We see in chapter 32 that a man named Elihu is introduced to Job's refinement. Job's comforters have ceased speaking- they recognize that Job was righteous in his own eyes and they could find no answer for him. The wrath of Elihu was aroused "against Job because he justified himself rather than God". Also, against Job's three friends was his wrath aroused because they found no answer and yet condemned him. "Now because they (Job's friends) were years older than he (Elihu), he waited to speak to Job."
32:6-9 "I am young in years, and you are very old; therefore I was afraid, and dared not declare my opinion to you. I said,'age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom', but there is a spirit in man and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice'." As we read on through chapter 37, we see how Elihu proclaims the truth to Job. He recounts Job's words of self-righteousness and counters with the understanding God knew Job needed to repent. The understanding that God gave Elihu for Job prior to the Lord speaking directly to Job is similar to what John the Baptist did for Israel prior to the introduction of Jesus Christ.
They each provided a "make His paths straight" revelation so when the Lord spoke (or came as in Jesus case), Job and/or Israel could be ready.
We know that much of Israel received John's ministry to repent and as we shall see, Elihu's words to Job were well received.
After Elihu speaks, the Lord enters to proclaim who He is (Chapter 38,39). Job has heard the prophet (Elihu) and is in a position to hear from the Lord (the prophet's reward). He understands and says "I am vile; what shall I answer You?" The Lord says,"would you indeed annul my judgement? Would you condemn Me that you may be justified? Have you an arm like God?" Read through the remaining chapters, seeing where Job said to the Lord in 42:5,6 , "I have heard about You with the by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
The end result was what the Lord wants for all His human creation- to be able to reveal Himself to us. He comes to the temple that has been made ready. He comes for the bride that has made herself ready. The making ready part is our willingness to run the race that has been set before us. Who sets the race? He does! Job's distresses were for the sake of forming the righteousness of God in Job by revealing to Job how self-righteousness ruled him. When Job understood, he did what upright and blameless people do- he repented.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
The Book of Job Part 2
1:13-2:13 Then all that the Lord had placed in Satan's power was destroyed- Job's children were dead; Job's servants were decimated and all his possessions were stolen. Then, Satan again presents himself to the Lord with accusations that Job would curse God if attacked in bone and flesh. The Lord gives Satan permission to strike Job in that way, but to spare his life. Satan obliges and although stricken by the severest of circumstances and his wife's admonishment to let go of his integrity, curse God, and die, Job holds fast to what he knows of the Lord, saying in 2:9,"Shall we indeed accept good from God; and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (The mouth will say what the heart allows, for "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks")
Without question Job has responded exceptionally well in the midst of a severe trial. Regarding his offspring, Job was worried to the point of offering daily burnt offerings because "it may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts" (1:5). Apparently Job's concern was justified as they were destroyed, seemingly unconcerned in the face of their father's faith. Based upon how they ended up, they knew what was right in their father's sight and were unrepentant. Chapter 5:3,4 reads, "I have seen the foolish taking root, but suddenly I cursed his dwelling place. His sons are far from safety. They are crushed in the gate and there is no deliverer (for the foolish)."
It appears that Job responded in an upright and blameless way. Yet Job's biggest fight was yet to come: the battle of self-righteousness vs. righteousness of God. That battle was a formidable foe for Job, bringing correction from the Lord. The chapters between 2 and 42 record Job's struggles with a foe of which he was unaware- the grip that self-righteousness had on his soul. We must understand that battle is ours as well.
Satan is hoping he can get you to serve yourself, family, possessions, health. The Lord knows what he has put in man, a measure of faith to persevere. James 1:4 reads "let perseverance have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing".
Without question Job has responded exceptionally well in the midst of a severe trial. Regarding his offspring, Job was worried to the point of offering daily burnt offerings because "it may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts" (1:5). Apparently Job's concern was justified as they were destroyed, seemingly unconcerned in the face of their father's faith. Based upon how they ended up, they knew what was right in their father's sight and were unrepentant. Chapter 5:3,4 reads, "I have seen the foolish taking root, but suddenly I cursed his dwelling place. His sons are far from safety. They are crushed in the gate and there is no deliverer (for the foolish)."
It appears that Job responded in an upright and blameless way. Yet Job's biggest fight was yet to come: the battle of self-righteousness vs. righteousness of God. That battle was a formidable foe for Job, bringing correction from the Lord. The chapters between 2 and 42 record Job's struggles with a foe of which he was unaware- the grip that self-righteousness had on his soul. We must understand that battle is ours as well.
Satan is hoping he can get you to serve yourself, family, possessions, health. The Lord knows what he has put in man, a measure of faith to persevere. James 1:4 reads "let perseverance have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing".
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The Book of Job
Job (Iyyob, Iob) is derived from the Hebrew word for persecution/persecuted one. In Arabic, its meaning is repent or repentant one.
Job1:1- "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned (turned away from) evil". It appears Job was willing to obey all that he understood about God and His ways.
1:5- So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them (his sons and daughters from 1:4) and would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts". Thus Job did regularly. Do you think that Job could have been correct in his evaluation of his children? Was Job righteously attempting to sway his children from cursing God in their hearts to blessing him as any astute Christian parent would do even today?
1:6- ...the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord and Satan (the Adversary) also came among them.
1:8- Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered (set your heart on) my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" Was the Lord offering Job to Satan, and if so, why?
1:9,10- So Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land." (Satan is saying that Job serves God only because of what He has done for him and his houshold with protection and possessions)
1:11- But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" And the Lord did exactly that! Read on!
1:12- And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power (hand); only do not lay a hand on his person". So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. (And began his assault upon all that Job had.)
Why would the Lord seemingly agree to allow Satan, the adversary of all who desire to walk uprightly in the Lord's eyes, to assault Job's possessions when the Lord himself found Job to be upright and blameless? Remember! Satan knew he needed the Lord's allowance to be the instrument against Job (1:11).
Ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you in this matter. Remember! Seek-find; knock-it will be opened to you; ask-receive.
Job1:1- "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned (turned away from) evil". It appears Job was willing to obey all that he understood about God and His ways.
1:5- So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them (his sons and daughters from 1:4) and would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts". Thus Job did regularly. Do you think that Job could have been correct in his evaluation of his children? Was Job righteously attempting to sway his children from cursing God in their hearts to blessing him as any astute Christian parent would do even today?
1:6- ...the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord and Satan (the Adversary) also came among them.
1:8- Then the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered (set your heart on) my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" Was the Lord offering Job to Satan, and if so, why?
1:9,10- So Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land." (Satan is saying that Job serves God only because of what He has done for him and his houshold with protection and possessions)
1:11- But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" And the Lord did exactly that! Read on!
1:12- And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power (hand); only do not lay a hand on his person". So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. (And began his assault upon all that Job had.)
Why would the Lord seemingly agree to allow Satan, the adversary of all who desire to walk uprightly in the Lord's eyes, to assault Job's possessions when the Lord himself found Job to be upright and blameless? Remember! Satan knew he needed the Lord's allowance to be the instrument against Job (1:11).
Ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you in this matter. Remember! Seek-find; knock-it will be opened to you; ask-receive.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Increased Faith Part 2
Take heed to yourselves (not everyone else and those offensive things they have done to you) for if you HAVE faith as a mustard seed (you understand that forgiveness of offense is the will of God in Christ Jesus and are willing to BEGIN the process to be found in forgiveness), the offense harbored in your soul must obey you and be as far as the east is from the west to you. You will be free from it! Hallelujah! Understand this: the devil will try to bring you back there (to unforgiveness from offense) by reminding you of it. If we will fight the good fight of faith in this matter, we will be free! Remember this! It is our souls that are being saved. It's a process of standing on what we know of Him and His ways and pressing toward the mark for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus unto maturity (completion)!
Now we need to talk about increased faith. Jesus told the disciples that they did not need increased faith to forgive offense. In my opinion, He told them to exercise what they had already come to understand from being around Him. Jesus had been forgiving offense from the masses and priestly class since His ministry began. We notice that He said that He could call legions of angels to destroy if He desired, but, He came to help. Even His stern rebuke to the pharisees and scribes went without judgement. I think He expected the disciples to learn from that and we should recognize His forebearance toward us as we fall short of His grace. It stops us from judging others when they offend, and that is victory in Christ Jesus!
Yet Jesus does give specific instruction to the disciples request for increased faith. Clearly there were attitudes and motivations within their souls that He knew of but the disciples were unaware of (remember Peter's fall at the crucifixion). Jesus knew all these things and said, "and which of you having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say, 'PREPARE something for my supper, and GIRD YOURSELF and SERVE me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink". (Luke 17: verse 7-8)
In my opinion, Jesus is teaching His disciples that they will receive INCREASED FAITH in the process of preparing (studying), girding themselves (ordering their conduct aright) and serving (going where He desires them to go). Just as the wet is in the water, INCREASED FAITH comes as we press toward the mark for the life He desires and has ordained for us! Notice He says He will not increase their faith at the front end, but with and in the process He directs!
REMEMBER! Faith, fundamentally is revelation in the knowledge of Jesus and the Father (who are One). The Godhead sharing with us the fullness of who They are. Do you think They will share the blessing of that understanding with those who are cold or lukewarm toward them?
Now we need to talk about increased faith. Jesus told the disciples that they did not need increased faith to forgive offense. In my opinion, He told them to exercise what they had already come to understand from being around Him. Jesus had been forgiving offense from the masses and priestly class since His ministry began. We notice that He said that He could call legions of angels to destroy if He desired, but, He came to help. Even His stern rebuke to the pharisees and scribes went without judgement. I think He expected the disciples to learn from that and we should recognize His forebearance toward us as we fall short of His grace. It stops us from judging others when they offend, and that is victory in Christ Jesus!
Yet Jesus does give specific instruction to the disciples request for increased faith. Clearly there were attitudes and motivations within their souls that He knew of but the disciples were unaware of (remember Peter's fall at the crucifixion). Jesus knew all these things and said, "and which of you having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, 'come at once and sit down to eat'? But will he not rather say, 'PREPARE something for my supper, and GIRD YOURSELF and SERVE me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink". (Luke 17: verse 7-8)
In my opinion, Jesus is teaching His disciples that they will receive INCREASED FAITH in the process of preparing (studying), girding themselves (ordering their conduct aright) and serving (going where He desires them to go). Just as the wet is in the water, INCREASED FAITH comes as we press toward the mark for the life He desires and has ordained for us! Notice He says He will not increase their faith at the front end, but with and in the process He directs!
REMEMBER! Faith, fundamentally is revelation in the knowledge of Jesus and the Father (who are One). The Godhead sharing with us the fullness of who They are. Do you think They will share the blessing of that understanding with those who are cold or lukewarm toward them?
Monday, November 28, 2011
Increased Faith (Luke 17:3-10)
"Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent', you shall forgive him." (Luke 17:3-10)
As a result of those Words, the apostles asked Jesus to "increase our faith". They knew instantly that their faith did not include the ability to forgive seven times in a day. They knew they were lacking in that area. They knew that if someone sinned against them seven times in a day, the offense brought by the same would be more than they could overcome. The roots of offense can grow deep into the soul.
Jesus says, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you." Mustard seed faith is faith to BEGIN! If you have faith to begin- a desire to act upon what Jesus reveals to us as the will of the Father- the desired end will be yours. I asked the Lord the significance of the mulberry tree. Some time later a TV evangelist said that the roots of the mulberry tree run deep into the ground. So, even though the roots of offense run deep, faith to begin to remove that offense from your heart will succeed if you understand that offense is there and want it removed!
Say to the this mulberry tree (the deep roots of offense), "Be pulled up by the roots and planted in the sea(covered over by the blood of Jesus Christ; just as the Father forgets our falling short of His grace; as far as the east is from the west) and it would obey you!
Take heed to yourselves. Will you ask Him to show you how to forgive in this manner, just as the Father forgives us upon approach?
As a result of those Words, the apostles asked Jesus to "increase our faith". They knew instantly that their faith did not include the ability to forgive seven times in a day. They knew they were lacking in that area. They knew that if someone sinned against them seven times in a day, the offense brought by the same would be more than they could overcome. The roots of offense can grow deep into the soul.
Jesus says, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you." Mustard seed faith is faith to BEGIN! If you have faith to begin- a desire to act upon what Jesus reveals to us as the will of the Father- the desired end will be yours. I asked the Lord the significance of the mulberry tree. Some time later a TV evangelist said that the roots of the mulberry tree run deep into the ground. So, even though the roots of offense run deep, faith to begin to remove that offense from your heart will succeed if you understand that offense is there and want it removed!
Say to the this mulberry tree (the deep roots of offense), "Be pulled up by the roots and planted in the sea(covered over by the blood of Jesus Christ; just as the Father forgets our falling short of His grace; as far as the east is from the west) and it would obey you!
Take heed to yourselves. Will you ask Him to show you how to forgive in this manner, just as the Father forgives us upon approach?
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Tithes and Offerings
"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings." (Malachi 3:8)
Offering/offerings are listed hundreds of times in the Old Testament yet only 14 times in the New Testament. In context, offerings were made as a sacrifice for sins. The Old Testament saints offered their material goods because the Law required them to do so as a price for sins.
"For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14-18) "Now where there is remission (forgiveness of sins and lawless deeds) of these, there is no longer an offering for sin". "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come- in the volume of the book it is written of Me- to do your will, O God.' " (Hebrews 10:5-7)
So, what offering does God want from us (the church)? Paul said, "that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the OFFERING OF THE GENTILES might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:16)
"....that they may offer to the Lord an OFFERING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to the Lord,"(Malachi 3:3,4).
Since the Old Testament saints "robbed" God by offering defiled food on His altar (blind, lame and sick animals in Malachi 1:7,8), let us present ourselves willingly to do His Word and will. They robbed God by holding back the best for themselves. They robbed God by binding His hands to give to them what obedience brings- experiencing the fullness of who He is, now to us in Christ Jesus!
We should resist the temptation in our souls to offer less than what He is requesting from us. Jesus said, "so likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."(Luke 14:33)
The OFFERING is you in Christ Jesus!
Offering/offerings are listed hundreds of times in the Old Testament yet only 14 times in the New Testament. In context, offerings were made as a sacrifice for sins. The Old Testament saints offered their material goods because the Law required them to do so as a price for sins.
"For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:14-18) "Now where there is remission (forgiveness of sins and lawless deeds) of these, there is no longer an offering for sin". "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come- in the volume of the book it is written of Me- to do your will, O God.' " (Hebrews 10:5-7)
So, what offering does God want from us (the church)? Paul said, "that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the OFFERING OF THE GENTILES might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:16)
"....that they may offer to the Lord an OFFERING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to the Lord,"(Malachi 3:3,4).
Since the Old Testament saints "robbed" God by offering defiled food on His altar (blind, lame and sick animals in Malachi 1:7,8), let us present ourselves willingly to do His Word and will. They robbed God by holding back the best for themselves. They robbed God by binding His hands to give to them what obedience brings- experiencing the fullness of who He is, now to us in Christ Jesus!
We should resist the temptation in our souls to offer less than what He is requesting from us. Jesus said, "so likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."(Luke 14:33)
The OFFERING is you in Christ Jesus!
Monday, November 7, 2011
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
14,15 For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them, and to one he gave five talents, to another one two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability and immediately he went on a journey.
We understand, in this parable, that talents are a form of currency and the amount distributed to each was determined by the holder of the talents.
In verses 16-23, the servants then made decisions as to what they would do with those talents. Two of the servants made decisions and took actions that doubled their master's holdings. Each of those two received praise from the master (the master is not Jesus nor the Father as no capitalization is used) and a promise that they would be made ruler over many things (because they had been faithful in their enterprises over fewer things) and the joy of their lord would be with them.
In Matthew 25 verses 24-28, the remaining servant did nothing with the talent given him and began to attribute to his master things that the others did not see or chose not to allow them to keep them from doing what was right in the sight of that master. Because he was afraid, he went and hid the talent and simply returned it to that master- he had wasted the opportunity to do something with it.
Verse 29 is the summarization of this parable. The verse reads as an advertisement for the Occupy Wall Street movement- the "Have's" get more and the "Have not's" get what little they had taken away. Was Jesus speaking about money? The parable describes the servant who was given one talent as not just lazy but wicked (could that servant's actions be the result of his receiving one versus two/five?).
For to everyone who HAS more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not HAVE, even what he HAS will be taken away.
It is my understanding that "having" or "having not" in this context speaks directly to the willingness/desire to press into what God has made real to each of us, individually, about His Kingdom. "Having" begins with a revelation of Jesus Christ as Saviour. The individual realizes within the conviction by the Holy Spirit and acts on it- approaches in church or outside church to receive the God's salvation in Christ Jesus. He/she understood the revelation and knew exactly what to do. "Having not" would be the unwillingness to, after having heard/understood, take appropriate action in Christ Jesus. It is the difference between believing and unbelief. What the wicked/lazy servant HAS is the measure of faith that God has given to every living soul. When we hear, He EXPECTS us to receive/obey. Ultimately, even that measure of faith will be taken away from the wicked/lazy(unbelieving) individual if they persist in wickedness, rejecting righteousness.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, WHICH ALSO YOU RECEIVED AND IN WHICH YOU STAND, by which also you also you are saved, if you HOLD FAST that word which I preached to you- unless you believed in vain.
Each of us has a measure of faith. Let's make sure we are not wicked and lazy as God reveals Himself to us- be righteous and labor to do what His word says to do and the inspiration of His will!
We understand, in this parable, that talents are a form of currency and the amount distributed to each was determined by the holder of the talents.
In verses 16-23, the servants then made decisions as to what they would do with those talents. Two of the servants made decisions and took actions that doubled their master's holdings. Each of those two received praise from the master (the master is not Jesus nor the Father as no capitalization is used) and a promise that they would be made ruler over many things (because they had been faithful in their enterprises over fewer things) and the joy of their lord would be with them.
In Matthew 25 verses 24-28, the remaining servant did nothing with the talent given him and began to attribute to his master things that the others did not see or chose not to allow them to keep them from doing what was right in the sight of that master. Because he was afraid, he went and hid the talent and simply returned it to that master- he had wasted the opportunity to do something with it.
Verse 29 is the summarization of this parable. The verse reads as an advertisement for the Occupy Wall Street movement- the "Have's" get more and the "Have not's" get what little they had taken away. Was Jesus speaking about money? The parable describes the servant who was given one talent as not just lazy but wicked (could that servant's actions be the result of his receiving one versus two/five?).
For to everyone who HAS more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not HAVE, even what he HAS will be taken away.
It is my understanding that "having" or "having not" in this context speaks directly to the willingness/desire to press into what God has made real to each of us, individually, about His Kingdom. "Having" begins with a revelation of Jesus Christ as Saviour. The individual realizes within the conviction by the Holy Spirit and acts on it- approaches in church or outside church to receive the God's salvation in Christ Jesus. He/she understood the revelation and knew exactly what to do. "Having not" would be the unwillingness to, after having heard/understood, take appropriate action in Christ Jesus. It is the difference between believing and unbelief. What the wicked/lazy servant HAS is the measure of faith that God has given to every living soul. When we hear, He EXPECTS us to receive/obey. Ultimately, even that measure of faith will be taken away from the wicked/lazy(unbelieving) individual if they persist in wickedness, rejecting righteousness.
1 Corinthians 15:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, WHICH ALSO YOU RECEIVED AND IN WHICH YOU STAND, by which also you also you are saved, if you HOLD FAST that word which I preached to you- unless you believed in vain.
Each of us has a measure of faith. Let's make sure we are not wicked and lazy as God reveals Himself to us- be righteous and labor to do what His word says to do and the inspiration of His will!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
All Things Working (Part 3)
In Romans 8:30 it reads "Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom
He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified".
I would like to discuss what happens, in Christ Jesus, between justification
(when we receive Him as Saviour) and glorification (when we are found in
Him and are LIKE Him).
Verse 31,32 reads, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us,
who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up
for us all, how shall He not with Him (could this be tied to v.17 where it is
revealed that we must suffer WITH HIM to be glorified together with Him) also
freely give us all things?" It appears to me (each one should seek revelation
in the knowledge of Him in this discussion so HE can make Himself real in it) the
THINGS spoken of point directly to Jesus leading us into ( just as the Holy Spirit
led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan) a place (the wilderness)
where tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword could,
just as with Paul and the other disciples, prove us in Him. Verse 36 says,"for
Your sake (the word "your" is capitalized here refering to God) we are killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Verse 37, yet in all these things
we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us". Paraphrasing verse 39,
Paul says that none of these THINGS shall be able to separate us from the love of
God which is in Christ Jesus.
Key to this discussion is hearing what our Master says to us in the midst of the difficulty.
This speaks of the potential for the one who is willing to believe! Glorification
in Him comes as we persevere in difficult situations (hearing His voice and doing
what His voice says according to the Word of God).
All things (in this context) are those things that God leads us into, knowing that
if we will not persevere there, we cannot be made free from what binds US.
He knows that if we will look to Him in the midst of those things and be willing
to do what He says (repentance, essentially), you will become victorious in
Christ Jesus, walking just as He walked. Satan is counting on you to serve yourself,
removing yourself from the formula, resulting in lukewarm Christianity.
He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified".
I would like to discuss what happens, in Christ Jesus, between justification
(when we receive Him as Saviour) and glorification (when we are found in
Him and are LIKE Him).
Verse 31,32 reads, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us,
who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up
for us all, how shall He not with Him (could this be tied to v.17 where it is
revealed that we must suffer WITH HIM to be glorified together with Him) also
freely give us all things?" It appears to me (each one should seek revelation
in the knowledge of Him in this discussion so HE can make Himself real in it) the
THINGS spoken of point directly to Jesus leading us into ( just as the Holy Spirit
led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan) a place (the wilderness)
where tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword could,
just as with Paul and the other disciples, prove us in Him. Verse 36 says,"for
Your sake (the word "your" is capitalized here refering to God) we are killed all day long;
we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Verse 37, yet in all these things
we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us". Paraphrasing verse 39,
Paul says that none of these THINGS shall be able to separate us from the love of
God which is in Christ Jesus.
Key to this discussion is hearing what our Master says to us in the midst of the difficulty.
This speaks of the potential for the one who is willing to believe! Glorification
in Him comes as we persevere in difficult situations (hearing His voice and doing
what His voice says according to the Word of God).
All things (in this context) are those things that God leads us into, knowing that
if we will not persevere there, we cannot be made free from what binds US.
He knows that if we will look to Him in the midst of those things and be willing
to do what He says (repentance, essentially), you will become victorious in
Christ Jesus, walking just as He walked. Satan is counting on you to serve yourself,
removing yourself from the formula, resulting in lukewarm Christianity.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
All Things Working (Part 2)
We see in Romans 8:17 that if we "suffer with Him, we also will be glorified
together" (with Him). Revelation 3:21 reads "to him who overcomes, I will
grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with
My Father on His throne."
What does it mean to you and I to "suffer with Him"? His living Word will make
that real to us as we study through Romans Chapter 8. Verses 18-27 discuss this suffering
leads to glory (of God) revealed in us! We ourselves as Christians and the entirety
of creation wait eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. Verse 24 states
that we received this salvation with hope, and that we eagerly wait (or trust) with
perseverance. Hope for what? To be revealed as a son of God! Jesus says in order
to be revealed as a son (heir and joint heir) we must be willing to persevere, His
ways replacing ours, as He leads us to completion in Him! As we persevere, the
Holy Spirit makes intercession for us according to the will of God.
Verse 28 - "and we know that ALL THINGS WORK together for good to those who
love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." What things work
together for good? Could it be those good things are the fruits of a willingness to
understand and do whatever "suffering with Him" means?
Verse 29 - "for whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the
image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren".
Ask your Father, in the name of Jesus Christ (in order to respond just as Jesus did
to the direction of the Father), to show you what this means for you so you may be
conformed to the image of His Son! Are you willing to ask? He who asks receives
and the way to alleviate that which holds you back is revealed!
together" (with Him). Revelation 3:21 reads "to him who overcomes, I will
grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with
My Father on His throne."
What does it mean to you and I to "suffer with Him"? His living Word will make
that real to us as we study through Romans Chapter 8. Verses 18-27 discuss this suffering
leads to glory (of God) revealed in us! We ourselves as Christians and the entirety
of creation wait eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. Verse 24 states
that we received this salvation with hope, and that we eagerly wait (or trust) with
perseverance. Hope for what? To be revealed as a son of God! Jesus says in order
to be revealed as a son (heir and joint heir) we must be willing to persevere, His
ways replacing ours, as He leads us to completion in Him! As we persevere, the
Holy Spirit makes intercession for us according to the will of God.
Verse 28 - "and we know that ALL THINGS WORK together for good to those who
love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." What things work
together for good? Could it be those good things are the fruits of a willingness to
understand and do whatever "suffering with Him" means?
Verse 29 - "for whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the
image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren".
Ask your Father, in the name of Jesus Christ (in order to respond just as Jesus did
to the direction of the Father), to show you what this means for you so you may be
conformed to the image of His Son! Are you willing to ask? He who asks receives
and the way to alleviate that which holds you back is revealed!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
All Things Working (Part 1)
(Pre-read Romans 8:1-17)
Verses 1-15 explain that we human beings - God's creation - may live in the Spirit
or in the flesh (what we Christians understand as carnality). Paul explains to the reader
the difference between the two. Clearly, we make a decision to walk in the flesh
or in the Spirit.
There is a distinction between the two - living as spiritually-minded persons brings
life and peace; living as carnally or fleshly-minded person brings death.
Paul explains that Jesus Christ "condemned sin in the flesh that the righteous requirement
of the law might be fulfilled in US (we believers) who do not walk according to the
flesh but according to the Spirit."
In Romans 7:24, Paul says, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me
from this body of death?" We know by the information in the previous paragraph
who delivers us, but HOW does He deliver us? Chapter 8:16-17 says "the Spirit
Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children,
then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ IF indeed we suffer with him
that we may also be glorified together."
I Peter 4:1, 2 - "Therefore since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also
with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men
but for the will of God."
(Also, I Peter 4:12-19)
Verses 1-15 explain that we human beings - God's creation - may live in the Spirit
or in the flesh (what we Christians understand as carnality). Paul explains to the reader
the difference between the two. Clearly, we make a decision to walk in the flesh
or in the Spirit.
There is a distinction between the two - living as spiritually-minded persons brings
life and peace; living as carnally or fleshly-minded person brings death.
Paul explains that Jesus Christ "condemned sin in the flesh that the righteous requirement
of the law might be fulfilled in US (we believers) who do not walk according to the
flesh but according to the Spirit."
In Romans 7:24, Paul says, "O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me
from this body of death?" We know by the information in the previous paragraph
who delivers us, but HOW does He deliver us? Chapter 8:16-17 says "the Spirit
Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children,
then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ IF indeed we suffer with him
that we may also be glorified together."
I Peter 4:1, 2 - "Therefore since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also
with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men
but for the will of God."
(Also, I Peter 4:12-19)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Eating the Lord's Supper Part II
We see that not only what we do, but with what attitude we come to the church matters. We should be making ourselves ready for a spiritual intimacy with God. We notice Paul's rebuke for the Corinthian church's carnality in eating and drinking- because they were eating/drinking or that their approach to Communion was not straight? Our approach to Him will refine that!
1 Corinthians 11:27, "wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drinks this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup." As I see it, being guilty here describes a state of lacking in fellowship with Jesus Christ as we partake of the communion elements. No matter your station of relationship, fellowship or intimacy with Him, are we approaching to receive the fullness of who He is (meaning your decreasing so that He may increase in you) or not? If you are guilty of the body and the blood of the Jesus Christ, you are eating and drinking damnation to yourself and are not in a position to be strong, healthy and alive, in Him! You have decided, because you partake of His Communion unworthily (unwilling to relent your ways for His) to return or stay in a carnal state instead of reaching out to receive His perfect ways.
The difference between partaking of Communion with Jesus Christ worthily vs. unworthily is the willingness to approach Him as clay to the Potter vs. your design for your clay; to exchange those things that are idols in our lives for those things that God knows are right - right for our spirit, our soul, our body and vocation.
You may not know if this evaluation of His word is accurate. You should know that, as you encounter what is written (biblical verses), we owe our Lord the attention to seek understanding from Him in what is written. Jesus Christ said, "ask of Me, and I will give it to you and show you great and mighty things that you do not know". Amen.
1 Corinthians 11:27, "wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drinks this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup." As I see it, being guilty here describes a state of lacking in fellowship with Jesus Christ as we partake of the communion elements. No matter your station of relationship, fellowship or intimacy with Him, are we approaching to receive the fullness of who He is (meaning your decreasing so that He may increase in you) or not? If you are guilty of the body and the blood of the Jesus Christ, you are eating and drinking damnation to yourself and are not in a position to be strong, healthy and alive, in Him! You have decided, because you partake of His Communion unworthily (unwilling to relent your ways for His) to return or stay in a carnal state instead of reaching out to receive His perfect ways.
The difference between partaking of Communion with Jesus Christ worthily vs. unworthily is the willingness to approach Him as clay to the Potter vs. your design for your clay; to exchange those things that are idols in our lives for those things that God knows are right - right for our spirit, our soul, our body and vocation.
You may not know if this evaluation of His word is accurate. You should know that, as you encounter what is written (biblical verses), we owe our Lord the attention to seek understanding from Him in what is written. Jesus Christ said, "ask of Me, and I will give it to you and show you great and mighty things that you do not know". Amen.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Eating the Lord's Supper
In I Corinthians 11:20 Paul begins to explain to the church in Corinth how to partake worthily of the Lord's supper or, as we call it today, Communion. To begin, Paul speaks to the error in which they come together - not for the Lord's supper but for their own bellies. In other words, they were falling short of God's idea regarding the eating of food in the church, carnal instead of spiritual. It appears to me that what we know as Communion today had a much deeper meaning than what the Corinthian church was aware of.
In verse 22, Paul says, "What! Don't you have houses to eat and drink in?"
Certainly they were not eating an drinking in remembrance of Him!
Verse 24-26. "and when He had given thanks He broke it (the bread) and said, 'take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me'. In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, 'this cup is the new covenant in my blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me'. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes".
Now we see the significance of eating and drinking in the church. If we feed our mortal flesh in the church will we receive the Communion with Him with carnality? These at least were not!
Who do we proclaim the Lord's death to when we partake of the Communion elements, to anybody but ourselves? And when Paul says "till He comes", comes to what? Could it be to His temple(us) in His fullness?
In a Communion service a few years back, I sensed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit saying that I should be willing, in the celebration of Communion and whenever the Holy Spirit reminds, to
partake fully of who He is (Jesus Christ). As we partake of the Communion elements, we should reach out to Him to receive what He knows we must understand and do to walk just as He walked!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Faith: God's Revelation to You by the Holy Spirit
We have been discussing Biblical contexts of faith.
I have seen three specific applications, two discussed in the previous studies.
The third application concerns faith that appears to be used in the same context as belief.
As I see it, faith in its purest form is a revelation from God by the Holy Spirit that enlightens
us to His ways of doing things regarding every area of life - spirit, soul, body, vocation etc.
The four classifications just noted are major in scope, but I have experienced His insights
in what most would consider to be minor in scope. For me, those minor revelations are
just as blessed - showing me the result of an intimate relationship with the Godhead
in Christ Jesus.
The 5th chapter of Mark's Gospel gives his depiction of the woman with an issue of blood
- she was very sick due to the chronic loss of blood. She had spent all her resources
trying to attain help for this infirmity. The doctors were unable to help.
Pick up the reading at verse 27: "When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him
in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, 'If only I may touch His clothes,
I shall be made well'."
Here enters the revelation. Do you think that she invented that understanding?
It has God's fingerprint on it- short, sweet and true, with corresponding result!
Verse 29: "Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body
that she had been healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself
that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said,
'Who touched my clothes?'" Reading through to verse 34,
"And He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well.
Go in peace and be healed of your affliction' ."
It is my opinion that belief is the combination of revelation and obedient action
corresponding to the revelation. The bible calls people believers, not faithers.
We are reminded that faith without works (obedient action corresponding
to the understanding) is dead.
So the revelation, if not acted upon, will not produce what God had planned.
Yet Jesus says "your faith has made you well" and did not say
"your belief has made you well".
Why? It could be that is was more of a breakthrough for her to be willing
to receive the truth about Jesus while surrounded by a religious leaders bent
on killing Him (how hard would it be for you to act if your leaders
- pastors, parents, peers - were questioning the validity of the One you
were running after?)
Nevertheless, this is an example of a different context of faith.
If she had not been willing to hear, she could not have received the blessing!
Action step: Ask God to reveal to you that which He knows you need to hear.
When she heard about Jesus, she pressed in to Him! Hallelujah!
If you are willing to seek Him, you will find Him!
But ask with a heart ready to do what He says, which He always confirms
with His Word.
You won't go far if you won't read God's Word.
*The Holy Bible Verses are taken from The New King James Version
I have seen three specific applications, two discussed in the previous studies.
The third application concerns faith that appears to be used in the same context as belief.
As I see it, faith in its purest form is a revelation from God by the Holy Spirit that enlightens
us to His ways of doing things regarding every area of life - spirit, soul, body, vocation etc.
The four classifications just noted are major in scope, but I have experienced His insights
in what most would consider to be minor in scope. For me, those minor revelations are
just as blessed - showing me the result of an intimate relationship with the Godhead
in Christ Jesus.
The 5th chapter of Mark's Gospel gives his depiction of the woman with an issue of blood
- she was very sick due to the chronic loss of blood. She had spent all her resources
trying to attain help for this infirmity. The doctors were unable to help.
Pick up the reading at verse 27: "When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him
in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, 'If only I may touch His clothes,
I shall be made well'."
Here enters the revelation. Do you think that she invented that understanding?
It has God's fingerprint on it- short, sweet and true, with corresponding result!
Verse 29: "Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body
that she had been healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself
that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said,
'Who touched my clothes?'" Reading through to verse 34,
"And He said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well.
Go in peace and be healed of your affliction' ."
It is my opinion that belief is the combination of revelation and obedient action
corresponding to the revelation. The bible calls people believers, not faithers.
We are reminded that faith without works (obedient action corresponding
to the understanding) is dead.
So the revelation, if not acted upon, will not produce what God had planned.
Yet Jesus says "your faith has made you well" and did not say
"your belief has made you well".
Why? It could be that is was more of a breakthrough for her to be willing
to receive the truth about Jesus while surrounded by a religious leaders bent
on killing Him (how hard would it be for you to act if your leaders
- pastors, parents, peers - were questioning the validity of the One you
were running after?)
Nevertheless, this is an example of a different context of faith.
If she had not been willing to hear, she could not have received the blessing!
Action step: Ask God to reveal to you that which He knows you need to hear.
When she heard about Jesus, she pressed in to Him! Hallelujah!
If you are willing to seek Him, you will find Him!
But ask with a heart ready to do what He says, which He always confirms
with His Word.
You won't go far if you won't read God's Word.
*The Holy Bible Verses are taken from The New King James Version
Sunday, September 18, 2011
The Works that are of Faith
Most recently, I had explained that faith, fundamentally, is a revelation in the
knowledge of God. You now understand something that strikes joy in your heart
even if you don't see any personal gain (your personal lot is not enhanced) by
the understanding. It is a knowing what is right even if it COSTS you something!
It seems these revelations serve to order our conduct aright! There is joy in the
Lord Jesus that accompanies the revelation.
faith in Christ. I don't remember a time, having received an understanding
from God, where there wasn't some action I was required to take in response.
The most significant being those that sponsored a change of behaviour
and/or attitude. God was trying to change my will, but would I receive and
act accordingly?
James 2:14-22 says "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says
he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? (Comment: Faith
- the revelation - is meant to save our souls. It is the root of our salvation in Christ.)
If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you
says to them, 'depart in peace, be warmed and filled', but you do not give
them the things that are needed for the body, what does it profit?
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works
(corresponding, obedient action) is dead. But someone will say,
'You have faith, and I have works'. Show me your faith without works,
and I will show you my faith by my works.
(Showing humanity what you understand about God's Word
and will by your actions)
You believe there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe
- and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith
without works is dead (useless)?"
So. Even hearing from Him is useless if we are not willing to act accordingly!
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son
on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works,
and by works his faith was made perfect?
Abraham received an understanding of God's will- to sacrifice his son
Isaac to Him. Looking back upon that portion of scripture, we see
Abraham arose early the next morning to set off to to accomplish what God
had commanded him to do. This is as pure an example of belief as seen
in scripture. He heard God speak, he received the command and acted
accordingly. Belief is hearing and obeying!
One would say, "how do I know if I am hearing Him or the adversary?"
If we seek Him we will find Him. If we knock on His door, He will open
up to us. If we ask Him, He will give to us. This adaptation will take time
but is directly proportional to the individual's hunger for Him, His ways.
God clearly wants to help us! The one who asks is hungry.
Again notice. We can hear His conviction upon our spirits
yet make a decision not to agree with Him, resulting in uselessness in hearing.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Building on the Measure of Faith
My desire is to explain aspects of the kingdom of God which will
empower those interested to build sturdily upon the Rock that is
empower those interested to build sturdily upon the Rock that is
Jesus Christ. We have discussed the three classifications of bible
faith. All three are important, but from where I sit, faith as revelation
faith. All three are important, but from where I sit, faith as revelation
in the knowledge of God is integral to the viability of the other
classifications. I mentioned that God has "...given unto each one a
measure of faith" (Romans 12:3) - the given understanding by God
that He is (He exists).
measure of faith" (Romans 12:3) - the given understanding by God
that He is (He exists).
Praise God!
He has given all of humankind the ability to believe. In effect, He has
primed the pump to establish the opportunity to believe in Him!
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the
word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of
things which are visible" (Hebrews 11:1-3).
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the
word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of
things which are visible" (Hebrews 11:1-3).
We know that God spoke all that we physically see into existence
(Genesis 1) and I am saying that He speaks (His Spirit to our spirits) to
produce spiritual things in us. This is how He builds the spiritual house
that He wants us to become, how He directs our steps to experience
the fullness of who He is.
(Genesis 1) and I am saying that He speaks (His Spirit to our spirits) to
produce spiritual things in us. This is how He builds the spiritual house
that He wants us to become, how He directs our steps to experience
the fullness of who He is.
"Faith (the revelation of Him and His will) comes by hearing
(the Holy Spirit is the speaker), and hearing by the word of God"
(Romans:10:17). That's the reason His ministers promote us to study His
word. To build on the measure of faith requires action by us!
Do you see that faith (as revelation) is the substance and evidence to you,
before the manifestation of all that God wants to do in us and for us -
to become partakers of the fullness of who He is? The elders obtained
a good testimony by receiving the revelation from God then taking the
action steps God made real to them. They obtained the good testimony
because they were behaving (works) like their God!
By faith, they understood!
to become partakers of the fullness of who He is? The elders obtained
a good testimony by receiving the revelation from God then taking the
action steps God made real to them. They obtained the good testimony
because they were behaving (works) like their God!
By faith, they understood!
What are we supposed to understand? What we did not know previously
about God and His perfect will for our lives! The elders had to understand
before they could act accordingly; and acting accordingly is a strong testimony,
speaking to our friends, family and others!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Starting to Make your Way to Him
We have discussed the cost of discipleship - what we must understand to
start off on the right foot as we receive Jesus Christ as Saviour (Luke
14:26-33). Better to know what is expected, like the prospective
medical student, than to unwittingly step through His door!
In my estimation, this understanding is crucial to successfully setting
your foot on the Rock.
The idea of faith is thought of in many contexts by people, generally.
The Biblical context of faith seems to be broken into 3 categories:
1) Faith as a revelation in the knowledge of God and His Kingdom
workings
2) Faith as an action based upon that revelation of His Word and Will
3) Faith which appears to be synonymous with belief.
Romans 12:3 states ..."For I say, through the grace given to me, to
everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he
ought to think, but think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a
measure of faith". In my understanding, "each one" is every human
being who is born into this world. It is the fundamental knowing that
God exists. It is from which we respond when we hear the gospel and
receive Jesus Christ as Saviour. It is that which Satan attempts to
bury under layers of carnal reasonings.
About the time Christians celebrate Jesus' birth and His death and
resurrection each year, major news sources take polls asking people if
they believe in God. In the United States, a large majority of those
asked respond that they do believe there is a God. I am sure it is the
same around the world. Although there is a divergence about who He is
and how or in what way to serve, the understanding is in there!
World-shaking events occur, and inevitably people begin to talk about
prayer and faith. Why? Because the measure of faith is in them and
people are now looking for help and rest. Most carnal, yet a
demonstration of the point.
Next time, we will continue the discussion of faith as a revelation in
the knowledge of God and how that increases from a measure,
faith's most fundamental form.
start off on the right foot as we receive Jesus Christ as Saviour (Luke
14:26-33). Better to know what is expected, like the prospective
medical student, than to unwittingly step through His door!
In my estimation, this understanding is crucial to successfully setting
your foot on the Rock.
The idea of faith is thought of in many contexts by people, generally.
The Biblical context of faith seems to be broken into 3 categories:
1) Faith as a revelation in the knowledge of God and His Kingdom
workings
2) Faith as an action based upon that revelation of His Word and Will
3) Faith which appears to be synonymous with belief.
Romans 12:3 states ..."For I say, through the grace given to me, to
everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he
ought to think, but think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a
measure of faith". In my understanding, "each one" is every human
being who is born into this world. It is the fundamental knowing that
God exists. It is from which we respond when we hear the gospel and
receive Jesus Christ as Saviour. It is that which Satan attempts to
bury under layers of carnal reasonings.
About the time Christians celebrate Jesus' birth and His death and
resurrection each year, major news sources take polls asking people if
they believe in God. In the United States, a large majority of those
asked respond that they do believe there is a God. I am sure it is the
same around the world. Although there is a divergence about who He is
and how or in what way to serve, the understanding is in there!
World-shaking events occur, and inevitably people begin to talk about
prayer and faith. Why? Because the measure of faith is in them and
people are now looking for help and rest. Most carnal, yet a
demonstration of the point.
Next time, we will continue the discussion of faith as a revelation in
the knowledge of God and how that increases from a measure,
faith's most fundamental form.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Understanding the Cost of Discipleship
|
Monday, August 22, 2011
Welcome to the Narrow Gate Ministry
Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to life, there are few who find it. (Matt.7:13,14)
Then one said to Him, "Lord, are there few who are saved?" And He said to them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many I say to you will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying 'Lord, Lord open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you and where you are from,' "then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' But He will say, "I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.' (Luke 13:23-27)
Question is, to how many of us does this Word apply? Clearly, the people in context feel they are ready for eternity with Jesus Christ. How can there be such a gaping discrepancy between what Jesus knows and the feelings of the workers of iniquity? They addressed Jesus as Lord and the scripture plainly says that no one can call Jesus Lord except by the Holy Spirit. I certainly never did until I had been born again!
I understand the answer to be found in Luke 14:25-33. Jesus speaks of the cost of coming to Him:
1) father, mother, wife , children, brothers, sisters or the individual's life cannot be more influential than He
2) the individual must be willing to bear the cross that His perfect will requires
3) the act of receiving the foundation of salvation without understanding what will be required. Jesus fully intends to build this spiritual house to completion
4) be willing to forsake that which he thinks he has for what Jesus has in store
If you did not understand these Words at the time you entered into His Kingdom, do you understand and walk in them now? Many are in this boat. Would not it be swift to know these things before so as not to become lukewarm!
The purpose of this ministry is assist individuals to and through the narrow gate! Although "difficult is the way" as we come to the end of ourselves, victory in Jesus fulfills mightily for our spirit, soul, body, vocation and a good land! The fullness of the Father's salvation in Christ!
Where the process begins is understanding what faith is, as I am convinced that the measure of faith precedes even the new birth.
Next time: Starting with Faith
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