Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth Part. 2

Could you be obedient to the one who points you to The One who gives eternal life?

It’s more blessed to give than receive!

Although “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Act. 20:35), there is one gift we can receive that is “better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it (Prv. 8:11).” That gift is wisdom, which is the Word of God spoken by the servant of God! “He that receiveth you receiveth Me, and he that receiveth Me receiveth Him that sent Me (Mat. 40).” Many people won’t receive God’s gift because they won’t receive the teachings of the ministers, opting rather to look a gift horse in the mouth! Yet if instead of judging the individual speaking they start realizing that the Word is of God, they could IMMEDIATELY receive that “good and perfect gift from above (Jam. 1:17).” God’s Word is the Truth (Psa. 119:160) and it is designed to free us from stress, death, even eternal damnation (Jhn. 8:32)! Once we receive this freedom offered by the Word, we are more blessed by giving the Word!

Becoming a miracle worker.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life (Jhn. 5:24 ) .”

There is no greater miracle for Mankind than that of the awe-inspiring gift of life, which we all should seek. Imagine the feeling of knowing that by the grace of God, those in your world have been empowered to live for all eternity! “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8).” Have you told anyone, a loved one perhaps, of God’s incredible gift? Perhaps, for some reason, you don’t have the confidence to convey the reality of God’s salvation. You could gain some by “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another… (Heb. 10:25).” Most profession require meetings for like-minded people in order to help them achieve their maximum potential. This is also true in the case of the religion/spirituality field, where the adherents (supporters) are encouraged to be on one accord. Your regular attendance to a Bible-teaching ecclesiastical edifice (church building) for the life-giving message from God helps you to grow from faith to faith. That’s how you pass to life; and by sharing this knowledge with others you can become a miracle worker!

Staving off death!

Samford University researcher Penny Long Marler states that for over the past 30 years Gallup polls have reported that about a steady 43 percent say they attended church the previous week. However church attendance, which should have greatly increased with the growth in population, has failed to do so! Obviously this trend indicates that the message of God’s gift is less likely to be heard today by His servants the ministers, who have been appointed (and indeed anointed) to lead our loved ones through God’s Word. The apostle Paul said that these are “perilous times”, and that people would be “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth (II Tim. 2:1, 7).” As the eventuality of death looms overhead, must we be admonished (scolded) to “obey them (ministers) that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you (Heb. 13:17)?”

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you (Gal. 3:1)?

Is your hesitancy to be obedient due to a lack of belief? That certainly won’t prevent what God has already ordained! As a youngster I experienced foot pain, and yet I wouldn’t go to the doctors because I thought they were just trying to get my money. Even though the evidence of a problem was plain to see, I still didn’t want to accept the reality of my future predicament! As a result I was unable to stave off a bunion which developed due to my inaction. I could have “saved” my foot, however I neglected making the correct decision and now I’m suffering the consequences. This circumstance pale in comparison to the one the unsaved face, for their apathy will cost NOT just a lifetime of pain – it will cost them an eternity unbearable misery!

For a certainty “it is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes (Psa. 118:8-9)”, so don’t think that because you’ve heard of a bad minister that you shouldn’t attend a worship service. The reason we go to church is so that we can hear a Word from God which will anoint our lives, empowering us to overcome our tribulations. Let’s say there’s a motorist on the expressway doing 90 mph, and you decide to catch him. If you get pulled over for only doing 80 mph, you won’t be able to tell the judge about the “other guy”! Bible Students know God expects obedience from those who love Him. Not only should we be obedient, we should also be cheerful in all of our duties. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men (Col. 3:23).”

 God is GREAT!

Ezr. 8:4 “And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: 6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place 8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”

How great is God? To anyone who have any other theory about the Creation I humbly ask how do you propose the origination of matter transpired? There is an overwhelming preponderance of evidence which suggests that our universe had a beginning. Therefore Christians believe that “through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (Heb. 11:3).” Unbelievers who foolishly try to use science to explain away God appear rebellious. In fact more and more, science is actually proving the reality of a Supreme Being as The Answer for unexplainable mysteries. Revelation of God’s existence requires faith, which allows us to envision the unseen before it is manifested. It’s strange how Man thinks he’s so intelligent, and yet he can’t believe that an Entity more intelligent than him exists – and created him! To imagine that two forces somehow banged together sending a bunch of rocks throughout the universe, and we somehow landed on this rock (earth) at the precise safe distance from the Sun, somehow make us dumber than the bunch of rocks. Faith gives us today’s solutions for yesterday’s problems, and the hope of seeing tomorrow. Faith-filled ministers help you to receive God’s gift (Jer. 3:15; Mat. 4:4; Heb. 11:2)! Seek one to help you “find direction to fulfill your purpose by studying the Word of God!”

Seekers Of Unlimited Life Ministry « Lesbarrett’s Weblog

Seekers Of Unlimited Life Ministry « Lesbarrett’s Weblog

PLAYING WITH F I R E !

A man was in his mansion looking at his large family, when suddenly he smelled smoke. Peering out of his window he noticed that it was coming from the west wing, so he ran there hurriedly to help his kinsfolk to evacuate. Anxiously he opened the door where they were and hollered, “let’s get out of here!” Yet to his astonishment, no one budged. Thinking that they didn’t hear him he again hollered, “let’s get out of here!” This time a young girl asked, “why are you so excited, it’s just a little fire.” Holding back tears, the man said, “you’re going to burn up.” An old lady replied, “I want to wait to be sure it‘s a fire.” In a pleading voice the man said, “you need to get started now before it’s too late, please!” Naively, a small boy added, “I have some friends who were in a fire, and they didn’t burn up.” Then a young man jumped in saying, “yeah, you’re just trying to scare us. Besides, the firemen…” Before he could finish his sentence the walls started to burn and cave in. The young man looked at the man and said, “they’ll be here IF we need them.”

As a young boy I was fascinated by fire, so much so that I took to playing with a broom to fan the flame on the stove. As I put the broom on the pilot real fast, I noticed it didn’t burn; however, I started taking more chances leaving the broom on the flame longer and longer. Of course the broom became ablaze, and my mom took to wearing my tail out. No doubt many of you reading this Vol. are thinking you’re too smart to see yourself in either story above However, unless you are diligently applying the righteous wisdom that the Lord expressed in Luk. 6:46-49 you are playing with fire!

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not practice the things that I say?”

Peter, the Apostle who asks us to be holy in I Pet 1:16, states in II Pet. 2:20-22, “for if after escaping the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, their latter state has become worse for them than the former. For it were better for them not to have known the way of justice, than having known it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. For what that true proverb says has happened to them, a dog returns to his vomit, and, a sow even after washing wallows in the mire.” It is with much love that I remind you of the words of the Lord’s brother James in Jam. 4:4, “do you not know that the friendship of this world is enmity with God? THEREFORE. whoever wishes to be a friend of this world becomes an enemy of God. Why chance eternal joy for temporal gain?

DENIAL

Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “you also were with Jesus of Galilee.” But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” And when he had gone out of the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “this fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly (Mat. 26:69-75).

Unfortunately, some people think that by claiming their Christianity, they would be a target of criticism. So, instead of displaying allegiance to their faith , they tend to imitate the ostrich to avoid confrontation. This is contrary to the exhortation voiced in I Pet. 5:8, “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Christians who try to avoid conflict by putting their heads in the ground leave their rear out! Life, however, has a way of presenting us with another chance to let our light shine. Yet some of us still refuse to step up to the challenge claiming that we’re “not ready”.

As Christians we are instructed to “preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season (II Tim. 4:2)”, whether we are being questioned by the innocent or by haters. Too many of us, regrettably, are unwilling to grow in our faith. Although the invitation to “come as you are” is valid, we are not expected to stay as you are. Even worse is when we take an attitude that “Heaven can wait” as if tomorrow is promised to any of us.

In the passage above Peter is confronted for the third time, and this time his alleged association with Christ is identified by speech. The obvious point is that a particular group tends to have a particular mode of expression. This is especially true in terms of dialect, speech patterns, etc. Now Peter, after virtually being pressured because of his speech to confess his allegiance with Jesus, loses control of his temper. Pressure can turn a lump of coal into a precious diamond or, in some cases, it can produce a crushing blow! How can we avoid being crushed? By being filled with the Holy Spirit by studying the Word of God (Php. 1:20)!

In far too many instances situational ethics is the rule rather than the exception in the cases of innumerable lives. Some folks are really spiritual – when they’re in church; but as soon as they get out of the door it’s like they put on another mask! No doubt even the most mature Christian has probably played the spiritual HOKEY POKEY with one foot in the Word, and one foot in the world. The Bible likens it to being an adulterous woman (Prv. 30:20; Jer. 3:1-10; Rev. 17). We make the great pretense to believe in the Lord, but our faith is too weak to fight off any of our old inclinations. However, we are asked to fight the “good fight” so that we can gain eternal life (I Tim. 1:16-18). So we shouldn’t worry much about the loss of things that decline, dissipate, and/or die (I Cor. 6:7). This is true in the case of our livelihood, and even our very lives (Psa. 44:22; Mat. 10:33). Peter didn’t seem to get it – initially; however, we know that he rebounded greatly in boldness (Act. 4:5-31; 5:12-16)!

When key people rebound as Peter did, humanity itself has been immensely blessed as a result. Take Eve for example. After tempting her husband to join her in following the serpent, she rebounded by dedicating her third son Seth to God. Although Jesus refers to Abel (Vanity) as a righteous prophet in Mat. 23, it was the line of Seth (Appointed) that would produce “The Seed” that would “bruise your (the serpent, or false religions) head, and you shall bruise His heel  (Christ, the First Advent – Gen. 3:15).”  The point has been made that we are all born into sin (Rom. 3:23) so it stands to reason that we too must rebound.

Truth be told, unless we repent of our sins with a heartfelt conviction, we too are guilty of denying Jesus (Jehovah is Salvation), the Lamb of God! How? By continuing to live in the sins He took away from the world with His death (Jhn. 1:29). We deny Christ when we lie (Rev. 21:8), blame (Gen. 3:8-12), succumb to peer pressure (I Sam. 15:17-23), are scornful of the Gospel (Jhn. 20:24-29), are unhealthy or amoral (I Cor. 3:16), and are self-serving (Php. 3:19). If we really want to get closer with the Lord we must first seek Him (Mat. 6:33). This act demonstrates our faith which pleases Him (Heb. 11:1-6)! Why please God? Because “in Him we move and have our being (Act. 17:28).” And now with this short mortal life, we have the opportunity to take advantage of God’s plan for eternal life (Rom. 10:9)!

By accepting Jesus as oppose to denying Him, we are able to overcome our evil nature (Rom. 7:21-25). There is no way to completely understand God’s Plan beyond a rudimentary level without consistently studying God’s Word (II Tim. 2:15). Then we’ll have the ability to explain God’s Love (Jhn. 3:16) which is salvific (having the power or desire to bring salvation) for all of His Creation (despite the misguided theology of some).  

Galatians 1 (NIV) 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned! 10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

The Most High God “is not willing that any should perish” (II Pet. 3:9) however, we must have the righteousness of faith which Abraham had (Rom. 4:13). II Pet. 1 (KJV) 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be His God and he shall be My son.” –Rev. 21:7. Disobedience, blame-shifting, anarchy, irreverence, traditionalism, and materialism are what we must overcome. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (II Cor. 5:17).” What are you waiting for?

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth

Don’t question a gift’s value. This proverb refers to the practice of figuring the age of a horse by looking at its teeth, and is also origin of the expression “long in the tooth” (meaning old).

Who ordains ministers?

First off, let us define a minister as a member of the clergy; one who helps. Whether you’re clergy or not, you are capable of giving help, caring for strangers, and enduring more stress! I’m sure you can recall doing a service with no thought of reward though some sacrifice by you was required. Even in the beginning Man was expected to be his brother’s keeper. Beyond that, God intended for Man’s relationship with Him to be maintained for eternity. Even though we, as the progeny (offspring) of Adam, are born into sin – God has made a way for us to be redeemed! Since the LORD is eternal, His offspring is therefore eternal. Rom. 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

It would be unfortunate for anyone to think that without a title they can’t be a minister as that would hamper them from performing their most sacred duty. What duty? To be led by the Spirit of God (or Word of God – Eph. 6:17), and to help others to do the same. Our duty is to learn the Word so that we can follow His holy commandments and enjoy life for ever, and then to help our fellow Man do the same! Who ordained this? God did! “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations (Jer. 1:5).” The only real question is will you, like Isaiah, accept His call? “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then said I, Here am I; send me (Isa. 6:8).” Jesus said, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few” (Mat. 9:37). Have no fear, “for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (II Tim. 1:7).”

What about qualifications?

Dr. Fitzpatrick, Pastor of Stone Temple in Chicago, says, “favor ain’t fair, but it looks good on you.” Even though two occupations may be quite similar, one is favored more because of its productivity! Mat. 25:29 states, “for unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.” “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter (Prv. 25:2 – my favorite verse!).” It stands to reason that to be favored you must be led by the Spirit, be free of fear, and be a student of the Bible in order to get the concealed truths (revelations) in which to minister to God’s people.

So, is being a good minister about numbers? Well, while we want God’s Word to reach as many people as possible, we don’t want to subscribe to a win-at-any-cost attitude. Children of God, particularly those who use their talents to help people (ministry), know it’s “…how you play the game.” Prv. 31:4 “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” Clearly this passage indicates the level of favor for kings, princes, and the miserable and involves temperance (read Gal. 5:22-23) that leads to life. “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life (Jhn. 6:63)”.

Ministers’ do’s and don’t’s! (I Tim. 3)

1. Bishops (overseers) DO desire to do God’s will.

2. DO be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, kind, apt to teach.

3. DON’T be given to wine, be a striker, be greedy of filthy lucre; be impatient, be a brawler, nor covetous.

4. DO rule your own house, having children in subjection with all gravity.

5. (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6. DON’T be a novice, lest being lifted up with pride you fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7. DO have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8. Deacons must also be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9. Deacons must hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.10. Deacons must be proven, found blameless.11. Deacons’ wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12. Deacons must be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13. Deacon’s that use their office well purchase great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

14 “These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

NOTE: Bishop/deacon correspond to king/prince in Prv. 31.

Reward for serving God.

Deu. 28 1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. 3 Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. 5 Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. 6 Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

7 The LORD shall cause thine enemies that rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face: they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways. 8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 9 The LORD shall establish thee an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, and walk in his ways. 10 And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee. 11 And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee. 12 The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow.

13 And the LORD shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the LORD thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them: 14 And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

Stop scoffing, complaining. Prv. 1:22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. 24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh…” This passage illustrates God’s dislike of scornfulness, however, please read what happened to the Israelites before reaching the Promised Land (Num. 14).

ACKNOWLEDGE/APPRECIATE GOD’S PROCESS

“Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn”

– Mat.13:30.

Those of the Judeo-Christian faith know God by many names. Here are some examples: 

a. Jehovah-jireh (The LORD will provide – Gen. 22:13-14); 

b. Jehovah-rapha (The LORD heals – Exo. 15:26);

c. Jehovah-nissi (The LORD is our Banner – Exo. 17:8-16);

d. Jehovah-shalom (The LORD is peace – Jud. 6:24);

e. Jehovah-tsidkenu (The LORD our Righteousness – Jer. 23:6);

f. Jehovah-shammah (The LORD is there – Eze. 48:35).

While these and other names give us an idea of His capabilities, we should understand that His nature is Love (I Jhn. 4:8, 16), and that these names describe Acts of Love! Remember Jhn. 3:16? Moreover, Moses called Him I AM THAT I AM in Exo. 3:14 to let us know that He is all we’ll ever need.

The Will of God (from which we were created (Rev. 4:11) is threefold: Sovereign, Permissive, and Pleasure. Although His Sovereign Will determines how we are made and His Pleasure Will defines our duty, it is His Permissive Will that allows us to make the decision to follow Him. The Bible says Adam decided not to obey Him and thus relinquished his immortality (Gen. 3:24), along with the idyllic life he was afforded in the Garden of Eden (it was so serenely beautiful and happy, or blessed). However, Jehovah has a Plan of Salvation to redeem Man back to Himself!

PASSAGE #1: JESUS IS THE ALPHA AND OMEGA

Rev. 1:7 “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 8 ‘I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty’.”

PASSAGE #2: GOD IS THE ALPHA AND OMEGA

Rev. 21:6 “And he said unto me, ‘It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son’.”

The name of Jesus also denote God’s capability, and it is also a name we should indeed cherish because of Rom. 5:8 – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” It’s stated in I Cor. 15:45 “And so it is written, ‘the first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” Due to the disobedience of the first Man sin was introduced into the world, and now a life “which is the blood (Gen. 9:4)” is required for our iniquities. God certainly didn’t want to kill off the only Man (Adam), so animal sacrifice became necessary; however, the glory of animals is not rated the same as the glory of Man (Gen. 3:21: I Cor. 15:39).

It’s said in Heb. 3:9 “but we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” In other words, it must be stated unequivocally that it took the glory of God to redeem Man through the sacrifice of Jesus (Jehovah saves – Mat. 1:21)! Now then, all we have to do is believe to begin the steps necessary to have all of our sins washed away.

Heb. 11:6 says, “but without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Our glorious Redeemer tells us to, “…. seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” – Mat. 6:33. Psa. 100: 3 “ Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

So, to get into God’s kingdom, we need to be about the highest standards of morality, (Mark 8:34-35) by picking up the cross and following Jesus our Savior. I Cor. 3:16 asks all of us to, “know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” So, apparently, to enter into the kingdom we must look within ourselves to find love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23) – not in the world and all the various temptations it presents.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (Rom. 10:9).”

Did you notice that even before our personal salvation, we must seek God’s kingdom first! As important as the above scripture is, God expects us to emulate His Spirit before we are concerned with ANYTHING else! A God “who is not willing that any should perish… (II Pet. 3:9)” will surely take care of ALL of our needs (Php. 4:19).

Don’t be like the rebellious Children of Israel who, after God used signs and wonders to free them from Pharaoh, complained when they thought Pharaoh would recapture them. However, our God is able to deliver us from any affliction, any addiction, and any circumstance that causes us undue stress!

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (II Tim. 2:15). ” We must learn His commandments (Prv. 7:2), the First and Second being “37 thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets (Mat. 22:26-40).”

Find a church with good teaching of the Word, and stick with it so that God can take you through His process in the most efficient manner. Many times people are either too busy church-hopping, or too inconsistent in their attendance for the Word to develop properly. They get a ”seed ” and before it can be “watered”, they’re gone! We need to “be still, and know that I am God…(Prv. 46:10)” Read Mat. 11:28.

Wouldn’t you like to be with your loved ones for all eternity? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see them grow into the type of people that are about the Fruits of the Spirit?! You may be the only person who can reach them. That’s probably why you are together with them. So, after you have been able to lead them to Christ, you will develop the skill to help other people who are lost and without a clue. Then, you will be able to, “go ye to all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mrk. 16:15).”

Understand, if we seek God’s kingdom first, if we believe that God raised Jesus from the grave, if we study His Word, if we testify of His Good News, we will be blessed. Rev. 22:14 reads, “blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

The ultimate blessing is that our name is written in the Book of Life (Luk. 10:20). It is truly unfortunate that too many of us seek so many blessings from God and not the gift of eternal life. So I, a lowly minister, asked that you remember to put God first; that your thoughts, words, and actions are holy (Lev. 11:44), so that in the last day He will see fit to breathe His Holy Spirit into your soul. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to, “5 trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Amen, Amen, Amen.

Check out those curves

As I sit here at my desk, I hearken back to my ol’ school daze taking the incredibly intricate course called calculus. Now, this course is soooo difficult that few students had a clue as to what it was all about. In fact, it was years later that I began to understand that we were trying to figure out the rate of change between two sets (whatever that is). The definition for calculus is: a branch of mathematics dealing with the way that relations between certain sets (functions) are affected by very small changes in one of their variables (independent variable) as they approach zero. It is used to find slopes of curves, rates of change, and volumes of curved figures.

I also remember another course called differential equations, and it is defined as: a mathematical equation that relates functions and their derivatives. Years later – I still have absolutely no idea what it was about, except that it’s used by rocket scientist. In fact, this course is so absolutely baffling that the school dropped it. Apparently they realized that instead of making fine minds they were breaking them! It’s possible that the teachers couldn’t “do the math” so to speak and thus school officials wisely withdrew the course. In the cases of both of these courses we poor befuddled students were graded – on a curve!  

By grading us like that our morale was miraculously and immensely uplifted which certainly kept discouragement (for the most part) out of the proverbial “equation”. In some cases however, a number of students who received this generosity from the teachers did not appreciate this grace by studying more. This, of course, rendered them ill-prepared for the next course needed for their academic development. This time around there was no grace given, and I noticed that attendance dropped off precipitously (sharply)! Perhaps if they’d been made aware of the difficulties of the next step, they would have hit the books more urgently.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God (Eph 2:8).”

Grace is good stuff (unmerited favor, or goodness – Psa. 23:6) God gives us although we don’t deserve it. Mercy is “bad” stuff (punishment) God doesn’t gives though we do deserve it. Grace and mercy are the acts of love by God that sent Jesus to die for Man thereby entitling us to be redeemed, or to have at-ONE-ment with the Heavenly Father. It’s the LORD’s way of grading Mankind in its entirety on a curve because Rom. 3:23 states, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Having grace, shouldn’t we “…prepare ye for the way of the LORD…(Isa. 40:3)” so that we can be ready for the next level? What is the next level?

Let’s start with Step 1, which is to “keep My commandments, and live (Psa. 7:2).” “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” – Deu. 6:5. This is the First Great Commandment; “and the second is like unto it, ‘thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets’ (Mat. 22:39-40.”

There is no need to concern ourselves with any other step if we are not obedient to these commandments. No matter who we are, or where we are from, obedience is the ONLY way to demonstrate true love to God! This type of love is based on a decision – not just an emotion! God told Cain, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him (Gen. 4:7).”  Therefore, when we follow the commandments to love we have dominion over sin and the damnation Satan wants for us (Jam. 4:7; Jhn 10:10).

Step 2 requires us to be morally responsible, and not to shift blame for our misgivings and self-imposed deficiencies as Adam did in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:9-13). We need to understand that the LORD “…neither slumber nor sleep (Psa. 121:4)” so it really and truly behooves everyone of us to be “…ambassadors of Christ… (II Cor. 5:20)“.

However, let it be noted that our responsibility is not just for us to do the right thing, but also to forgive so that God can forgive us of our manifold sins (Mat. 6:14-15). Then, He can resurrect those of us who have decided to accept His Plan of Salvation, to live eternally in the Kingdom by breathing life into us (Gen. 2:7). Disobedience incurs or burdens us with the need for discipline so that we can understand why we should be morally responsible!

“Eat the flesh of Jesus” is Step 3 which is the LORD’s way of saying that we are to be taught by God, who sent His Sacrificial Lamb (Jesus) to redeem and show us how to live holy lives (Jhn 6:45-51; Mat. 16:6)! The LORD wants us to live free as His disciples (Jhn. 8:31). Why should we live holy? Because, while some think that they can flimflam their way through life, Christians understand to, “be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting (Gal. 6:7-8).”

Furthermore, “blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be fill”… “righteousness tends to life” (Mat. 5:6; Prv. 11:19). Hopefully, we now understand that our blessings are generally related to our faith-filled actions (Jhn. 6:27; Job-like experiences excepted Jam. 1:12). This understanding is necessary for us to achieve discipline, self-control, and autonomy. As we learn better we do better. In other words God expects us to act like Him for He says, “be holy for I am holy (I Pet. 1:16).” If what you say, do, or think isn’t holy, then your first step is to get rid of those hindrances to spiritual reward, even if YOU think they’re inconsequential because it’s written “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump (Gal. 5:9).”

In Step 4 the focus is on improving our environment by faithfully walking in God’s footsteps (Psa. 85:13). That may mean the dissolution of some cherished relationships, activities, our habitat, etc. (Mat. 10:34-39). Notice how in 4^th dispensation (Gen. 12:1-4) Abram didn’t begin to really be blessed until his relationship with Lot was culminated (last mentioned in Gen. 14).

Besides being obedient, responsible, and autonomous, Abram had to be faithful (Heb. 11:6). In the 25 year span from his pioneer journey to the Land of Canaan, up to the birth of his son Isaac, the Bible says that it was his faithfulness (which God “counted it to him for righteousness” – Gen. 15:6) that empowered him to hold on to God’s promises. Sarai did convince Abram to have a child with Hagar her maid as opposed to waiting on God to fulfill His word (Gen. 16). However, in Gen. 17 God made promises, and gave instructions for circumcisions to Abram after commanding him to “…walk before Me, and be thou perfect.” We know that “Abraham” maintained his faithfulness.

Step 5 is attained when we develop character as a result of our faithfulness to being righteous, responsible, and obedient. We make it a point to do what is expected of us whether or not we get attention, awards, or any such accolades. This is especially true with regards to the law of the land as we understand that all authority comes from God (Jhn. 19:11). While there may be those who rationalize criminal behavior, that tendency dissipates as our character is refined. For example, we may have been tax cheats, adulterers, involved with illegal contraband, etc.; however, by God’s grace things of this nature have lost their appeal.

In life sometimes we are faced with “gray areas” which are dealt with in Step 6. When we are confronted with issues that are not covered by the law, we have to still maintain our ethics. Healing a blind man on the Sabbath infuriated a lot of people, however Jesus taught that the Sabbath was made for Man, not Man for the Sabbath (Mrk. 2:27). There are those occasions when the situations determine the appropriate ethics, where we must fulfill the greater good. The LORD does not expect us to be so legalistic that we become negligent of our neighbor.

I remember a situation where my Pastor who, while on the way to church, had to stop a conflict between a battling couple and pray with them before things became severely violent. As important as it is to feed the flock, bringing peace to these two souls understandably took precedence. It is vital that we realize that while we need to be law-abiding, we also must have compassion for any given situation.

In Step 7 we become new creatures (II Cor. 5:17) by becoming God-centered and much less self-centered. We have now overcame any complex, phobia, or crippling hang-up we have, and are ready to help someone to be in Christ!

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister…(Mat. 20:28).”

Do You Love Me?

Jhn. 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

In this passage the tenderness of Christ should be recognized as He seeks leadership for His lambs and sheep. The first step to making a leader is determining if the candidate will respect authority, and even more to the point – it is gauging the commitment of the prospect’s love. Few people realize that before love becomes mature it starts out as a mustard seed of faith! No matter what attributes your partner may have, it is doubtless that love will be mutually fulfilling without faith. II Pet. 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. Charity is another name for agape love! I Cor. 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. This type of love is different from eros (sexual) and phileo (non-sexual) because as seen in the passage it is self-less, which describes God (I Jhn. 4:8, 16). Obviously to become a soldier for Christ we must have the love of God!

The second step to making a leader is outlining the hierarchy by designating positions and duties. Note how Peter was asked if he love Jesus more than “these”; who are “these”? They’re the disciples including Peter, who is being asked by Jesus to start being more self-less and prepared than “these” to “feed My lambs”. This was the same apostle who denied the soon-to-be crucified Jesus three times “before the cock crowed (Mat. 26:33-34, 75)”. However, having been challenged to love the Master with a much more mature love, “the shadow of Peter ”played an integral role in healing a multitude of people (Act. 5:15-16). This saint was given a promotion after a hard lesson in love which all of us should learn, and that’s the need for humility. Though initially he boasted of his love for Jesus, he was shown the truth of a self-promoting love which is like that of a lover who says “I love you” in the morning – but sleeps around at night. However, now Peter is to introduce Christ to seekers (“feed My lambs”), teach the congregation (“feed My sheep”), and train the core for leadership (“feed My sheep”). Even in the Beatitudes (Mat. 5:3-11) Jesus mentioned “they”, “ye”, and “the world” which is indicative of these three groups.

Before his love matured Peter was like a wayward apprentice trained by a well-respected owner of a business. When the owner sought to expand, he left the apprentice in charge of his operation. After receiving a lot of angry complaints he realized that the intern was not only ill-prepared, but very rebellious! Prv. 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Where’s this spirit from? The Devil of course! Isa. 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. Rev. 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. Luk. 10:18 And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.  

Though the novice didn’t realize it, an on-going battle is being fought for the control of his soul. In this corner is – Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (Mat. 6:9). Jhn. 6:40 And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. We know that God is love (see above), and also that according to Rom. 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. In the next corner is – The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (Jhn. 10:10). The thief won’t let you have fulfillment, or even enjoy a joke!

A preacher was baptizing people in a small stream when this drunkard came near. The preacher grabbed him and submerged the drunk for a few seconds before pulling him up asking, “did you find Jesus?” The drunk said , “no.” So the preacher put his head back underwater for a longer period before asking again, “did you find Jesus?” Once more the drunk said “no!” This third time the preacher held his head down much longer before asking yet again, “did you find Jesus?” After a considerable effort to regain composure, the agitated drunk asked, “are you sure He’s down there?”

This joke was told to me by a friend who I actually don’t know if he ever thought that he would be a positive part of a sermon, however, the Bible says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Prv. 17:22)”, and he certainly gives us a daily dosage! That’s his talent which, when used righteously, can aid and comfort the people in his surroundings – hallelujah! I Cor. 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. So, how do soldiers attain “the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:11-13)?

(1) Mat. 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. To be in right standing with God we must be: (A) Obedient (B) Responsible (C) Autonomous (D) Faithful (E) Law-abiding (F) Productive and (G) Kingdom-minded, which propels us to reach the pinnacle in the Physical realm (health, wealth, etc.), Emotional realm (stability), Intellectual realm (discernment), and the Spiritual realm (the Fruits Gal. 5:22-23). The fullness of Christ brings about prosperity, peace, precisianism (concerned about correct behavior), and perpetuation (learning to fish versus eating fish for a day). (2) Rom. 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (3) II Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (4) Mrk. 16:15 And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (5) E. Rev. 2:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

We soldiers face a life and death decision daily (Rom. 6:16), and I urge you not to “die in your sins” (Jhn. 8:24). “If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. This is My commandment, That ye love one another…(Jhn. 15:6, 12).”

Interpretating God’s Word

  

Satan’s “tricks” include, but are not limited to, deception (fallacies), division (in-fights), and disillusionment (frustration). However, perhaps one of his biggest trick is called “interpretation”, which too many times is nothing more than opinions heavily influenced by personality quirks like a complex or a phobia.  A complex is based on issues we develop by our positive or negative relationship with our parents. A phobia results from going through an intense experience producing a specific or social fear. In a specific phobia we focus on a particular object such as an animal, closed-in spaces, or people, etc. Performance anxiety, embarrassment, not being able to eat in public are examples of a social phobia.

The purpose of this discussion is to bring attention to a specific phobia that blinds readers of the Bible by justifying bias, bigotry, and hatred. It’s called xenophobia, which is defined as “fear of foreigners: an intense fear or dislike of foreign people, their customs and culture, or foreign things.” Phobias can become so crippling as to make members of the same race to only trust their family. Worst yet is when trust for family members is obliterated and everyone is seen as a “foreigner”. Imagine being taught by a person afflicted with this fear; your perspective will not be shaped to follow the GREAT COMMANDMENTS.

Jam. 3:15 “This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” Also, “The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous (Prv. 15:29).” Who are the righteous? Those who learn to stop: (1) lying and deceiving (Rev. 21:7), (2) yielding to all evil desires (Jhn. 8:29), (3) being antagonistic (Heb. 12:14), (4) ridiculing (Eph. 4:29), (5) discounting possibilities (Mat. 13:58), and (6) being rebellious (II Tim. 3). God’s revelations are surely not to be cast to the swine (Mat. 7:6). When you’re righteous you “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mat. 22:37-39). “Love worketh no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now (I Jhn. 2:9).” Remember Jhn. 3:16? When Nicodemus came to Jesus he was told “for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. A person whose self-worth is contingent on race or gender, etc., will have a difficult challenge in thoroughly appreciating the universality of this widely-renown scripture.

 Interpretation of God’s Word requires God’s Word! In other words, we gain true understanding of the Bible not only by reading it consecutively (or verse-to-verse), but also comparatively (or verse-with-verse). God doesn’t need our perspective – but we need His to “ know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (Jhn. 8:32)”. There are “teachers” who are hell-bent on ideologies which do not reflect our God who is Love (I Jhn. 4:8; Rom. 13:10). These blind leaders advocate a philosophy based on a faulty interpretation of God’s Word (Mat. 15:14). Why do we fall into the ditch with them? In the Garden of Eden, Satan was able to convince the Woman to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil by stroking her Ego. That’s why when speaking of deceitful people the Bible says, “for there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue (Psa. 5:9).”

When she convince Adam to rebel and eat the forbidden fruit, his nature/perspective became dualistic though initially it was unified with God only. In Mat. 7 we are to “15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” How are we to interpret this passage? In Gal. 5:19-23 the Apostle Paul states, “19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” From the above verses it’s clear that good trees are prophets that operate in the fruit of the Spirit. Corrupt trees (prophets) are prone to the works of the flesh. The good tree tries to bring about unity, the adulterated (corrupted) tree endeavors to bring about rebellion!

Understandably we must be wary of cults – self-identified groups of people who share a narrowly defined interest or perspective based on sensationalizing the Bible, and are not above creating their own. II Pet. 1:16“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’. 18And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Why are there so many different viewpoints for the same scripture? It may appear that viewpoints are endless, however we should recognize that reality exist on Four Planes: Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, and Spiritual! Your viewpoint of reality is based on the trusted plane that you are likely to focus on. Jesus teaches that only the Spiritual realm is eternal! “Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death (Mat. 8:51).” “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away (Mat. 24:35).” For an analogy envision H2O (Word) becoming an ice cube (physical plane) in a pan heated by fire (God’s grace), becoming liquid (emotional plane), steam (intellectual plane), and finally evaporated back to the heavens. Again in Mat. 7:13 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it”. That most people focus on the non-Spiritual, carnal planes is what’s inferred here; read John 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2And his disciples asked him, saying, “Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him”. Notice how the disciples saw a blind man (“ice”), displayed compassion (“water”) by inquiring about his condition (“steam”), and yet Jesus saw the works of God being manifested!

So, as we begin to “worship Him (focus) in Spirit (the nine fruits) and in Truth (the Bible Psa. 119:160), the Holy Spirit will “bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” to guide us throughout our lives (Jhn. 4:24, 14:26). “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams (Joe. 2:28; Act. 2:17).” Do you realize what does this all means? Prophesies, visions, and dreams are to be interpreted, by those filled with the 9 fruits and the Bible!

The bottom line is that we must look at every situation in the Bible as an opportunity to glorify our impartial Heavenly Father, “…the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Hello world! « Lesbarrett’s Weblog

Hello world! « Lesbarrett’s Weblog

MISSION STATEMENT 

“Finding direction to fulfilling our purpose by studying the Word of God!”

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Romans 10:9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
2 Timothy 2:15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Mark 16:15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Revelation 22:14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

King James Version (KJV)

http://home.comcast.net/~min.l.barrett