"Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." (James 2:18)
"You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." (James 2:24)
"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 to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will BUILD My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail 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, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.' "
"Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. 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 Jesus 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 soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.' "
(Matthew 16:13-27)
You will be able to find your testimony, to date, in these words of revelation and correction for righteousness.
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Saving Your Soul in Latter Times
"Now the Spirit expressly (or explicitly) says that in the 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. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer." (1 Timothy 4:1-5)
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the eldership. 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 this you will save both YOURSELF and THOSE WHO HEAR YOU."
(1 Timothy 4:12-16)
Recognize the fact that Timothy is "a true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2), an overseer of the Ephesian church, yet must continue in the doctrine of Christ for his own salvation. I would consider the "latter times" discussed a type and shadow of Christ's temptations noted as He approached the cross. Many people surrounded Him when He was teaching, healing and delivering but at the culmination of His testimony: the cross, just a few.
"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 which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
(Matthew 7:13,14)
There are few who find it because they depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits (of man) and doctrines of demons. They give heed because it appears more comfortable, gathering fellows accordingly. "Paul, and apostle of Jesus Christ, BY the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope," (1 Timothy 1:1) sends this letter to son Timothy to remind him stand fast lest he fall in the challenges that will make or destroy the testimony of our Lord within him.
"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the eldership. 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 this you will save both YOURSELF and THOSE WHO HEAR YOU."
(1 Timothy 4:12-16)
Recognize the fact that Timothy is "a true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2), an overseer of the Ephesian church, yet must continue in the doctrine of Christ for his own salvation. I would consider the "latter times" discussed a type and shadow of Christ's temptations noted as He approached the cross. Many people surrounded Him when He was teaching, healing and delivering but at the culmination of His testimony: the cross, just a few.
"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 which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
(Matthew 7:13,14)
There are few who find it because they depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits (of man) and doctrines of demons. They give heed because it appears more comfortable, gathering fellows accordingly. "Paul, and apostle of Jesus Christ, BY the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope," (1 Timothy 1:1) sends this letter to son Timothy to remind him stand fast lest he fall in the challenges that will make or destroy the testimony of our Lord within him.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
God Brings the Charge! Receive His Command
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things? Who shall bring a CHARGE against God's elect? It is God who justifies."(Romans 8:31-33)
"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment (CHARGE) is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm."
(1 Timothy 1:3-7)
"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent (violently arrogant) man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. HOWEVER, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ MIGHT SHOW ALL LONGSUFFERING, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. This CHARGE (commandment) I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by themyou may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme." (1 Timothy 1:12-18)
This is the purpose of the commandment, or God's charge: blasphemy, persecution and violent arrogance against the truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ, be refined out of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. The salvation for sinners.
"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment (CHARGE) is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm."
(1 Timothy 1:3-7)
"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent (violently arrogant) man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. HOWEVER, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ MIGHT SHOW ALL LONGSUFFERING, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. This CHARGE (commandment) I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by themyou may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme." (1 Timothy 1:12-18)
This is the purpose of the commandment, or God's charge: blasphemy, persecution and violent arrogance against the truth, the gospel of Jesus Christ, be refined out of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. The salvation for sinners.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Esau: He Found No Place for Repentance
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears." (Hebrews 12:14-17)
Esau was the grandson of Abraham; a son of Isaac and Jacob's brother.
"The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi. 'I have loved you,' says the Lord. 'Yet you say, ''' In what way have You loved us?''' 'Was not Esau Jacob's brother?' Says the Lord. 'Yet Jacob I have loved; but Esau I have hated, and laid waste his mountains and his heritage for the jackals of the wilderness.' "
"Even though Edom (the sons of Esau) has said, 'We have been impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places,' thus says the Lord of hosts: 'they may build, but I will throw down; they shall be called the Territory of Wickedness, and the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever.' Your eyes shall see, and you shall say, '''The Lord is magnified beyond the border of Israel.''' "
Esau was the grandson of Abraham; a son of Isaac and Jacob's brother.
"The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi. 'I have loved you,' says the Lord. 'Yet you say, ''' In what way have You loved us?''' 'Was not Esau Jacob's brother?' Says the Lord. 'Yet Jacob I have loved; but Esau I have hated, and laid waste his mountains and his heritage for the jackals of the wilderness.' "
"Even though Edom (the sons of Esau) has said, 'We have been impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places,' thus says the Lord of hosts: 'they may build, but I will throw down; they shall be called the Territory of Wickedness, and the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever.' Your eyes shall see, and you shall say, '''The Lord is magnified beyond the border of Israel.''' "
(Malachi 1:1-5)
Although raised around the testimony of living for God, Esau made a mockery of it by his embedding himself with other peoples and their gods. Much had been made available to him through his grandfather and father; his brother also a testimony.
"And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."
Although raised around the testimony of living for God, Esau made a mockery of it by his embedding himself with other peoples and their gods. Much had been made available to him through his grandfather and father; his brother also a testimony.
"And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."
(Luke 12:47,48)
Surely, backing up all the way to Genesis, we see that Esau had been afforded every opportunity to walk the walk, but neglected it. Because he did, he was afforded no right to the blessing, no repentance was available to him. It is imperative that we pursue peace and holiness in the Lord, for our own and so others may see.
"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."
Surely, backing up all the way to Genesis, we see that Esau had been afforded every opportunity to walk the walk, but neglected it. Because he did, he was afforded no right to the blessing, no repentance was available to him. It is imperative that we pursue peace and holiness in the Lord, for our own and so others may see.
"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."
(Hebrews 12:25)
Saturday, August 17, 2019
The Will of God for the Lord Jesus, and His Body
"Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: 'Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You Had no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come--in the volume of the book it is written of Me--to do Your will, O God.' Previously saying, 'Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them' (which are offered according to the law), then He said, 'Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.' By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
(Hebrews 10:5-10)
"But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 'For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.' But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul." (Hebrews 10:32-39)
"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, THROUGH the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work TO DO HIS WILL, WORKING IN YOU WHAT IS WELL PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT, THROUGH Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. And I appeal to you, brethren, BEAR WITH THE WORD OF EXHORTATION, for I have written to you in few words." (Hebrews 13:20-22)
These bible references to the Hebrews should breath life into the word of faith for you: "If you will 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) Bear (all things) with this word of exhortation!
"But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 'For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.' But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul." (Hebrews 10:32-39)
"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, THROUGH the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work TO DO HIS WILL, WORKING IN YOU WHAT IS WELL PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT, THROUGH Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. And I appeal to you, brethren, BEAR WITH THE WORD OF EXHORTATION, for I have written to you in few words." (Hebrews 13:20-22)
These bible references to the Hebrews should breath life into the word of faith for you: "If you will 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) Bear (all things) with this word of exhortation!
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Take Heed to Yourselves, You His Disciples!
(Luke 17:1-6)
"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 in a day 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.' " (My opinion: the mulberry tree represents sin unresolved and unforgiveness unresolved in His disciples hearts, which includes us, today.)
As you speak His words to this mulberry tree, you will notice when one sins against you, you will be able to rebuke him as Jesus would; if he repents, you will be able to forgive him as Jesus would; and when one sins against you seven times in a day and returns that many times, repenting, you will be able to forgive him. Right away you can begin this, overcoming over time. As you are committed in the saying of it, confessing His words, the Holy Spirit quickens you to walk in this just as Jesus did. You are now open to transformation in Him. When you fall in various trials, let Him show you how to rise up!
"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 in a day 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.' " (My opinion: the mulberry tree represents sin unresolved and unforgiveness unresolved in His disciples hearts, which includes us, today.)
As you speak His words to this mulberry tree, you will notice when one sins against you, you will be able to rebuke him as Jesus would; if he repents, you will be able to forgive him as Jesus would; and when one sins against you seven times in a day and returns that many times, repenting, you will be able to forgive him. Right away you can begin this, overcoming over time. As you are committed in the saying of it, confessing His words, the Holy Spirit quickens you to walk in this just as Jesus did. You are now open to transformation in Him. When you fall in various trials, let Him show you how to rise up!
Saturday, August 3, 2019
As These Abound, Ask of Him!
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 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 the many."
"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 the many."
(2 Corinthians 1:3-11)
I would say that many of us have found ourselves burdened this way, to one degree or another;
having partaken of the sufferings of this life OUTSIDE Christ, then receiving consolation in Christ. Suffering IN Christ is the feeling within indicative of "the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain". (Hebrews 12:27)
Having recognized the joy and peace in every revelation of His way, we recognize the burden as we are drawn closer. No flesh will glory in His presence! He plans to remove it from us!
The apostle John writes: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."
I would say that many of us have found ourselves burdened this way, to one degree or another;
having partaken of the sufferings of this life OUTSIDE Christ, then receiving consolation in Christ. Suffering IN Christ is the feeling within indicative of "the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain". (Hebrews 12:27)
Having recognized the joy and peace in every revelation of His way, we recognize the burden as we are drawn closer. No flesh will glory in His presence! He plans to remove it from us!
The apostle John writes: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."
(1 John 5:14,15)
When you are burdened, weak, maybe in despair, ask of Him; not for what you think but for what He knows is necessary! If you will, the burden will give way to life!
When you are burdened, weak, maybe in despair, ask of Him; not for what you think but for what He knows is necessary! If you will, the burden will give way to life!
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