Our Love of Christ: God's Righteous Requirement

"For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit."(Romans 8:3-5)

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

As it is written: 'For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for slaughter.' (Psalm 44:22)

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, not any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39)

God's love is steadfast toward believers. Paul was persuaded: nothing would be able to separate himself (or these) from their love of God in Christ Jesus. Yet distresses, famine, peril or sword, tribulation and persecution will come to test our love. "Who" is someone, or entity, that brings the trial. These will attempt to separate us from our love of Christ. Remember! It is our righteous requirement to walk according to, consistent with, the Spirit. We resist through faith, hope, love, patience and peace: steadfast in the faith.

Your Unbelief, from Here to There

"And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 'Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.' Then Jesus answered and said, 'O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.' And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured that very hour."

"Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, 'Why could we not cast it out?' So Jesus said to them, 'Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." 

(Matthew 17:14-21)

I think we could consider HERE our soul (the mind, will and emotions; where we make our decisions), and THERE the cross (where/how we learn to follow Him).

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (yet faithless and perverse in their ability), but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.' Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has God not made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." 

(1 Corinthians 1:18-21)

So then, your faithlessness considers other things as it responds, rendering perverse actions contrary to Christ. We have to learn to follow Him, not the wisdom of the world.

The Prophetic Word Confirmed

“For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain."

"And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation (origin), for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:16-21)

"Then a voice came from the throne, saying, 'Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!' And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, 'Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.' And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then He said to me, 'Write: '''Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!''' And He said to me, '''These are the true sayings of God.''' And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, '''See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.''' "(Revelation 19:5-10)

Peter, and those included as "we", had the prophetic word confirmed. They saw, heard and did likewise by the wisdom of God. Those who gather to discuss Jesus Christ would do well to heed (it) as a light that shines in a dark place, UNTIL the day dawns AND the morning star rises in your heart. The prophetic word is the testimony of Jesus Christ. The true sayings of God!

Understand, Even To The End

"And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many."

"For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. For we are not writing any other thing to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will UNDERSTAND, EVEN TO THE END  (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord."  (2 Corinthians 1:7-14)

Understand, even to the end that those who trust in themselves will find themselves burdened beyond measure, above strength. "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31) Your suffering is your trouble that comes to you as you plan lightly, according to the flesh. (2 Corinthians 1:17) Conversely, suffering with Him shows you the consolation of simplicity and godly sincerity. Peace!

Propitiate

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be THE PROPITIATION for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:7-11)

Webster's College Dictionary defines propitiate: to MAKE favorably inclined; appease, conciliate.

"No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us His Spirit. And we have SEEN and TESTIFY that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him." 

(1 John 4:12-16)

By His Spirit we confess that Jesus is the Son of God. Not just seeing, but testifying in deed so others may as well. Only God, through His Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, refines this confession to you.

Not Allowed To Carry Your Wares Through This Temple

"So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He WOULD NOT ALLOW anyone to carry WARES through the temple. Then He taught, saying to them, 'Is it not written, '''My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations'''? But you have made it a 'den of thieves.' ''' And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. When the evening had come, He went out of the city." (Mark 11:15-19)

wares - merchandise, intellectual accomplishment that is salable.( 2 from WCD)

"Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. And they said to Him, 'By what authority are you doing these things? Who gave you this authority to do this these things?' But Jesus answered and said to them, 'I will also ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism of John--was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.' And they REASONED AMONG THEMSELVES (in their intellectual accomplishment?), saying, 'If we say, '''From heaven,''' He will say, '''Why then did you not believe him?''' But if we say, 'From men'---they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. So they answered and said to Jesus, 'We do not know.' And Jesus answered and said to them, ''Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’ “

(Mark 11:27-33)

These retained their wares in the presence of Jesus Christ who came "from heaven". As a result He would not answer their questions, and spoke to them in parables. (Mark 12:1)

"Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” (Matthew 13:13)

Dissipation

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is DISSIPATION; but be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:15-18)

"After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his glory. And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, 'Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! For ALL THE NATIONS have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her(misplacing their affections), and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.' And I heard another voice from heaven saying, 'Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her. In the measure that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously (sensually), in the same measure give her torment and sorrow; for she says in her heart, 'I sit as queen, and am no widow, and will not see sorrow. Therefore her plagues will come in one day-death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire(her works destroyed), for strong is the Lord who judges her.' " (Revelation 18:1-8)

Dissipation is a wasting by misuse: drinking the wine of the wrath of fornication. Fornication could be described as misplacement of intimacy, in this context, with the ways of the world. Double-mindedness. "The wrath of man (fellowship with/in this fornication) does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:20) The righteousness of God is found in understanding what the will of the Lord is, walking so by the Spirit of Christ.

Most Gladly, Become Complete

"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore MOST GLADLY I 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 12:7-10)

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will make the way of escape, that you may be able TO BEAR IT." (1 Corinthians 10:12,13)

"For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?---unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified." (2 Corinthians 13:4-6)

"And this also we pray, that YOU may be made complete." (2 Corinthians 13:9)

"Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11) 

It is evident that Paul described how he learned not to be foolish or disqualified, even after having received the ABUNDANCE of the revelations. He bore with, enduring unto completion.  To test/examine yourselves, consider your inward response to Paul's testimony of "most gladly boasting/taking pleasure" in the difficulties listed. Whether your heart be comforted or condemned, ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, how you may proceed in faith.    

The Futility of Any Other Thought

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them (or, evident among them), for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." (Romans 1:16-25)

Paul clearly describes what happens to those who know God but will not glorify Him as God. They are unthankful for His wisdom and become FUTILE IN THEIR THOUGHTS. The gospel of Christ is the remedy. We ought to be ashamed of any other consideration.   

Showing the Debtors How to Pay Less

"He also said to His disciples: 'There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. So he called him and said to him, '''What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.'''  Then the steward said within himself, '''What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.''' '

"So he called every one of his master's debtors to him, and said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' So he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' So he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.' “

(Luke 16:1-7)

Who did these discounts help? Those who don't want to pay the entire price.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

With this parable, Jesus warns the Pharisees, and now the body of Christ regarding short-selling the kingdom of heaven for what serves as temporal comfort. This approach will fail - you cannot serve God and anything else. Single-minded faith in Jesus Christ receives wisdom from God. Double-mindedness requires repentance, back to the simplicity of the truth: Jesus Christ and His body, crucified and risen. 

“This Great Tempest Is Because Of Me"

"And he said to them, 'Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that this great tempest is because of ME.' Nevertheless the men rowed hard to return to land, but they could not, for the sea continued to grow more tempestuous against them. Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, 'We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man's life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.' So they picked up Jonah and THREW HIM INTO THE SEA, and the sea ceased from its raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord and took vows. Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights."(Jonah 1:12-17)

I hope we all can see the tempests we have stirred by our own desires; our own way. The sea COVERED JONAH for three days/nights, but the great fish delivered him to do the Lord's will. Jonah was no longer covered from sight by the sea: he was resurrected for obedience toward Nineveh. No more tempest "because of ME"; salvation for others because MY desires/ways have been removed.

For Your Knowledge in the Mystery of Christ

"Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; HOWEVER, in the spirit he SPEAKS MYSTERIES. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification."

(1 Corinthians 14:1-5)

"I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10)

"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)

"For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles---if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me THE  MYSTERY (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed BY THE SPIRIT to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His POWER.  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..."(Ephesians 3:1-9)

Unsearchable indeed according to the flesh. But, speaking mysteries in the Spirit is the only way to know the mystery of Christ and fellowship in it, bringing the testimony of Jesus to bear in the church.

Those Suffering Don’t Call For The Elders

“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."

"Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blesses who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord---that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' lest you fall into judgement."

"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." (James 5:7-15)

Those who suffer according to the will of the God don't call for the elders of the church; they ARE the elders of the church. They are those who pray for the sick, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord that they may understand and turn/return to the way of righteousness.

"For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to know the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them." (2 Peter 2:20,21) 

The elders understand and wait patiently for the precious fruit of righteousness to be found by, and in, them. 

Upholding Your Sovereignty Even As God's Sovereignty Manifests

"And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, 'Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God, and that You have turned their hearts back to You again.' Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. Now when all the peoples saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, 'The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!"

(1 Kings 18:36-39)

"And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets (of Baal) with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, 'So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow at this time.' 
(1 Kings 19:1,2)

"We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth. I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God." (3 John v8-11)

"Brethren, JOIN IN FOLLOWING my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame---who set their mind in earthly things." 
(Philippians 3:17-19)

Both Jezebel and Diotrephes joined with Satan to retain their sovereignty even as God's sovereignty was manifesting. Jezebel died violently; not sure about Diotrephes but, when you are dismissing John the apostle, you are heading the wrong way. "Join in following", Paul teaches, not resisting. Allow God's Spirit to minister to you as He manifests.

Receive the Witnesses as They Come

"This will be the third time I am coming to you. 'By the mouth of two or three WITNESSES every word shall be established.' " (2 Corinthians 13:1) 

The center-column notes in NKJV lists two references in the book of Deuteronomy that shed light upon the significance of this portion of Scripture.

"Whoever is deserving of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two or three witnesses; he shall not be put to death on the testimony of one witness." (Deuteronomy 17:6)

"One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established." (Deuteronomy 19:15)

"I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come I will not spare---since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?---unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified." (2 Corinthians 13:2-6)

These witnesses come to reveal God's will in Christ Jesus; to establish us with and in Him; to make us complete in Him. Moses writes that one witness of a man's sin shall not rise against him, BUT THREE WILL! Disqualification comes when a man is overwhelmed by dedication to his own way rather than the Way. In this he resists what completes and qualifies.

"If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin LEADING TO DEATH. I do not say that he should pray about that."(1 John 5:16) A bad place to be when God allows no prayer for someone.

"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." (1 John 5:20,21)

Each witness brings understanding by which we come to know God through His Son!

Justified Freely and By Works

"But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, THROUGH FAITH in Jesus Christ, to all and on all WHO BELIEVE. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being JUSTIFIED FREELY by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God sent forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26)

Propitiation (v.25) is noted (NKJV) as mercy seat. "In His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed"; that includes each of ours. A place of mercy for each one, "to all and on all who believe", the beginning of the demonstration of His righteousness on each life.

"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 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 which are needed for the body, what does it profit? THUS ALSO faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I WILL SHOW YOU MY FAITH BY MY WORKS. 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? 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 FAITH WAS MADE PERFECT? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is JUSTIFIED BY WORKS, AND NOT BY FAITH ONLY.' (James 2:14-24)

So the believer is justified freely by God's mercy through the blood of Christ. The only work in that is asking God to birth you again, beginning again in the name of Jesus. But once you have been justified freely, you begin to learn how to be justified by the works of faith in Christ. The righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, which the world NEEDS to see must be witnessed to them by us. Not by the works of the Law, nor by our own way, but by the working of faith in His name.

"Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith." (Romans 3:27) We have no boast in this, but joy in Him!

His Door is Always Open

"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 him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and Prophets." (Matthew 7:7-12)

Many have expressed outrage regarding the recent restriction of ministry gatherings. The same are comforted by Jesus' words promoting asking, seeking and knocking, for the Father gives good things to those who ask Him. Do you see that Jesus is directing us to ask for, seek, and knock so we can produce the fruit that others will see, and respond in kind? Even though access to ministry gatherings have been limited, access to Him, who is head over all things to the church, is not limited. Quieter times can enhance our hearing from Him, if we devote ourselves to the word of God and prayer.

"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 is the way that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them."  (Matthew 7:13-20)

So, men gather good fruit that is readily accessible from branches the Father has pruned. The current earthly tribulations, and our own discomfort in them, should expedite our approach.

Let Them Eat Fruit of the True Vine

"We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself (or, guards), and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."
(1 John 5:18-21)

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. SO THEN, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
(James 1:16-20)

We should recognize that James' directive regarding hearing, then speaking or taking action does not come instantaneously with the new birth. Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath are characteristics of our master, Jesus Christ. Those need to be built into us: replacing our earthly confidences, and our desires for more our way, we ask the Father for his pruning so to bring forth fruit of the true vine, Jesus Christ. Then they will eat good fruit from us In Him, giving themselves the opportunity for everlasting life.

Baptism Will Save You

"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 also an antitype which 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." (1 Peter 3:18-22)

"Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." (1 Peter 4:1,2)

Baptism, the answer of a good conscience toward God, through (to) the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mark 11:23)

"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." (Luke 17:6)

"This mountain" and "this mulberry tree" will be totally immersed, and unseen, in the sea. These represent components of our soul that need to be removed: our suffering in the flesh. Jesus Christ informs His disciples how to begin, and complete, the answer.

In Latter Times, When The Saving of Your Soul Becomes Difficult

"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth." (1 Timothy 4:1-3)

"For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach."

(1 Timothy 4:10,11)

"Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. TAKE HEED TO YOURSELF and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing so YOU WILL SAVE BOTH YOURSELF and those who hear you."  (1 Timothy 4:15,16)

In the opening chapter of Paul's letter to Timothy, pastor of the church at Ephesus, he describes Timothy as "a true son in the faith". Yet based on the conclusion of chapter 4, Timothy still is a soul to be saved. It seems to me difficult to partake of the notion that "latter times", in context, are the same as the end times of the church age, as many say. Paul is teaching Timothy the way to become complete in the doctrine of Christ. As you encounter the latter times of the formation of Christ within, there will be opportunities to give heed to deception and hypocrisy because His chastening, although profitable for holiness, seems painful. Satan works against it; others don't celebrate it; and we also question it. Take heed to the doctrine of Christ! It is the message that God uses to save your soul.

The Mulberry Tree:Difficult For The Reapers

"Then He said to the disciples, 'It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. 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 returns to you saying, '''I repent,''' you shall forgive him.' " And the apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.' So the Lord said, '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." (Luke 17:1-6)

The mulberry tree is slow to produce fruit, taking ten years to mature to that point. When it does produce fruit, it is laborious to harvest due to a short stem attaching to the branch. At any given time, the stem maintains both mature (dark) and immature (red, white) fruit, simultaneously. Amazingly, the Lord uses the mulberry tree, it's characteristics regarding fruit-bearing, to educate His disciples. (Read Luke's 16th chapter for yourselves and take heed.)

"They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work."(Titus 1:16)

"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 honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ “ (Mark 7:5-7)

"You believe that 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?" (James 2:19,20)

These three scriptures show that one may not disregard that God is, yet be immature.The roots within of our own desire for more apart from God's will must be removed. As we confess the Lord's words regarding the mulberry tree, the Holy Spirit will teach us how to be saved from it.

To Cease From Your Works, Confess!

" 'Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.' For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His." (Hebrews 4:7-10)

How is then that we cease from our works? How do we "lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us", or hems us in? By "running with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God". (Hebrews 12:1,2)

How would you direct your next step regarding this?

" 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9,10)

Many will say that when you confess the Lord Jesus to others with your mouth it is a sign of your receiving salvation through Him. Amen. But with your daily confession of the Lord Jesus, the entirety of His testimony becomes real to you. It directs your steps with strength to finish! Along the way, even the same day as your confession, you will be tempted and accept the opportunity to resurrect your works; but as you learn to REPENT back to this confession, you will be restored to grace for endurance. Your confession in this is to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, and His Holy Spirit ministers life to you.

The Roman Road

"Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom YOU ALSO ARE the called of Jesus Christ." (Romans 1:1-6)

"Now to Him who is able to ESTABLISH YOU ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, FOR OBEDIENCE TO THE FAITH-- to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen." (Romans 16:25-27)

"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, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was GIVEN TO ME FOR YOU, TO FULFILL THE WORD OF GOD, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, STRIVING ACCORDING TO HIS WORKING WHICH WORKS IN ME MIGHTILY."

(Colossians 1:24-29)

Christ Jesus for the lost sheep of the house of Israel; Paul for the Gentiles; I myself, and you for those are around us. Do you see your calling? Separated to the gospel of God in Christ Jesus. Ourselves obedient to the faith, fulfilling the word of God; bringing again the mystery into manifestation.

From The Beginning

"I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, BUT THAT WHICH WE HAVE HAD FROM THE BEGINNING: that we love one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that AS YOU HAVE HEARD FROM THE BEGINNING, you should walk in it. For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we (you) do not lose those things we worked for, but that we (you) may receive full reward. Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son."

(2 John v.4-9)

Those "deceivers" and "antichrists" are preaching a different gospel and pervert the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6,7)

"That which was FROM THE BEGINNING, which we HAVE HEARD, which we HAVE SEEN WITH OUR EYES, which we HAVE LOOKED UPON, and our HANDS HAVE HANDLED, concerning the Word of life--- the life was manifested, and we have seen, AND BEAR WITNESS, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us--- that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full." (1 John 1:1-4)

John declares what the deceivers and antichrists don't/can't because they haven't "worked for" it.(2 John v.8) They transgress (go ahead) and do not abide in the doctrine of Christ. Therefore they confess Jesus Christ from a carnal perspective. John requires that the elect lady, a picture of the bride of Christ, not receive them. Inquire of the Lord so you may hear, see, and bear witness so that your joy may be full!

Remember His Service

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin."(Hebrews 12:1-4)

"But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For TO THIS YOU WERE CALLED, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that YOU SHOULD FOLLOW HIS STEPS: 'Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth', who, when He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed."(1 Peter 2:20-24)

"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."(James 3:17,18)

As we remember Christ's service for our sake, we must also understand our calling.

Jesus Had Whatever He Said

"Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples: and He SAID to them, 'Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. And if anyone says to you, '''Why are you doing this?''' say, 'The Lord has need of it, and immediately he will send it here.' So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. But some of those who stood there said to them, '''What are you doing, loosing the colt?''' And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded, so they let them go.    (Mark 11:1-6)

"And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple, So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve. Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus SAID to it, 'Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.' And His disciples heard it."

(Mark 11:11-14)

"Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, 'Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered away.' So Jesus answered and said to them, 'Have faith in God. For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, '''Be removed and be cast into the sea,''' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things He says will be done, he will HAVE WHATEVER HE SAYS.'   (Mark 11:20-23)

Jesus’ words to His disciples describe the way to intimacy with God. Along the way you will find many things to say: if those words accord with the flesh, they will die; if those words accord with God's Spirit, they will come to pass. Understand that speaking to this mountain is not situational act but a daily devotion.

Are You Being Made Less, To Make All See?

"But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I MAKE myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."   
(Galatians 2:17-21)

"To me, who am less than the least of all 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, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” (Ephesians 3:8-13) 

In latter times, it is tempting to rebuild what we, in Christ, have learned to destroy. The comfort of things remembered, experienced as opposed to pressing toward the mark for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. It is for your glory from God!

Those Who Look to Him will be Made Whole

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of HIS OWN WILL He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:12-20)

"Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, 'Sit here while I go and pray over there.' And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, 'My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.' He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, 'O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.' " (Matthew 26:36-39)

No variation or shadow of turning, as James reminds.

"If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out." (Mark 9:42-49) By His own will He brings us forth! Stop the reaching with the hand, stepping with the foot and looking with eye- these actions do not bring forth "every good gift and every perfect gift". It comes in the name of Jesus Christ, according to God's will, not according to the flesh.

Of What Use is a Prophet’s Reward?

"He who receives you receives Me, and He who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward." (Matthew 10:40-42)

"And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, 'Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.' And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, 'Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!' And he said to me, 'These are the true sayings of God.' And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, 'See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' " (Revelation 19:6-11)

The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; the reason that prophecy comes. His wife makes herself ready, called to marriage with the Lamb who was slain; a blending of different components (Webster's), all in Him. Not different from Him, but in Him as each part supplies.

"For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of USE have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:13,14)

If we know our charge from God, the requirement in Christ Jesus, we are more likely to arrive at "the end intended by the Lord.”  (James 5:10,11).

We Should Rather Say

"From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, 'Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!' But He turned and said to Peter, 'Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.' Then Jesus said to His disciples, 'If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.' "
(Matthew 16:20-27)

By his works it is clear that Peter came to understand and act according to the words of God's Savior. We can quicken our devotion in Christ Jesus! Instead of rebuking Jesus' regarding His calling rather agree with Him. We should learn by this interaction to say, 'Praise the Lord! Let it be unto me according to Your word!' The Holy Spirit will rightly divide between the things of men where Satan's influence sways, and the things of God.

“Many Will Say To Me In That Day”

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me, 'Lord, Lord, have not we prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' "(Matthew 7:21-23)

Prophesy, casting out demons, and doing of wonders in Jesus' name are activities of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul directs the believer to 'pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy'. If prophesy is lawful, so must be the other two. There are many accounts through the new testament which prove that so.

"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father."

(John 14:12)

I recently attended a gathering in which the host desired to assist another ministry to receive down payment in order to purchase the building in which they were currently active. All offerings received would go directly to that purpose. They received throughout the week more than enough to accomplish that goal. Not much seems wrong with that, yet I was uncomfortable. Then Matthew 7:21-23 came to my attention. As I inquired of the Lord as to the context of it, I am impressed that He said to my spirit, "It is not that what they are doing is wrong, it is what they aren't doing." He who believes in Jesus Christ will do the works that He did. Simply put, he will prophesy, cast out demons, do wonders AND take up his cross, and follow Him, and HE WILL PREACH THAT! The activities in the Holy Spirit are helpful to men. Understanding the cross of Christ Jesus is greater because it shows how to walk just as He walked.

A Faithless, Fearful Response

"So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. Then He taught, saying to them, 'Is it not written, '''My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations'''? But you have made it a '''den of thieves.''' ' And the scribes and the chief priests HEARD it and SOUGHT how they might destroy Him, for they FEARED Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching."
(Mark 11:15-18)

When your confidence is shaken, and it will be as that is a component of His cross for our salvation, how will you respond?

"See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, 'Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.' Now this, 'Yet once more,' indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:25-29)

An important statement in that verse, "are receiving", makes the point that there must be exchanges of what we think for what God knows, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus taught His disciples that they should ''say unto this mountain", their confidence in the flesh, for whatever is not Spirit, is flesh; "be removed and be cast into the sea", proactively removing that which is hindering their vision: "the plank in their eye".

Then They will Fast

"Then they said to Him, 'Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise those of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?' And He said to them, 'Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; THEN THEY WILL FAST in those days.'"

"Then He spoke a parable to them: 'No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, '''The old is better.''' ' " (Luke 5:33-39)

Fasting may be described as learning to do without those things which are incompatible with Christ's testimonyo so that which is may come to fruition. This process teaches us how to follow our Teacher. Remember Jesus chose twelve apostles from His disciples; of which Judas Iscariot "became a traitor" (Luke 6:12-16) rather than the righteousness of God IN Christ.

"And He spoke a parable to them: 'Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher. And why do look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?' Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye."
(Luke 6:39-42)

Fasting shows us how to recognize, immediately, the new wine as it comes. It is our lifestyle until Jesus comes to His temple.

"But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who DUG DEEP and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against the house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and DID NOTHING is like a man who built a house ON THE EARTH without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great." (Luke 6:46-49)

The Song of Mary

"Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord."

"And Mary said: 'My soul MAGNIFIES the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded THE LOWLY STATE of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on THOSE WHO FEAR Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has SCATTERED THE PROUD IN THE IMAGINATION OF THEIR HEARTS. He has PUT DOWN THE MIGHTY FROM THEIR THRONES, and EXALTED THE LOWLY. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His SERVANT Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.' " 
(Luke 1:45-55)

"Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.' And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." (Revelation 19:7,8)

It is not difficult to consider that Mary was a righteous Jewish woman, according herself blamelessly to the law of God and commandments. Her soul "magnified the Lord", not darkening His counsel. God exalted Mary in her lowliness. The Lord's wife, the church, is making itself ready, according to His commandment. There will be a fulfillment of all things, in Him!

So Stand Fast in the Lord

"Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame---who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." (Philippians 3:17-21)

"Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved." (Philippians 4:1)

Let’s say that righteousness is the cross of Christ Jesus and sin is the dismissal or departure from it.

"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."
(1 John 3:4-6)

Whoever abides in Him does not remove himself from the cross of Christ Jesus. There we are "conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." (Romans 8:29)