Hold on

Please, I beseech you; hold on to the Word of God!

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils…” 1 Tim 4:1

For Paul, the “latter times” he spoke of to Timothy were a future event. When you and I read this verse, the passage is very much apart of the present day in which we live. The subtle whisper of the seducing spirit strokes the ear of the simple now more than ever. The bold, defiant doctrinal devil pants while pacing to and fro daring all to challenge his message.

For now, I would like to take a look at the profile of the seducing spirit.

The seducing spirit is patient and accommodating. He will take his time and allow one to become comfortable. His plan requires that one learn toleration first; there is no other way for the revelation he has to be passed on. His efforts require consistency. People have been so long attached to their belief system that it requires time for them to see “another way”. Over time, he helps one accept his revelation by showing how it worked for others. He points out how well they continue to do after accepting what he taught and revealed. He draws his new student into their company and ensures them a spot at their banquet table. As time passes and the bond of fellowship strengthens, eventually the new disciple partakes of the tenets of his teaching. The revelation did not come instantly, but it came and so the spirit slips away to seduce another.

But a time of visitation will eventually come and God will want to know what happened. The response will be much like Eve: “...the serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” What else is there to say?

Paul was aware of how easily error can penetrate the mind of the undisciplined. He communicated his concern to the church at Corinth: “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” - 2 Corinthians 11:3

Hold on to the Word of God!

There is not enough time or space here for me to list the various mediums the seductive spirit uses to propagate his message. The safest measure for you is to hold on to the Word of God!

Truth must abide in your spirit and your mind must remain under subjection to God. His voice must be active in your life and it will drown out the other voices that call for your attention.

There are so many voices out there! Some belong to “…false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” - 2 Corinthians 11:13-14.

They operate in the spirit of the Son of Perdition; he who eventually will step onto the world scene: “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

Notice in the Thessalonian text, those who perish have resident in them an aversion to truth. They do not love it, they despise it. They are biblically ignorant and willfully so. They question the Bible’s validity and reason its doctrines away. Or else they manipulate its words to accommodate and even affirm their own “truth”.

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” - 2 Timothy 3:13

But thanks be unto God that not everyone will yield to these treacherous ways. There may be some that will sell the Word of God for the contemptible, but not all. God's eyes are searching across the face of this earth for those who will tremble at His word. Those who will fall in love with it, meditate on it, and memorize it. They will preach His Word and teach His Word. They will be like the Apostles who declared “we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” – Acts 6:4

God’s favor will be upon them whose “…delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” - Psalm 1:2

Those who would be protected from the seductive spirit need simply to obey 2 Timothy 2:15:

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

What power has the seducing spirits of the age over those who’ve given themselves to the Word? Their influence is minimized and their falsehood is readily seen by those who love Truth.

In closing, I recall Paul’s charge to Timothy:

“But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” – 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Hold on to the Word of God!

Thorns: Open Door or Adversary?

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Who could say, from center to circumference, they fully comprehend God’s attribute of grace? For that matter, does anyone possess absolute understanding of even a single attribute of God? Whether it is His mercy or the justice of His wrath, the fullness of each attribute of God is veiled in the counsel of His will. The only thing we know for certain about His qualities and nature is that we do not fully understand them. We all at times have gazed into a glass darkly to behold an element of His nature. But soon what we thought we saw completely, what we thought we knew thoroughly became obscured by the limitations of our human reasoning.

Even those, who by spiritual discipline lead their carnal mind towards submission to God on a consistent basis, cannot claim fullness of understanding. Else, the question of why God immediately heals some and not everyone could be answered. Or why He deals with some people’s sins immediately and others later would be known. I could go on, but honestly I do not want to seek the answer to these types of thoughts or furthermore learn the fullness of each question.

In the book that was written about him, the many questions Job asked after this sort came to abrupt end in the narrative. In chapter 38 of Job, the 2nd verse records an initial question God asked Job which then transitioned into a divine discourse:

“Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?”

By the time God had finished asking 66 more questions (as best as I could count) Job declared his questions had came to their end:

“Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.” (Job 40:5) However the questions did not end at that point because God continued in His profound diatribe.
Was its Paul’s understanding of Job’s story that kept him from pushing and pulling at God about the thorn situation? Maybe. But with all things considered, its obvious Paul knew how to appropriately respond to the thorn. I will not indicate in this writing what I believe the identity of the thorn was and we know there is a host of opinions about that. Nonetheless, there are several things we know for certain about this thorn:

1. We know why Paul had it – to ensure humility & prevent exaltation resulting from the abundance of revelations
2. We know God allowed it to continually have an affect on Paul.
3. We know Satan facilitated the impact the thorn had upon Paul.
4. We know Paul’s initial prayers for it’s removal were not according to God’s will.
5. We know Paul received an answer from God about the thorn.

Finally, we also know the thorn was not a good thing but it was a thing which brought good. For Paul, this would become a greater revelation that pertained to his revelations. While he was pleading (the definition of ‘besought’) with God to remove the thorn an answer came that replaced Paul’s desire for it to be removed. Paul realized:

1. God’s favor upon him would be enough to replace his desire for the thorn’s removal.
2. He could accept his thorn because of the results that would follow.
3. The weakness that was manifested in him because of the thorn would develop into a sustained empowerment from God.

Sometimes insufficiency is more than enough. God’s grace was enough and it was proportional to Paul’s need. God did not offer his favor upon Paul as a substitute for the thorn. Else its design would have been pointless. Instead God guaranteed him a provision of His power. Paul learned he could find strength in the very thing that revealed his weakness. He found pleasure in the very thing that brought him pain. When Paul was weak in a fleshly sense he became strong in a spiritual sense.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain…” - 1 Corinthians 15:10

“Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” 2 Corinthians 3:5

During the last couple of years, I have been with some of God’s best as they dealt with their own thorn in the flesh. One thing I have noticed about some of them is an abiding grace that rests upon them. You see their struggle and in prayer you see evidence of God’s hand already upon the situation. As they persistently put one foot in front of the other to continue their walk with God, the glory of God is manifested. By virtue of their continued prayers and faithfulness to Him, God’s greatness is seen. God is so good that even when He doesn’t answer their petition exactly how it is asked; it does not change how they feel about Him. As Hell and life beats upon them and assails them in various manners, they simply transform into a shape that continues to glorify their original Maker.

An Open Door and Many Adversaries

Paul, the ever resilient Apostle, closed his letter to the church at Corinth referring to an opportunity that stood before him. He called this opportunity a “great door”. An open door signals a favorable occasion; a means by which entrance and access is granted to the one willing to step through its threshold.

Paul’s perspective of the situation was positive, the opposite of perceived hindrance and obstruction; obviously his vantage point was one of faith. This great door was “Effectual” or in other words effective; a season capable for success had arrived. How true the adage “Success is when preparation meets opportunity”

The locale of this great door was situated in Ephesus. Years before, the door in Ephesus was not so great and not so open. The first recorded arrival was possibly met with little interest or receptivity as Paul did not linger there. (Acts 18:19-21) How familiar these grounds are to they who also have sown seed in the soil of the non interested.

“In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity.” - Albert Einstein

Soon after Paul’s departure though, some of his ministerial partners by the name of Aquila and Priscilla cracked the door of opportunity. They remained in Ephesus and found Apollos. What an asset to the Kingdom Apollos would become after they expounded the way of God more perfectly to him.

The Great Door was opened further upon Paul’s return to Ephesus. He soon found 12 original disciples of John who had been baptized unto repentance but lacked further knowledge. They had not heard about the baptisms of Water and Spirit that had been revealed by Jesus as perquisites for salvation.

But when Paul instructed them to believe on Christ as “the Scripture hath said” they were soon re-baptized in the Name of Jesus. Following their baptism, Paul laid his hand on each man and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, evidence by their speaking in other tongues. The Spirit of God was so strong in that place they prophesied as well!

And so a new church in Ephesus had been founded with 12 charter members. The evangelism of Ephesus did not stop there. Two years of ministry followed and special miracles, healings, and deliverances took place. Apostolic evangelism infiltrated the pagan society and “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them. So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed.” (Acts 19)

Sometimes doors open slowly and this was demonstrated in Ephesus.

As Paul was closing his letter to Corinth he mentioned that a season of opportunity once again laid before him in Ephesus. The Holy Ghost was speaking to him, leading him, inspiring him. His logical reasoning declared that Adversaries would no doubt be near the Great door. This is always the case it seems when something good is in store for the people of God.

Adversaries usually come in all shapes and sizes, there seems to never be a short supply of them either. Not all are external either, some originate within. Five principle forms that Adversaries can take are:

1. Outside resistance: Usually an Obstructionist parks somewhere near an open door.

2. A lack of internal Desire: This can come in the forms of Un-willingness and Laziness.

3. A lack of internal confidence: The path of least resistance is easier to trod.

4. Absence of Opportunity: Every purpose has a proper time and season, it might be the right thing but the wrong time.

5. A lack of Preparation: “It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have one & not be prepared.”


More to follow….

What were you told?

What were you told concerning the Bible’s explanation of how to receive salvation?

Please read the following:

Paul and Silas found themselves in prison for preaching the gospel. At midnight, they began to pray and worship. As they did, the earth quaked causing the prison to fall off its foundation flinging the doors open and breaking the prisoner’s chains off.

The commotion woke the prison guard out of his sleep and he thought that the captives had fled. He was about to take his own life when Paul saw him and stopped him by telling him no one had ran, then the following happened:

“And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” Acts 16:30-34

Let’s break this down:

To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as Paul meant requires it be done according to Scriptural formula. Many believe in God but their belief is in vain according to the 2nd chapter of James and this is due to unfulfilled Biblical commandments. If we are going to believe on Him, it has to be done “as the scripture hath said.” (John 7:38)

The guard asked a legitimate question & he was told to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Obviously what that meant would have to be explained to the man for how did he know who Jesus was? It was not the initial statement by Paul that educated the guard on salvation, but rather what followed:

1.They had to tell him about Jesus first

2. They had to tell him about Jesus’ teachings, which the account in Acts 16 calls the word of the Lord

The message led him to repentance, this was exemplified when:

1. He abandoned his job as their prison guard

2. He did not stop them from leaving

3. He doctored their wounds and fed them

4. A Bible lesson took place at his home

5. Alongside his family, he was baptized

The fact that he was baptized harmonizes with Mark 16:16 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” His faith was demonstrated by being baptized which is a Biblical commandment. It expressed his faith in the conditions of the gospel, of which one is Baptism.

We may conclude he received Holy Ghost baptism as well, because Acts 16:34 says he believed in God. What’s the standard for valid belief in God? There is one - in John 7:38-39 it says:

“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)”

This verse qualifies a Biblical standard for true belief in God. 1 Corinthians 12:3 qualifies a standard as well: “…no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.”

1. So does Acts 16:34 says he believed in God? –Yes
2. Had Jesus been glorified at this point in time? – Yes
3. Had the Holy Ghost been given at this point in time? – Yes
4. The conclusion is that in deed must have been filled with the Holy Ghost

What have you been told about these next Scriptures?

“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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

It is incorrectly said by some that these Scriptures declare the necessary components for Biblical salvation. This is a very inaccurate interpretation of Scripture and doesn’t coordinate with the overall Biblical plan of salvation.

It can’t be literally applied as a prescriptive formula. Why?

1. There is nothing definitive or instructive about Paul’s statement
2. It does not reveal the declared method for forgiveness of sins
3. It does not reveal how to be Born-Again.
4. Taken literally, we are prescribed a formula for vocalized or spoken salvation

Not only could this be done with insincere lip service, but this concept is dealt with in Scripture.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” - Matthew 7:21

“And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” Luke 6:46

Among the many denominal churches the Scripture “we are not saved by works we do …lest any man should boast” is quickly quoted. This is usually countered as a rebuttal to some of what I’ve wrote in this article. Their premise is usually to argue that declaring baptism, speaking in toungues, et cetera as necessary in order to be saved is a salvation based on our own works.

Well, vocally uttering a profession of faith in a public setting is by that definition a “works based salvation” too. When Paul spoke of works not being sufficient to attain salvation, he meant works that originate in man’s designs. Furthermore, Paul declared in Titus 3:5 that the two essential components of Spirit and Water Baptism are not works originating under man’s designs. They are provisions of God.

Consider these thoughts in regards to Romans 10:9-10:

1. Paul’s letter was addressed to the Saints in Rome (Romans 1:7) which means they knew how to be saved
2. The KVJ renders Homologeo as “confess” which means to agree with in a covenant
3. A covenantal confession of Jesus Christ’s Lordship begins
a. At repentance of sins
b. At baptism in Jesus name
c. This is when His name and blood are applied to lives (Luke 24:47)

Remember confession in the sense Paul expressed is only possible after receiving the Holy Ghost (1 Cor.12:3)

Belief in the Resurrection of Jesus isn’t what expressly saves us, but the application of it to our lives does

Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is the essence of the gospel and our individual fulfillment of this is typified by:

Our personal repentance (death) Our personal baptism (burial) Our personal regeneration (resurrection)

And Romans 10:13…

This verse declares God’s impartiality as to who can be saved with the emphasis on “whoever”.

John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Salvation is available to all but unfortunately people are still perishing without God. If Romans 10:13 is a mechanical formula for salvation, the above verses need to be canceled out. The verse in John emphasized belief, which includes the Biblically related parts to true belief. The words of Peter emphasized repentance & we know what must accompany repentance.

Peter said God wasn’t desirous of people perishing - but they still are, right? John said the basis for the gift of the Incarnation was towards none perishing - but they still are, right? Yes.

Matthew 7:21-23 shows that merely calling on the Lord verbally does not authenticate salvation; it’s what the definition of calling means. To call on Jesus means to pray to Him, it means to cast ones-self totally upon Him for mercy, and to depend solely on Him for salvation. Genuinely calling on the Lord requires faith (verse 14), and genuine faith includes obedience (verse 16). Calling on the name of the Lord will include calling His name at baptism (Acts 22:16).

But that’s not where it stops when we read the other verses:

Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

1. Calling on the Name is preceded by believing in the Name first
2. Believing is preceded by hearing about the Name first
3. How do we hear? A God-called preacher

So, what did you say you were told?

I think myself happy

Happiness, what you see is what you get.

When Paul made the statement recorded in Acts 26:2, he stood before a magistrate in bonds. Paul found himself in the court of Festus from Caesarea. While under Festus’ examination, Paul appealed to Caesar so that he might be extradited to Rome. As a Roman citizen he had the right to make the appeal and it was granted. Paul's purpose in this was that he might fulfill God’s command to bear witness of Him in Rome. Prior to this trial while on another journey, God had already visited him with these instructions and figured he might as well let the Roman government pay his ticket there.

But the setting of Acts 26 is while Paul awaited transfer to Rome. During this time King Agrippa stopped by to visit Festus and he expressed interest in a hearing with Paul. Fesuts granted the permission and so the day came and Paul was given the floor to speak to the court about his situation.

His opening statement to his audience: “I think myself happy”.

Just what was Paul happy about? In what frame of mind could he utter such a statement? Would the account he’d share bring him freedom? Would he be let go and his charges dismissed if his oratory & detailed explanation was well received? No.

The happiness he referred to was rooted in something that transcended his situation. Simply put, the opportunity placed before him would be another chance to evangelize a soul. Paul was proving exactly what he says later in a letter to the church at Philippi: “…I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11

Contentment and happiness are synonymous terms. Happiness does not arise from outward condition, but an inward disposition. Happiness is the opposite of discontentment, sadness, & restlessness.

Happiness is where you find it and rarely where you seek it.

This is an age where many are in constant pursuit of happiness. The only problem is that too many are looking in what really only brings a glance of happiness. While striving to feel good and complete isn’t wrong, false perceptions declare the Gift of Completeness & Fulfillment is packaged in a box marked FEELINGS.

This is inaccurate; false expectations based on “feelings” set you up for a fall. Feelings are generally reactive, regardless if they are positive or negative reactions. There is an escape from just living for a moment to “feel good”. It’s found in finding moments to live good.

Had Paul been entrapped in the snare of wanting to feel good, his circumstance could probably have robbed him of it. If he had reacted to his situation based on the actual facts, he would have missed it. His charges were trumped up; he was an innocent man. He could have spent his time arguing and fussing over why he was in court to begin with. Instead he saw an evangelistic opportunity and he would not miss it. He was happy, all was well and soon he would be en route to Rome.

This was not the first time he had “thought himself happy” in spite of circumstance. In Acts 16:23-25 we read about some prison time he had served (also unjustly) with another man of God.

“And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, & made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul & Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: & the prisoners heard them.”

Paul and Silas found a song in the night. There inspiration was found in internal disposition and they proved:

In prison, you can have a song.
In pain, you can have a song.
In poverty, you can have a song.

The only requirement is arriving at a place of realization that YOU are the person most responsible for your happiness. Your happiness is not situational or circumstantial, but internal.

Biblical Sanctification

There is a great confidence that Christians have when they know all is well between them and their Lord. What joy a child of God has as they rise from communion with Him feeling the freshness of grace once again renewed. Previous sins committed were a token of pending judgment, but the blood of Jesus was affected once again in their lives and all was taken care of. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18

This is common knowledge to all that have lived for God any period time. Yet there is an existence of Christians that can be found who seemingly don’t know where they stand with God. I’m not speaking of those in the common church world who prayed the man-made “sinner’s prayer” and allegedly “accepted” Jesus by public announcement. I speak of those who wholly turned away from sin, we’re baptized in Jesus’ name and fire baptized of the Holy Ghost. In spite of that wonderful experience though, still lingering inside them is a sense of unsettledness.

How does someone initially submit to the power of redemption but then the depth of revelation in that redemption slowly become obscure? Without a doubt the problem isn’t a faulty message, but a faulty believer. This is a shame too, because until one comes to the conclusion of who they are in Christ they will never walk in complete victory. It’s imperative that a Christian knows where they stand in God’s eyes!

Condemnation is a byproduct of faithlessness. In Romans 8:1 it says there is “…no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” This truth is contingent upon the facts of the rest of the verse though: “…who walk not after the flesh (doing whatever feels good to the human will) but after the Spirit.”

When someone’s sin has been forgiven yet they are unable to walk in the assurance of their forgivness, there are at least 2 causes for this:

1. The devil is lying to them telling them they aren’t forgiven. This means a significant level of carnality is working within them still because the devil’s influence on us minimizes the deeper we the walk in the Spirit

2. They are still indulging in some shape, form or fashion in the very thing they are supposed to be cleared of. It may be they have stopped outwardly but it is still continuing inwardly. Or possibly, other unrelated excesses are being committed which grieve the Spirit.

These are very sad circumstances too because until the source of the problem is revealed and dealt with, spiritual growth will be stunted. If the answer is selling out to God and letting Him take control then it must be done. Someone who has not completely “set their house in order” will level out a place spiritually that God doesn’t intend for them stay at anyway. The answer lies in simply trusting the blood of Christ over the past and for the future while resisting the lies of the devil. There are people that are truly covered under the blood who don’t have an ounce of confidence in that covering because the devil is lying to them. Then there are those not covered who trust in something yet to be extended to them in its full essence.

Proclaiming salvation yet doubting its assuredness is really just dead faith in an absent condition. Whether they admit it or not, the world is full of denominational folks that have a sinking feeling and are without confidence in their alleged salvation. This is compounded by denominational ministers preaching the Eternal Security heresy, then insinuating saints are still active sinners but are still automatically forgiven because they at some point articulated a prescribed salvation formula that only required they “…accept Jesus as their personal Savior…”

The erroneous “once saved, always saved” message is unscriptural. Time would not allow all the verses denouncing this heresy but a few are: James 5:19-20, I Timothy 5:12, and I Corinthians 9:27. Furthermore, to irreverently go about life without any prayerful self-examination and awareness of your need for God’s grace will lead to certain failure. (I Corinthians 10:12) Becoming a Christian (Christ-like) does not merit license to behave with no form of accountability. To think one can behave ungodly with the assumption God will forgive them by default is disgraceful; what a false sense of security!

It is imperative we examine ourselves with objective eyes, not with a prejudice leaning towards self-justification or self-denial. The facts are we have not put on immortality and perfection yet so realistically sometime or another we’re going to need God’s mercy. Furthermore, when God forgives people of sin, He is fully aware they don’t become faultless when He does. How many people have started out to live for God, but after falling short of His glory just decided to give up. They initially surrendered to God’s mercy, but faith waned and they lost confidence in His grace to carry them on.

There is a difference between the mercy of God and the grace of God to some degree. Complete forgiveness for all mankind’s sin was obtainable at Calvary’s conclusion; this opportunity exclusively came by way of God’s mercy. The opportunity to personally experience forgiveness could be by definition grace as this opportunity is not deserved by any. A practical account could also be conveyed by this: an incident that brought offense to someone was committed but the injured party forgave the offender. (Mercy)

Circumstances revealed the offender had in addition done something else offensive to the victim prior to their reconciliation. But this was brought it to the victim’s attention beforehand by the offender in order to prepare them for the effects as well as make restitution for it. When the additional offence came to fruition, it had already been settled between the two parties and forgiveness was extended. (Grace) In the beginning mercy was issued and grace awaited the approaching incident, but it was on the basis of the full reconciliation.

Remedying the evil heart of Unbelief

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." -Hebrews 3:12

Why did the writer call the unbelieving heart evil? Because it was said to lead down a pathway that departs from where God is. That is very easily understood when put in perspective with Hebrews 11:6, because "...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." God inhabits the realm of faith, not the realm of human reason, doubt, etc.

As long as faith prevails in your life, you will find it easy to stay close to God. But when faith fades, truly sins deceitfulness is at work (Heb 3:13). It is at this point, a hardening of the spiritual heart is taking place and this is a by-product of Rebellion.

Unbelief is like a spiritual cancer. Just as tissue and organ cells that spread, invading other areas that aren't needed in the body (outside of regular biological requirement) so does unbelief have the tendency to spread. If you start doubting, it will progress into further doubt.

We all are at different planes in the realm of faith. Similar to how our thought process changes as we age, so can faith. When we are younger our undeveloped thought process is very simplistic in reason. But as we age, there are many contributors to our thought process development. Experiences(good/bad),relationships,individual mental filters, and (I believe) whether we have a relationship with God are main factors.

No wonder Jesus said the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven were those who became as little children (Matthew 18:1-4). Children aren't naturally cynical or biased, they have to learn that. Humility comes first to them, pride and arrogance is something they have to develop. Faith is not a task for them, they just simply possess it.

Thankfully, there are remedies for the evil heart of unbelief. Here are 5 we can get started with:

1. Prayer and Fasting: In Matthew 17:14-21, the disciples were not capable of casting a demon out of a certain man's son. Jesus stepped in and set the young man free. When Jesus later explained why they couldn't do it themselves, He declared unbelief to be the reason. When Jesus said "...this kind..." He was speaking of this kind of unbelief. Sometimes there is a level of unbelief that has to be remedied by prayer and fasting.

2. God's Word: It was written to give us knowledge of God’s will, ability, love, & desire, etc. Romans 15:4 says "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

3. Exhortation: This is to call near, invite, invoke, beseech, call for; Encouraging to be of good comfort, cheer. Hebrews 3:13 “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” The church is to do this one for another.

4. Faith: That may not seem like an obvious option to one who is struggling with unbelief, but faith is a CHOICE. You can choose to have faith or choose not to. “We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;” 2 Corinthians 4:13

5. Personal Miracles: Your beliefs, interpretations of Scripture, & opinion can be questioned,but not your experiences. The power of personal testimony is to be reckoned with. When unbelief threatens your present faith, you can look back on what God did for you in the past. Thats something that just can't be argued with!

Between 2 Trees

Situated in the middle of The Garden was a tree that had so much to offer. Its palatable fruit was not only appetizing to the eye, but also whoever partook of it would live forever. God called it the Tree of Life and there were no restrictions in place to prevent the Garden’s inhabitants from eating of it. Yet for some reason it never piqued the interest of Adam or Eve to enjoy it’s fruit.

There was however another Tree that God did place restrictions on, the Tree of Knowledge of Good & Evil. This was a tree that could destroy because it brought awareness, facts, and revelation. While those aren’t intrinsically bad, they pertained to a consciousness that neither Adam nor his wife had. The Tree’s fruit brought insight that gave way to corresponding responsibility. Left alone, a blissful ignorance could be enjoyed, but Eve’s naivety and Adam’s rebellious quest for this knowledge was to both of their detriment.

God did not want them to have this understanding because He knew all of the effects that would follow. I believe strongly that God took note of their apparent disinterest in the Tree of Life. Had there been a consumption of these fruits combined, it would have proven fatal to humanity. God did not want them to possess Eternal Life, a consciousness of Right & Wrong, and the ability to choose one or the other. Though once accessible, following the humanity's fall, the Tree of Life became immediately off limits. It would vanish without a trace until the pass of several millennia. John would write in Revelation 2:7 that it resided in the middle of God’s paradise and it’s purpose John declared in Revelation 22:2-3:

“In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him”

Back to the other Tree

As the fruit’s power began to take control, effort was put forth to offset it’s effects. The figs sewn together for aprons would have covered them from waist down only. This might have been enough to appease their conscious, but in God’s eyes it WASN’T ENOUGH. By God’s standard Adam & Eve would be need to be CLOTHED. They had made a partial covering, but God would clothe them.

Here in 2006, we are in between Trees. We struggle with the effects of the Tree they weren’t supposed to have while we are in pursuit of the Tree they could have had. Until that Tree becomes again available, God has clothing for us also. But beware:

“Woe to the rebellious children, saith the LORD, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin:” Isaiah 30:1

Humanity has not strayed much from the direction of its ancestors. The current mind-set is still obsessed with Knowledge but doesn’t seem to have an appetite for Life. As we strain our eyes to focus on what we crave, we always manage to find a way to get it. But when awareness comes, we will need to seek to be fully clothed instead of partially covered from its effect. I close with Paul’s words:

"For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.” 2 Corinthians 5:2-4

God's Impartiality

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;" -Revelation 7:9

In the opening text, John describes an assembly of redeemed people. This innumerable assembly transcended every demographic barrier. He saw them stand before the Supreme Throne indicating their right to stand in proximity to the King of Kings. He saw them stand before the Lamb which signified the imputation of righteousness to their life and salvation also. There were not any restrictions placed upon these people, no biased treatment because of gender, race, age, or native language.

Notice John's demographic account of the saved believers:

1. They were from all nations
2. All kindred & people (Races & Tribes).
3. And tongues or the diverse in their spoken language

The result of Romans 10:13's promise fulfilled: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." This verse is an Old Testament reference by Paul declaring God's impartiality towards those who can be saved. The term 'whosoever' encompasses all therefore salvation is available to all. Thank God for that!

It's no great observation that this is the hour for deft pursuit of political correctness. Every realm of society is constantly assailed to provide a common platform on which all may stand. Any deviation from this line will bring an outcry of discrimination, or favoritism or whatever. Outside of good intent this logic has not always been beneficial, providing more annoyance than anything else it seems.

It seems these constraints should aid in removing the age-old venom of partiality and the verdict is still out on if it will or not. Obviously, partiality has a lot to do with preference and opinion; so calling partiality a venom may seem nonsensical. However, focusing on what the Bible phrases as 'respect of persons' offers an additional view of partiality.

At least 4 times in the New Testament the phrase 'respect of persons' (Partiality and prejudicial favoritism) is affirmed to not be a characteristic of God. Also, James in his epistle commanded the church:

''My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.'' James 2:1

Plainly he instructed them: Don't possess or embrace the Christian faith in one hand while holding partiality and prejudicial favoritism in the other. This combination is intolerable. ''For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.'' Romans 10:12

Again, there isn't anything wrong with personal preference or favorites. But when it comes to the way people in and outside of the church are treated by the church, there must not be 'respect of persons'. When James addressed this situation, it was an era of thought when wealth and possessions indicated God's favoritism. It's the same irrational attitude that is a primary component of the Prosperity Message. The Tele-Evangelists and ostentatious pastors of many so-called ''mega-churches'' thrive on this ideology to vindicate their 'blessings'.

It's unfortunate to hear statements by professing Christians, unintentional or otherwise, made that affirm this thinking. It's a blatant denunciation of 3rd world Christian churches as well as modern day persecuted churches that are in hiding just to keep in existence. Paul addressed this in 1 Timothy 6:5-6 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.

This same mindset Jesus dealt with in Matthew 19:23-25:

'Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?'

Their surprise was not that riches could hinder salvation but rather that riches were equated with having God's favor. But the fact is God does not just retain favor and blessing for a select few. And Divine Destiny (predestined salvation) is erroneous also, the church collectively is predestined but there is not a predetermination upon each individual. Until the Lord returns, its still "whosoever will" !

The church must maintain an attitude of inclusiveness and never exclusiveness. If we cease to function as a color-blind, impartial, and approachable church, we will fail miserably. As long as there is opportunity to reach someone for Christ, we must do so apart from of any predisposition that would be 'respect of persons'. It's not an attribute of God and it can't be in the church either!

The estimation of sin

It’s an amazing divergence that humanity has taken in defining God’s commandments for Him. The commencement of human transgression began when the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil was just too enticing for Eve and Adam to leave alone. What a trivial temptation that may seem to be; yet it is no different with any violation of God’s commandment. When an indulgence is yielded to and the moment is over, just what is really left over to explain it all? In the tempted couple’s mind eating the Tree’s fruit was worth the risk; just what was the big deal anyways? It couldn’t be that great of an issue…but to God it was.

James 1:14-15 “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

Humanity has consistently attempted to re-define the Language of Sin and devise its own policy it seems. To facilitate this endeavor, Absolute Truth has to become obsolete and the Rule of Self-Interpretation will take its place. Nothing is allowed to be Definite; everything has to be Situational. What may apply to one is irrelevant to another. And so you see where this line of reasoning can lead to; what the Bible calls reprobate.

Some of these thoughts came to me as I read an article in the Saturday, October 1st edition of the Arlington Star Telegram. There was article written by an Ed Edelson about some neuroscientists that had been researching the brain structure of habitual liars. The article stated that pathological liars have a reason for being that way. It’s because they just happen to have more white matter than grey matter in their brains. This gives them a natural advantage in lying, as well as greater verbal skills because the white matter of the brain is where the cells network thought process. And since the grey matter is what they say moderates moral behavior, those with more white matter can’t help but lie, or cheat, or whatever. So maybe there is truth in the innocence of a little white lie! Ahem.

You can read the full article here Habitual liars' brain structure differs, study says, however you may have to register first on the Telegrams website.

This article reminds me of one that I read in September concerning Gossip. I won’t go into great detail but the idea at the conclusion of a Gossip Survey determined that “…gossip appears to be a very sophisticated, multifunctional interaction ….important in policing behaviors in a group & defining group membership”. Speaking from a sociological standing, that may be true but theologically it is still wrong.

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:20-21

*Recently, a polling organization in Britain asked 1,000 citizens to update the list of the Seven Deadly Sins. These are commonly thought to be the fundamental vices that trigger all sinful actions and they have been designated as pride, covetousness, lust, envy, gluttony, anger, and sloth. (Now, this concept is a traditional ideal but as far as doctrinally speaking it is unsubstantial. The impression that these are the pinnacle of sin and specific cause for all sin is not exactly true.)

Nonetheless, this list was altered in the poll and the new Seven Deadly Sins became Cruelty, Adultery, Bigotry, Dishonesty, Hypocrisy, Greed, and Selfishness. The conclusion of this matter was that sin is not necessarily what you do that “offends God” (the essence of the former list), but rather what you do that offends your fellow man (the updated list).

*Perspectives Vol.15/ No.9 -Indiana Bible College

Humanity can attempt to redefine the Laws of God all they want, make allowances for their sin and do it in the name of private interpretation; but that doesn’t nullify the absolute truth of God’s word. The obstinacy of humanity will clearly always be an issue; as we were created with our own will. The serpent beguiled Eve with conventional thinking and Eve influenced Adam. Satanic reasoning, human logic, and willful disobedience paved the road to where we are now.

In closing, I am reminded of the words in Revelation 9:18-21:

“By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.”

After a cataclysmic event wipes out 1/3 of the world population, John said mankind still will not repent of devil worship, loving money and possessions, stealing, murder, and sexual sins. Now I know that trifles with the power of positive thinking, but it’s still Scripture and it is true. Mankind’s insistence to pursue its own wishes and desires has always been and always will be its downfall. This is why God did not intend for our predecessors to know the difference between Good and Evil. They should have just left the Tree well enough alone.

But here we are in 2005 still attempting to establish our own estimation of sin.

Everlasting Compassions

On my last post Faithfulness , I closed with Jeremiah’s words in Lamentations 3:21-23:

“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

The magnificence of verse 21, specifically the latter portion has stood out to me as I have thought on it the last few days. It is something to consider that the compassion of God is what motivates Him to offer renewal to humanity time after time. Unfailing compassion that Jeremiah said was renewed every morning. The morning represents a new beginning, a second chance, a fresh start. And it is available to those who want to just “wake up” and behold the beauty of the Lord.

Compassion could be defined as sympathetic concern or a selfless act of assistance. God observes humanity and He understands us more than we understand ourselves. He knows what makes us afraid, angry, tired, as well as happy, peaceful and content. And He is willing to pour upon us the comfort of His Spirit and show compassion to us in our weaknesses.

As a misunderstood prophet, whose obedience to God was continually bringing earthly turmoil and resistance, Jeremiah had a secret he could use to encourage himself with. It was what Jeremiah said he could think about that brought him hope for tomorrow. In spite of the those who resisted his ministry and those who would imprision him for declaring God's word. It did not matter to him at this point what he was suffering, because he had hope in a brighter tomorrow. Mercy that flowed from God down channels of compassions was pouring down upon him. And it was this that brought wholeness and comfort to Jeremiah.

“If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.” Psalms 139:11-12

Faithfulness

“A faithful man shall abound with blessings…” - Proverbs 28:20

Genuine Christianity commands faithfulness. The Bible addresses directly and indirectly the principle of faithfulness in work and financial ethics, friendships, the family, church attendance, and the list could go on. The Bible promises rewards for faithfulness and in several Gospel passages, Jesus addressed faithfulness. In Matthew 24:45-47, Jesus spoke of the servant that worked while his master was gone and when he arrived the servant was still working. This servant was rewarded for his faithfulness. In Luke 19:12-26, Jesus spoke of a business man who gave 3 individuals a financial provision to build his worth by. Two of the three took their means and made a 50% gain; but one of them wasted his opportunity and gained nothing. The two were rewarded for their faithfulness and the unconcerned, unfaithful servant was condemned. Jesus also said in Luke 16:10:

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”

How true those words are! If you can count on someone for things that seem insignificant and they not let you down; you know you can depend on them for the important stuff. There’s nothing like having someone in your life that no matter what, they are faithful and you can take them at their word. And then there are those folks that you couldn’t rely on to return an ink pen. They will say and act according to whatever is right at that moment, but nothing further than that moment. A person who struggles with being faithful will remain diminutive in their spiritual growth as a Christian.

Psalm 12:1-2 records David's complaint to God for the dearth of those counted faithful. One Bible version worded his statements in language you might relate to:

“Lord! Help! Godly men are fast disappearing. Where in all the world can dependable men be found? Everyone deceives and flatters and lies. There is no sincerity left.”

Unconcern and selfish preoccupation precede unfaithfulness. When one is unfaithful to church attendance, their spiritual well-being has lost priority and there is something they have chosen to be more important. Unfaithfulness in finances is a result of mixed up priorities; it’s amazing what some people spend their money on. When someone you call a friend behaves unfaithfully; you can’t help but wonder why they quit caring about you. Marital infidelity most always happens when preoccupation is placed on someone other than their husband or wife. It is to be expected that those of the world would display instability in these things; but God is displeased with folks that call themselves Christians and manifest unfaithfulness. Proverbs 25:19 says having confidence in someone unfaithful is like chewing with a broken tooth or running with a dislocated foot; there’s no way around the pain.

Thankfully, we serve a faithful God. He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. When we are unfaithful, He still offers a hand of friendship to us when we come back home. He doesn’t waver from day to day in ability or availability to answer our prayers. There has never been a time that God’s faithfulness has not been evident in His dealing with mankind. How beautiful were Jeremiah’s words:

“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23

Untouched by the wicked

“We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.” - 1 John 5:18

John gave two vital directives to evade the Wicked One’s effort to ‘touch’ (eth) or attach himself to God’s people. One point is a supernatural endowment; the condition of being born of God. The other point is a conscious, deliberate effort put forth to ‘keep’ (eth) ourselves. The word ‘keepeth’ is derived from the Greek word tereo meaning to guard or protect by being mindful of any and all harmful circumstance. John said in essence: “Those born of God walking in the power of their Spiritual re-birth will rise above sin and the devil will have no authority over them.”

Casual observation of I John 5:18 might offer a false impression some that born-again people are no longer capable of sinning any more. That’s not what John was saying. The focus is not the ‘whosoever’ (Christians) but rather the condition of the ‘whosoever’ which is their being born of God. The Born of God, are in other words, spiritually recreated people having within themselves a power able to supercede their original human nature.

How does one become born of God? Jesus said being born of the water (baptism in Jesus’ name) and being born of the Spirit (filled with the Holy Ghost, confirmed by speaking in tongues) accomplished the New Birth experience. The Bible also says those born of God engage in righteousness (1 John 2:29), they understand the Sonship of Jesus Christ (1 John 5:1) and they love others (1 John 4:7).

If we are to remain untouched by the Wicked one (Satan), the means he utilizes to try us will have to be severed. His agenda calls for the testing and observation of us in many different areas to see if entrance into our lives is possible. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of one who was untouchable by Satan’s wickedness.

John recounted how Jesus looked at His disciples once and said: “…the prince of this world (Satan).... hath nothing in me.” (John 14:30). Jesus said in essence that though Satan was the prince of this world with corresponding authority, he still did not possess authority or power over Him. The Lord proved this when He refused the offer of the kingdoms of the world if He would just worship Satan. Satan also tested Jesus in relation to His ministry personally and abuse of the power thereof. But Jesus did not turn stones into bread or cast Himself down from the pinnacle.

Satan’s appeals were made to the Son of man, the human, physical nature of Jesus and He refused. He proved that He could not be bought. The Divinity of Jesus was not tested; the Son of God upheld the awareness that Satan only had authority over those who personally surrender it. (“…whosoever is born of God sinneth not… (but) keepeth himself and that wicked one toucheth him not.”)

Remaining ‘untouched’ means there can be no secret life styles or sins willfully kept in our lives. We already understand that God knows if we are doing wrong. But the devil also will notice eventually and will seize his opportunity. Carnal priorities cannot supercede God’s will or govern our lives. Whatever you esteem higher than God, the devil will use to bring you down. As an ox may eventually find the weak part of the fence that keeps him corralled, Satan will also find where the fence of our protection is compromised and will enter therein.

If there ever was an hour that God’s people remove from the Wicked one’s vantage points to us, it is now. There’s never been a time that evil manifests in so many varied forms, methods, and circumstances than now. Today’s wickedness comes in ways inaccessible years ago, much less even known possible. The advancement of multimedia has far surpassed the days of the elders who preached against unwholesome radio programs or radio period.

Restrictive Internet usage and all TV/Video avoidance are good preventative measures; the right ones to take. But present day technology makes unwholesome multimedia reachable right on your cellular phone. The solution is not asceticism or run to the mountains and become hermits. It’s been said that temptations from without have no power unless there be corresponding desire within.

James 4:7 says “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” A submission of will, soul, heart, and mind to God and a resistance of susceptibility to the devil’s influence will cause him to leave you. He’ll see he is unable to attach himself to you and he will go somewhere else. Peter said sobriety (responsibility) and vigilance (awareness, cognizance) serve as safeguards against the devil. He also said to firmly resist him in the faith and doctrine. (1 Peter 5:8,9) Then there is Paul’s easily memorized and often quoted verse in Ephesians 4:27 “Neither give place (opportunity, chance) to the devil”

We must endeavor to protect our thoughts, our words, our actions, what we hear and where we go; it is in these things that the devil will try to touch us. And if we are to flee from temptation, we can’t leave a forwarding address. I know all these words are distasteful to a world that is driven by unrestrained desire. It’s just too preachy. Yet those who resist Scriptural truths oppose themselves and are taken captive by the devil at his will (2 Timothy 2:25-26). The power to become the son’s of God is received when we are filled with the Holy Ghost; we are the begotten of God!

“To pray against temptation and yet rush into occasion is to thrust your fingers into the fire and then pray they might not be burnt” -Thomas Secker (1693-1768)

On Schedule

"And he must needs go through Samaria." - John 4:4

The English Standard Version says that Jesus "had to pass through" Samaria. Simplistic reasoning could say that the need to pass through was because it was en route to where His next stop would occur. However, there are obvious implications it was a scheduled stop on a Divine Itinerary.

He sat on the well waiting for her to arrive and she did. Initiating conversation with her, the discussion went without delay to spiritual things, her sin as well as doctrinal salvation. Her conviction and faith was confirmed by the Truth and this caused a chain reaction:

"The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him." - John 4:28-30

Two days of ministry and many new believers later, Jesus had proven the effectiveness of one-to-one evangelism. We must not neglect an opportunity to witness to any, even just one soul. You never know what one word of encouragement, a spoken Scripture, or Bible principled advice can do to someone's spirit. It was on the Divine schedule for Jesus to pass through Samaria because a revival was waiting to break out.

"For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" - 1 Corinthians 9:16

Paul was well aware of his responsibility to the Commission. He wanted to transmit that same conviction to the Corinthian church; in 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 he said: "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

''Committed'' in verse 19 could be defined as being put in place, in an unchanging sense. We cannot abandon this call to reconcile a world the Creator it’s become separated from. It's not just the preacher's responsibility to witness to a single soul; it is every Christian's. It's also not just the preacher's job to occupy a place behind a pulpit. If a preacher can only deliver the gospel to an assembled group but can't find words to speak to an individual, their ministry does not reflect Christ's.

He reached for her and the results were worth the effort. Soon His disciples would hear:

"Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." - John 4:35

You and I are also on a schedule, potentially one Divinely inspired. So where is it that we ...must needs go through…?

Unmoved

“Great works are performed not by strength but rather by perseverance” - Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

Consider Paul's words to the church elders in the city of Ephesus:

Acts 20:22-25 "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more."

It had been a few years since Paul’s evangelism trip to Ephesus where he found disciples of John. The church of Ephesus was founded during that trip when 12 men believed the gospel, were re-baptized in Jesus' Name and received the Holy Ghost.

Now Paul stood before the established church's leadership and was bidding them farewell. Paul was on a course ordained of God and he was not going to be deterred. The elders hoped to dissuade him from making the trip to Jerusalem knowing the outcome would not be good. Prophetic declarations were being made at each church Paul stopped at and the message had a common thread…prison and afflictions awaited.

“…none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself…”

Determination and confidence in a God ordained ministry motivated Paul to not be affected by what the cost would be. There is not a price high enough to neglect the responsibility of fulfilling God’s will.

But what about the results and the rewards of what God wants you to do besides the resistance?

If you are focused on His will, resistance will bring courage, rewards will lose importance, and results no longer have to be your concern…you’re just doing His will and nothing will move you.

Who's driving?

"If you let the Devil ride...he's going to want to drive"

People do not walk away from God & their church over night. People don't leave their spouses and children on a sudden whim. You don't become chemically dependant with one taste, drink, etc...

The wide and accommodating pathway to perdition is easy to navigate, and the journey always commences in the mind. The Bible declares to us in 2 Corinthians 10 that we are to cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. We are to remain vigilant at the threshold of our mind ready to capture the offensive thought or high minded wisdom (albeit earthly) and bring them into obedience to Christ.

The things I mentioned above are things that I have specifically heard happen this week. When people fail to give God more than just a Sunday commitment…they are setting themselves up for compromise. We must give all and withhold nothing. This means yielding to the Spirit of God and restraining the human nature. If you haven’t dealt with something…putting it off will not last forever.

We can try to be Christian robots and go through the motions but we will deconstruct eventually. Christ was not a robot crossing every T, dotting every I that related to the will of His Father. The Son of Man was driven to fulfill the will of God. Though He was the Eternal Spirit of God revealed in flesh, His humanity is what pursued the will & works of the Father (His Creator).

The humanity of Jesus knew restraint. That’s why He would not turn stones into bread. That’s why He left John in prison. That’s why He didn’t jump at the first request to help with provisions at the marriage supper in Cana. The ends do not always justify the means. Pursuing God’s desired purpose is better than following what we deem right at the moment. Selfishness is a cancerous sin that doesn’t always manifest as stinginess and miserliness. Selfish desires and unsanctified desires catch up in the long run and those who have to suffer because of it are left wondering what happened.

“… such an inconvenience restraint creates...”

Has anyone seen temperance lately? It seems to be missing or its deficiency has rendered it unidentified. Temperance is KJV wording for self-control and though not a hard concept to understand, human character naturally resists it's Law of Restraint.

I preached Sunday about Paul’s discourse in 1 Corinthians 6 concerning things Lawful and things expedient. What portion of Law was he talking about? Was it ceremonial, judicial, or moral perhaps? In context of what he was saying it pertained to moral which entailed dietary guidelines which is why he made the next statement. He said the belly was for the meats and the meats for the belly, but God would destroy or do away with them both. God purposefully designed them to be temporal.

What Paul said that sticks out to me is that he would not be brought under subjection to any or in other words controlled by things whether they were lawful or not. Under the guise of Bible non-specifics people do make allowances for things they want or don’t want to do, etc.

Jesus said to seek the Kingdom and the righteousness of God as priority and these things that are temporal and won’t mean anything 50 years from now can wait. Even if their lawful (permissible) and especially if they are not expedient (proper in time or in nature).