Why Would Tongues Cease, Prophecies Fail?

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

"Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, THEY WILL FAIL; whether there are tongues, THEY WILL CEASE; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect (complete, as in Jesus coming to His temple in His fullness) has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man (completed in development), I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, DIMLY, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."


An instructor requires that you study a particular textbook chapter with a test scheduled for the next class meeting. You arrive at the next meeting and say, "Teacher, I know the chapter in part." Do you think the teacher would commend your actions? Most assuredly you would receive the grade that corresponds to the percentage that you knew. Tongues cease because the PART that many Christians KNOW does not include a willingness for the revelation of the subject. The subject is hardly discussed and, more rarely, tongues spoken which denies the unbeliever another "sign" that God is. This new testament teaching is not a PART of their theology. During my chiropractic education, I received training in manual manipulative therapy. I received no training in the administration of pharmaceutical treatment. Therefore, my practice did not include pharmaceutical treatment. See what I mean? Pharmaceutical medications are still being dispensed, but not by me.


"Concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant," (1 Corinthians 12:1) Ignorant, from the root word ignore, can mean unaware, or, REFRAINING from noticing or recognizing.


What about failed prophecies? Another spiritual gift that "edifies". As tongues edify (or build up) the individual believer, prophecy "edifies the church". Prophecy can fail if it is born out of unfruitful understanding or a "puffed up or parading" mindset but also if the individual receiving the prophetic is willing to ignore what God has actually said. Working out this kingdom in PART makes us PARTLY fruitful. COMPLETE in Him is His desire for us!

So. How do we escape the childish, partly informed, dimly lit testimony that produces the ceasing and failing of edifying spiritual gifts? We allow the Lord to continue on in the completion of His temple in which to dwell. We read His word and meditate on the that word He has "spoken" to us. In those things are life to those who find them! God's love in us causes us to keep His word, not change or ignore it. God's love in us would not dare say something to a brother that could mislead him/her. His love NEVER fails!

Distressed By Trials, If Need Be

1 Peter 1: 3-7

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy, has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you (like a table at a great restaurant, you must show up to obtain this), who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now, for a little while, IF NEED BE, YOU HAVE BEEN GRIEVED BY VARIOUS TRIALS, so that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested (or proved) by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ".


We know that "all become partakers of His holiness by His chastening" (Hebrews 12), so what about this "if need be" stuff? If Paul tells us that we must be chastened, why would Peter say "if"? Again, it is written in Hebrews, that "chastening yields the peaceable fruits of righteousness to those who have been trained by it". Why does Peter say "if" when "must" seems to be correct regarding trials?


I am asking you to consider that the "if need be" trials are corrective; probably secondary to a willing disregard of His direction. As we grow up into all things in Christ, we all have experienced periods where perseverance is necessary. Seemingly waiting as He builds us up in Him revelation by revelation, precept upon precept. Yet I also have experienced distressing trials, seemingly punitive and accompanied by physical pain or soulish grief, when I should know better and be established in His Truth. Paul gives an example of this in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. He tells us that he was "exalted above measure" by the visions and revelations of the Lord. "A thorn in the flesh was given me", Paul said. The Lord responds, "My grace is sufficient for you". If I may, "What I have given you is sufficient in and of itself. Stay with Me and in Me for Satan lies at the door to destroy, tempting your pride". Paul had become "puffed up" in/with the Truth that Jesus had graced him with. We will inevitably do the same and have to be corrected. The distressing trial that Paul endured worked out for good because He was willing to repent. Others, called to minister His Word have not fared as well and, as a result, have not finished the race set before them.


As the wise Masterbuilder, He knows what we need to become a dwelling place for Him in His fullness. As that which is perfect/complete comes, childish things must be put away.

Like The Wet In Water, Hope Is Found In Faith

About two months ago, I started to realize decreased range of motion and pain in my left knee; then in my right knee; then after recovering 90% or so, I slipped and the right knee condition was exacerbated. I was recovering from the slip and bothered by the lack of ability I was having. I was unable to do most activities (ride bike, play golf, work in the yard). Autumn was coming to an end and the weather conditions that lend to outdoor activities were diminishing. Quite honestly, I had never experienced such a period of impairment and was a bit concerned. Prayer and the laying on of hands by myself; with my wife; with the elders and pastor of the church we attend were not availing results, at least the way I wanted it or thought it should.


Then I received a partner CD from Messenger International (John and Lisa Bevere). As he discussed his topic, he mentioned that he had injured his knee some time back. The symptomatology was bad enough that he sought medical advise: surgery was recommended. He considered his path and decided to go the bible way- trusting God for his recovery/restoration. Nine months later, he noticed one day that the pain was gone and now, his knee is able. At that moment, my six-week experience and concern was blessed by hope through the faith he explained and acted on. The hope that faith brought strengthened me to press on and, most importantly, fear not.


A person begins to feel sick and the symptoms cannot be explained through any previous experience. The person feels bad enough that they seek attention with a physician. The physician examines, orders tests if necessary. The physician reports the findings to the person. "Based upon the findings, I think what you are experiencing is caused by this/that. The treatment is this and the expected success is this."  If the physician can, they say, "I think the treatment will help; that you will be ok." The information provided from doctor to patient GAVE THEM HOPE. Do you see how, spiritually speaking, the administration of faith, which is a revelation in the knowledge of Him/a revelation from Him, will inject hope into the circumstance?


Fundamentally, every person has been given a measure of faith(Romans 12:3). From that measure comes a measure of hope. As faith increases (as our understanding of Him, His ways, His will) so does hope for all things that are of His salvation. When the revelation came to Peter from the Father that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus said He was blessed to have that revelation. That revelation produced the hope Peter would need to navigate the demonic assault of condemnation he would experience after denying Jesus as he did.


"Now faith is the realization (understanding) of things hoped for, the confidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)


"Where there is no revelation (faith in it's purest from), the people cast off restraint." (Proverbs 29:18)


"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)


Most have experienced ideas that bring excitement for apparently good things. But that excitement wanes when difficulty arises. Faith that comes according to the word of God has along with it the hope that strengthens to keep us in the saddle, bailing out from the vision/revelation/faith is not considered or, if it is considered, the Holy Spirit reminds what Jesus Christ has said to us, refreshing it in us. Hope isn't without the revelation of God behind it, and it strengthens us so that we may receive the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls. (1 Peter 1:9)

You Will Surely Understand, when you KNOW

 

The Gospel According To John, chapters 20 & 21

Please read chapter 20 with special attention to verses 4-9; 11-16; chapter 21 with verses 4-7.

John 20 begins with Mary Magdalene finding the tomb empty where the body of Jesus Christ had been laid by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Without question, this finding was unsettling to those closest to Him, but only because they did not understand what Jesus had told them: that He would arise after three days. He was talking but they did not understand. This happened also while He was alive when He admonished the disciples for their "little faith" when they could not deliver the demon-possessed. He was teaching them while with them and seemed to be concerned about their inability to perceive. Jesus said in that portion of scripture, "How long shall I be with you?" Did He know that, while He was with them, they would be too reliant upon His abilities? He said to Thomas, famous for doubting His resurrection, "blessed are those who, having not seen, believe".


V.4-9 "So they ran together, and the other disciple (John) outran Peter and came to the tomb first. And he (John), stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linens lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. Then the other disciple (John), who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and BELIEVED. For as yet they did not KNOW the Scripture that He must rise again from the dead."  John believed; not yet sure about Peter; and Mary, standing just outside the door had yet to receive.


V.11-16 "But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they (the angels) said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping?' She said to them, 'Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.' Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not KNOW that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?' She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, 'Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.' Jesus said to her, 'Mary!' She turned and said to Him, 'Rabboni!' " And then she KNEW!


21 V.4-7 "But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not KNOW that it was Jesus (Peter and John are again the principals in this portion of scripture). Even after John's enlightenment, he did not recognize Jesus. He was learning to Know Him in a different way now. Jesus was transitioning His disciples and followers to hear Him as He reveals Himself; soon by the voice of the Holy Spirit who speaks to us only what He hears from our Lord. Soon, they would not have Him to be with in physical presence. Then He said to them, 'Children, have you any food?' They answered Him, 'No'. And He said to them, 'Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.' So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore (or as a result), that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, 'It is the Lord' ".  (He previously did not know but after Jesus spoke and it was so (regarding the fish), John KNEW!)

Notableness: It Will Be Well With You (2 Kings 4:8-37)

Please read 2 Kings 4:8-37.

V.8 "Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a NOTABLE WOMAN, and she persuaded him to eat some food. So it was, as often as he passed by, he would turn in there to eat some food."

Why was she notable? I would think she was considered notable because of her hunger to hear and respond accordingly to who God is and what He was doing. 

V.9 "...I know this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly. Let us make room for him."

She and her husband provided sustenance for Elisha. I don't question her motivation in this for she asked nothing of him. I think she wanted just to have fellowship with Elisha as they both wanted the same thing - intimacy with God. Elisha thought to help her in conventional ways - to speak on her behalf to the king or the commander of the army (interesting here that holy men/women of God held sway with kings and all who were in authority). She was not interested. She wanted higher things - that is what made her notable!  

Elisha, having heard from Gehazi that she had no son and it appeared, conventionally, that she would not be able as her husband was old, informed her that she would give birth to a son in about one year. She was startled and apparently blessed by the spoken word of the prophet. God had given her something she dearly desired.

Now, here is where her notableness served again: the son died of a head ailment. What did she do? She ran to the man of God! What did she say? "It is well."  (Verse 23 and 26), which is translated "it WILL BE well", and, it was!  Although the boy had died, the prophet of God breathed life back into him!

So it shows that the NOTABLENESS of the Shunemite woman served her well! What she was after was more of God. She humbled herself under His mighty hand through her engagement of His prophet. The result: God gave her something He knew would bless her outside her ability to do for herself, and, even though the weapon formed and a significant one at that, the weapon did not prosper in the end. No sorrow added.

Entering The Sheepfold By The Door

 John 10:1-7

 

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. BUT HE WHO ENTERS BY THE DOOR IS THE SHEPHERD OF THE SHEEP. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. Jesus used this illustration, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Then Jesus said to them again, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.' "


Is Jesus both the door and the shepherd in this context? In the previous chapter, we see what a sinful response Israel's current shepherds presented to Jesus' healing a blind man on the Sabbath. It is my understanding that Jesus was rebuking their shepherding and giving criteria to those He would be calling to shepherd the sheep. "For many are called, but few chosen." (Matthew 20:16) A "called one" becomes a "chosen one" by pointing his/her compass directly at Jesus Christ. Seek Him. Knock on His door. Ask of Him. There is much to learn to become a chosen one as Jesus doesn't send out novices. "Not a novice (new convert), lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil." (1 Timothy 3:6)  Based upon a review of things, novices are not just new converts but converts who will not allow the chastening of the Lord in their hearts. They are immature. They are not receiving help nor are they are in a position to help others past where they have been helped. They are trying to enter the sheepfold apart from the door whether they know it or not. The door is with Him, through Him and in Him and includes His transformation of who you are: your soul. "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things, and be in health just as YOUR SOUL PROSPERS (3 John 2).

There is a reason Jesus says to the messenger of the church at Laodicea, "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire(the place in our development where the impurities are separated from purity) that you may be rich (in Christ) (Revelation 3:18)...It is because we need it!

Whether you are called to the ministry or serving in His kingdom in some other capacity, don't try to climb up some other way! Point your compass squarely at Him. He is faithful who promises!

The Affordable Care Act: What Did Jesus Do?

Matthew 17:24-27

The Affordable Care Act was passed into law in 2010. The law changes the options by which a health care plan is purchased. The United States government offers options, and private insurers are allowed to compete in that marketplace. Significant to this discussion is the fact that you MUST either purchase insurance coverage OR pay a penalty, or tax, for choosing not. After the legislation was signed by President Obama, there began a legal case to determine whether the law paralleled the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court affirmed it. It is the law of the land. The implementation has begun.


The U.S. government has always had the authority to increase taxes. This is the first time the citizens of this country have been REQUIRED to buy something that, previously, they had the choice not to.


"When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, 'Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?' He said, 'Yes'. And when he had come into the house, Jesus anticipated him, saying, 'What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take custom or taxes, from their sons or from strangers?' Peter said to Him, 'From strangers.' Jesus said to him, 'Then the sons are free. NEVERTHELESS, LEST WE OFFEND THEM, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.' "


"Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Pay therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Matthew 22:17, 21


God has called us to be a testimony of Him in Christ Jesus toward men. Jesus was focused on the testimony of the Son of God paying what the kings of the earth had required. So should the sons of God be! We see how difficult it was for the Son of God to create a piece of money to pay the tax. He will make a way for us to obey this law according to His wise direction. Whether we agree with the reasoning behind this law or not, submission does not begin until we disagree. We want all men to understand that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. When we order our steps with His, they will have that opportunity!  

For This Reason, I Bow My Knee

Ephesians 3:13-21

"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant to you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

I am able to understand that the Father would want us strengthened with might in the inner man; Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith; comprehending the entirety of His love. What does Paul's bowing of knee to the Father have to do with it?

"I now rejoice in my sufferings for you; and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body which is the church."  Colossians 1:24

Paul's bowing of knee to the Father- rejoicing in his suffering for us, was necessary so that the words of truth the disciples exhorted with did not become a lecture series, but instead alive for men to see. I mentioned in a prior posting that Paul might have been a type of first fruits of those who would walk just as Jesus walked. Paul lived these Spirit-inspired words before men. There must be men who live these words today for the sake of others. When you see a christian rejoicing in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; laying down his life for his friend; he, as Paul in Christ, is doing it for you.


"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God." Romans 8:18,19

Know The Time Of His Visitation (Luke 19:41-44; John 4:4, 21, 42)

 "Now as He drew near, He saw the city (Jerusalem) and wept over it, saying, 'If you had KNOWN, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, BECAUSE YOU DID NOT KNOW THE TIME OF YOUR VISITATION.' "

"If you KNEW the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water."

Jesus Christ presented Himself to Israel and to the Samaritan woman; to the Jews and to Gentiles. In both of these cases, His visitation was not received. We know Israel's religious leaders gave much thought of how they might destroy Him instead of receiving their Messiah as Lord. The Samaritan woman, having a personal meeting with Jesus, informed Him of what she knew as He was trying to minister living water to her. In fact, Jesus said, "Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father" for "you worship what You do not know......". Doesn't sound good. Even after Jesus prophesies of her sin, the best she can do is, "Could this be the Christ?" Interestingly, many of her fellow Samaritans believed, AND SAID, "we ourselves have heard Him AND WE KNOW that this indeed is the Christ, the Savior of the world".

Again, Jesus ministered in physical, bodily form prior to His crucifixion; but now by the Holy Spirit, upon the Word of God and by His laborers. His VISITATION continues as we hear and willingly respond to what we hear.

"To those who have, more will be given and they will have in abundance!" I pray that each of us recognize and receive His VISITATION.

Less Than The Least (Ephesians 3:8-11)

 

"To me, who am LESS THAN THE LEAST of all the saints, this grace was given; that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, AND to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ, to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,......"


Let's first discuss Paul's self-description that he is "less than the least of all saints".  How could that be an accurate evaluation if our Lord chose him to write a large portion of the New Testament? Paul informs us that he was behind no other apostle in exploits for the Lord's kingdom; in fact, more fruitful. What could he possibly mean? Was he exaggerating or exhibiting false humility? In Galatians 2:20, Paul informs us that he "has been crucified with Christ; it is no longer (he) who lives but Christ lives in him." Could he mean that the "I" or "me" in him (Paul) is less than in any other saint?  He is no longer governed by "himself" but by Christ Jesus; that Christ has come to abide in him; that he has become complete in Him; that which is perfect or mature has come to/for him? In Luke 14:33, Jesus teaches "whoever does not forsake ALL that he has cannot be My disciple."


Now, lets look at what "less than the least" produced for Paul. Because he forsook all that he had, God's grace was given to: preach the unsearchable riches of Christ; to make all see (by his words and deeds) what is the fellowship of the mystery which is hidden in God so that manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church according to His eternal purpose. Lets ask this question: what kept the the "mystery and manifold wisdom" from being revealed, aside from what the Father revealed through Jesus Christ, by the other disciples?  Could it be that Paul emptied or surrendered himself to a place no other had to that point? It is available for all in Christ to understand and demonstrate these "unsearchable riches" and "fellowship in the hidden mysteries in God." But, why are these truths hidden? For the same reason you don't share your deepest feelings with just anybody: the relationship is not intimate enough.


Could it be that Paul emptied or surrendered himself to a place no other disciple had to that point; a kind of first fruits of those who would walk just as Jesus walked?

Receive, Keep Receiving (Luke 18:15-17)

"Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.' "

Was Jesus saying that only little children could enter the kingdom the kingdom of God, or was He telling us that we should receive God's kingdom as little children receive things? Little children listen intently to those around them, often recanting what someone had told them when THEY ASKED A QUESTION. Because they were interested in a particular topic, they asked, and when they asked they received an answer. The validity of that answer may be called into question and refuted later by more correct information, but, inquisitiveness was met with information. Although we have experienced the imperfection of that process with men, it is not so with God.

"....how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13)

Those in Him must continue to receive Him in that manner: as little children receive information from those around them. Good ground receives seed and produces; some 30 fold, some 60 and some 100 fold. Good ground is synonymous with receiving His inspiration and every intent to make it a part of our lives! Remember, to those who have(what He imparts) more will be given and that one will have in abundance! An abundance of Our Exceeding Great Reward!

Submitting To One Another In The Fear of God (Ephesians 5:21)

 

Whether husbands or wives, parents or children, brothers and sisters in Christ or simply fellow human beings, God calls us to submit to one another in the fear of God. How do we do that in the apparently complicated realm of relationship?

First thing, we NEVER submit to anyone who promotes us to sin: activity which falls short of what we know of God through the scripture. If a person were to tell you to blaspheme the Holy Spirit or "curse God and die" as was Job's wife's exhortation during his trial, we Christians would shudder. Some sinful promotions are not as clear, but you get the point.

As a husband, how do I accomplish the following admonishment: "For as woman came from man, even so man also comes through woman; BUT ALL THINGS ARE FROM GOD." (1 Corinthians 11:12)?  This means that we BOTH have to answer to the Most High! As a man and a husband I have a Lord and Master: God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ok, still explaining how I should submit to my wife (and we to one another). God has called women to do certain things. In Titus 2:5, He calls women to be homemakers. In that arena, I should submit to my wife, because God has not called me to a homemaker. So, as my wife submits her ideas regarding that command of God, I must be willing to submit unless her idea breaches the higher calling of the Word of God: like borrowing money. If my wife wants a particular theme in her decorating, I should be willing to agree; wants to fix a particular type of meal, I don't come in and change it because it may not be my fancy for that day. The same goes for interactions in other types of relationships: we should be willing to yield as long as yielding isn't sinful.

But, most importantly, we should be watchful that we don't frustrate another's faith in God. God gives each one a measure of faith and builds on it as we receive His inspiration. Another's revelation may not sound right to you, and in some cases, cause you some extra work or bother, but just as Jesus is endeavoring to build a spiritual house within you for His dwelling, so is He within others. We can assist Him as we yield to their revelations, inspired or not. As we love others the way He loves us through forbearance, we are helping them to see clearer. It's amazing how His love according to His Word ministers to His creation! 

The Revelation That Keeps On Giving (Matthew 16:13-19)

"When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, 'Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?' So they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not REVEALED this unto you but my Father who is in heaven, and, I also say to you that you are Peter (smallish stone) and on this rock (the revelation that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God) I will BUILD MY CHURCH and the gate of Hades shall not prevail (be victorious) against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven (or will have been bound in heaven) and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven' " (or will have been loosed in heaven).


Clearly, the Father revealed to Peter that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Now, the foundational Truth of Who Jesus is had been made real to Peter. What others had to say about Jesus was incorrect and shows how men, then and now, respond to the Truth without that same revelation and how Jesus builds upon it. Jesus goes on to inform Peter that he was a stone in comparison to the Rock that this revelation would be for righteousness and against sin: so huge it is that the all Hell has to fight with cannot overcome it. People with the revelation of Jesus the Christ are hard to derail, yet, Jesus is not done, He is just beginning to build the spiritual house where He can abide in His fullness.


"I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven".  He teaches us what they are and how to use them. Remember, Jesus did nothing unless He saw His Father do so; said nothing unless He heard His Father say so. Binding and loosing in His kingdom are accomplished in no different manner than how Peter was enlightened of the Christ! The Father, and now His glorified Christ, REVEAL how/what to us through the Word of God. The Lord God reveals and, as we use what we has been revealed, He reveals more. Those who receive will bind and loose, in Him, to bring all that He has for us into fruition.

Contentment versus Covetousness

 

It is very important to understand that "the living God gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Timothy 6:17). The blessing in this statement is that He does not need to ask us what we need or like- He knows us better than we think we know ourselves! Contentment is born out of faith - a revelation that comes forth from the Lord God that acts as a blueprint of what He wants to do for us. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to cast off restraint in this area if not for a vision given.  Covetousness, on the contrary, is a desire for anything, even in His perfect plan, which leads to the individual doing all he/she can to bring it to pass - to make it happen. Contentment recognizes His voice and believes Him to bring it to pass, enjoying what He has already given.

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with the things that you have (spirit, soul and body). For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' ". (Hebrews 13:5)

When a cake is put together, all the ingredients that make it enjoyable are there and in it. The instructions require a certain amount of time and heat to complete the process successfully. If this is the first time you are trying to make cake, you might look in the oven and say after 10, 30 or 40 minutes, "it looks and smells good, it must be complete!" You pull it out and attempt to eat but it is not right. It is not complete. Covetousness ruined the cake! You wanted it before it was ready! Covetousness is promoted by Satan and allowed by the carnality of the soul. When the individual hits the wall of gracelessness in his/her might and power, hopelessness attempts to steal the vision! BUT, God is merciful to the repentant and, just as a refiner's fire removes impurity from precious metal without ruining the metal, the Lord's process upon the soul who has ears to hear perfectly trains you and provides, without sorrow added, all things (in Him) to enjoy.

 "A disciple is not above His teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher". (Luke 6:40)   Glory to God! If you have ears to hear, you will hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches, and it will bear fruit, some 30, some 60 and some 100 fold, in Christ Jesus.

Returning In The Power Of The Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21,22; 4:1-14)

Returning from where in the power of the Holy Spirit? The wilderness. At the age of 30 years, Jesus Christ was baptized by John and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove upon Him. The Father then said, "You are my beloved Son; in You I am well pleased"."  Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. And the devil said to Him, If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread. But Jesus answered him, saying, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' "


Is it apparent to you that Jesus would have fallen short if He had provided for Himself in that situation? It is not necessary to explain how important eating is to the physical body, yet Jesus seems to understand that for Him, to indulge at that time would have been wrong. Certainly, He would multiply loaves and fishes to feed thousands on at least two occasions.  He was able to turn stones to bread. He was just unwilling. He knew He must continue the fast until His Father released Him from it. Satan, of course, wanted Him to give in to the physical hunger. Jesus did not. He lived by the Word His Father gave Him: the Bread of Life. The concern for how we will be sustained in this life is a powerful mover against the soul. I am convinced that in order walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, we also must learn how to walk just as He walked in matters of sustenance.


"Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, 'All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if you will worship before me, all will be Yours. And Jesus answered and said to him, 'Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.'  "  This "all" that Satan had was authority over the world system. He had it because of Adam's fall: Adam ceded that authority when he obeyed the serpent's temptation instead of the Father's truth. Jesus told us that His authority is from His Father and far exceeded Satan's limited rule. Again, Jesus chose to adhere Himself to the Word of the Father. We see men who seem to rule over vast financial systems, nations, states, municipalities. Men are looking to find righteousness in their actions. Yet Jesus says, "if you want to be great among men, let (that one who wants to be great) him become a servant."


"Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, 'If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here, for it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you, and, in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.' And Jesus answered and said to him, It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " I am still trying to understand how Satan thought this would be a temptation to Jesus after the first and second temptation. What foolishness! But what about us? Are we willing to test God's intent to protect with foolishness and abandon?


After failing to entice Jesus, Satan departed. He would return later. Jesus learned obedience through the temptations. Then, He returned in the power of the Spirit! We will also if we arm ourselves with the same mind. The same Spirit that empowered Jesus in His wilderness will do so in ours as we dwell in the secret place of the Most High!

Let Yourselves Be Cheated?

 

1 Corinthians 6:7


"Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you (brothers in Christ) that you go to law against one another. Why do you not RATHER accept wrong? Why do you not RATHER let yourselves be cheated?"


"You have heard that it was said, 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I (Jesus) tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also." Matthew 5:38-40


I think its not hard to understand what is being said here. What's difficult is overcoming all of the learned behaviors that tell us to protect ourselves: punish those who are taking advantage and fight back when threatened. Actually, we (those who have received the Lord's salvation) torment the salvation of our souls when we fight and punish. This discussion reminds that Jesus teaches us, "without Me, you can do nothing". You should not be dismayed if your initial response to an unrighteous act does not measure up to Jesus' instruction in Matthew's gospel. How then do we get from learned behaviors to the righteousness of God in these instances? By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit! If you study, attend church consistently, seek, knock, and ask for His wisdom in faith, nothing doubting, you will surely receive the understanding, awakening you, alerting you, reminding you, empowering you to be a doer of it!


In these things you need that no one teach you. No minister is able to teach you HOW to do these things, just open the discussion and live it! The understanding and empowerment come from the Teacher by the Communicator, the Holy Spirit.

 

We should RATHER because our willful obedience leaves a deposit of Jesus Christ with them and, the Psalmist writes, "I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor his descendants begging bread". Psalm 37:25

We Must Judge, Not Punish

Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, regarding the issue of same-sex relationships, recently said that he would not judge those involved in homosexuality. I agree if by that he means he would not render punishment. Physical harm, malice, prejudice regarding the basic necessities of life, and exclusion from attendance in church would not be a just response by Christians toward these folks. 

I have felt impressed of the Lord that judgement should be understood in two ways: God's righteous judgement toward man and man's unrighteous judgement toward his fellow man. Righteous judgement coming from the One who KNOWS the hearts of men; unrighteous judgement coming from those who "know in part" (1 Corinthians 13:12) and therefore render inefficient and harmful sentences, spiritually speaking. Unrighteous judgement often is a cloak for self-willed self service and bitter envy, not motivated by the One who knows love completely.

Yet, Paul said (1 Corinthians 11:31), "if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged". Do you see the difference between critical assessment of a situation and punishment? "If we would critically assess ourselves, we would not be punished". "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED. But he who is spiritual judges (assesses) all things, yet he himself is rightly judged(punished) by no one". We in Christ are called to judge (spiritually discern) all things. It is through Spiritual discernment that our steps are rightly ordered: we suppress not the truth and clearly see and understand His invisible attributes, even His eternal power and Godhead (Romans 1:20). If we punish not, assuming our righteous place in Him, those who believe not will have the chance to repent. Those who are outside will be without excuse for they will see the King of Righteousness among His people. 

It's Not About You?

Sounds soooo spiritual. In context, it NEEDS to be more about you so it can be more about others. Saints and lost alike need to see the righteous behaving more like Jesus Christ. We must be willing to go on to completion in Him, who desires to build us up into a spiritual house for His dwelling in His fullness!


Until recently, a baseball pitcher who could effectively battle throughout the entire game, completing it, was worth a lot to a team. From a baseball perspective, he did not have to win as long as he kept his team in the game, but, many times, the pitcher remained in the game because he was overwhelming the opposition. A complete game would give rest to the other pitchers on the team... I would rejoice to see more brethren who are able to punish all disobedience as their obedience is being fulfilled; those who are able to help the team (others) to maturity. If a pitcher has not been able to complete the sixth inning (spiritually speaking) how can he help others to do so?


James 1:2,3 reads, "brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (perseverance). But let perseverance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and COMPLETE, lacking nothing".


2 Peter 1:4-11 shows us that "great and precious promises have been given to us" and that through these we "may be partakers of the divine nature". This happens by "adding to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge self control, and to self control perseverance, and to perseverance godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren (useless!) nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". 
Do we add these things by going to a christian store and downloading the software to our christian souls? We ask of Him, because He is the author and finisher of ALL THESE THINGS! He reveals Himself to us because we ask in faith, nothing doubting, not willing to go back to or stay weak; "becoming COMPLETE" in Him? (2 Corinthians 13:11)

Go to This People and Say...

The Acts of the Apostles 28: 26, 27


"The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 'Go to this people and say: "Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive; For the hearts of this people (the Jewish people in this instance) HAVE GROWN DULL. Their ears are HARD OF HEARING, and their eyes THEY HAVE CLOSED, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them." ' "


The Jewish people were and are God's chosen people: chosen to propagate those who would be the bible story. We know that Jesus Christ was born of a Jewish girl. All the patriarchs were of Jewish lineage. They also experienced His mighty supernatural hand. They were, of all peoples on the earth, best prepared to receive Jesus the Messiah. They thought His kingdom would manifest differently than it did. Instead of immediately wiping out their adversaries, He informed them they should love, bless, pray for and do good to them; He said they must lay down their lives for these "friends". I can only imagine what startling breath Jesus provided to stench of sin of that time. It must have been amazing to see and hear of all the good He did for the Jewish people. Yet they closed their ears, eyes and hearts from Him. We, who have not been born into the Jewish lineage, have been provided for as well- Paul left those in the twenty-eighth chapter to tell the Gentiles of Jesus Christ. The prophetic words that came through Paul will judge us as well.

Water Baptism's Older Brother

1 Peter 3:13-4:2

 

"And who is he who will harm you if you BECOME followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you are blessed. 'And do not be afraid of their threats, nor let your hearts be troubled'. But SANCTIFY THE LORD GOD IN YOUR HEARTS, and always be ready to give a defense for everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good rather than doing evil."

 

 

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, BEING PUT TO DEATH IN THE FLESH BUT MADE ALIVE BY THE SPIRIT, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is , eight souls, were saved through water. THERE IS NOW AN ANTITYPE THAT NOW SAVES US- BAPTISM (not the removal of the filth of the flesh but THE ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him."

 

 

"THEREFORE, SINCE CHRIST SUFFERED FOR US IN THE FLESH, ARM YOURSELVES ALSO WITH THE SAME MIND, FOR HE WHO HAS SUFFERED IN THE FLESH (abiding with a good conscience toward God) has CEASED FROM SIN, so 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."

 

 

This portion of scripture is not discussing water baptism nor the Holy Spirit baptism but the baptism of fire.

 

 

"John (the Baptist) answered, saying to all, "I will indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."  (Luke 3:16).  It is the place of difficulty (suffering) where the answer of a good conscience toward God is formed; where we continue to become partakers of what is good; where we press toward the mark for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

 

 

The good news is that you are not out there alone in this, in fact He sets the race before us. We must be wise enough to hear His inspiration and do it: whether by the unction of the Holy Spirit, receive His laborers by the Holy Spirit or in the purity of His word by the Holy Spirit. He uses these to direct and correct us.

 

 

Jesus said to Paul,  "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness (your devoted life to Him).  Therefore, most gladly, I (Paul) will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.

(2 Corinthians 12:9,10)

Ask in Humility

 James 4:1-3

 

"Where do wars (battles) and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desire for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war (battle), yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss that you may spend on your pleasures".

 

 

Here we see James explaining the futility of self service. He speaks of those who lust, murder, covet, fight and war for things that will not fulfill. They do the same for what they think is right. The context here is not that they cannot get to what they lust for, covet, fight and battle for: there are people all over the world receiving exactly what they think they desire. We see the world rejoicing over their carnal desires, manipulation and idolatry. It is ever before our face in daily experiences and in the media. It is my opinion that James is explaining that these carnal approaches will not fulfill: in their lusting, coveting, fighting and battling, they have not what truly fulfills. They cannot obtain what soothes the soul and gives strength. Their battle is not the good fight of faith! He says that they do not have because they do not ask (they are not asking for what they should be). When they do ask, they receive not because they are asking, again, for the wrong things, not those things He knows will bless.

 

 

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding". (Proverbs 4:7)

 

 

 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to who him who knocks it will be opened". (Matthew 7:7)

 

 

The scripture writes that He (Jesus) is our exceeding great reward. Ask of Him and of Himself He will give to you and show you great and mighty things that you do not know! Asking Him for who He is results in humility: allowing Him to do in us what He knows is good for us and mankind.  

Carnality Deflects Spiritual Things

1 Corinthians 2:9-16, 3:1-3

 

 

"But as it is written: 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for THOSE WHO LOVE HIM'. But God has revealed them unto us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?  Even so, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words that man's wisdom teaches but which the Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he is rightly judged by no one. For 'who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?' But we have the mind of Christ. And I brethren could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal".

 

 

Paul is exhorting the Corinthian church to repent from their carnal ways and follow his manner of living. The "Us" in the second sentence is not everyone although it is available to everyone. Not everyone in Christ is willing to lay down their carnality for His spiritual things. We treat babies as such until they reach a point where we know they know to act in a more grown-up manner. Paul is explaining that if they want the blessing of the Lord upon their lives, they must build on the foundation they received in Christ. The new birth in Christ Jesus is really an act of obedience as the Spirit and Truth of this kingdom land upon the measure of faith given to each one. One is born again by the Holy Spirit and with that Spiritual birth comes a greater passion to follow God's ways. So follow it! Follow it to a bible-believing church and an open bible on your own. As you give yourself to it, He begins to build you up into all things in Him, if you will have it! He wants to give you His mind and every thing God has in mind for you!

 

 

Husbands, Love Your Wives

Ephesians 5:25,26

 

 

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word".

 

How did Jesus give his life for the church and how does God expect us to love our wives? Jesus said that He and the Father were One.  He, as the Son of Man, presented to us in bodily form, yet informed us that He and His Father were One. How could this be, since the Father was surely residing in Heaven? Were They the same being or were They so close to each other, by choice, that all things the Father knew and desired were at hand for Jesus? The many years of preparation prior to His earthly ministry speak to the opportunity for development- to do what the Father called Him to do.

 

The Father and the Son were very close. Out of that closeness Jesus learned to obey: even though His Father was/is The Power, Jesus had His own will as shown in the garden of Gethsemane and His response to temptation/testing in the wilderness. His response to those temptations was "not My will but Your's be done" and "it is written"; clearly in deference to the Father's will or that which the Father would have done. Out of His intimacy with the Father, Jesus understood and obeyed: He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! A Lamb then; the Lion of the tribe of Judah now!

 

If you want to love your wife the way Christ also loved the church, study to show yourself approved; forsake not the assembling of yourself together with the congregation Jesus has led you to. As you hear His voice of faith, respond the best way you know based upon the revelation provided; give yourself to prayer in all ways recognizable. With this approach, you will be readied to fulfill your call as head of the wife. Just as our precious Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ was prepared, or made ready, to be the Lamb of God Who gave Himself for the church, so will we husbands be.

Receiving the End of Your Faith, the Salvation of Your Soul

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, RECEIVING THE END OF YOUR FAITH --THE SALVATION OF YOUR SOULS". 1 Peter 1:3-9

 

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to US, who are BEING SAVED, it is the power of God". 1 Corinthians 1:18

 

"Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will SAVE both yourself and those who hear you". 1 Timothy 4:16

 

"But we are not of those who draw back to perdition (destruction), but (we are) of those who BELIEVE TO the SAVING OF THE SOUL". Hebrews 10:39

 

These four references of scripture, among many others, discuss the notion that salvation is a process. Even Timothy, a young pastor, is encouraged by Paul to continue in the doctrine of Jesus Christ so that he can save himself and those who hear him. This discussion is enhanced by Paul's message to the Corinthian church: be made or become complete (2 Corinthians 13:9,11). We should be aware that it is possible to draw back to destruction.

Arguments and High Things Part 2

 

After our most recent post, I had the opportunity to consider some biblical references that shine additional light on the topic.

 

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh)  but mighty in God for PULLING DOWN STRONGHOLDS, casting down arguments and EVERY HIGH THING that exalts ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ". The capitalized words speak of an assignment, influence and assault brought to impair the Lord's attempt to lead the Christian into obedience in Christ; to refine us to the place where we are "ready to punish all disobedience when our obedience is fulfilled". (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

 

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places". (Ephesians 6:12). Another reference showing Satan, and his kingdom, assaulting our souls.

 

"When a strong man, FULLY ARMED, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he comes upon him, and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoils". (Luke 11:21,22). Just prior to these verses, Jesus is discussing His "casting out demons by the finger of God".  Jesus cast demons out of folks who had been overcome by them. So shall believers (Mark 16:17). Jesus also directed Satan to be removed from His presence when He recognized the assault or influence to serve Himself as opposed to serving the Father. So must we believers.

 

I am NOT advocating hours of prayer against the adversary but as the Lord reveals it to us, remove him -  his and his kingdom's assignment to influence and assault your soul - in the name of Jesus Christ! Jesus has every intention and capability to fully arm us!

 

Remember, God himself has given us a will to freely choose whom we will serve. Once the Satanic assignment to motivate us to serve our selfish will has been removed, we must decide to follow Him. Much easier once the torment has been removed.

Arguments and High Things

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

 

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. "

 

God on earth now is represented by His Spirit, the Holy Spirit. Humans are soulish beings, driven by our minds, emotions and wills. We live in a physical house: our bodies. The individual who is willing to receive the Lord's salvation in Jesus Christ, having been born again or born from above, is a new creation. New because our spirit, having been made alive by the Holy Spirit, is now able to communicate with God. He now has access to us by His Spirit. It is in the soul where we make our decisions, even the initial decision to receive Christ!  The Holy Spirit inspires our souls to be willing to receive!

 

Arguments are mental reasonings based upon an understanding of a given topic. Arguments are formed in our soul. We should understand that both God and Satan are after our soul. God for salvation of it, Satan for destruction. High things, in my understanding, are Satan's assault against our soul: torment and temptation to produce carnal arguments. Satan uses this assault to tempt us to form arguments, which we use to continue in or fall into fruitlessness. We must understand Satan's assault. We will understand if we study our bible steadfastly and attend a church that creates an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to minister: a church that reveres the Word of God, especially New Testament principles and practices.

 

If we will speak to this mountain (the high thing which stands between us and becoming a fruitful branch in Christ Jesus; the high thing which represents Satanic assault and temptation against our souls) and doubt it not in our hearts, but believe, we shall have! (Remember! We have a decision to make! Our soul is where we make the decision. Our spirit is where God dwells if we have been born again. God's Spirit in us changes not because He changes not. His Spirit in us is the Standard to live by!) With Satan's torment and temptation exposed and cast down, we (the soul) will be free to follow the Holy Spirit as He shows us how to be one with the Father and Son who are One, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ!

Gaius and Diotrephes

3 John 1-12; Ephesians 4: 11-13

This book of John starts off with John rejoicing in Gaius, who has a testimony amongst the brethern that he "walks in the truth".   Gaius faithfully "does" for the brethern and for strangers (seemingly missionaries as they went forward for His name's sake).   John says "we ought to receive such (missionaries) that we may become fellow workers for the truth". 

John then contrasts Gaius and his willingness to receive and do, with Diotrephes, writing that "Diotrephes loves to have the pre-eminence among them".  He does not receive John's ministry nor does he receive other brethern, expelling from the church those who wish to receive them.  Diotrephes in his pre-eminence is acting foolishly by not receiving John's - and others' - ministries. Certainly the apostle's, and others', ministry in Christ would be for Diotrephes and his church's benefit; their equipping and edification in Christ!

This attitude holds back the body of Christ. Denominationalism is notorious for listening only to those of their fellowship.  Diotrophes' attitude appears unveiled.  He sounds rude and controlling.  Others nicely say "no, thanks".   Either way, their carnal authority is holding back the body of Christ from "coming into unity in the faith, and of knowledge of the Son of God; to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4: 11-13). 

Born of God and Cannot Sin Part 2

 

I John 3:2-9

"He who has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he CANNOT sin, because he has been born of God".

 

Our most recent study discussed "born" as being synonymous with "made".  As we consider that we are being "made of God" as a potter would fashion and form a vessel, this portion of scripture becomes clearer.

 

"Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness". This reminds me, in the book of Matthew, 7:21-23, where many who prophesied, cast out demons and did many wonders in His name were told: "I never knew you; depart from Me you who PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS". These folks were content to pursue spiritual gifts, given to each one for the profit of all, but, it appears they were not eager to let God finish His work in them.

 

"Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him". I Peter 4:1,2 states,"therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, ARM YOURSELF ALSO WITH THE SAME MIND, FOR HE WHO HAS SUFFERED IN THE FLESH HAS CEASED FROM SIN, so 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". We must not refuse Him who speaks from heaven for as He speaks He is revealing Himself and the Father to us, so that we may know Him and not sin.

 

"He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil". The soul of man is a battlefield. With it we "bless God and curse man".  The scripture clearly depicts the salvation of the soul as a progressive work.  The soul that has received the Lord's salvation is Christ-like much like the young person who has received acceptance to medical school is a doctor: all the resources of  heaven, as with the medical college, are at the disposal of the accepted one to reach an expected end; completion in Christ for the soul and the ability to help people in physical need for the physician. In both cases, it takes education and diligent attention to fulfill. As we sin after we have received His salvation, we show that in those areas, Satan still exercises influence in our soul. As we receive Him who speaks from heaven, His ways of doing things overwhelms Satan's temptation and we DECIDE not to sin. We are being MADE OF GOD and WE DO NOT SIN! I am impressed that as we believe in Him through the Word He has made alive to us, we will be one with the Father and the Son, who are one. Jesus desire to be one with His Father was the strength of His sinless life!

  

George Harlow

(609) 312-1178

Born of God and Cannot Sin

1 John 3:2-9

 

 

"Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we SHALL BE, but we know WHEN HE IS REVEALED, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. WHOEVER ABIDES IN HIM does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you, He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. WHOEVER HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD DOES NOT SIN, for His (JESUS') seed remains in him; and HE CANNOT SIN, BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN BORN OF GOD".

 

First of all, we must differentiate between "born again" and "born of God". When an individual is born again, he/she has been forgiven their sins, and made a new creature, a new CREATION in Christ Jesus! One of the definitions of born in this discussion is "to be made". We understand that Jesus has been likened to a potter, we being like clay. The potter fashions and forms the clay into what he desires. We understand that Jesus is "a wise masterbuilder". A wise builder does not build the 3rd floor structure of a building before he builds the 2nd; in fact, he can't. Nor does Jesus. He teaches us, revelation by revelation, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to our newly created spirit. When John says, "Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him", I feel he is saying that whoever practices lawlessness has either rejected His revelation which comes by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit OR has not yet heard in the spirit. If it has not yet been revealed to you, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to overcome. As He reveals Himself to us, we KNOW more of Him and are empowered to fall not short. When we sin, we show that, at least in that activity, that we do not know Him. When we SEE what He reveals we are empowered to perform that in righteousness. Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of Man. He was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin. He wanted nothing more than to be one with His Father. The result: a sinless life.

 

As we seek, knock and ask, His holiness is revealed from faith to faith and we, by necessity, are undone. He reveals Himself to us: we see Him, we know Him and He is making us like Him!

To Be Partakers Of The Divine Nature

2 Peter 1:1-11

"Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, 'to those who have attained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may BE PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption of the world through lust'.

 

'But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, ADD to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverence, to perseverence godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, to brotherly kindness love. FOR IF THESE THINGS ARE YOURS AND ABOUND, YOU WILL BE NEITHER BARREN NOR UNFRUITFUL in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is short-sighted, even to blindness and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things YOU WILL NEVER STUMBLE; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ'."

 

This portion of scripture discusses the transformation of the saint from new birth to completion or maturity in Christ Jesus. These people have attained like precious faith and have been cleansed of their old sins. Yet they must add things to the faith they have attained: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverence, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Lacking these fruits indicates short-sightedness: you are not looking past the prayer to receive your sins forgiven to see the end of your faith: the salvation of your soul. The entrance to be supplied to you into the everlasting kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ comes with your diligence to make your call and election sure, becoming a partaker of the divine nature.

 

Peter called himself a bondservant. What do you call yourself?

mph501@yahoo.com to discuss this or previous posts

Tradition or Truth: By Which Shall We Live?

 Mark 7:5-9

 

"Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, 'Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?' He answered and said to them, 'Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctines the commandments of men'. 'For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men- the washing of pitchers and cups and many other such things you do'. He said to them, 'All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition'."

 

The Jewish people were well aware of God's supernatural hand: the plagues that ultimately freed them from Egyptian rule; daily manna from Heaven to feed them in the wilderness; a promised land where they would lack nothing. Yet with all the good He had done, their hearts were far from Him. When presented with their Messiah, they mostly rejected Him, instead seeking to kill the One who could save them from their sins. The Pharisees and scribes - those who studied the Law and prophets and were in the best position to know when He had come, were the worst offenders. They served themselves and were unfruitful in Him.

 

We, the church, comprised of the ministers as well as the rest of the body, will be tempted in the same way. We must speak to the mountain that would stand between us and becoming a fruitful branch in Christ Jesus, saying unto that high thing which is any/every self-serving notion that would keep us from walking as He walked, "be removed, be cast into the sea, and doubt it not in our hearts, but believe it, and we shall have IT" - freedom from the bondage of self-service.

Greatness is Serving

Matthew 20:20-28
"Then the mother of Zebedee's sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, 'What do you wish?' She said to Him, 'Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.'  But Jesus answered and said, 'You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?'  They said to Him, 'We are able.'

So He said to them, 'You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but for whom it is prepared by My Father'. And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.' "

What if we current day saints came to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, asking Him to show us what it means to serve as Jesus did? What if we asked Him to show us how to love Him by keeping His commands and laying our lives down for our friends? What if our focus was on Him and what He knows we need to overcome rather than what we think is best for Him to do for us?

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten(Reference here to Job 5:7; Hebrews 12:6). Therefore be zealous(or eager) to repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sit down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 3:19-22)

In order to sit with Jesus on His thone, we must overcome those things that Jesus knows bind us to this world's ways. Lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life produced from the root of self-service. Selfish ambition and envy produce unrighteous fruit- nothing good in Jesus Christ as an answer to carnality. He stands at the door of your heart. Open the door so He can get in!

The Centurion's Great Faith

(Matthew 8:5-10, 23-26; 28:18; Luke 8:22-25)

 

 

"Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, 'Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.' And Jesus said to him, 'I will come and heal him.'  The centurion answered and said,  'Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it'. When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed (which included His disciples),  'Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel'."  Uh Oh.  (Matthew 8:5-10)

 

Why was Jesus so impressed by what the centurion said? Was it because he had a good understanding of authority?  I would think that a person who understands and is willing to submit to authority as     opposed to one who is prone to rebellion would be set to do well under the hand of the Lord, yet is this the point Jesus is making? Where would be the analogy between the centurion's understanding of regimental authority and the deliverance of his servant from torment?

 

"All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18)

 

The fact that the centurion understands authority is good. He clearly knows that Jesus was not only able but willing to heal his servant. The fact that he UNDERSTOOD that Jesus need not come to his home but that He only speak a word and his servant would be healed puts his UNDERSTANDING right up there with Peter's UNDERSTANDING that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God". It is one thing to know who Jesus is; it's another thing altogether to know for sure that what Jesus says will pierce the natural surroundings/findings with the His supernatural truth!

 

"Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, 'Lord, save us. We are perishing!' But He said to them, 'Why are you fearful, O you of LITTLE faith? '(Uh Oh) Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm." (Matthew 8:23-26)

 

"Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. AND HE SAID TO THEM (only speak a word and it shall be), 'Let us cross over to the other side of the lake'. And they launched out. But as they sailed, He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, 'Master, Master, we are perishing!' Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased and there was a calm. But He said to them, Where is your FAITH? (I wish the centurion was in this boat! Just kidding.)  And they were afraid and marveled, saying to one another, 'who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water and they obey Him!' "

 

Jesus had spoken something to them and He expected them to hold on to it. Quite a contrast. The centurion knew and therefore acted and received. The disciples didn't hear and were afraid and marveled even saying, "Who can this be?" We know the disciples went on and grew in Christ Jesus. Where do we find ourselves in this comparison?

The Wisdom That Is From Above

 James 3:13-18

 

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your heart do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

 

We should understand that God attempts to inspire us in the components of wisdom by the Holy Spirit. It is in the soul where we make our decision to receive it. You have heard it said, "a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link". If the soul is weak, either because we have not yet heard or having heard, are unwilling to do (wayside ground), the blessing of His grace will produce little, if any, fruit. It falls to the ground as a torrent of water does little to help parched ground- it rushes past before it may be taken in. Satan's wisdom too often finds a place for rumination in the soul. At that point, the carnality of man is enticed, drawn away from the peace of His wisdom.

 

 

The answer lies in the soul's willingness to be a peacemaker. God's inspiration by the Holy Spirit awakens, alerts, reminds and warns us. (Without this empowerment it is impossible to overcome. Satan strikes at the weakest part of our souls.) He strengthens us to make peace (or produce peace in a place of temptation), displaying the fruit of righteousness! Be wise and understand this battle. As He inspires you in this, there will be less ground for Satan to sow his seed! What a blessing to recognize Satan's assault AS he comes to steal rather than after he has stolen. Christ is being formed in you!