hindering the movement of the soldier. The girdle, the foundation of truth, was used to pull in the garments, so as not to leave any loose ends exposed; whereby an enemy might snag or hook the clothing.
 
The truth of God’s Word sets us free from the snares and traps of the devil and his workers; by tucking in all of our loose ends and establishing us firmly in God's truth. His Word is truth! John 17:17.
 
When Father works with us, he leaves nothing for us to become entrapped with. He does a total, and complete work.
 
"Being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
 
When we continue in God's Word, we continue to grow in knowledge and wisdom. This is what determines our relationship with Father. For, those that worship Father, worship Him in spirit and in truth! God's wisdom and knowledge leaves no loose ends.
 
 
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ,
Larry Gazelka
 
 
Word Corner- stand-- covenant; rights; authority; continue in.
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