GRACE VERSE BY VERSE 
 ROMANS-PHILEMON
...Verse by Verse...
Through the books of the Apostle Paul
  (for more devotionals see 2023) 
ROMANS
8/6/2024
Paul a servant of Jesus Christ our Lord!
Rom 1:1 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Starting a new book which is a GREAT book!!! Romans is the greatest book in all the bible for it sets the very doctrine for today! It is God's judicial book for us today. Justification is the theme, and it shows us how and why we can come to be in the presence of a just, righteous and perfect God! How we are legally changed from sinner to saint. How we are no longer unjust and unrighteous to being just and right before Him!  Just means to be Right, accepted and approved. That our spirit is now Holy, Alive and Washed clean by the Holy Spirit!! Oh Yes, we are JUST before Him because Jesus Christ Live in us!
 
Paul begins by saying he is the servant of Christ first and then his position which is an Apostle. He speaks of the gospel and Christ resurrection, power and holiness. He tells of his work which is to bring obedience to the faith among all nations which means the gentile world.
 
And then tells us that we are a part of the called of Jesus which means the invited, received and chosen by faith in Him! That we are a part of this great Body called the church. That we are in Christ and His Body on earth! What a great ride we will have over the next few weeks as we come to study and read through this Great book!
Grace and Peace to you All! 
8/7/2024
Paul prays for the church and longs to see them.
Rom 1:8 "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."
Paul prayed for the church and wanted to see them. He wanted to impart some spiritual gift to them that would help them grow and understand that they were justified by faith alone. The spiritual gift was not like speaking in tongues or some other natural fleshly thing but a knowledge of truth and spirit. He loved being with people and especially the likeminded saints that desired and was willing to be teachable. The ones that had a genuine sincere faith and love for the Lord.
 
We too should desire to meet with other likeminded grace believing saints. No, it doesn't need to be the denominational church on the corner or some institutional orthodox type of church, rather it can be a small gathering of 2-3. It can be a bible study in the home or office. I once taught in an airplane hangar and library. It does not matter if you sing 4 songs or not just gather and enjoy reading and studying the word. Enjoy the like-mindedness of the Lord within each other and love and care for one another. Try to edify and build up one another and be there to comfort and help each other.
 
Don't be a Lone Ranger and sit at home, but rather be willing to go to some fellowship or start one. Do it over lunch or dinner and then read the word and pray for one another.
And as always, I Thank God for our Lord Jesus and for you my friends and fellow saints in Christ!!!
8/8/2024
I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST!!!
Paul was NOT ashamed and neither should we be. This is Paul's cry to all of us. To be bold, courage's and vocal about our faith. To be honest and ready to share with anyone at any time to whom we belong to and to who we serve!
Rom 1:13 "Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
The gospel is the power God unto salvation and to "EVERYONE THAT BELIEVETH"!!!! That means all may come to faith and be saved through our Lord Jesus Christ! ALL have the opportunity to trust in and to be sealed in Christ! ALL may have eternal life if they repent and put their faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ! ALL, ALL, ALL!!!
The Just shall live by faith is the theme of Romans and it is only by faith that we are saved and that we continue to Live by!
Walk by faith saints and give God the Glory through Jesus our Lord!
8/9/2024
THE WRATH OF GOD!
Paul warns of the wrath of God!  
Rom 1:18 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:"
God has made it easy for us to see Him. Just breath and know that someone created air. Just look at the stars at night or the trees and mountains or oceans. Look at your children and at all creation and you will understand that there is a God, and we should praise Him! There is no excuse for not realizing there is a God of the Universe.
This wrath of God is against all who are not willing to come to Him and acknowledge Him as God. It is against all who will reject Christ and all who worship the creature rather than the Creator as it says in verse 25
Rom 1:25 "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."
ALL of us can worship the creature as we ARE the creature. We worship ourselves and protect ourselves at all costs. We want the attention and "worship" of others! We want the affection and adoration of others. So, until we come to Christ by faith who is the CREATOR then we are still worshipping the creature!
This wrath will come later in the tribulation period and would be against all those who would not believe.
BUT NOW HALLELUJAH! We who are in Christ are saved from that wrath to come
So be comforted with these words!
Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
1Th 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
8/12/2024
Professing to be wise they became fools!!!
All of us fall into this category! All are fools until we come to Christ! ALL of us worshiped, defended and protected ourselves before we came to Christ. All of us were sinners and fools before we come to Christ!
Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

We change the truth of God into a Lie, isn't that the truth for today! As time goes on, we see this becoming more and more evident in our times! Homosexuality is sin but now it is Legal to be married in the U.S.! I will say it again homosexuality is sin. Now there are other sins but only THIS sin is legally ok today.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
 
We all have been here, and we all can be described to a certain extent, and just in case you don't see yourself let me point out the sin of being "disobedient to parents"!!! If you NEVER did that then perhaps you are perfect.
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
 
It ends with this in verse 32 that those who condone or have pleasure in those that do sin are the same as those who do it! Oh, be so thankful that YOU are no longer a fool BUT NOW are WISE IN CHRIST!!!
8/13/2024
O MAN!
Paul continues to tell us that none of us are inexcusable. None of us are without sin. We all are born in sin. No one is better than another as far as sin goes. We are all born dead in spirit and need life!
Rom 2:1 "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?"
We all are headed for judgement without Christ, BUT God showed His GREAT love, and goodness for us by Christ cross and it is this GREAT sacrifice on His part that brings us to repentance.  
4 "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
Repentance means a change of mind, from my way to His way. From self-centered to Christ centered and all by faith! It is by faith that we believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose to give us eternal life. So, from faithless to faithful we are saved!
Give God the Glory and be thankful for His love, goodness and patience with us!
8/15/2024
Tribulation and Anguish!
Tribulation and anguish will come upon all those who are lost and do not come to trust in Christ!
Rom 2:5 "But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
Those who do not believe will suffer the great pain of being without eternal life in Christ and will live in torment forever. The Jew first as they were given the opportunity to know the Lord and to have the Messiah come from them. The gentile would have followed Israel and come to know the Messiah and place faith in Him, but neither did that. Israel rejected their Messiah, and many gentiles have and will do the same.
But those of us that are saved today and know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour are blessed with eternal life! We have Eternal Joy, Eternal Peace, Eternal Love!!!!
There is no difference between the Jew and gentile today. Israel has lost its political and spiritual power by being unfaithful and so the Jew must come to Christ the same way the gentile has, by faith, grace and cross!
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God."
Give God the Glory and Always, Always be Thankful!
8/16/2024
NO LAW!
God treats everyone the same in respect to faith. Were you a faithful Jew who had the law OR were you a faithful gentile who never had the law???
Rom 2:11 "For there is no respect of persons with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; 13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel."
 
Notice gentiles never ever had the law yet many before Christ came lived a more "lawful" life than the Jew. They both would be justified by the law yet WHO can do ALL the Law perfectly NO ONE!!!
 
Today in the dispensation of grace there is only one law, and that law is the law of love. Now remember people often think and say then I can do whatever I want, and I say first of all, you ALWAYs could do whatever you want, but there was a price to pay. But Now you can still do whatever you want and still be saved BUT is it a good, godly, righteous and edify thing that you're doing! What does it accomplish to do a selfish, sinful act as a believer?
 
We have to look at ourselves and be honest with our true motives, but we are not in bondage to 613 laws OH NO! 613 Levitical laws that would only makes us perform and work and strive! 613 laws that would not bring us closer to God but only condemn us! 613 laws that we could never do to begin with!
 
Now why on earth do you want to be UNDER and in BONDAGE to the law! As Paul said in Gal 4:21 "Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?"
8/19/2024
The Name of God is blasphemed!
Israel thought that they were above all! They had the law and as Paul says restest in the law and boast about God, but they were far from faithful. They were to lead the world to Christ but failed because of their unfaithfulness. They were just as sinful as gentiles who did not have the law. Paul says the name of God is blasphemed among the gentiles through their unfaithfulness.
Rom 2:17 "Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written."
 
Blasphemed means "to speak evil of" or "to revile". Gentiles had no respect for Jews because they claimed to be so great and godly while doing the same things or worse.
 
We to must be careful of our lifestyle and behavior. Many so-called saints act like unbelievers by drinking and getting drunk or cussing and fornicating just as much as the lost and therefore the lost and unsaved just ignore their talk of a Saviour. While we have the freedom to do whatever we please we need to ask ourselves is this Godly and will it affect others. Does this truly bring glory to God and edify others!
 
Circumcision is a religious act that was to be done to separate Israel from the world. It meant that they were a holy, godly and law binding nation. It was the covenant between God and Israel and was to be kept as God promised. But this act doesn't mean anything if faith is not involved. If faith and obedience to God is not apart then it becomes as I said before "just another religious act"!  
Rom 2:25 "For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."
 
Just because they went through this ceremonial type thing didn't make them obedient even though they had the law and covenants. We too can "DO" religious acts, but they don't make us saved or faithful or anything they are just acts that make many think and look like they are getting closer to God, but they are not! Today we have churches doing the same thing with water baptism and other ritual and ceremonial acts, but they are not necessary as faith is the ONLY requirement!
 
Don't get caught up in religion and ceremonial things YET beware of your thinking and behavior and how it may look to the body as well as the lost. Renew your mind, behave in a Godly way and share the gospel of Grace in words AND lifestyle!
8/20/2024
"There is none righteous, no, not one:"
The Jew had every advantage over everyone else, but they were still guilty as they did not walk by faith! Faith is the key in every dispensation meaning throughout the time.
Rom 3:1 "What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. 3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. 5 But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) 6 God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? 8 And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
 
Just like today perhaps worse is that Paul was slandered over and over. Slander brings doubt and questions. Just like today in the political field which use slander to gain control or in the church today in order to bring people back under law. The legalist does not understand grace and only want obedience to the law, and they can't function without law.
 
Paul says that "There is none righteous, no, not one:", which means neither the Jew or gentile are sinless. All of us are guilty before God! All of us are on an equal plain in being lost. We all must come to Christ by faith. We all must be regenerated and made a New Creature in Him!
If you are saved today just give God the Glory and thank our Lord Jesus Christ!
8/21/2024
NO ONE!
Paul continues his rebuke of all mankind by say NO ONE seeks or desires God. That Jews didn't seek God anymore then the lost heathen. They were no better than the gentile who had no understanding of God except through Israel, and they did not seek by faith.
Rom 3:11 "There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Jew and gentile are lost and have no fear of God therefore if the Jew did not seek Jesus and understand how they could be any better off than the poor heathen.
This why after we are saved, they we can have such great empathy for the lost. That we too were once dead and without Christ. They we too know what it is like to live life without any hope and totally blind to the eternal Lord and Saviour.
Never be so high minded and pridfeull that you forget about the lost. Your lost loved ones as well as the neighbor across the street or the lost across this world. It is this dead, lost and dark inner man that causes so much of our problems so keep praying for them, and all the while keep praising and thanking our Lord Jesus for giving you eternal life in Him!!!
8/22/2024
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God!
Paul has taken 3 chapters up and drilling into the ground you might say that "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
Rom 3:19 "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"
God gave the law to Israel and while gentiles did not have the law, they too were guilty of the law for Israel was the priest and nation to lead all other nations to Christ! Of course, they failed and rejected the risen Messiah and therefore had fallen from their spiritual influence. God then "Graced" gentiles by allowing them to come to Christ by faith. Gentiles now have the spiritual influence for the world and Israel to see. No one is justified by works of law (Torah) and the law only condemns and shows man's sin. The knowledge of sin comes through the law and the law is the strength of sin!!!
1Co 15:56 "The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law."
All men are born in sin! All men have fallen short of God's righteousness and All men have the opportunity to come to Christ by faith! ALL MEN!
So, we that are saved should give God the Glory and give Thanks unto our Jesus Christ our Lord!  
8/23/2024
Jesus the propitiation for All!
Propitiation means the appeasing sacrifice for God's wrath! It was by one sacrifice for all sin for all mankind!  
Rom 3:24 "Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."
Jesus became the sacrifice and the atoning for ALL human history, past, present and future! No longer needing another sacrifice to please God and to reconcile man to God.  
Now if Jesus was the propitiation for all man's sin who are we to not forgive someone else's sin. Who are we to punish another for their sin. The tendency we all have is to blame others after all someone needs to take the blame right. Someone is wrong even me sometimes! BUT we are not God and Jesus has taken away the right to punish others. We no longer need to fear punishment or punish others or ourselves. We no longer need to run from others in shame of our sin. We can be open and transparent which in turns builds a Body for Christ that is strong. We are weak and sin yet when we share and open, we are strong and able to love one another just as we are.
Don't punish others for their sin for Christ took the punishment for All! Give God the glory and be thankful He did!!!
8/26/2024
Abraham justified by faith!
Paul proves that Abraham was justified by faith alone!
Rom 4:1 "What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness".
It was in Genesis that God was dealing with Abraham and believed God and it was counted as righteousness.
Gen 15:6 " And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness".
Therefore, proving that man is justified and made right before God by faith! While many then as well as today want to add works of the law to the mix for salvation it simply is not true.
Now some today want to add works of the law "after" they are saved but that is not true either. We gentiles never ever had the law to begin with and were told to not do the works of the 613 Levitical laws that were given to Israel.
Act 15:7 "And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they".
... 20 "But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood."
... 28 "For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."

The Apostles to Israel confirms the gentiles never were to perform the works of the law and as time goes on and the fall and the diminishing of Israel, we then see that we are free to love and do "good works" without the Levitical Law hanging over us.
 
Don't get caught up in "DOING" things in order to be "right" or accepted before God! Just rest in Christ works and by faith receive His righteousness!
8/27/2024
Therefore, it is by faith that it might be by grace!
Abraham's faith was shown before he was circumcised therefore it was by faith that it might be by grace. The promise was not by law but by faith. God's Great Grace was shown even then to Abraham so that it was not by works or human effort but by God and His grace! If it was by law, then man would have to prove and perform but man can never attain perfect righteousness by works of the law. Paul says that the law worketh wrath meaning it cannot be attained therefore God's wrath would be against man and the law stirs up wrath as it is the strength of sin!!! (1 Cor 15:56)
So, all through time salvation, justification and righteousness is always by faith! And Abraham showed faith even when he had no idea what would happen or even see in his lifetime. We too should be as Abraham and be "STRONG IN FAITH"! We should be strong in faith and put our faith in Christ works not our effort to keep the law. We should understand the change of dispensations and from Israels law and works program to a new program, FAITH + NOTHING! The Grace program given to us by Jesus through Paul. FAITH in what God is doing NOW is the point. Abraham was faithful for that time frame and so should we for the time given to us!
Rom 4:6  "Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."
8/29/2024
JUSTIFIED!
God is the judge and has declared all men to be guilty before Him. But if you are a believer in Christ then you have been justified by Christ! Justified is legal wording for being made just or right before God. You were condemned, guilty and dead in sin and were therefore unjust and unrighteous! You're legal standing before was guilty but no longer are you guilty but righteous before the Judge!  
Rom 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
God no longer sees you guilty because you have trusted in the cross works and death of Jesus and placed your faith in Him. You have believed, trusted and put your faith in Him! His works was all that was necessary, and it was offered to you by the grace of God. God's salvation was offered to us by grace, and we received by faith.
Stop walking as a condemned, guilty sinner and start walking as a child of God that is loved and made New and right before the almighty Judge! If He has made you right before Him WHO can condemn YOU!  
Renew your mind and walk secure and confident in Christ!
8/28/2024
The Love of God is shed in our hearts!
It is the Love of God that we can seek and feel and be secure in. It is the Love of God that shows us how much He loved us by sending His Son Jesus to the cross!  
Rom 5:3 "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
It is that Love that indwells us and is shed in our hearts that allows us to grow through so much and still be strong and alive daily. That Love gives us hope and that hope gets us through the experience we are facing. Each experience is new and a challenge but the more we go through the more we can be patient which also means to persevere through the tribulation. It teaches us to depend on Him and His love no matter what we are going through.
Love is the security blanket we can wrap around us and feel His comfort and be consoled daily. It is His love that was shown on the cross. GOD IS LOVE and it is that love that gets us through ALL our fears!
So put on God's love and walk boldly today in whatever situation you are in!
8/30/2024
MUCH MORE THEN!!!!
Rom 5:9 "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."
So, Think of this for a minute. A judge in court could say to the one being accused of a crime "I find nothing wrong with this man, which is saying "you are declared not guilty" let him go, BUT the judge doesn't really want to see him again and be friends and hang out with the guy either.
BUT OUR GOD DOES! You see He not only declared us Not Guilty but now we are RECONCILED to HIM! We are FORGIVEN and He wants to spend time with us. We belong to Him, and we are His children.  
He doesn't stop there either He goes on and gives us the ATONEMENT! That means that we are returned to favor, and He has exchanged Christ life for our sins. We are now completely forgiven and that He wants us to spend time with Him. He doesn't look at us as being a criminal who got away with something he actually loves and accepts us and desire to be with us!
You may not completely understand this atonement thing but just so you know Israel does NOT have the atonement yet, but they will in the end times, BUT that is how special we are today in the Body of Christ.
WOW, He just keeps piling it on and giving and giving!!! Justified AND reconciled to our God through our Lord Jesus! Praise the Lord and Give Him Thanks today!!!
9/2/2024
One Man!
Sin came by One man, that is by Adam, and it was passed to All men. Therefore, we are all born in sin! We "miss the mark" which is what sin means. We miss because when we our born our spirit is born dead and void of the Spirit of God!  
Rom 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come."
 
Free Gift!
While sin is the offence and passed to all, God's grace is shown by a "Free Gift" through One Man also. That one man being Jesus Christ, and the "free gift" is salvation! Really that "free gift" is LIFE! LIFE IN CHRIST! The gift of righteouness  is given to us and everlasting life.
15 "But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound."....
 
Sin abounds, Grace abounds much more!!!
So, while sin abounds throughout mankind Grace abounds even more. We need to see our sin and understand that it is bad and death BUT we also need to understand the GREAT GRACE OF GOD! That through the grace of God He has extended Christ righteousness to us by faith. That God sees Christ righteousness within us and that we are no longer dead in spirit BUT ALIVE! Spiritually speaking we have the righteousness of Christ! You are ALIVE IN CHRIST so SHOUT HALLELUJAH AND REJOCE IN HIM!!
20 "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."
9/5/2024
DAILY SANCTIFICATION PROCESS!
Chapters 1-5 of Romans tells us that we are Justified by Faith and reconciled to God. Paul begins the DAILY sanctification process in Chapters 6-8. This is a daily process on what a life in Christ looks like as well as how to live a godly life in what is true in our Spirit already.
Rom 6:1 " What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
Shall we sin because we are saved "GOD FORBID, NO"! I as well as my fellow grace teachers and believers are constantly having this thrown in our face. "So now that you are in grace means you can do whatever you want" they say! Well, NO that isn't what we are saying at all even though I must say we do whatever we want anyway DON'T WE!!!! But NO, we are not to sin because we are under grace and in Christ already! Paul dealt with this law minded people then, just as we still have to today! So, NO we don't continue in sin!
Because Paul says we are baptized into Christ death which means we are identified in His death. It means we are not actually on the cross but that we are identified as being on the cross! Our physical body is not on the cross of course but we are in the "LIKENESS" of His death AND resurrection! By the way this is NOT a water baptism but a spiritual one! Baptism means to be "immersed in" and to "be identified with or in". Our Old sinful man is dealt with on the cross, and we are resurrected a NEW LIVING SPIRITUAL MAN, that is no longer is in bondage to sin nor serve sin.
Be grateful and know that you are no longer in the shackles as a slave to sin but are ALIVE and NEW in Christ!
9/6/2024
DAILY SANCTIFICATION PROCESS!
As I said yesterday, we are identified in Christ death and resurrected in His Life! We are alive in Him and therefore are no longer in bondage to sin. Sin no longer controls or dominates us. We are now free to live by the Spirit and Free from those chains of bondage to sin.
Rom 6:7 "For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
We are not bound to law which only condemns us but are under God's grace that allows us to live Life fully through the spirit. We now have a choice to sin or not. We now have a choice to live by the spirit or not. We now are free to yield ourselves to sin which is death or to righteousness in Christ through the spirit. Before we had no choice for, we were dead spiritually but now we are alive and can choose daily to yield to Christ or yield to sin!
Rom 6:15 "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
Now the sin of the unsaved and not knowing our lord is eternal death but the saved saint in Christ is eternal life! Now ALWAYS remember that the wage of sin is death meaning insecurity, anxiety or sadness and depression but it does not mean you lose your salvation, but it hurts you and does not edify you or anyone else.
CHOOSE LIFE!  
9/9/2024
BUT NOW WE ARE DELIVERED FROM THE LAW!!!
This is some of the greatest words in scripture. We are delivered from the law!
Rom 7:1 " Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. 4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter."
 
So many believers still think we must be under the law and be in bondage to the law. Many Torah, Sabbatarians and work minded believers are so ingrained in THE law that they totally miss the point here.  They as well as all of us should read this daily until it sinks in to our thinking.  
 
BUT NOW we are DELIVERED from the LAW! The law has been nailed to the cross it says in Colossians, and we are free from it and can live by the Spirit and not by the letter of the law. The law only condemns and tells we need a Saviour! The strength of sin is by the law it says in 1 Cor 15:56. We need to know that by faith we too have become dead to the law through the body of Christ! It is by faith and not by the letter!
 
Perhaps an illustration might help. We all want our kids to mind and do what is right. Now sometimes they do what you tell them but with the wrong attitude! "Please clean your room" mom says, "I don't want too" says the kid, then he cleans it while yelling, angry and throwing things around. He is not doing it willingly and with the right heart but rather keeping the letter of law, The Law of Mom! We want them to have the right heart and attitude. This right attitude comes by faith and appreciation for what we do have, not by force and law. The "right spirit" within is our desire for them and we too need to have the "Right Spirit" within. We need the "HOLY SPIRIT" within us! We need to be saved first and then walk by faith not law!
 
You see when we are saved and walk by faith, we will do what is right. We don't need the law to tell us what to do nor ordinances to show us Christ for we have Christ within us. We don't need the law to tell us what to do but rather we WANT to "clean our room"!
9/10/2024
SIN!
Sin is the problem and the solution is Jesus! The law is good, but it only shows us our sin it does not give life!  "OH, wretched man that I am WHO will save me"? WHO? Many believe in their own works to save themselves, BUT it is not us who save us but only through Jesus Christ can we be saved.
Now since Christ died for All sin why beat ourselves up for sinning. That doesn't mean we should sin but when we do run back to the one who has forgiven you and be comforted in Him and Put on His Love and acceptance. Sin dwells in your flesh so you are going to sin. Don't listen to those who say they haven't sinned in years in fact when they say that they are sinning. Don't beat yourself up for failing, just be honest with yourself, admit it and thank the Lord for forgiving you and renew your mind. Be content in Christ and always, always give thanks to WHO saved you!
Rom 7:7 "What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."
9/11/2024
NO CONDEMNATION IN CHRIST JESUS!!!
Rom 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
What a GREAT verse! To know that we who are saved are in Christ and that there is no condemnation from God toward us! God is delighted in us and that He receives us and accepts us! That He wants to spend time with us, WOW what a WONDERFUL GOD we have!
Now it is important to know that you must be saved in order to not be condemned. You must be "IN the SPIRIT"! Which means to be saved and have the Holy Spirit within! Those that don't and walk IN the flesh meaning not saved are still condemned to hell.
 
2 "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Now the law of the Spirit has set us free from the law of condemnation which is the law of sin and death. It is the Levitical law, and it only shows us our failures. It is weak in bringing life and it only gives us what we deserve which is death, hell and separation from God. BUT we who are saved and In Christ are forever free from that law! We are eternally alive and made righteous by the Spirit!
 
5 "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God."
The unsaved are carnal and dead in spirit and do not understand spiritual things. They cannot and do not have life or peace and are always against God. They are enemies of God even if they are the nicest people, you ever meet for they are spiritually lost. They cannot please God as John 4:24 says God is spirit and must be worshiped in Spirit.
 
9 "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."
Now the spirit of God dwells in you therefore you are not of the flesh meaning void of life in Christ, but you are alive, righteous and now desiring to live after the Spirit that lives within you! We that are truly saved desire to truly live life for Christ and through Christ! AMEN! Live Life through the Spirit that gives life today!
9/12/2024
SONS OF GOD WITHOUT FEAR!
We who are saved and have the Spirit within us, are called sons (daughters) of God and are no longer in bondage to fear!
Rom 8:14 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

Now we are ALL born in fear because we are born in sin. All of us have things we fear. We may fear failure and work hard to not fail. We may fear rejection of others or the punishment of God or others. We may fear a little one day and a lot the next. We may fear very little compared to others or more compared to others but we all have fear.
 
Now religious folks say, "I no longer fear cause the bible says so here in this verse, so I don't fear at all"! Well, I hate to bust your bubble, but it says no longer "IN BONDAGE" to fear it doesn't say you NEVER fear, and when you sin there is an element of fear in sin. Just as there is an element of shame and guilt in all sin. For an example, if you commit fornication, you fear rejection therefore you lust for love and a relationship and take it wherever you can get it. You're not standing in God's love but seeking it from the wrong person at the wrong time and it is all caused by fear.
 
Now we are no longer are in bondage to fear meaning we can choose to not fear, but when we do, we can renew our minds in the love of God! We can run back to our Lord and We can put on His love and that love drives out the fear as it brings security to our hearts! God is love and His love drives out that torment, rejection or punishment.
We are no longer in bondage to fear because we belong to God. We all long to belong to someone and desire to be loved. BUT
 
NOW We belong to Christ and if we belong to Him, we are God's children. We are His child that is accepted, approved and no longer needs to seek love but now we can receive love from God!
 
By being children of God, it also makes us heirs of God and co-heirs of Christ! Everything that Christ has we also have. First, we have LIFE, Eternal Life and without life we are dead! We then have the love, security and acceptance as well as the stability, unity and comfort of Him! We have the Spirit, heart and mind of Christ as well as being complete in Christ! We have the righteousness and Godliness of our Lord Jesus within us and therefore we can be confident and bold in our daily walk!
AND SO MUCH MORE....
OH, SAINTS let's NOT walk in fear but rather give God the Glory and Praise Him and be ever so THANKFUL TODAY and EVERYDAY!!!
9/13/2024
SUFFERINGS!
What funny timing! It just so happens that today's verses are on the subject of suffering.
Rom 8:18 "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
I have some health issues to deal with and this is so good for me, and I hope for you all. But the sufferings we may go through are small in comparison to being in Christ and His Glory living in and through us! But even greater is the Glory of being in heaven with Him forever. I was asked if I was afraid and I said not at all, if I die, I am where YOU want to be!
Our physical bodies are always changing and struggling with the elements of this earthly world. It struggles with health, wealth and relationships but that does not mean we have TO allow it to defeat or control us. FOR WE have HOPE! FOR WE have CHRIST! FOR WE have ETERNAL LIFE! FOR WE are MORE THAN CONQUEROROS IN CHRIST!
SHOUT IT, LIVE IT AND BE THANKFUL TODAY!!!
9/16/2024
CONFORMED TO JESUS!
We are conformed to Christ by the Holy Spirit. We are spiritually the same as Christ which means to alive all because Christ is within our spirit through the Holy Spirit.
Rom 8:27 "And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."
 
Now it is God's Purpose that is important here. God's eternal purpose
Eph 3:11 "According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:"
 
That purpose was to conform us, make us "like" Christ! How was this to be accomplished by the Spirit! So, it is a spiritual thing not a religious or works things and only comes by faith.
Now this purpose was before the creation of the world and that purpose was to see all men who were willing with a free will to come to Him through Jesus Christ!
1Ti 2:3 "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have ALL men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for ALL, to be testified in due time."
2Ti 1:9 "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"
 
So, just like this "WHO did he foreknow" which means "who did he forelove", the answer is simple ALL mankind! Then predestinate which means to "decree" before the world began and to what did He "decree" that ALL men MAY be saved through HIS SON JESUS CHRIST!
 
And WHO did He call which means "invite", ALL men, and those that were called and "received" are saved and are justified which means made righteous like and in Christ and those who were justified like and in Christ were Glorified which means to be honored! Honored with eternal life and to have the image of Jesus within!
 
Many doctrines have been changed with these verses. but don't be fooled by those who claim and twist them. Let's give God the glory and thank Him for loving us so much that He had a plan to redeem and save us before the world began through JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!!
9/17/2024
If God be for us, who can be against us?
Rom 8:31 "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
If God be for us, who can be against us? This is how we should think on a daily basis. If God gave His son to pay the sin debt and accepted and forgiven us, who are we to fear what others say. Who are we to fear rejection and ridicule from others. Who are we to fear failure or punishment from this world!
Paul writes and say Who can lay anything against us, Who can condemn us, Who can separate us, Who will save us,
WHO, WHO, WHO, WHO....
JESUS IS THE WHO THATSAVES! JESUS IS THE WHO THAT LOVES!!! JESUS, JESUS, JESUS!!!
He Loves us and proved it by volunteering to give His life for ours. He Loves, accepts and forgives us and nothing can be big enough or wide enough or deep enough to take us away from His Great Love! NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING!!!
Put on His love daily because it is the very comfort you want and need! It is the deepest security that you will ever have and gives you the peace and rest as well as the love for others.
9/19/2024
ALL ABOUT ISRAEL!
The next three chapters are all about Israel and their fall! Notice every chapter begins with Paul desiring and wanting Israel to repent and not deny Christ. He wanted them to accept, receive and worship their risen Messiah!  
Rom 9:1 "I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. 6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:"
 
Rom 10:1 "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."
 
Rom 11:1 "I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,"

Now the reason I said this first before going verse by verse is that Reformed/Calvinist use these chapters to say that God chose certain people to be saved and not others. That He did not desire for all to be saved but that He wanted only certain ones and chose them before the world began and that is FALSE! They say that Jesus ONLY died for the few chosen and not for ALL. That Jesus blood was not for ALL but for only for the ones chosen before the world began! Calvinism is the cult and plague of the church today! Sadly, many churches are buying into it and converting and perverting the Body of Christ. Some of you may go to a Calvinist church and don't know it which is really the idea of a cult isn't it.

Read 1 Timothy 2 and see that just this alone show that is not true,
1Ti 2:3 "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
 
His desire is for ALL men to be saved, and He died for ALL! If you belong to a church that is Reformed/Calvinist LEAVE! If you don't know if they are then ask them or read their belief page on their website. Although they do tend to hide it in their belief page by being wordy or just lying about it, but you can usually see it if you read hard enough. The wording will go something like this
 
Salvation is thoroughly a work of divine grace from beginning to end.  Before the foundation of the world the Father elected to save a people who would compose the church. Jesus Christ purchased the salvation of those individuals through his life, death, and resurrection. The Holy Spirit applies the work of Christ to all who believe, creating the gift of faith in their hearts, and he keeps them in that faith forever.
 
Notice that He chose "a people" before the world began AND THEN puts faith in their hearts!!!! Notice they are NOT saved BY FAITH but after they are saved God puts faith INTO THEM!
 
By the way Christian counseling or other type of ministries believe this also. In fact, this quote is from a so-called Christian counseling site. Don't buy into this perverted gospel which is really no gospel at all! If you know that they believe this and stay you are really saying this is what you believe and at the same time you are being indoctrinated into a false gospel!
BE WISE AND CHOOSE WISELY!
9/20/2024
MERCY ON ALL!
Rom 9:7 "Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. 9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. 18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth."
Remember yesterday's devotional and that I pointed out that chapters 9-11 are about Israel primarily. Now as we move on verse by verse through the chapters, we see Paul stating what God's intent, and that is to say to ISRAEL I can save gentiles just like I saved you! I can have mercy on all men just like I have showed mercy to you Israel! I can save gentiles without you Israel, but I also want you.
Rom 11:32 "For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all."
Romans 11:32 sums up ALL 3 chapters and tells us the point that God is making. ALL men were in unbelief and ALL men deserve hell but by faith we can be saved by work of Jesus and the mercy of God shown to us in Christ.
 
Now let's look at the story of Esau and Jacob described here and how God chose the younger over the older. Usually, the older one gets the blessing, but God wanted to say this is MY work. I can choose the younger over the older if I want. Now who does Jacob represent ISRAEL and who does Esau represent Gentiles. And by the way Esau was not hated like in our English-speaking way but a better way of saying it is not as loved as much. Read the story in
Gen 29:31 "And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren."
She was not loved as much yet blessed just as Esau was not loved as much but blessed and prospered. Leah and Esau were not chosen yet was still blessed. Leah had children who became the head of the 12 tribes of Israel and Esau was blessed with prosperity and riches. To add one more important thing that the quote Paul uses for Esau is in Malachi 1:2 meaning that years later Esau was truly hated for his unbelief but not before.
 
The story of Pharoh who also chose to harden his own heart so God allowed him to be hard yet if Pharoh had Not hardened his heart and believed he too could have been saved. But God said I will still show mercy and compassion on the rest of the world even if Pharaoh thinks he is God. By the way Pharaoh means "great house" and was thought to be Divine and was worshiped as a god!
 
So, God can show compassion on ALL men as He has always desired that ALL men come and worship Him through Jesus Christ our Lord!
9/23/2024
WHAT SHALL WE SAY THEN!
Once again Paul gives a bottom-line answer and that is Israel missed the boat again because of their unfaithfulness! They missed the righteousness and reconciliation with God by not receiving the risen Messiah. They thought if they could just do THE works of the law, they would be fine, but the law always condemns and can never be perfected. The stumbling stone that they and many today fall over is FAITH!
Rom 9:30 "What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
BUT gentiles did attain salvation and righteousness and reconciliation because we believed by faith! We received it all once and forever.
Now no matter what dispensation the bible was in it was always by faith. Before and after Israel was formed it was by faith. Then Israel was given the law and covenants, and it was still by faith. Now they did have to show their faith by their performance in other words by their works. But even if they failed, they could still show their faithfulness by going through the works process of atonement for that sin. In other words, fix the fix by doing what they were told to do by faith.
BUT gentiles do not need to do works for atonement because of the cross work of Christ. The cross of Christ was sufficient therefore we do not work but simply believe and trust in the finality of the works of Christ!
Don't try to fix the fix that has already been fixed through Christ! Keep walking by faith!
Rom 9:19 "Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? 22 What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: 23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, 24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. 26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. 27 Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: 28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. 29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. 30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
9/24/2024 
WHOSOEVER!
Paul's great desire was that Israel would be saved yet they rejected Christ.
Rom 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
Notice it says that Israel tried to establish their own righteousness, and they did this by doing works of the law without faith and without their Messiah. They could not grasp that God had brought them their Messiah and that it was Jesus. They wanted a warrior and Kingly looking Messiah. They wanted their idea of what a leader should be. What they really wanted was the power! What they really wanted was to be in control and be "GOD" themselves under a religious veil!
Jesus is the end of the law and Jesus is the righteousness of God! The only way to be "right" before God is to recognize Jesus as our Lord and Saviour! We do this by faith alone in HIS works alone!
6 "But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) 7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 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. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 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. 13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."  
WHOSOEVER means everyone has the opportunity to believe and be saved! Whosoever means that God did not choose some to salvation and others not be saved as Calvinist preach. Whosoever means that it is our responsibility and our free will to choose Jesus, just as Israel had the free will to choose and denied Him. Whosoever expresses the free will of man to come by faith and to trust in the Living Lord and that name is above all names, the name of JESUS!
9/25/2024
YOU ARE A PREACHER!
Oh yes you are! All of us are preachers because preach means to "PROCLAIM"! We ALL are to proclaim Jesus as Lord!
Rom 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? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."  
Now you may not be behind a pulpit or serve in a position, but we all are to proclaim. We can proclaim Christ at work or at Walmart. I have a friend that passes out tracts everywhere he goes and talks to people on the streets and at his work by handing out these tracts. He probably "proclaims" and brings more people to Christ than those who preach at a church.
Notice the wording that Paul uses in verse 15, "how shall they preach except they be sent"! Well, ALL of us are "sent"! This is why the worldwide church has grown so fast and so big because we are a Body not a nation. We are NOT limited in anyway by borders or religion or anything else. We are an "organism" NOT an organization!!! We are a LIVE working member of the Lord Jesus's Body!
So, we share our faith, and faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Share your faith by using the word of God. Be sincere and genuine and use the word as much as possible. Your testimony draws people in, and the word tell them they too can be saved. They too can have eternal life. They too can know this Jesus who died for them. This Jesus Who loves them and forgives them.
Be a Preacher and proclaiming JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!  
9/26/2024
HAS GOD CAST AWAY HIS PEOPLE?
Israel has been and still are a disobedient people, but God has not and will not forget them.
Rom 10:18 "But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world. 19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. 20 But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. 21 But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people."
They have rejected Jesus as their Messiah. Just like many today in the Body of Christ they think they can gain righteousness by their works and all God wants for them is to come by faith.  
But God will give them another chance again as He always has. He will fulfill His part of the covenant He made with them, but they must still come by faith. Faith that Jesus is the Messiah! Faith that He is to be their King! To give Him that place of preeminence and those that do come by faith will be saved and a part of the earthly Kingdom.  
Rom 11:1 "I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. 4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal. 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace."
After the tribulation period, Israel will come to faith and will be a Kingdom again and Jesus will reign as their King and we that are saved today will come from heaven and there will be a New heaven and a New earth and we will join them and be one IN CHRIST!
9/27/2024
IF BY GRACE THEN IT IS NO MORE OF WORKS!
A lot of believers still want to "work" their way to salvation and live that way daily. In fact, many unbelievers say they can never be a Christian because they sin too much and don't want to give that up. You see their focus is on their "works", their sin instead of on Christ works and God's grace!
Rom 11:6 "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. 7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 8 (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. 9 And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. 11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?"
Israel did the same thing because their focus was on their works. They failed to believe that Jesus was their Messiah and therefore they have fallen away from the grace of God. They have missed the opportunity to have their kingdom and to be the priest to the world but God knowing this has taken that fall and made it into an even GREATER opportunity by offering salvation to the gentile world.
That offering to us today is called the gospel of grace! That's what "grace" means when it comes to the gospel today, the offering of salvation without Israel, law or works. The understanding of salvation by faith alone in the works of Christ alone. By His cross, blood and sacrifice we now can have eternal life! By His death, burial and resurrection we can be reconciled to God and have eternal life!
OH, MAY WE BE SO THANKFUL AND GIVE GOD THE GLORY TODAY!
9/30/2024
The misunderstanding of the grafted tree!
One of the most confusing and misinterpreted scriptures are found here in Romans 11. The normal teaching we hear is that the body of Christ is grafted into the olive tree. Now we must first always remember we don't change known doctrine for unknown doctrine. We know for sure that we are a new creature and different from Israel. We know that we are never called trees either, only Israel is called trees, so then who are these gentiles that will be grafted in.
Rom 11:13 "For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: 14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. 15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. 20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. 22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again. 24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
We have already established that chapters 9-11 are all about Israel's fall, restoration and God's mercy on the gentile world, and how God can show mercy to whom he wants and again I repeat the great verse to prove this is found in verse
32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
 
We must first identify the wild olive tree and that is the little flock. This is the poor, hurting and faithful little flock of Israel. Now we can see who these gentiles are. These gentiles are those of the tribulation when Israel is brought back in, restored and to set up the earthly Kingdom. (Rev 7)  
How do we know this because we are sealed (known doctrine) for eternity therefore we cannot be broken off but those who go through the tribulation period can. Sometimes the simplistic way is the best way.
If you get the big picture, then the details fall into place. And of course, all this shows God's great mercy and wisdom toward all mankind.
read on....
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. 28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. 30 For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: 31 Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen."
10/1/2024
Transformed!
God's good, acceptable and perfect will for all of us is to be transformed.  
Rom 12:1 " I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Our spirit has already been transformed that is if we are saved. From death to life, from dark to light, from being in Adam to being in Christ, so our spirit is transformed. But our soul and body have not been and so we must choose daily to walk after that which we have in the spirit, and that is Christ. Our soul is our mind, will and emotions and what can also be called our thinker, chooser and feeler. We have to THINK and CHOOSE to believe the truth of the word. To put on what is true about us now and to put on Christ. We have to choose to not walk in rejection and failure as well as shame and fear. To not live in sorrow or death or depression. To not live in anxiety, worry or doubt!  We have to put off our fleshly thoughts and put on the righteous and godly thoughts in Christ. This takes work to receive, rest and renew our minds in those truths. It takes time to grow in choosing but we all must start somewhere and continue daily. This our daily sanctification or you could say our daily transformation process.
 
As we do this, we will then present our bodies as LIVING sacrifices. Most sacrifices are dead, but we are alive, and we can choose to be a holy and acceptable sacrifice unto God! This sacrifice is our TRUE worship. Yes, we can go to church and sing worship songs and call that worship, but our true worship is in how we live. Our daily living and thoughts are how we really show WHO we worship!
10/2/2024
Members In One Body!
After Rom.12:2 and understanding who we are by renewing our minds we then know our Worth! Then we move into our Walk and Work. Our Walk is our mindset and attitude, and our work is our ministry to one another. We are members of One Body, and that body is Christ. This takes a humble attitude and a servant's heart.
Rom 12:3 "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."
These particular gifts are ministry gifts and should not be taken to be above another or separate in any way. All may have these in some way. Certain people may teach better than others, but that doesn't mean that the one ministry is above the other. Just because a pastor has 10,000 people doesn't make his ministry better or worse than the pastor that has 10 people. To add all of these gifts can be in everyone today to a certain extent.  
6 "Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness."
The key to all work and ministry is LOVE! Love for Christ first and then Love for others. Desiring that ALL may come to Christ! Desiring All to be saved and have eternal life through Christ! That all may experience His peace, grace, mercy and love! That we may edify the body and grow to maturity.
9 "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. " 
Honor all and be at peace with one another if possible. Now it is not always possible but attempting and desiring is good. Pray and be patient and bless others when you can and always remember WHO you are serving and that is Jesus Christ our Lord!
10/3/2024
LIVE PEACEABLY WITH ALL MEN!
Now living peaceably with all men is not easy but we are told to do so.
Rom 12:17 "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
We are to try to live a life of peace but that does not mean that we are to be men-pleasers or soft when it comes to ungodliness. Jesus as well as Paul rebuked a lot, yet they were men of peace. The peace we should want comes from being one with Christ as well as one with fellow saints. It is impossible to be one with an unsaved person yet if possible, we should still stive to live in peace and minister to them when we can.
Vengeance is an act of "playing" God and is hard not to do toward others. We should also remember vengeance doesn't have to look like the Hatfield's and McCoys as they tried to kill one another. It can be as simple as withholding love from someone because of an act they did toward you or doing something on purpose that you know will hurt them because they hurt you.
Let's leave vengeance up to God and as much as possible give ourselves to others.
10/4/2024
AUTHORITY!
One thing I see missing through our country is the lack of respect for authority. We no longer respect and honor authority, and it's not just kids either but rather adults also.
Rom 13:1 " Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."
We should respect positions even if they are bad authorities. Even if they don't lead and don't know Christ. For example, a wife can respect and love her husband even if he is not a believer and not a good husband. If he asks her to do something illegal or something she feels uncomfortable with she can say "I can't do that, but may I get you something to eat or drink". You see she showed love and respect and still was able to stand up for what she believes in. Now I know that won't work with all men, because many are just mean, but they too can be brought under authority if they abuse and always remember that ALL of us are under some authority in this world.
We should respect the office of the President no matter who is in charge even if we disagree with them. Let us stop making fun of and calling names and acting like the world and start behaving as saints and light and children of God in this fallen world. The more Christians respect and honor authority the more we can teach others and especially our children. Remember more is caught than taught sometimes.
Remember to pray for those in charge and that starts at home. Husbands, dads, wives and mothers are all authority figures in the home. Pastors, teachers and policeman as well as mayors, governors and senators are all people who need our prayers and support. Pray for them now more than ever and let us get back to being Godly by respecting our authority. If we can't respect WHO we can see how we can ever respect WHO we CAN'T see, namely Jesus Christ our Lord!!!
10/7/2024
THE LAW OF LOVE!
Owe no man anything is something that is a real struggle for most today. When we buy a house or car, we go into debt most of the time but let me say that it can be done after a while to purchase those things free and clear. We should not use credit cards any more than we have to either, but the most important thing we can get from these verses is the Law of Love!
Rom 13:8 "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof."
The only law that we are under today is Love. IF you love others in a Godly way, you will do the moral law! The moral laws like do not commit adultery, kill or steal or covet which is found in all sin, are good laws of course but by loving others and thinking of them you won't do that anyway. Loving others and doing what is best for them fulfills all the law that is necessary. We don't "follow" law meaning to pursue after it but rather we "pursue" Christ and love others therefore we "do follow" the moral law! We are not called to be under the Levitical law and ordinances, but we are called to love!
We should be light in a dark world which is showing love. We should walk honestly and not get drunk and lusting for others. We should Put On our Lord Jesus Christ, because like it says in 1 John 4:8 "God is Love"!
10/8/2024
Judge not another!
I know this is a long read but it all goes together. Notice the wording that we who are strong in faith should receive the weak brother. In other words those that are strong in faith should accept that there are weak brother and sisters in the body. The weak are those who will only eat certain foods and want to see, touch and handle certain things. The weak will walk by law instead of by faith and seek signs and wonders. While accepting the weak it does not mean that the weak are to push their agenda on the strong. It does not mean we are to follow them in their weak state of mind, but we can accept them. But when they who are weak try to make the strong do as they we then can say NO and help them see that they are weak in faith! NOTICE THE LAST VERSE! "for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."this can sum up the thinking of weak brothers as we do not seek signs or gifts or food or things we can touch or taste but rather we seek the heavenly things in Christ!
Rom 14:1 "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
10/9/2024
ONE MIND AND ONE MOUTH!
While the church is one in Christ we are not one in doctrine or even heart. We seem to serve self-more than others. We also are so confused on doctrinal issues because we refuse to give up the laws and ordinances. It is the self centeredness that drives us to touch, taste and handle something so that we can say I am saved, and so others will say we are saved therefore feeding their belly as Paul says.
Rom 15:1 "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God."
The strong walk by faith and should receive or accept the weak. Remember the weak are not just those who may seem down and depressed and can't see the hope in Christ but also those who walk by law and want to see signs and touch, taste and handle things.
We that are strong are to be patient but never stop trying to teach and build up the weak nor are we to behave like the weak just to gain some. We can try not to offend, and this is why discernment is most important. I happened to believe discernment is missing and very weak in the body of Christ.
A strong believer is not one who necessarily goes to church regularly or teaches or gives financially to the church but is one who is strong in FAITH is focused on Christ and the Body of Christ. He is exhorting and building up the body and not focused on "doing" but "being" IN CHRIST!
10/10/2024
GENTILES!
Jesus was a minister to the circumcision meaning His earthly ministry was to Israel. Israel rejected the earthly and risen Messiah and therefore God continued His plan to save the gentile world. They were not punished for Israels failure to receive Jesus.
Rom 15:8 "Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. 12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."
Gentiles are now saved by faith alone in the death and resurrection of Christ. They no longer need to go through Israel. The church today is a gentile church that allows Jews to come by the same way by faith alone in the cross alone.
14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Verse 14 tells us that the Body is more than capable of ministering to the body. It hurts and is sad me when I hear pastors turning people over to the world's counselors and phycologist. They are saying I don't have time or not prepared to help but what really comes across is that the world and its philosophy is greater than God's. We are more than capable of reaching others and helping them. To add what good does it do to send an unsaved person to the world and get help if they are still unsaved. A person healed of whatever issue is still dying and going to hell!
15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, 16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:"
Paul than says that he is the minister to the gentiles. That we would also glorify God through faith in the doctrine given to us. That God would accept the gentile based in faith and grace alone. Paul has preached the gospel and continued to share with those who do not know this grace and tell them about the cross and the love of Christ.
As we enter the mission field daily let us also do the same and tell as many as we can about our Lord Jesus Christ!
10/11/2024
SHARE THE WORD!
Paul was sharing the Word with as many people as he could. He was prepared to share and so should we.  
Rom 15:21 "But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. 22 For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; 24 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company."
While teaching and building up the church Body is important, we never want to stop sharing the word with others who may not know the Lord. Be ready and aware of where you are and who you can talk to. Be an evangelist in whatever way you can. Speaking and sharing in a normal conversation is the best way but even leaving tracts or asking people to come to church is better than nothing. Also be ready and discern people at the store, restaurant or workplace as you might have an opportunity to minister to them.
 
25 "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. 26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. 27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. 28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain."
Paul encourages the gentile church to minister and send funds as well as anything else to help the poor Jerusalem saints who were being forgotten and torched for their faith. He tells the gentiles if you have gained Christ and spiritual life and things through the Jews then give back with financial help. This is a good rule of thumb that if someone ministers to you spiritually than, if possible, give back financially or in some way.
 
29 "And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 30 Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; 31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; 32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed."
Paul is confident that the church is working together and ask that they pray for him and that he would be safe as well as received by the Jerusalem saints and that all would go well. We too should not be afraid to ask for prayer. Many ask for prayer and never pray for others but some never ask for prayer and always want to pray for others BOTH are important!
 
33 "Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen."
10/14/2024
MINISTRY!
The tendency for most of us is to not read the last chapter or so because it is just honoring fellow workers but often the information is very valuable in many ways. Here we see Paul greeting some but notice that some risked their own lives as well as had their own church in their house. House churches were common then and, in my opinion, better for ministry even today. There are millions of house churches in the world today and actually teach and train others how to minister even faster than most large churches.  
Rom 16:1 "I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. 7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. 9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. 11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. 12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. 13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. 15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. 16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you."
Most large and U.S. churches are only interested in teaching the word but it always from a distance we might say, but house churches and especially Asian house churches meet to learn how to "MINISTER" to others. There is a difference and while both are focused on Christ and His Word, one is focused on serving others while the other is focused on being served!
17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. 23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
Paul says to "MARK" them meaning to notice and remember and to be cautious of. These are folks that teach law and are controlling and do not understand the doctrine for today. They want to put you back under law and works. They serve themselves as Paul said want us to follow them instead of the word of God for today. We are to separate from them and not fellowship with them. Be aware of these types for they will poison you if given a chance.
Grow in Grace and learn to minister to others by reading the word and being around like-minded saints. Remember small and intimate can be better!
10/17/2024
UNITY!
   As we start a new book, we come to 1Corinthians. The Corinthian church was by far the most carnal of all the churches. They had so many problems and idols and things that should not even be spoken of. There were a lot of divisions and so Paul helps bring clarity and knowledge to these different divisions and so the theme of 1Corortnians is UNITY!
1 Cor 1:10 "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
   All through and in every chapter, there is something that needs attention and to bring into unity. We find that Paul in some cases goes completely against Jewish beliefs and law. The total opposite in some cases and thus for today brings clarity to the new doctrine given to him by our Lord Jesus.  
   Nothing has changed it seems. Unity is still key especially since we see such disunity among the churches today. We may be one in Christ but not in our daily walk which either brings bondage or freedom and it all starts with doctrine! I will show as we go along how the doctrine brings freedom and unity to our daily walk.
   Paul gives his normal greeting and then speaks of God who is Faithful and the Fellowship of being in His Son Jesus!
1Co 1:1 "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: 8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
10/18/2024
THE CROSS, THE POWER OF GOD!
1Co 1:11 "For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God."
The book of 1 Corinthians is about unity and unity comes from knowing right doctrine.  To many pastors and churches brag about water baptisms but that is another ordinance held over from Israel's cleansing program and no longer pertains to us. The reason is that when you boast in water baptisms you take away from the real power of God and that is the cross of Christ! Paul says that Christ sent him NOT to baptize but to preach the cross!
Now there is only ONE baptism today,
Eph 4:5 "One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"
and it is Spiritual!
1Co 12:13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."
You see how unity is now brought about in this area. Salvation is by faith and the Spirit baptizes us INTO CHRIST! No need for external, temporary or natural means of cleansing but this is a INTERNAL, PERMANANT AND SPIRITUAL CLEANSING!
Don't fall into the traditional, "doing" and "performing" things that most teach today for they just want to
Gal 6:13 "For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh."
10/21/2024 
GOD'S GREAT DESIRE!
God's great desire was that the world would worship Him. That they would be saved through Christ, and the agent to which He would use was Israel. When Israel failed to be the priest to the world and rejected Christ, God then turned to the world. The gentiles are now saved through Jesus and now we are the agent for God to he lost world.  
1Co 1:24 "But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."
God's wisdom and understanding is so great and so far above our understanding. It is through Christ that He would accomplish His goals, and it is through Christ that we are saved. We are IN CHRIST and He has redeemed us and is the very righteousness of God! He has set us apart in Him and given us life everlasting so let us give Him the Glory for
JESUS IS LORD!
10/22/2024
HAD THEY KNOWN!
1Co 2:1 "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."
  Paul was not necessarily a good speaker but what he did have was a tremendous zeal! His understanding and zeal for the Word of God and the dispensation of grace was great! He spoke of the mystery message from Christ and how it saves and gives life. He says that this wisdom of God when it comes to the cross of Christ is the power of God. He then says if the princess of this world knew: HAD THEY KNOWN which means they didn't know because 1. it was hidden in Christ before the world began and 2. because they thought and were looking to kill this Messiah and it would be over with, BUT they were wrong!
Now the chief prince over all these is Satan, we read in Eph 2:2 "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"
  Now Jesus was crucified and died but ROSE again to DEFEAT death and to bring us LIFE! "Had they known", well they didn't know did they, but we do know, and we have received life, and we continue to Give God the Glory through Jesus Christ our Lord!
10/23/2024
SPIRITUAL THINGS!
1Co 2:9 "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? 4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?"

All true saved believers have the Spirit of God within. We can understand God's Word and Heart by the Spirit of God that lives within us. Our mind has been changed and our deepest desires are moved so that we can discern His will. We now have the mind of Christ meaning that we have spiritual motivation, sensitivity and understanding. We now can relate to God as John 4:24 says that God is Spirit and those who worship to Him must worship in Spirit.
There are 3 kinds of people in this world. The natural which means unsaved and not regenerated. The Spiritual which means saved and regenerated and a new creature in Christ and the carnal Christian which means one who is saved but acting and behaving as one who is not! This person is regenerated but living according to the flesh. Unfortunately, this is how many saved believers are today! We need to teach, correct and discipline these among the Body of Christ.
Let us be strong, bold and gentle while encouraging those natural ones to come to Christ and for those who are carnal to repent as well as encourage the Spiritual to keep on being faithful!
10/24/2024
BUT GOD GIVETH THE INCREASE!
1Co 3:5 "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
No matter who shares the word it is always God who has given the increase. We cannot and should not be so proud to think that it is something we have accomplished. Yes, we are to water and plant seeds, but it is between God and that person to receive. We are just a tool for God to do His work. Yet we do need to do our part and that is to minister to the lost and teach the word and edify others in some way.
We are God's field to do as he wishes. To plow and plant how He sees fit and to build upon His building, brick by brick. Let us always give God the glory and allow Him to do His work!
10/25/2024
YOU ARE CHRIST'S!
1Co 3:10 "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."
   Each of us has a ministry and we should like our ministry to be made of gold, silver or precious stones meaning "good" works but we may also have wood, hay and stubble which are not so "good" and these will burn away, but we will be saved and need not worry about! We should remember to not perform or do things that are not from faith but just trying to get more rewards for these will burn up. It is not about doing more to be saved or get rewards but allowing Christ to work through us.
We are the temple of God because God lives within us. God lives in each true saint in Christ therefore let us protect this temple. Let us nourish and build this temple with the Word of God and protect this temple from outside sinful influence.
Never forget that you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God!
10/28/2024
PUFFED UP!
The Corinthian church was puffed up trying to "love" everyone without discipline. They thought they were so good, but they had no discipline. God is righteous and God is love but without righteousness there is no love!
The church today can learn from the Corinthians and that is to not get to PUFFED UP, which means prideful and arrogant. Thinking that we can save someone or just "love" them back. We need to be gentle yes but discipline too. Those of us that have children or grandchildren know that they will misbehave and out of love we discipline them. Sometimes it may be a warning or correction and sometimes it maybe a gentle tap on the rear end, but discipline is needed so that we learn right from wrong or even better to repent and follow authority.
Paul says at the end of these verses  
21 "What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?"
The writer of Hebrews says this
Heb 12:11 "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."
Let us be discipline in our walk and let us always be righteous in our Love!
 
1Co 4:1 "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. 6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. 7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? 8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. 9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. 11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; 12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: 13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. 14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?"
10/29/2024
Should Christians Judge?
I always hear things like "we are not to judge" but that is so wrong. YES, we are to judge, JUDGE RIGHTEOUSLY, as Christ said to do also. If you don't judge or make discernment, how could you tell the difference in sin, right from wrong, dark and light! We judge constantly but we are not to judge unrighteously on things that do not matter. Judging with the right judgement of God and with the right attitude is important and this sometimes takes time to mature in. Immature and insecure folks will judge out of anger or hate, and this is wrong too.
In 1Corinthians 5 we see that Paul even judged before he was there. He had been informed about the situation and had judged. He told the church that they too were wrong for not judging and protecting the church body. They should have disciplined this man for having an affair with his stepmother. He told them to turn this man over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh that his spirit maybe saved. This is how we should think also. What is needed to save the spirit of the person and protect the church the body of Christ. Just like cancer in our human bodies we need to cut out in order to save and to keep from spreading.
We are to judge and make righteous decisions based on the word. We are to judge those in the church in love not out of anger. If you struggle with right discernment and judging, then maybe you are people pleasing and seeking acceptance rather than knowing who you are and then helping others. The problem with most churches is that they want to grow a church instead of doing God's will!
1Co 5: "It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."
10/30/2024
LAWSUITS!
1Co 6:1 "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? 2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. 5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers. 7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren."
Sadly, the Corinthians not only did not judge the man that was having an affair with his stepmother correctly but then they turned around and begin to have lawsuits against one another. They could not discern how to handle such matters. They did not judge rightfully and began to go to the worldly system instead of working it out in the church. Paul says
2 "...are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?"
This is not uncommon today! Believers can't discern and go from way left to way right. They either are overly liberal in thinking or overly strict in thinking. This is why I say discipleship is so needed. Training others to live and to make right decisions based on the Word and to not walk after the flesh. Jesus taught 3 years and still Peter and the 11 ran when being confronted but after Jesus left and the Spirit came, they had finally understood and matured to the point of death. They weren't scared to die anymore because they had seen Jesus raised from the dead! They knew now they could be strong and bold and would live again forever in Christ.
You see often we look at death as the negative but when we are bold, faithful and stand strong in Christ we are not fearful, and death may come but Victory is at hand! Stand Strong today and make right decisions and if need get someone to disciple you. The influence of someone in your life can make a big difference.
10/30/2024
BUT YE ARE WASHED!
1Co 6:9 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God."
We have been washed meaning cleansed and alive in our Spirit. Not an outward cleansing but an inward, permanent, and spiritual cleansing. This is why there is no need for a natural, temporary, and fleshly water baptism. The believer is sanctified meaning made righteous, Holy and consecrated in spirit by the Holy Spirit. Our Spirit is set apart from our soul, body and fleshly tendencies and our Lord lives within us. YOU WILL inherit the Kingdom of God.
   Now Paul says ALL things are lawful meaning we can do anything we want and be saved YET if it is sin what does that profit. Who does that help? NO ONE including the name of Jesus. Non-believers will look and say what's the difference, we act the same. So, while we can do what we want we should want to walk after the Spirit and walk in wisdom and worthy of our Lord and show the world what true Godly and righteous behavior looks like.
   Now fornication is mentioned a lot in the bible and sadly is so prevalent in our society today. The church needs to teach boldly and stand against such behavior. Our bodies are Temples and contain the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Would they join to a harlot NO WAY!!! We were bought and paid for and are members of Christ Body therefore we should flee, run and yield yourself to Christ.
Let us GLORIFY GOD in BODY and SPIRIT!
1Co 6:12  "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. 14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. 16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
11/1/2024
MARRIAGE AND DEFRAUD NOT!
Defraud means to either "withhold" or to take "advantage of"!
1Co 7:1 "Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. 6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. 7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that."
    In this case it is in marriage and the married couple are not to "withhold" sexually from one another. There is an old funny saying which is not so funny, that when a wife gets mad at her husband that she withholds herself sexually from him, sadly that is also called vengeance, OOPS! Yes, when either person withholds from the other because of hurt, control or anger that is called vengeance and it defrauds the other. It is withholding love from the other and can lead to affairs if not nipped in the bud. So, Let's call it what it is SIN!
   Now the other defrauding is outside of marriage in which I dare to say most couples do before marriage. That is to have sexual relations before and outside of marriage. Any affair outside of marriage and by the way that means one wife and one husband is called defrauding, fornication and is called SIN! That is to "take advantage" or "cheat and steal' from the other. It is to take something that does not belong to them. It is to take their innocence or possess their bodies which belongs first to God regardless if they are saved or not and it belongs to their parents and lastly themselves. All fornication is against our own bodies.
1Th 4:1 "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified." 
   If you are married be willing to share your body with your spouse and if you are not married give yourself to the Lord and not give away what is so precious to Him and that is, Your body!!!
11/4/2024
DIVORCE!
Now before I start, I realize that in the church this is an issue that is constantly looked at harshly. So harshly that many couples who do not live together or perhaps live with others and not their spouse because "the church" condemns it! They have been so scared that they won't go to heaven if they divorce that they stay married but live totally separate lives, what a sad situation that is! Sin more but not dare divorce!
Now it needs to be said that God divorced Israel, as we read in
Jer 3:8 "And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also."
While this was not God's desire but Israels choice. This same goes for couples today. While divorce is not the best it does happened. Divorce is the result of 2 people not submitting to God or loving each other. I'm not talking about an emotional or easy feeling type of love but a love that puts the other person's and God's interest first. One or both are self-centered, but God allows that today, under grace and to the gentile church. If one wants to leave, then simply let that one leave because God has called us to peace.
1Co 7:15 "But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace."
Now I know many will disagree with me but just like any other sin and by the way please remember a divorce is not
"THE SIN" but the selfish day to day living is the real sin! And just to be clear this is by no means a green light to divorce but let's not make divorce so harsh that we force others to live a lifestyle of shame, guilt and fear.
We are called to peace and at times it may end in divorce. I encourage people to first get help from a biblical Christian counselor or pastor and seek reconciliation first.
1Co 7:8 "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. 9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn. 10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. 12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? 17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. 18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God."
11/5/2024
SERVE THE LORD!
In 1 Corinthians 7 we find that Paul is talking about marriage, and then he talks about virgins which he is referring back into the law. Exodus 22 and Deut. 22 both talk of virgins and the fathers' responsibilities as well as a man who takes her for his own and the consequences that follow that.
But Paul encourages all of us to serve the Lord regardless if married or not. To serve the Lord whole heartedly in whatever place we are in. He also says if one is not married then they can serve the Lord even more rather than being concerned with pleasing one's spouse, but either way we should serve the Lord.
Make up your mind today to serve the Lord in your marriage or if you are single and do it with all your heart.
1Co 7:25 " Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful. 26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. 27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. 28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. 29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; 31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. 32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: 33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. 34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. 36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry. 37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well. 38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better. 39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord. 40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God."
11/7/2024
IDOLS?
1 Corinthians is about unity and Paul now goes into the area of idols. He tells them that we all have knowledge, but that knowledge alone puffs up or makes one prideful.
1Co 8:1 "Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth."
I have seen it over and over again were some guy who admits to not being a believer but read some book or even the bible and wants to tell me everything that is wrong about Christianity and knows more than I do. PUFFED UP! and then there are those who are saved that know everything and now have to tell everyone the answers to EVERYTHING and no matter what we say we are wrong! PUFFED UP! They really know nothing because there is much more to the walk than knowledge of the word.
2 "And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know."
I often ask folks what the first commandment in the 10 commandments and most do not know and the ones that guess say "love the Lord with all your heart...." BUT that is NOT the first commandment the first is that we shall have no other idols! We are to have no other idols yet all of us do in some way. We love our money, toys, T.V., job, power, people or even our spouse and family above God at times. Be honest with yourself and check your heart. We often people please and make people BIG and God small!
Then Paul tells us to not eat food offered to idols and we don't have that problem to much here in the U.S but there probably is in other places. And we should be careful with whom we eat with and what may offend them also. This what a believer should do in all areas of life.
"3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him. 4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)"
There is ONLY ONE GOD THE FATHER AND ONE LORD JESUS CHRIST! Worship them and give them the glory!
6 "But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 7 Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. 8 But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse. 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; 11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. 13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."
11/8/2024
NOT USING OUR RIGHTS!
In chapter 9 Paul defends his authority and ministry and teaches that while he had rights, he didn't abuse them. We too have rights but do not need to exercise them.
   Jesus showed us this very thing when he went to the cross. Here He is the Son of God and allowed the Romans and Jews to beat, spit and crucify Him. He didn't have to go through that, but He did.
    Paul says do I not have the right to be married and work or at least get paid for preaching and the answer is YES! All who teach can say the same thing and while it would be great if the body would give, we who teach CANNOT demand it!
Paul did what was necessary to reach the lost for Christ and we should too! Now we don't have to be under law to honor those that walk under law, but we can be sympathetic and respectful while we teach them grace. While we help them be released from the bondages of law and tradition. We should desire to minister not ridicule or hate. Let us be as Paul and seek to gain for Christ!
1Co 9:1 "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? 2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. 3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, 4 Have we not power to eat and to drink? 5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 16 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! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."
11-13-2024
HAIR!!!
Paul begins by saying follow me as he followed Christ! You cannot follow Christ if you don't follow Pauline doctrine which actually is the doctrine Jesus gave him. Then leadership is spelled out for us. God, Jesus, man, women in that order. Now that does not mean women are not valued but actually the opposite, they are very valued and precious. Paul goes into head coverings and if you know Jewish and Arab customs then you know that it is a big deal for a woman to have her head covered. But notice again how Paul switches everything from the Jew to the gentile or the Law to grace. A women's hair is her covering, and man does not need to wear a little hat either. You see again unity and Simplicity under grace and not under law.
1Co 11:1 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. 5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. 13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God."
11/14/2024
UNITY IN CHRIST CHURCH!
  This part of chapter 11 is similar to 10, but Paul is speaking here about unity in Christ and how that works out to unity of the church called the Body of Christ! You see there were divisions as it says in
1Co 11:18 "For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it."
  He does not instruct them to "do" the meal he is instructing them to be united. He is telling them to think of the other person and to not come to church and take from others, or pig out and get drunk! He is telling them that they are One Bread meaning One body and that they should give up their rights for the other.
  A good question to ask ourselves is how can a person eat bread "unworthily" or drink "unworthily"? There is nothing in the bread itself that can defile it, but it is in our everyday actions toward one another that is the problem. We are not defiling bread but the Body it represents and that is Christ and His church!
  Don't get caught up in the natural things which are only a shadow as it says in Colossians 2 but be caught up and focused on Jesus and serving one another!
1Co 11:17  "Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. 19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come."
11/15/2024
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT!
  I have seen churches give a "gifting" test to see what gift you have. You fill out this paper and pick what you like to do and then you know your gifting. One of those gifts is martyrdom which means you only get to practice that gift once! OOPS!
  While many will say that there are no more gifts today others will say that they are All working today. Now I believe that the supernatural gifts are not working meaning the sign gifts for example speaking in tongues for instance which were for signs but there must be something to some of these gifts otherwise everyone would be a teacher wouldn't they. Not everyone teaches but everyone can minister to others in some way and THAT is what is important.
  No, don't get caught up in these gifting things as they only limit and also build pride! "I speak in tongues, or I am a healer"! I see many who like to demand healing in the name of Christ like they watched some show or preacher on T.V. do it, then when no healing occurs, they say nothing and walk in shame or blame the person for not having enough faith.
  No, let's just walk by the spirit and allow whatever ministry we can flow through us and not try to manufacture something to impress. The one thing that is vitally important in this chapter is the fact they we are baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ. We are all members of Christ and as members we are able to minister to one another. We are a living organism that is throughout this world. We are not a religious organization or building! BUT we are the living working body of our Lord Jesus Christ!
  1Co 12:1 "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 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. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way."
11/18/2024
LOVE!
  The bible is God's Love letter to us all and 1Cor. 13 is called the love chapter. Now what Paul is trying to get across is the fact that while everything is important love is more important. We also must ALWAYS remember that love is not a feeling so much as a person and that is God! God is Love, 1 John 4:8 says. God is always righteous and so love is always righteous. LOVE CAN NOT BE PERVERTED!!! Many want to claim love, but it is a perverted. A love that is not "right" before God is not love but lust. For instance, In marriage Love is between a man and women only, and that is ONE man and ONE woman!
  Now Paul describes love, and I like to add a little twist to it. If God is love, then that means everything describes God the Father and so it would look like this My Father suffereth long and is kind! My Father envieth not and vaunteth not and is not puffed up! My Father does not behave unseemly or seeketh His own. My Father is not easily provoked or thinketh evil......
you see MY FATHER IS LOVE!!!
  And lastly in verse 10 we see that when that which is perfect comes meaning the word of God is complete and it is now complete then these sign gifts will also stop. Why you say? because the Word of God is perfect!
  Receive Gods love for it is a security blanket for your mental and emotional needs then give LOVE away by sharing the word and gospel of Jesus Christ!
  1Co 13:1 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 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. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
11/19/2024
PROPHESY VS TONGUES!
   I know this is a long chapter but the whole chapter is on the same topic. The topic is prophesy which means teaching or speaking in tongues. In short tongues are not for today as I said in the last chapter that they were a sign to minister to others but today we have the word of God. To add as Paul says tongue speaking edifies the person only but we are told to edify the body of Christ. Also, Tongues were for unbelievers not believers. Prophesy meaning teaching builds up the body.
Paul says he would rather speak 5 words that are understandable then 10,000 words that are not understandable!
When you see people who say they speak in tongues or do speak in tongues just remember they are weak in faith and trying to show that they have some supernatural gift or faith, but it is only a sign of insecurity and weakness.
   1Co 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? 9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
11/21/2024
THE GOSPLE THAT SAVES!
Chapter 15 is so powerful, and it begins with the gospel that saves! The gospel for today is Christ death, burial and resurrection! Paul delivered, they received and were saved. We too should preach this gospel only. It is a faith gospel and always under grace! Trusting in the works of Christ and not on our abilities. Trusting and believing is the way to eternal life in Christ!
1Co 15:1 "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Then Paul begins explaining that there are witness to this resurrection. Jesus was seen by over five hundred at one time. He was seen by the Apostles which he says he was not worthy because he persecuted the early church, but God used him mightily. We all can learn from this we may have a checkered past or things we are ashamed of but that does not mean God can't use us. Be willing and ready to serve others with the gospel of grace the gospel that saves!  
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed."
11/22/2024
RESURRECTION!
Jesus did die and Jesus did resurrect, and Jesus is Alive! Without Jesus resurrection our faith is void! If He did not rise and if He is still dead, then we have No Hope!
BUT HE DID and therefore we have Hope, and we do know where we will be, and we do know that we will be with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ forever!!!  
  1Co 15:12 "Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
We will all die at some point for we were born in Adam but those that know Jesus and have put their faith in Him and His works have eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord!!
11/25/2024
NO NEED TO FEAR DEATH!
There is no need for believers to fear death for we are eternally in Christ! We have eternal life and an eternal Spirit within us. Our spirit is ALIVE and living in Christ! Our Spirit has the Holy Spirit within us and so we never need to fear death! In fact, I tell you to grasp it and look forward to it. Only when you think you will lose something do you begin to fear. You will NEVER EVER lose Christ!!!!
1Co 15:23 "But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? 30 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? 31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. 33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. 34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
11/26/2024
COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS!
Paul closes 1 Corinthians with the appeal for a collection for the saints. The collection was to help the Jerusalem church that were struggling after being saved and claiming Jesus as their Messiah. The Jews in Israel treated them poorly and they needed help just to survive.
We too should help others, when possible, with material things and biblical grace teaching. There are 4 areas we should give financially and that is the poor, widows, orphans and ministry. Three of those areas are to those that may lack everyday material things, and the 4th is to further advance the gospel and bible teaching.
Paul encourages us all to be aware and watch and stand strong, alive and faithful as we minister to the saints!
1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. 4 And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. 5 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. 6 And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. 7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. 8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. 10 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren. 12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time. 13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 14 Let all your things be done with charity. 15 I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) 16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. 17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. 19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. 21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. 22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
11/27/2024
CHRIST COMFORTS!
  As we start this new book, I always want to start with the theme. The theme of 2 Corinthians is the comfort of Christ! Just read the first 10 verses and count how many times the word comfort or consolation which means to consol and be comforted are in these verses.
  It is by faith in Christ death and resurrection that we receive this great comfort for we no longer need to fear death. We no longer need to work for acceptance or to be cleansed from our sin. We no longer need to worry about being punished or rejected for we are already received and approved through Christ.
  Learn to slow down your mind and rest and be comforted in the love of Christ.  
2Co 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: 2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. 8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;"
11/28/2024
HELPERS OF YOUR JOY!
Because we are filled with the Spirit and the Lord Jesus lives within us, we have a Joy! An eternal Joy that never leaves us nor forsake us! This joy comes from having LIFE within us and know that we are saved, sealed and secure for eternity by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we can help others have that same joy within and become "Helpers of that joy"! We can teach and encourage others. We can help in material ways as well as prayer and comforting others.
Be a HELPER OF JOY IN THE LORD TODAY!
2Co 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; 14 As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. 15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; 16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. 17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? 18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. 24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
12/2/2024
FORGIVE!
Paul brings up the one who was having the affair with his stepmother in 1 Corinthians 5. He tells them to forgive because he has evidently repented and had a change of heart and was willing to listen and learn. Paul says it is enough and that he doesn't need to be punished more than necessary.
We often do this in life don't we. We want to punish someone for their sin and offences when we should 1. forgive,
2.reconcile and 3. restore. Now of course it depends on the persons attitude and desire to receive but once they do, we should accept. We have to be discerning of course, and that will take time to earn our trust back but the thing to look at is their willingness and humbleness.
One of Satan's greatest victories is when he can keep believers from forgiving others and driving a wall between them. So always forgive and if need separate but willing and ready to reconcile if they repent and are humble!
2Co 2:1 "But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. 2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? 3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. 5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. 9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. 10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices."
12/4/2024
SAVOUR OF LIFE!
Paul says that the believer is a sweet savour of Christ! Now savour means an odor, incense and fragrance that God can smell just as He did in the Old Testament with the burnt sacrifices. The smell is a fragrance of Life, Love and faith in Christ to Him. The smell of victory and satisfaction. A smell well pleasing to God,
BUT to those who don't know Christ we are a savour and fragrance of death! They will never know eternal life and therefore only experience the smell of eternal death. That smell is horrible and disgusting and that is what hell will smell like.
Give God the Glory and be thankful that God is pleased with you!
2Co 2:12 "Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. 14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ."
12/5/2024
SPIRITUALLY LED!
We are led and one in Spirit! That Spirit is one in Christ! By being one body and one spirit and not driven by law written on stone but rather of the heart! We should love and care for one another as we would for Christ. We are sufficient in Christ and not of our own works. We are sufficient to do "good" works which he has given us to do. The Spirit in us is the glory of the Lord and is much more glorious than the law which also was glorious! Remember WHO lives within you and give God the glory.  
2Co 3:1 "Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? 2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious."
12/6/2024
FREE!
2Co 3:12 "Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away."
To this day Israel still has that vail over their face! Someday it will be taken away but at such a great price!
I am sure you have family and friends that still have that vail over their eyes. That they can't receive the word of grace and continue to live in law, religion and traditions. So sad that freedom is that their doorstep and they won't receive it!
 
"17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
 
OH, how WONDERFUL to know that the Lord is that Spirit and that there is Freedom within! That the Living, Breathing and Glorious Lord Jesus is within us! Allowing us to live free from the bondage of sin! Free from the fear of failure, rejection and punishment of man! FREE, FREE, FREE!!!!!
12/9/2024
PREACH CHRIST JESUS THE LORD!!
2Co 4:1 "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake."
JESUS IS LORD and we want to preach Him not ourselves, yet we want to be servants to all. As much as your capable of doing serve others and in that serving preach Christ! We can all say to the waiter or checker at the store, "do you know Jesus"? Or we can simply say we are praying for them which brings a connection and also taking it to our Lord Jesus! We all have a ministry and that is to be an Ambassador for Christ!
12/10/2024
Light within is Eternal!
Paul uses the word light to show the power and Spirit within us. Light represents the glory of the Lord, and it is in us for Eternity!
2Co 4:6 "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13 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; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Keep your eyes on Christ which we cannot see but is eternal! Keep your mind on Jesus and not on the things of this earth for they are only temporal. The very Glory and Light of our Dear Lord Jesus lives within you dear Saint in Christ!
Oh, How He Loves You!!!
12/12/2024
This earthly house!
Paul calls our bodies an earthly house, but we are Spiritual beings. Gilliam used to say we our spiritual beings in earth suits.
2Co 5:1 "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 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. 5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"
This is how we should think and operate on a daily basis. We know that this earth suit will someday die but our spirit lives on and so we keep walking! We walk by faith in that we know we are spiritual beings eternally with our Lord and do not need to fear death. Yes, this earth suits gets dirty and yes it gets torn and worn but we are more than this suit we are and have an eternal house with our Lord Jesus!
12/13/2024
CHRIST DIED FOR ALL!!!
When we die, we will be present with the Lord! We will be alive for eternity in heaven with Jesus!
2Co 5:8 "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."
Yes, we will all appear before Him and yes, we will all be judged Yet we who are saved will be with Him forever!
Now there is always this debate in Christendom about if Jesus died for all. Calvinists say no He only died for the elect yet what does it say AGAIN here.
11 "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."
Paul even says if "that if one died for all, then were all dead:"  We are ALL born dead in spirit and sin so IF ALL are dead than He died for ALL before they were even born!!!! THINK ABOUT THAT!!!! Jesus died for you and rose to give you eternal Life through Him, so let's give God the Glory, AMEN!!
12/16/2024
A New Creature!
As believers in Christ death, burial and resurrection we are made New! We are a New creature alive in Christ! Therefore, we no longer need to walk in shame of our past.
2Co 5:16 "Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
We are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. While we may be rejected by the world our Great God and Lord has received us and accepted us, so we no longer need to fear man's condemnation.
18 "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 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."
We are then called Ambassadors for Christ. He has saved us, reconciled us and made us New so that we can now do the work that we are called to do. We represent Christ and should always keep that in mind in our daily walk.  
20 "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. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
Stop walking in shame and fear and start walking as that New creature in Christ and that Ambassador to this lost world!
12/18/2024
BEHOLD NOW!
Paul says Behold NOW is the accepted time and NOW is the day of salvation!!! While it may seem that life goes by slowly and that we have tomorrow we really are not guaranteed that at all!
2Co 6:1 " We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. 11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. 12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels."
Paul and others went to great lengths to give this ministry of hope to the world and so should we. Pray for the lost to open their heart to receive the gospel of Grace and be saved from eternal hell. I often hear folks say that they pray for God to do a work in someone's life, but the problem is not God but man! God sent Jesus and Jesus did the work needed for all to be saved. The cross work is completed, and Christ is alive and waiting for the world to come by faith. So, pray for the lost and share the gospel of Jesus Christ TODAY!!!
12/20/2024
UNEQUALLY YOKED!
Believers should not behave or look like unbelievers. But sadly, I see more and more acting, dressing and looking as if they belong to the world more than to God! (And by the way we are also to separate from believers who behave and live an unrighteous lifestyle, 1 Cor 5:9-13)
2Co 6:13 "Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
I see pastors boasting in their tattoos and getting weird haircuts and just calling attention to themselves. I see women dressing and going to church as if they are going to a Saturday night swim party, and that is just from the appearance standpoint.
We are to separate from unbelievers while at the same time telling them that Jesu died for them and loves them and wants to give them eternal life. We should desire their salvation and evangelize without joining in their sin!
Let us Dress right, Act right and Live right, as if you belong to Christ and live a Godly, Righteous life!
12/24/2024
Ministry to the Saints!
Ministry means to serve. Unfortunately, many today in ministry believe it is to serve themselves. The prosperity preachers are about serving themselves and the orthodox are about power and authority. We are to serve others as Christ served us.
2Co 8:1 "Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also."
As we minister and serve in teaching others, we encourage them to abound or grow would be the word for today. We want them to grow in grace, faith and love. We want them to grow in knowledge of the word and to rightly divide the word of truth. We want them to apply the word and to be Honest with themselves and others. To allow the body to minister to them as well as receive from the Body. Ministry means to serve, and we are all called to minister, so go minister to someone today!
12/27/2024
EQUALITY!
Picking up where we left off in 2 Corinthians, Paul speaks to the Corinthian church of "equality"! That equality is speaking to the fact that that since the Jerusalem church had given them spiritual things by introducing Jesus to them through Paul, then they could give financially back to help them. You see when folks receive something for free, they are blessed and when you give something away for free you are blessed. No one is forced to give but when we do give freely, and it is received freely then All parties are blessed. This was not to burden either party. Giving and receiving is God's economy for today.
2Co 8:8 "I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. 12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. 13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: 15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. 18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; 19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: 20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: 21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. 23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. 24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf."
12/31/2024
TAKE EVERY THOUGHT CAPTIVE!
We are all born in sin and have years of experiencing ungodly thoughts and feelings! As believers we need to do something with those thoughts and feelings! Paul says to take EVERY thought captive meaning that we need to THINK about what we are THINKING about! To review our thoughts and feelings to the point that we understand and judge them by God's word and if they are Godly and righteous or our sinful flesh! We need to look at our feelings as well because we can say "good" things with an evil heart. Which also means looking at our motivation behind our words! For instance, we can say "I love you" with a sarcastic or mean voice can't we! We need to take every thought captive and that is not easy, and it takes work. Even if you try to take every thought you will still miss some, but the idea is to grow in doing this. Then when we have taken our thoughts and feelings captive and tested them against the word of God.... we then can renew our minds and put off those thoughts and Put on Godly, righteous thoughts and motives! The problem we have sometimes is not always others but ourselves! We need to be honest with ourselves and also listen to others who may say things about us. They may be telling you something about yourself that you can learn from and change. Begin taking every thought, feeling and motive you have and bring it into obedience of Christ!
2Co 10:1 "Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance?If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's."
2025
1/2/2025
COMPARE OURSELVES!
Too often we compare ourselves to other's accomplishments OR failures. We might desire to be as good as some yet also think "well I'm not as bad as others". Comparing is always a lust and pride issue. We lust to be as good as and want attention while pride says I'm better than others. We most often want acceptance and attention while at the same time fear rejection and failure.
Let us not compare ourselves but rest in Christ. Let us know that we were first born in sin like everyone else and that Christ died for us regardless of others. Even if we have nothing to offer to the world, we can offer Christ to the world. To add we are deeply loved and totally accepted in Christ, so we no longer need to seek acceptance, approval or attention neither do we need to fear failure after all not being saved is the only failure that matters.
Paul's example also encourages us to keep sharing the gospel with those who do not know Jesus. Who are lost and need a Saviour. Ask, seek and tell others about Jesus and His love, death and life! Tell them that they too can have eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ!
2Co 10:8 "For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. 10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."
1/14/2025
DECEIVED AGAIN!
Just like Eve was deceived in the garden Paul feared that the church was being deceived again. That they were not receiving his message of grace and would run back to works of the law. He tells them that Satan and his followers can be and are deceitful and can even look and sound right, but they are not. He tells them to remember the simplicity that is in Christ and that Jesus has done all that is needed. That Jesus has performed the work for salvation and that we only need to walk by faith.
Today there are many churches and teachers of the law. In fact, let me say that MOST churches teach law and works without even knowingly understanding what they are doing. The gospel is simple and clear that Jesus died for our sins and rose to give eternal life! The old saying "keep it simple stupid" is a good way of thinking when it comes to salvation and life. Christ + nothing!!!!
2Co 11:1 "Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 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. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. 5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. 6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things. 7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. 9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth. 12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
1/15/2025
FALSE HUMILTY!
False humility is rampant in the church today. Doing things that "look" like humility but are not and only bring attention to self! Paul tells the church you think you are being humble and spiritual by submitting to false doctrine and being in bondage to these who preach law but you're not your just being led to boast in your flesh!
Paul goes on to say, "if you want to boast in flesh look at me"! Paul had all the credentials and then had been through a lot and suffered so much more than any of them and all for the right cause.
Many saints follow a man who teaches law and brings them into bondage and cults. I see so many believers with tattoos and things that just bring attention to themselves and just because we suffer in life or try to dress different doesn't make us more humble or wise in fact it is just "saying look at me"..., No, we want to worship God in Spirit by faith in our Lord Jesus!
2Co 11:16 "I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. 17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. 19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. 21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. 32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:"
1/16/2025
PAUL'S REVELATIONS!
Paul was "caught up" which is the same word for rapture. He was brought to the third heaven which is where God sits, and Christ gave him even more revelations. These revelations are for the Body of Christ and probably are the new revelations for the books of Ephesians-Colossians. These new revelations deal with the heavenly ministry and teach us who we are in Christ as well as the mission and position we have in Christ. Paul then goes on to says that he was buffeted and made humble by a thorn in the flesh. The attack was to his physical body which has a way of letting us know we are still in human form. Paul is open and honest, and we should be too. We should admit to our sins and failures as well as our sicknesses. Being real and honest with each other is of great value to ourselves but also the body. Grow in the knowledge of Christ and allow Him to work through you because He is strong when we are weak!
2Co 12:1 "It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 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. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 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. 10 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."
1/17/2025
SPENT FOR YOU!
Paul tells the church that he is an Apostle, and that he is not behind any of them. This is what the church today does not recognize very well. Paul is not just any old Apostle but OUR Apostle for today. We need to look at his books, doctrine and life to understand how to live today. It is through Paul that we receive the words of Christ! He goes on to say that he would be spent for them, meaning suffer and serve them. We need to learn to be spent in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ! We need to "be spent" with trying to reach, teach and edify the Body of Christ! Don't ever stop sharing and telling others who saved you and that they too can be saved for eternity in Christ. There will always be those who will not listen but there will always be one that will!
2Co 12:11 "I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. 13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. 14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. 16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. 17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? 18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? 19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. 20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: 21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed."
 1/20/2025
PAULS WARNING AND ENCOURAGMENT! 
Paul warns the church that when he comes again, he will not spare anyone. In other words, he is saying he is going to rebuke, correct and be harsh with them. He is going to discipline them. Now this is a whole church, and they seem to not get the message of walking worthy of the Lord. Sadly, that same thing seems to be going on today. Folks are saved yes but their everyday life is not up to God's standard. They live as if they are not saved. They live "Unworthy" of being regenerated. The live carnally and with no thinking of walking righteously and this is what the world sees as well as other Christians. We are told over and over to walk worthy of our Lord Jesus. This does not mean perfect but rather aware, sensitive and faithful to Christ. 
2Co 13:1 "This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction."
 
Then Paul gives them encouragement. He tells them to be perfect which means mature, righteous and worthy. To be of one mind and to be comforted and live in peace and all that comes from Christ. 
11 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 12 Greet one another with an holy kiss. 13 All the saints salute you."
 
He ends this book sharing 3 very important things! That the grace of Jesus and the Love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all!!! AMEN!  
14 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."
 
GALATIANS 
1/21/2025
PERVERT THE GOSPEL!
Paul begins his letter to the Galatians with his normal greetings and then slaps them with why are you perverting the gospel!!! The gospel has been so perverted and continues to be today. Laws and works as well as the prosperity, healing, liberal and Calvinist doctrines that are so prevalent today are distorting the simple truth of the gospel. I would say that 99% of churches pervert in some way and they do it by adding law and works. They add some form of performance based act to their doctrine or practice, and work out of the natural, carnal mind set instead of the spiritual mind.
Let us remember the revelation of the mystery given to Paul by Christ to us today. That we are not under Law or ordinances and that we are saved by grace through faith alone. Don't pervert the gospel and don't allow others to push or influence you by shame and guilt! After all we are not trying to please men are we, for if we did we would not be a servant of Christ would we!
Gal 1:1 "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." 
1/21/2025
Not by man but by the revelation of Jesus Christ!
Paul did not learn this new doctrine and teaching by men but by the revelation of Jesus Christ! Now that should tell us that it was not known, and that this "mystery" message is different from Israel's law which was known before. Paul tells them he didn't go to Jerusalem and talk with the other apostles, but he spent time alone with Christ. Now that does not mean we can't learn from others in fact let me just say that it is important to be discipled, but it does mean that this new gospel and this new revelation was from Jesus. How can we know that it is different and from Christ because it is NOT under law! It is NOT saying perform and "do" this and "do" that but there is freedom through the spirit. That Jesus has performed all the works and that the cross of Christ is sufficient. There is life and not death as the ministry of the letter only brings condemnation and death, but the ministry of the spirit brings life! Learn and grow in the revelation of the mystery given to Paul and you will have freedom in all arears of life!
  Gal 1:11 "But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me."
1/22/2025
The Gentile Gospel!
Paul continues to give his testimony and background. Paul was given specific instructions and doctrine by our Lord Jesus for this lost world. He was given revelation of the mystery, and he was to share this revelation to the gentile world.
Now there were two gospels at one point. One to the nation of Israel under law which are called the circumcision and the other to the uncircumcision which is the gentile gospel under grace. Today there is only one and All must come by faith through the cross by grace alone. When Israel rejected the Messiah and turned their backs, God said OK then I will save the rest of the gentile world by offering salvation by grace through faith alone. He gave them the opportunity to come to Him through the cross which at one time was looked at as a curse by Israel but now became the way to salvation. The cross is the power of God, and we should preach the cross not performing oriented things like ordinances and works. Remember it is through Jesus heavenly ministry to Paul that we have the gospel that saves today!
Gal 2:1 "Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do."
1/23/2025
NOT I BUT CHRIST!
Paul confronts Peter for being wishy washy and separating himself from the gentiles. Peter was scared of the Jews which had come there, and Paul could see he was separating from them. You see even Peter and Barnabas faithful men can be overtaken with fear when being intimidated. This is why I encourage everyone to never submit to those who want to put you back under law!
Gal 2:11 "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,"
We are justified, made right and holy spiritually by faith in Christ! Romans 5 speaks of this so well and tells that through faith we are made righteous before God because of Christ. Jesus is righteous and Holy and He lives within us.
16 "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God."
This next verse is a powerful verse that every Christian should memorize. The exchanged life and it tells us it is not I but Christ who lives in me and through me. His Life for my life and His righteousness for my sin! He took the punishment and redeemed me therefore I receive His life, His righteousness and His Spirit!
20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."
You too have received Christ life within you if you are truly saved. He lives within your spirit and that makes you righteous and reconciled to God. So, Rejoice, be thankful and be glad for you have eternal life and an eternal relationship in heaven with Christ!
1/24/2025
O FOOLISH BELIEVER!
There are so many in the church today that would lead Paul to say to them "O FOOLISH BELIEVER, WHY"! WHY do you want to live by the law! Why can't you see that you were saved by faith and only by faith! Why don't you continue in faith! WHY don't you walk by the Spirit! WHY, WHY, WHY!!! We are only justified by faith! The law only brings condemnation therefore decide today to live by faith and therefore have LIFE!
Gal 3: "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? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them."
1/28/2024
ABBA FATHER!
Gal 4:1 "Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."
Paul had worked hard and didn't want his work to be in vain. He wants the church to live in the freedom and understanding that they belong to Christ! That Jesus came as a man, by a woman and under law to redeem them from the law which only brought death. He wants us to know that we are sons and not enemies of God and that we can call out to Him crying ABBA FATHER which means "daddy Father". We belong to Him and He is our Father. He is our protector who protects our eternal Spirit. We may go through things here on earth in our natural bodies, but our spirit is eternally His!
So don't get caught up in the beggarly law which is walking by sight and not by faith. Beggarly things are natural things and things of this earth, and we can see them. Keep focus on the heavenly and spiritual things which means keep focus on Christ Himself and you will have peace, victory and security! Amen!!!
1/29/2025
DO YOU NOT HEAR THE LAW!
Gal 4:21 "Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law"?
This verse is the verse that stands out to me! There are those who still want to be under the law and Paul says "do you not hear the law" meaning the law is hard and harsh and ONLY condemns! The law only brings death and cannot bring life, nor can it be done perfectly to the letter. Mans ability to keep the law is impossible and even Peter admits in Acts 15:10 speaking to Jews about the gentiles,
Act 15:10 "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear"?
"...Nor we were able to bear" means they couldn't do it either!!!!!!
COME ON FOLKS, let's get this through our heads once and for all, that we are not saved by law, we can't do the law and we are not under law! Tell yourself today, "I am not in bondage to the law, but free to live through our Lord Jesus and allow Him to live through me"!  
Gal 4:12 "Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. 13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. 14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. 16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? 17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. 18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, 20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. 21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free."
1/30/2025
STAND FAST IN THE LIBERTY YOU HAVE IN CHRIST!!!!
Gal 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. 7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. 9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. 11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. 12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you. 13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another."
OH, MY GOODNESS!!! WOW! Such powerful verses! Stand in and don't be moved by those who push law! Stand against them and walk in the freedom you have in Christ! Notice it says in verse 3 and 4 that if you are circumcised which means to follow and live under law than Christ has become of no effect to you!!! WOW! That should sting with those who want to live under law! It continues saying that you have fallen from GRACE!!! OH MY! Paul's not playing games is he!
LISTEN! Stand Strong in the freedom you have in Christ! That does not mean to do whatever you want but rather to allow the power and love of Christ to live through you so that your Spirit and mind are at rest and not striving to work and perform in order to be accepted and approved by God. You have Liberty to Love! Liberty to Serve! Liberty to Live!
1/31/2025
Walk by the Spirit and Love!
Gal 5:14 "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, 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. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."
The Law brings death, but the Spirit brings Life! If we walk by the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Now flesh can look like all kinds of things in fact we can even do a good thing after the flesh. We can do what is right but with the wrong motives so be honest with yourself and take an honest appraisal of your thoughts and feelings.
So walk by the Spirit, and you will have peace, joy and all the other fruits of the Spirit. If we walk by the Spirit, we automatically will not sin. Some people are more worried about NOT sinning then they are about walking by the Spirit. Walking by the Spirit means that we are allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us and to think and behave Godly. It means to rest in His love and allow His love to flow through us. It does not mean "to do nothing" or "whatever we please". It is always thinking and doing what Is in God's best interest for another person! So, walk by the Spirit and love others!
2/3/2025
Let us do good unto all men!
Gal 6:1 "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden."
Paul encourages us to restore and bear one another's burdens! The believer's life should be to help edify which means to build up others in Christ. Now sometimes that is a teaching and correction or even discipline, but all are to bring others to Christ.
6 "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 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. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Those who are taught the word should learn to give and not just receive. Often believers can be selfish and just want to be ministered to, but they need to learn to give to others. Financially is one way to do that but there are other ways also. For example, those that have certain skills such as a mechanic, hairdresser or carpenter can help and give.
10 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand."
We should strive to do good as much as possible especially to those who are believers and faithful. I always look at how faithful folks are to Christ, family, church and myself.
12 "As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."
Notice Paul says those who want you to glory in the law don't keep the law either but just want to have glory in your flesh meaning they want to control and boast that they are right! They don't care about Christ but their own agenda! This is what I see in a lot of religious circles.
Never forget that YOU are a NEW Creature and free to walk by faith in our Lord Jesus!
 
EPHESIANS
1/2/2024
GRACE TO YOU ALL!
Hope you all enjoyed your family time and had Happy New Year's Day and ready to get back to a normal life schedule.  I am starting back into our verse by verse, book by book through Paul's epistles.
 
Today we start with Ephesians which is possibly next to Romans the greatest book of all in the bible. Ephesians tells us what Jesus did but more importantly who we are in Christ!
 
Who you are in Christ is more important than what you do for a living. Knowing who you are gives you identity and therefore meaning and purpose in life. Everything you do comes from the motivation of who you are!
Paul begins Ephesians by telling us who he is!  
Eph 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
He is an Apostle of Christ! One chosen and sent by God! One who has the responsibility of leading the church and doctrine for the day.
 
Paul is the Apostle to the gentiles, and he is your apostle even if you didn't know that or believe it. He says this in
Rom 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
His office was magnified meaning of greater importance!
 
He writes this letter to the Ephesian church which is the same as writing it to you!
"To the saints"...
now if you are a Christian and you are saved then you are called a saint. That is who you are, and it means to be "holy, pure, consecrated and blameless before God"! It means to you are spiritually set apart in Christ!  You are "HOLY" spiritually speaking and your spirit alone has been filled with the Holy Spirit and with the Lord Jesus Himself with in you. This is the regeneration process, and you are now alive in Christ, spiritually speaking.
 
We Christians are a Spirit-Soul and Body, and your spirit is Holy, but your soul and body are not. Your soul is your mind-will and emotions and body are your flesh. It has the five senses and that is, sight, hearing, speaking, smelling and touch! Your soul and body battles with the spirit and desires to do what it wants but the Holy Spirit within desires you to follow Christ, this is why we must renew our minds daily.
 
So, you are not a sinner who is lost but a saint who is found and in Christ! Remember WHO you are gives meaning and purpose and it is important, you are either a sinner who is lost or one who is saved in Christ!
grace to you,
1/3/2024
All spiritual blessings in Christ!
As a saved saint in Christ, you have been blessed with all spiritual blessings. Notice it says "spiritual" blessings and not natural blessings.
Eph 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"
Our blessings are internal and, in our spirit, not external or in the flesh. We may not prosper financially and be wealthy or have great health, but we are spiritually rich and complete in Him.
 
Before the world was formed God the Father had already said that man would be saved by His Son Jesus! He had already decreed and ordered that man would be saved and have eternal life through Jesus. That we could be blameless and holy through Christ!
 
That everything was made by and through Jesus Christ and we are placed IN CHRIST!
Everything is about being IN Christ by faith! Without Christ we are dead fleshly beings but IN Christ we are an eternal living spirit in Him!  
1/4/2024
REDEEMED, ACCEPTED AND FORGIVEN! 
Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
 
The beloved is Jesus and we that are saved are accepted and received by God because we are in Jesus! We have been redeemed which means ransomed which means to be paid for by the sacrifice of Christ.
 
We are completely forgiven of all sins,
Col 2:13  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Not just those we know of or confess but ALL sins, past, present and future sins!
 
He has made His will known to us through His word, and that His great love for us and that because of that love He sent Jesus to the cross to die for our sins and to rise again to conquer death that we too may have eternal life in Christ.
He did all this and more according to His divine purpose! His purpose is that all man should be saved and given the opportunity to be reconciled to Himself!
1Ti 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
 
So, God's divine purpose for you and I was that we could be totally accepted, completely forgiven and redeemed and reconciled to God by Christ!
Give Him the Glory and say Thank You Lord Jesus!
1/5/2024 
ALL THINGS IN CHRIST!
God's complete purpose is summed up in Ephesians 1:9-10!
Eph 1:9 "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:"

That those who believe and are saved will come together and be one In Him! There are two administrations you might say, a heavenly one which is called the Body of Christ and an earthly one through the nation of Israel. Both will be one Kingdom in what is called here "the fulness of times"! The time after the rapture and after the tribulation period and when Christ returns. This time is also called the "ages to come" but for now we live in the "But Now" period.
Eph 2:13 "But now" in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ".
 
The Body of Christ is a heavenly, spiritual Creature in Christ, so be comforted in Christ and in the fact that we will not see this tribulation period but someday we will all be one in Christ!
1/8/2024
God's Purpose in Christ!
Eph 1:11 "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."
 
Predestinated simply and always means to decree and God decreed that everything would be by, through and IN Christ from the beginning. It is not as many teach that God chose certain individuals to be saved and not others.
 
God 's purpose for man is that they would glorify Him through Christ! It was always God's "intention" that man receive eternal life through Christ. God's purpose was predestinated not individuals. Let's look at another verse which better describes what I am saying.
Eph 3:11 "According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:"
You see God's eternal purpose was always IN CHRIST!
 
Now we who are saved first heard the truth, received the truth, believed the truth, trusted in the truth and then we were sealed by the Holy Spirit for eternity!!!! This sealing is a permanent deal as we might say OSAS which means
Once Saved Always Saved!
 
We are placed IN CHRIST and stamped "Eternally Mine" by Jesus!
1/9/2024
THE CHURCH, HIS BODY!!!
Oh, how we should give thanks for all things always! Live a thankful life and it starts by being content in Christ!  
Eph 1:15 "Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."
 
We are a part of His Body which is also to say His church! The wisdom, revelation and hope of all things are all found in Him! He is life and He is wisdom, and everything is In Christ, which is above all things in this world and in heaven!!!
 
Praise Him today and always be thankful!
1/10/2024
HE MADE YOU ALIVE!!!
Eph 2:1 "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."
 
In "time past" meaning from the beginning, we gentiles were all dead in sin and were children of wrath. There was a time when we needed Israel to show the gentile world who God was but after Israel's fall and the rejecting of Christ, we now may be saved though faith alone!
Give God the glory for YOU are NOW ALIVE IN CHRIST!!!!
1/11/2024
But God who is rich in mercy and love!
Oh, what Love! Oh, what mercy and grace the Father has shared with us. Think about that love! Think how He sacrificed His own Son because He loved us so!
Eph 2:4 "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"
 
He made us alive through Christ! He raised us to be in Heaven and In Christ! That is your home now and that is where you live! No longer in this world per say as much as you are in heaven and in Christ! Grasp that in your thinking and hold onto it daily! You belong to Christ; you are positioned in Him!!!!
 
When the word says "by grace are you saved" it means that God went around Israel and the law and offered salvation to a lost gentile world! He offered that salvation to us without law and without works but now only and completely by faith alone!
Renew your mind daily until it forms in your thinking that you are in Heaven and In Christ and that He loves you deeply!!!
With Love,
1/12/2024
The Riches of God's Grace!
The riches of God's grace are found in Christ!
Eph 2:7 "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast."
 
God is rich in love, mercy, and forgiveness! God has put all things in Christ and therefore as it says in
Eph 3:8 "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;"
We too need to share the "unsearchable riches of Christ" with others! Share the cross, the blood the resurrection and the love of Christ with others.
 
Salvation is the gift, and we are saved by grace through faith! Grace is the offering of salvation without law and works! Faith is the means in which salvation is received but all of this is "the riches of Christ"!!!
 
Be thankful, blessed and walk by faith today!
1/15/2024
HIS WORKS AND WORKMAN!
Because we are saved through Christ, we have become God's workman. The good works were in Christ before He came and are for bringing praise and glory unto God!!  
Eph 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
 
Now as workman we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us and to do the work of the ministry that God has given us. Every believer has a ministry. This may not be a public one such as a pastor or teacher, but you have a ministry. First and foremost is to your spouse and family. They should be of top priority as far as ministry goes. Serving them by teaching them the word of God and bringing them to Christ. Then providing for them in whatever way you can. Shelter, food and clothing as well as educating them to read and write should be most important also. All of these things are a ministry as the Spirit works through us!
 
These good works are always spirit driven and accomplished. You can do a "good" thing with the wrong motives, or you can fail at some work but have the right motive. The heart must be for the glory of God and what is in His interest for another person.
We do not work hard to do good works as some religions teach for a reward or to be appreciated rather, we serve, and the fruit of serving is called good works!
 
May the God who comforts you, comfort others through you!
1/16/2024
The Gentile World without God, Christ, Promises or Hope!
In time past meaning before the cross and before the dispensation of grace, the Gentiles never had any hope of salvation without Israel! Under the Old Covenant Israel was a nation of priest and to lead the gentile world to the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.
Eph 2:11 "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:"
 
We were lost and strangers to Israel and more importantly God! We gentiles would only learn of God through Israel. We did not have Levitical law or ordinances without coming to Israel.
 
This is why it is called "grace"! Grace is God offering salvation to the gentile world by bypassing Israel, law or works! This salvation is offered without works of the law, so it is called grace and accessed by faith! All that is needed now is to believe and trust in the works of the cross and the resurrection to have eternal life.
 
"BUT NOW"
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
 
We are "near" and placed In Christ! By faith we are alive in Christ and no longer separated from God!
Walk by faith in the "BUT NOW" and be Thankful!!!
1/17/2024
Jesus is our Peace!
Jesus is our peace and notice I did not say that He only brings peace but IS peace!  
Eph 2:14 "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:"
 
You may be going through the worst time of your life but that does not mean you can't have peace! Anxiety, worry and fear are all internal emotions, but they can be overcome by renewing your mind until that peace comes.
 
Jesus is peace so He makes peace. He has made us one body without the law and ordinances of Israel. The cross has done the work that is needed so we can be one by His works and His blood! The book of Colossians is a great book that tells us that there are no ordinances for today for you are complete in Christ lone!!!
Col 2:10 "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
AND... 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;"
 
So put on faith and therefore walk in peace today!
1/18/2024
We are no more foreigners but fellow citizens in the household of God!
We are not strangers, foreigners or lost anymore but we are now fellow citizens of the household of God!!! Hallelujah!!!
Eph 2:17  "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"
 
We that are saved are now one and united in Christ! There is no longer a wall between jew and gentile but rather a unity in Him!
 
We are one household of saints in Christ! We are all saved by faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord!
That should excite you and make you want to shout "AMEN"!!!!
 
We are reconciled to God and therefore at peace with Him. Be thankful and excited for you belong to Christ!!!
1/19/2024
Built by Christ for God by the Holy Spirit!
In yesterday's devotional I said that we are not strangers anymore "but now" we are fellow citizens with the saints in Christ, and today we continue with that thought as Paul describes us as being a building, built by Christ for God and by the Holy Spirit.
Eph 2:19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

When it talks about being built by the apostles and prophets it means that they were first to speak of God and to give direction to whom Christ was, yet don't make the mistake of thinking that we follow them OH NO, we follow Paul's pattern who is the apostle to the gentiles. They were apostles to Israel, but they did know Jesus first and told others who He was.
 
Now the Holy Spirit lives within each and every believer. He lives in your spirit and cannot and will not leave! You are sealed in the Spirit by the Holy Spirit therefore you have eternal life. Now the battle we all have is in our soul and body. Our soul is our mind, will and emotions while our body is our 5 senses.  
So, keep focused on the spirit and you will not follow after the flesh!
Praise the Lord your spirit is filled with the Holy Spirit!
1/20/2024
THE MYSTERY!
The word dispensation is used here, and it means the dispensing of God's will! In the bible and throughout history God has dispensed or poured out His will.
Eph 3:1 "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)"
 
The dispensing of grace to the gentile world was not known before and this is why it is called the "MYSTERY"! Prophecy was always known and given to Israel and the prophets to tell of what was going to happen, but the mystery was hidden!
Eph 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:"
 
Our mission today is to make known the MYSTERY! Our mission today in the dispensation of grace called the mystery is to make all men see what is the "FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY" which is in Christ!!!
Eph 3:7 "Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:"
 
Do you understand the revelation and fellowship of the mystery?
Rom 16:25 "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,"
 
Read and Study Paul's books and grow in the knowledge of the mystery and therefore,
be Forgiven, Free and Faithful in Christ!!!
1/22/2024
3 DIFFERENT TIME FRAMES IN THE BIBLE!
There are 3 different time frames in the bible and all of them are found in Ephesians 2. The first one is called "TIME PAST", and this is where Israel is the issue and gentiles could receive salvation through Israel! Gentiles did not know God and were lost and without hope! Gentiles did not have the law and were called uncircumcision by the Jews which are called circumcision.
Eph 2:11 "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
 
 
The next time zone is the "BUT NOW' time frame, and it is the time we are in today! The dispensation of grace to the gentile world without Israel, law or works. Paul's books Romans-Philemon are all written in this time frame, and they are our doctrine for today!
... 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
 
The last time frame is the "AGES TO COME"! It is in the last day and will include Israel's earthly Kingdom as well as the Body of Christ's heavenly one! This will complete God's plan for the ages!
Eph 2:7 "That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
 
Make sure you are reading Paul's books from the "BUT NOW" doctrine for today for it is under grace, liberty and victory for today!  
1/23/2024
THE ETERNAL PURPOSE IN CHRIST!
The church now knows God's eternal purpose for all things and that purpose is found in Christ!
Eph 3:10 " To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him."
 
Everything is by Christ, for Christ and in Christ! EVERTHING!!!! We now know the principalities, powers and purpose of Christ, and by all that we now know the wisdom of God! Predestination was about Christ and everything God has done is based off that! Man was to be saved through Christ and therefore God would be glorified!
 
Don't forget that it is God purpose that was predestined and that is all found in Jesus our Lord!
1/24/2024
Paul's Prayer for You!!!
Paul hit his knees in prayer for the Ephesian church, but this prayer is really for all of us.  
Eph 3:14 "For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
Paul prayed for 5 things.
1. That God the Father would grant us to be strengthen by the Spirit in our inner man!
2. That Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith.
3. That we are rooted and grounded in love.
4. That we know the love of Christ.
5.That we be filled with all the fulness of God!
 
WOW! We could pray that for every person we know couldn't we. If you run out of things to pray for and/or perhaps we should pray this for everyone regardless of their prayer request or needs!
Now look at #2, by faith we receive God's strength, love and filled with the fulness of God! By faith we are rooted and grounded in love! BY FAITH!!!
 
Be sure and take time to receive then give to others!
Maranatha!
1/25/2024
UNTO HIM!
The phrase "unto Him" means unto God the Father, who is able to do everything! He is able to save, bless and comfort us through Christ Jesus!
Eph 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
 
Unto Him be ALL the glory in the church BY Christ Jesus for ALL ages! For ever and ever without end, God gets the glory and praise!  Forever He will rule and forever He will control ALL things! Forever He will conquer, and we will be with Him as He makes His Kingdom above ALL!!!!
 
Let us never forget the BIG picture and in HOPE of the promises of God through Christ Jesus our Lord!!!
1/26/2024
WALK WORTHY!
Paul tells us to "walk worthy of the vocation" meaning godly and righteously. It means to do things for the right reasons while praising the Lord!
Eph 4:1 "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;"
 
Our daily life shows our daily mind and heart! Our daily lifestyle is our greatest witness that we are saved and in Christ! That we are "Christians" and are obedient, loyal and loving to Him!
 
Vocation means the calling and that calling is not necessarily a position per say but a spiritual walk. It is the calling as a child of God and an ambassador of Jesus Christ. That calling does not mean your work yet at your place of employment you are called to "walk worthy". We should be humble, patient and generous with one another. We should be loving one another and submitting to one another. We should be edifying each other so that we build each other up in faith and be one with one another in Christ.
 
Let us pray for one another and walk worthy in love!
1/27/2024
SATURDAY'S BLOG!
The problem with all of us in this world started in Genesis 3 and that is the fact that we want to be God! We want to do what we want to do without regard to God's ways. We want to live independent of Him, and this is called sin, and it affects every one of us.
 
Gen 3:5 "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden."
 
First, we are born into this independent way called sin and then after coming to Christ and our flesh can still behave in the same way. We sin because we choose to still be our own god and do whatever we want.
 
If we read verse 6, we see sin is 3 ways, good for food, pleasant to the eyes and to make one wise. 1 John explains it this way.
1John 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
Lust and pride mean to covet, and it is self-serving. It is something that is self-centered, ungodly and unrighteous. It can be in doing anything even a good thing, because it is an inward self-centered heart and mind. Sin means to "miss the mark" which means to miss GOD! We miss the righteousness of God and His standards, and made His standards known through the law but even more so through Jesus Christ our Lord!  
 
Stop and think about your motives in life and why you do things is it for yourself or does it bring God the Glory! We may want to control others or circumstances because we fear people or consequences. We may fear rejection, failure or punishment so we try to control in these areas. We are prideful and always right yet fear being wrong. We talk to much or to little and always have to have the last word. We can do so many things that really is self-motivated and not Christ motivated. It is not loving God or others but is elf centered and seeking acceptance, attention or affection.
 
Stop and be honest with yourself and analyze your motives then go to God and just be real with Him and thank Him for forgiving you of your sin already!
1/29/2024
ONE!
There was a song back in the 70's that said, "one is the loneliest number", But it is really the greatest number! Paul says this in
Eph 4:2 "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
 
There is only One God and One Lord and One Spirit! There is only One faith, One hope and One body! There is only One baptism and that is a spiritual baptism, and it is NOT water.
1Co 12:13 "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit."
We are One in Christ and therefore One with God by the Holy Spirit. You are One with the creator and we are one with each other. We are in His body of saved, sealed, saints and we work together doing the same job in different ways and that is to teach others about Jesus Christ our Lord!
1/30/2024
LEADERS!
Leaders have names... Dad, Mom, teacher are all names we give to those who have authority. The church has leaders also and they have names......
Eph 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
 
They have what is called offices or positions but there are no more apostles, prophets or evangelist and some would even say there are no more pastor or teacher offices, but I don't agree with that thinking. But regardless there are those who lead and teach and take care of the Body no matter what their name is called.
 
Now most would say that pastor-teacher are one yet there can be teachers who are not pastors, but I think all teachers should be concerned with their students regardless of their title or position.
 
Regardless these leaders are too "perfect", meaning mature the body so that they can minister to the lost as well as love and edify each other. They are to teach the word and oversee the body and to protect, provide and persuade the body! They are to warn the body of wrong doctrine and to even confront others if needed. They are to exhort, encourage and establish the body in sound doctrine.
 
The pastor-teacher is no better or more important than the rest of the body, yet it is an important role also. They take on a responsibility that is noble and highly respected yet must be careful not to fall to temptation themselves. They are the spiritual leaders of the local body and do need prayer as they pray for the spiritual growth and heart of each person in the local church.
Pray for your leader and follow them as they follow Christ!
1/31/2024
Tossed to and fro!
The biggest problem with the church today is that there is no unity. Now don't get me wrong all may believe in Christ and some may even agree with one another, but I am talking about ALL saints and ALL churches.  
Eph 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."
 
We are called to be in unity of faith and not "tossed to and fro" which means if someone says do this or that and you will be closer to God or do this or that and you will be blessed. I have so many get caught up in signs and prosperity doctrine that they don't know what to believe. There are those who do everything "just" so they can have an experience with Jesus not realizing that Jesus is within them already. Many of the orthodox churches still have Jesus on the cross and are trying to work their way to Christ.
 
The one thing they all have in common is they place themselves back under law and therefore in some form of "works"! This is why I say over and over there are no ordinances for today, 0, NONE!!! We are under grace and justified by faith alone.
Don't be confused and tossed by every wind of doctrine, you are complete in Christ and therefore can edify one another in love!!!
2/1/2024
STOP WALKING AS THE WORLD WALKS!
Sadly, many in the church need to hear this and many walk just like the world. They walk in the vanity of their own mind and not in what the word says.
Eph 4:17 "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."
 
They may be saved but they have taken to such a liberal side of grace that they walk in sin! The world is lost and without Christ. Their minds and understanding are dark, and they are ignorant of God even though many non-believers will tell believers what the bible says and how to live it! Their hearts are hard, blind and past any emotional feeling toward God and others. They don't love others they love themselves and lust for affection, power and control. While they may say they fear no one they really fear everyone but God. They are arrogant and prideful and need to come o their knees in humbleness!
 
Let's not walk, behave and look like the world dear saints but let us look like the LIGHT OF THE WORLD so that all may know we belong to JESUS CHRIST our LORD!!!
2/5/2024
PUT-OFF, PUT-ON!!!
One of the greatest teachings on how to walk after the Spirit are found here in these verses. Our daily faith walk is written out for us and how to renew our mind also.
Eph 4:20 "But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
 
We know that Jesus is true, and all truth is in Jesus. For that matter all "life" is in Him and so we want to walk in His life. Sin is death and just as Romans 7-8 talks about our flesh gets in the way but we can do something about that. We can put off that behavior and thoughts and replace it by putting on Christ.
 
Now we can think of it like this ...Just like our clothes and bodies get dirty and stinky we can go home and take them off and jump in the shower right. We don't just take off our clothes because WE are dirty and stinky too, so we need to take a shower. We don't just stand there naked because the elements of the world can attack us, like the sun, heat and cold but so can Satan and temptations.
 
We don't walk around naked or go outside either as that would be embarrassing and shame and guilt would come upon us too. No, we jump in the shower and PUT ON clean clothes! Now we don't want to put clean clothes over dirty ones either, they may look clean for a while, but they will smell yucky besides feeling heavy after a while, just like our burdens will feel if we don't take them off!
 
So, Put-off sinful thoughts and actions and Put on Christ love, acceptance and forgiveness and then LIVE THE VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE IN CHRIST DAILY!!!
2/6/2024
DON'T BE A THIEF!
After putting off and putting on Christ and His love we then are to give and comfort one another.
Eph 4:25 "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."  
 
DON'T BE A THIEF...
A thief only covets and is self-centered. We can all steal and be thieves in some way. When we take from others emotionally and lust for love or don't listen to others. When everything is about us instead of others. When we just talk and talk about ourselves and never really listen to what others are going through or feeling. We don't care about others but only ourselves.
 
I always ask people when does a thief stop being a thief and the answer is usually when he stops stealing but that is not the answer Paul gives us. A thief stops being a thief when he has a heart to "give" and not "take"! Lots of people are in prison and can't steal (supposedly) but they still have a self-centered covet mind!
 
By not lying or getting angry or any other self-centered thing we are giving and being ambassadors for Christ. The world buys, sells and steals but God's economy is giving and receiving.
2/7/2024
MINISTER GRACE!
We are told to "minister grace unto the hearers", in other words we are to speak truth in love, tell others about the love and grace as well as the cross of Christ. We should share the gospel of grace and preach Jesus!
Eph 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
 
One of my pet peeves I guess it could be said is hating cussing. There should be no cussing coming out of the believer's mouth. Now I know that all of us may say a cuss word occasionally, especially if we smash our finger in the door or hit with a hammer or something but that is it. It destroys your witness if you have filthy mouth. The same goes for gossiping or always negative talk. We want to correct in love and then build up the body of Christ. Yes, we may need to discipline or rebuke at times but that is still ministering grace if it is for that person to come to Christ and grow in faith.
 
Some say we cannot grieve the Holy Spirit, or that it means something else there, but I think we grieve the spirit when we walk by the flesh and sin. Grieve means to make sad, offend or sorrowful and just to be clear we do not lose our salvation at all but it is just a grieving of the Spirit, much like a parent might feel grieved or sad by a child who disobeys yet never ever stops loving them.
As much as you can Minister grace which encompasses everything in Christ!
2/8/2024
FORGIVEN SO FORGIVE!
Just as Christ has forgiven you, you too can forgive.
Eph 4:31 "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
 
The forgiveness we have received is not based on whether we forgive others as it was under law to Israel. It is not conditional as it is in Mat 6:14 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:"
The believer is completely forgiven of ALL sin!!!
Col 2:13 "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;"
Col 3:13 "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
 
We now have the power of the Spirit within us, as well as the blood of Christ which has taken away all sin so in turn we may "CHOOSE" to forgive others. We can Put off anger, bitterness and wrath and put on forgiveness. It is a matter of the will not feelings or as some say to me "God will have to tell me to do it or do it because I can't forgive" OH NO it is a choice we make!!!
 
Understanding how bad your sin was and experiencing God's forgiveness and Christ sacrifice for all your sins, will help to forgive others. Always remember forgiving does not mean agreeing or approving of the sin and offence others have made against you it is just forgiving them. We are to always extend forgiveness toward everyone, regardless of the offence yet we may need to also separate from them depending on the offence or persons heart toward Christ and others.
2/9/2024
FOLLOW GOD, LOVE OTHERS!
Paul tells us to not just be saved spiritually but to also follow God as children would follow their father.
Eph 5:1 "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour."
 
This is an act of our will because our spirit is saved and set apart, but our daily walk comes through our soul which is our mind, will and emotions. We need to think and choose to follow God in all things.
 
And when we do that, we can love others just as Christ loved us. Notice this is not conditional but is a done deal as they say. Christ died for us because He loved us and therefore, we now can be secure and love others.
 
Christ GREAT sacrifice was well pleasing to God and was a "sweetsmelling savour" to Him! This means that it filled God's desire, and the heart of God was well pleased.
 
Follow God daily and love others just as you have been loved by our Lord Jesus Christ!!!
2/12/2024
LIGHT IN THE LORD!
The Lord Jesus lives within us and therefore we belong to Him. We are His children and children of light. His light shines through our spirit so that others may know Him, and because we are "LIGHT" let us now act like it!!!!
Eph 5:3 "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:"
Sometimes it is beyond my comprehension how some denominations can allow homosexual pastors or priest to lead them. Here in these verses, it even says twice "fornication" which means ANY illicit sexual relations and then "whoremongers" which means male prostitutes or male homosexuality. This is beyond my thinking as to how you can justify this, and that people actually allow it.
There are other sins listed here and we should not do them either but only homosexuality is accepted by some churches and Christians, (that is if they are saved at all).
We are to be "LIGHT" in this dark world, not join it! Be LIGHT, be BOLD and be COURAGEOUS against this evil world!!!
2/13/2024
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT AND THE LIGHT OF CHRIST!
The fruit of the Spirit means the bi-product or what manifest in daily life. It means that in all righteousness and truth which is in Christ is produced. Love, peace and discipline are all a part of the fruit, but Christ is the root!
Eph 5:9 "(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."
 
We are told to walk by the Spirit, and we will not do the things of the flesh,
Gal 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh".
 
The flesh is all that is dark and is in sin! Sin is ugly, dark and offensive! It is always selfish and ungodly!
When walk in the Spirit we are also walking in the Light of Christ. This light is righteous and good and Godly!!!
Walk after the Spirit and let Christ light shine through you!
2/14/2024
BE WISE!
Paul warns us to walk circumspectly which means carefully, diligently and perfectly. Not perfect as never sinning (yet we shouldn't do that either) but rather faithfully. We should be aware of what is going on around us. We should know our own weaknesses and faults, as well as our strengths. We should be willing to admit to our sins and be aware of why we do sin in situations.
Eph 5:15 "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is".
 
We should try to redeem the time instead of watching T.V. or just staying "busy" just for busyness' sake. Sometimes being busy is a way of not dealing with our emotions or deeper thoughts and things that need to be addressed.
 
What is "the will of the Lord"? Well, it is always for us to be transformed spiritually, mentally and physically. It means we renew or minds and worship, praise and give God the glory!
Rom 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God".
 
So in your daily schedule make time to read and study the word, as well as pray and spend time with the Lord. Deal with your own thoughts and emotional things and Walk with a renewed mind and heart while giving Christ the praise and glory!
2/15/2024
MAKING MELODY IN YOUR HEART!
Paul tells us to not be drunk with wine or anything else that can take our mind off of the Lord. We should be filled with the Spirit and share with each other in hymns and spiritual songs of worship and make melody in our hearts to the Lord!
Eph 5:18 "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God".
 
In other words, be one with the Spirit and with the body. Then he tells us to be thankful for all things unto the Lord and submit to one another.
 
In other words, we should be humble, loving and accepting of each other. We should be willing to allow others to have a say and to input and respect their thoughts. The body should help one another in whatever they can if possible. We want to edify which means to build up one another.
 
Now that does not mean we believe or accept everyone's opinion or religious views it just means to listen and hear those who we are one with and to serve each other the best we can.
2/16/2024
WIVES!
This part of scripture is addressed to wives. The next part which I will get to in the next devotion is addressed to men. We both have a responsibility regardless of our spouses' hearts and works.  
Eph 5:22 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing".
 
Wives are to submit which means to "yield to", follow and obey.  The reason why this is so hard for many is because they don't understand their identity in Christ. They don't know "WHO" they are in Christ! They are insecure and needing to and trying to feel secure, so they try to control their husbands.
 
Jesus is God yet yielded to God the Father WHY? Because He knew who He was! He knew WHO He was and the power and strength of that.  Paul says it this way in Philippians.
Phl 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross".
 
Let this mind be in you he says.... to have the power of God within and able to stand on your own without "needing" someone else.... YET YEILDING to your husband or someone else is a FAR GREATER strength then demanding your own way out of insecurity and lust for power!
 
Renew your mind constantly and remind yourself you are a "child of God who is deeply loved, totally accepted and completely forgiven in Christ" and that you can serve your spouse and others just as Christ served you!!!
2/19/2024
HUSBANDS!
Last week I touched on the "wives" role, now this week it is the "Husbands" turn. If you remember and go back to Ephesians 5:22-24 you will see only 3 verses for wives but now the men have 8! We have a great role and responsibility for the family. Unfortunately, we men do not always meet the standard that we should in society.  
 
Eph 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband".
 
We are to love our wives just as Christ loved the church. We are to be devoted to them and take care of them. We are to put everything on the line for them even death if necessary. We should desire what God wants for them which is always being saved and in Christ!  Men need to lead in bible study daily with their spouse. I always say the most intimate thing a husband can do for his wife is read the word of God to her.
 
The male is made in such a way to bring correction and discipline while the woman is to nurture, and both are to teach in different ways. Honor your wife always and respect her when others are around. Never make fun of her in public or talk behind her back with other men!
 
Notice it says in verse 29, that no one ever hated his own flesh meaning we already love ourselves, so we are to love her as much as we love ourselves after all you are already one!
 
Read the word, lead and love your wife and sacrifice your wants and desires for Christ's sake!
2/20/2024
FAMILY!
Family is so important but not as important as our Lord Jesus! Oh, how I wish I would have obeyed my parents better than I did. Oh, how wish that kids today would obey the parents.
Eph 6:1 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord".
 
It sems that rebellion against authority is getting worse although it has been around since the beginning of time. Even God had children who did not obey.  Adam and Eve disobeyed in the beginning and so it has been the same ever since.
 
Teach your kids to listen, obey and respect all authority even the ones you disagree with but especially you as parents. Respecting does not always mean agreeing with everyone.
 
Dads should love your children and don't antagonize them. Play with them but be firm with them. Laugh, teach and correct them but always be patient with them. Read the word to them and teach them how to live a Victorious Christian Life in Christ!
2/21/2024
THE BOSS AND WORKERS!
These two are to work hand in hand for a particular mission. The earthly mission is to make money to live off of, but that money should also be used for the heavenly mission.  
Eph 6:5 "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him".
 
We should work hard for our boss regardless of what kind of boss they are. Jesus is our boss and if we approach our daily work as if we are working for Him then we will work hard and do a good job. We shouldn't shirk our work and do our best at all times.
 
Those that are in charge are to treat those under them with respect, but we know that does not always happened because they are human and may not be a believer either, but this is God's design.
 
Either way we should give our all and not men please which means to work hard only when the boss is around, or to speak kind words and try to puff them up but talk bad behind their back when they are not around.
 
Keep focused and Work unto the Lord always and keep a clear and good conscience.
2/22/2024
STAND, STAND, STAND!!!
We are to take a STAND against evil by putting on the amour of the Lord! This means to be aware of what is going on in your mind and heart. It means to know your opponent which is 3-fold. 1. Satan, 2. the World and 3. your flesh!
Eph 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God":
 
We want to put on our defensive amour and also our offensive weapon and that weapon is the word of God! You need to understand that the amour is protecting your front, but your back is exposed. That means you can be attacked subtly from behind by putting your guard down. You need to realize that life is not just a playground but that there is a real life or death battle going on. Your enemy is not someone necessarily, but it is an evil spiritual and dark world that will affect you and others.
 
So, you need to read the word daily and study it often. You need to apply it to life constantly and renew your mind with truth. You want to walk by the spirit and know your identity in Christ!  
SO, STAND STRONG IN CHRIST, THE WORD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT!!!
2/22/2024
Pray for the Great Ambassador!
Eph 6:18 "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak".
 
If Paul the Great Ambassador ask for prayer, surely, we can too, after all we are ambassadors also! He tells us to pray in the Spirit for all saints.
 
Now praying in the Spirit does not mean in tongues or some super spiritual thing but just as you walk after the spirit so pray after the spirit. This is not a repetitive prayer yet sometimes we will say the same thing in prayer. This is not a recited prayer but a genuine sincere prayer that comes from thinking about God's desire for this person.
 
Pray for those who know Christ and pray for those who don't know Him. Pray for the saints and pray for the lost. Pray continually for the authority that leads us in government, church and home! Pray for all of us to submit to that authority and especially for our kids. Pray for me and this ministry and know that I am praying for you! Pray for all and especially for the message of the mystery to be shared, taught and received!!!
 
Eph 3:9 "And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:"
2/26/2024
NO MAN AN ISLAND!
Paul wanted to share life with the church. He wanted them to pray for him and know how he was doing. So he sent Tychicus to inform them.
Eph 6:21 "But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen".
 
We too should share life with other likeminded saints. We should try to be open, honest and transparent with them. I see way too many lone rangers who never socialize with anyone. No man is an Island we all share this thing called life.
 
Sadly, most of the time those who don't want to share life with others is because they set a lot of standards for them. They do this and they do that, and they never meet the persons standards.
 
Now doesn't need to be a lot of people and doesn't mean meeting with those who are not likeminded either, but we should strive to share life with people.
 
Paul ends this letter with words like peace, love and grace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, and so I will do the same to you all in the faith, Grace and Peace with Christ Love!
 
NEW BOOK!
Philippians!
1/27/2024
I always enjoy starting a new book! Philippians is another of Paul's prison epistles! The theme is found in,
Phl 2:5 'Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus":
 
Our hearts and thinking should be the same as Christ! We are to have one mind and have His joy, unity, love and mercy! We are to be humble as He was humble before His Father! We are to know WHO we are in Him and walk with that same mind set! Because we know who we are, we can serve, love and minister to one another!
 
We should be as Christ, so we too can lay down our lives and say as Paul said
Phl 1:21 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain".
 
Put your mind on Christ today and be in unity as you receive from Him. Let His Joy be your Joy! Let His love, mercy and humbleness be yours today!
2/28/2024
Grace, Peace and Prayer!
As we begin this new book study, we see that Paul give his usual greetings. But he first acknowledges who he is and that he is a servant of Jesus!  
Phl 1:1 "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now";
 
We should all know who we are and to whom we serve. People may ask you "who are you" and "what do you do"? Our usual response will be our name and then what we do for a living. But perhaps deep down in our thoughts and perhaps even out loud we should say "I am a child of God and a servant of Jesus"! I know that may sound corny or weird to say to someone, but we can still think it, RIGHT!
 
Paul then acknowledges the saints in Christ. Did you know that you are a saint also. YES, you are if you are saved you, are a saint! Saint means Holy and the Holy Spirit resides in you! God the Father and Jesus Christ live within your spirit and so Paul calls us saints! That does not mean sinless yet hopefully you sin-less, but it means that you are saved, alive and in Christ! Your spirit is set apart from your soul and body and is Holy, righteous and godly!
 
Then he addresses the bishops and deacons, the authority figures in the church. They are the preachers, teachers and counselors of the church! They are to serve the Body by teaching them not only correct doctrine but how to live this Christian life. What it looks like to live a godly, righteous and victorious life in Christ.
 
Paul then says that he always prays for them and has great joy for this church as it is a good, obedient and growing fellowship. They supported him financially as well as prayerfully.
 
Paul then gives his normal Greek and Hebrew greetings. The Hebrew word Shalom means peace and the Greek word Charis which means grace!
 
So, remember who you are in Christ and that there is no peace without God's grace!
2/29/2024 
God will do His job!
God has done His job and will always continue to do His work in You! He is faithful even when we are not!  
Phl 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
 
Paul loved the church meaning people. Paul loved the saints, and he was so grateful for their hearts. He wanted them to see them and share more revelation and teaching of this Great Gospel of Grace!
7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. 8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
 
He wanted them to grow in love and be able to know and discern right from wrong, good from evil and the works and hearts of men! We should be able to not only know our own heart and mind but also that of the Body. Good works are different than bad works or maybe a better way of saying it is good fruit from rotten fruit.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment";
 
We too should grow in knowledge, judgment and discernment about these things and while we do, we should desire to keep growing in God's Love!!!
 
3/1/2024
BEING FILLED WITH THE FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS!!
Paul is the Apostle to the gentile world and as our Apostle and teacher, he tells us that we are filled with the fruit of righteousness! God is Righteous! Jesus is Righteous! The Holy Spirit is righteous and all three live within us!!!
Phl 1:10 "That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God".
 
The fruit of a tree is the byproduct of the tree. It is what is manifested, such as an orange comes from an orange tree so then so does the fruit of righteousness. Because we have Christ within us, let us dwell on Him and let Jesus work through us to manifest His fruit! This fruit will also allow us to discern and know those things that are excellent!
 
Have you heard someone teach something and you say no I don't think that is right. Because what they said was not of God or excellent, but then someone says something else, and you go ok that sounds right. Now everything that is excellent is found in the written Word! EVERYTHING!!!
So read the word daily and then allow Christ righteous fruit to be picked!
 
3/4/2024
Bad circumstances in life can lead to Christ!
Paul was in prison and while his circumstances were not great the gospel was still reaching others for Christ.
Phil. 1:12 "But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear".
 
You see no matter what circumstances you are in you can still share the gospel. You can share the gospel no matter what, in fact I would say that the worst circumstances can sometimes be a good thing for Christ's sake. The more people suffer the more likely they will see their weakness and need for Christ. This is why I say don't rescue people let them sink into a deeper hole so they can see the need to come to Christ!
 
When our circumstances are at their worst, we tend to seek help in some way. Most seek help from people or an external worldly way, but some seek internal and eternal need for Life and that is in Jesus Christ!
Be prepared to share Christ no matter where you are at, for you never know where others are in life and their need maybe at the surface of receiving Jesus our Lord and Saviour!
3/5/2024
REJOICE FOR CHRIST IS PREACHED!!!
Paul says that the gospel is spreading even though he is in prison. He says that some are preaching Christ out of envy and strife not with pure motives.
Phl 1:15 "Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice".
 
Now we have many that do that today. They preach A different Christ or preach to gain. To gain power, prosperity and praise from man! They seek to "get" not give and we must speak out against them just like Paul did at times.
 
What Paul is saying when he rejoiced is that regardless of their motives for preaching, Christ is being preached. Bad doctrine is not good but if the person is preaching Christ with bad motives, yet good doctrine then let us praise the Lord!
 
Let us preach Jesus Christ with good motives and sound doctrine and ALWAYS REJOICE IN OUR LORD JESUS!!!
Phl 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice".
 
3/6/2024
TO LIVE IS CHRIST TO DIE IS GAIN!
One of the greatest verses in all the bible is found in verse 21, "TO LIVE IS CHRIST TO DIE IS GAIN"!!!
Phl 1:19 "For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain".
 
Paul was saying that he and we get LIFE from our Lord Jesus. Before our salvation we were dead in sin but when we are saved our spirit becomes alive and we are put in Christ by the Holy Spirit.  So, to have eternal life is unbelievable but it also says to die is gain.
 
In other words, it would be wonderful and peaceful to die and to be with Christ in heave forever! No more pain or suffering or unrighteous behavior but only the brightness and glory of the Lord!
 
Oh, spend time thinking about it and put your heart at ease over dying. We should look forward to it. We should not fear but rejoice in it. We are not to be morbid and want to commit suicide in fact while we are here let's share Christ and take some with us to that most GLORIOUS place called HEAVEN!!!
3/7/2024
STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT WITH ONE MIND FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL!
While Paul looked forward to being with the Lord he knew it was best for him to stay and edify the church.
Phil 1:21 "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you".
 
This should be our attitude too, that while we are here, we have a job to do. Our job is to edify meaning build up the church. We can share the gospel to unbelievers. We can teach the revelation of the mystery, the freedom we have in Him and the love of God through Christ. We can correct bad theology and encourage others to know God and make Him known!
 
We are to Stand Fast in One Spirit and have One mind for the faith of the gospel!  
25 "And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel";
 
Sadly, we have so many denominations and perverted churches today! In the name of liberty, we have tainted the gospel by allowing so many to do their own thing which has destroyed unity.
 
Thankfully the gospel never changes, and the grace message is still God's dispensation for today, regardless of the law biding, bondage making churches today!
 
Don't get caught up in what you can see like the law and ordinances that so many want you to do, but rather stand fast in faith with one spirit and one mind OF CHRIST!
 
3/8/2024
SUFFER FOR CHRIST!
I don't know about you, but I don't like to suffer at all! I like my Lazy-boy recliner and T.V and comfort of a home. I like to eat well and have clothing and nice things, don't you! But Paul says we are called to suffer for Christ's sake.
Phil 1:28 "And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me".
 
I don't think I have suffered hardly at all compared to many across the world. In some countries they will hunt you down and kill you for being a Christian. In communist countries they will put you in jail and for some it is a life sentence just for believing in Jesus!
 
That should tell us the power of His name, after all "what difference does it make if I believe in a God that you don't", we might say! "Does it hurt you in some way" OH NO they just fear the name of Christ! They fear death and they have no answer for it! It is fear that makes them kill and in prison others.
 
That same fear lives in those who scoff at you for believing in Christ! They laugh and make fun of you for believing in fairytales! But it is they who persecute you who are in bondage to fear and death, and they who will die in their sins!
 
So, keep on believing, sharing and claiming the name of Jesus and you too can be proud to suffer for Christ's sake!!!
3/11/2024
Fellowship of the Spirit!
Paul is asking questions but really is he is saying "there is"! There is consolation in Christ, and there is comfort in love! We should be of one Spirit and loving one another!!
Phil 2:1 "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others".
 
We should be likeminded in one accord and with one mind! We should be humble and looking out for one another.
 
Sadly, this is not the case in many ways! First there is the disunity of doctrine in churches today. This brings law and works and therefore confusion which brings insecurity to the believer. If there is insecurity there will be defensiveness and strife. Everyone looks inward instead of outward. We go into self-protection mode. It also means that correction is not possible as the defensive issue comes up and cannot be overcome, and therefore sin and offences continue.
 
We need to be humble and know who we are in Christ! We need to renew our minds daily that we are God's children, and that we are deeply loved, totally accepted and completely forgiven in Christ and then we can serve others as well as be served!
3/12/2024
LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU!!!
WOW!!! let this mind be in you which was in Christ!! In other words As Christ thinks you should think! As Christ was we should be!
Phil 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father".
 
Notice that it says "Who, being in the form of God," in other words Christ was God and we too should understand that we too are a form of God! Our spirit contains God! We are in Christ and Christ is in us! The HOLY SPIRIT LIVES IN US! You're not just a poor dead sinner anymore YOU ARE A SAINT! ALIVE AND A HOLY ONE in the sight of God! God sees Christ within you! You are a NEW CREATURE that is HOLY AND PURE AND RIGHTEOUS!!!
 
Now because you are in a form of God and Holy and righteous humble yourself as Christ did! We can Humble ourselves to death if necessary. No, I don't mean we should kill ourselves or even let others abuse us, but we can take the insults and rejection and come out the VICTOR! We don't need the approval of others anymore. We do not need to live in fear anymore!
 
WHY YOU SAY? Because we know WHO we are IN CHRIST and WHO LIVES IN US!!!! We are accepted, approved and adored by our Lord and Saviour! We belong to Him and He has made our spirit HOLY and perfect in Him! HE LIVES WITH US!
Every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord even those who are not saved will say this is the KING OF kings and LORD of lords and bring GLORY TO GOD THE FATHER!!!
SO LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU WHICH WAS IN CHRIST!!!
3/13/2024
Phil 2:12 "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure".
 
FOR IT IS GOD WHO DOES THE WORK!
God is the one who has done the work and still doing the work within us! He did the work through Christ who did the work on the cross!  Really the work is finished but when it says to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" it means to put our mind on the things of God! To renew our minds and put on Christ! It means to be faithful and to walk by the Spirit and by faith! When we walk by faith, we are allowing God to "do" the work" within us!
 
This is not a works-based salvation but a heart that has positioned itself to receive! The only "work" we need to do is to receive by faith!
3/14/2024
SHINE AS LIGHTS!!!
Perhaps nothing could be truer today then these verses!!!
Phil 2:14 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain".
 
It seems we live in a nation and world that has become more perverse and crooked. The state of our political systems and governments may be just as crooked as in the ancient days and our moral decay certainly is as perverse as the Romans were back in Paul's day and that is saying something!
 
But just as Paul tells them to be, we too should be! We shouldn't join them in their perverse crooked and immoral ways, but we should SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THIS WORLD! Take a stand for morality and keep yourself from complaining, putting down and griping about everything in our government officials and candidates.
 
Pray for them and Put on Christ and SHINE SAINTS SHINE!!!
3/15/2024
Paul's great love for the saints!
Paul so greatly loved the saints! If he could not be there to teach and encourage them, he wanted someone there. So, he sent Timothy and Epaphroditus and edify the church.
Phl 2:19 "But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. 23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me."
 
Something we can learn from this is that we can be concerned about other believers. We too can care for them with the heart of Christ. We too are fellow soldiers in Christ. We too can share the gospel and teach and serve. We too can bring joy to others and exhort all to Christ. Don't be someone who always needs to be cared for but turn around and serve others in some way.
 
So, keep praying, loving and caring for others to come to Christ as well as serving the Body of Christ in whatever way you can!
3/25/2024
BEWARE, BEWARE, BEWARE!!!
Paul is constantly writing the same things over and over again. Sometimes they are worded differently but the meaning is the same. We are to rejoice in the Lord always and keep our focus on Him. When we rejoice, we are resting in Him and therefore not struggling with the day-to-day things.  
Phil 3:1 "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."
 
It is east to get caught up with wars, political and government stuff that goes on, but we need to keep focus on Christ.
 
Paul goes on to warn us of those exact people that are against us. Who do not believe or those who want us to follow law! I see this more and more and even a good friend of mind now is caught up in following Jewish traditions and law!
 
Paul says BEWARE, BEWARE, BEWARE! So be aware of who you are talking to and what is their agenda and if it is NOT in Grace thinking separate from them.
 
Now we are the circumcision who worship in Spirit and truth and who rejoice in Christ and notice it say NO confidence in the flesh which also means not doing the works of law to be justified in Christ!
 
You are saved by grace through faith and your daily walk is by grace through faith!
Beware, YET REJOICE ALWAYS!!!
3/26/2024
Phil 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
 
Paul's greatest gift may have been his zeal! Whether his zeal for the law or his zeal in grace, he always had a great zeal for God!
Once he was saved and understood more, he then counted everything as a loss compared to Christ. He understood that none of those things under law were of value. This is why he writes in Colossians 2 that all those traditions and ordinances are but a shadow!
Have a ZEAL for Christ and don't get caught up in law, ordinances or traditions.
 
3/27/2024
The righteousness which is of God by faith!
I am constantly seeing or hearing from those who want to follow the law. That put themselves under law and do works of the law and do the traditions of the law and of Israel.  
Philippians 3:9 "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;"

ANY and yes, I will say it again, ANY form of works of the law is "SELF RIGHTEOUNESS"!!! YES I SAID IT! You may think you are doing something for Christ or doing the law brings blessing or whatever reason you pick but it is nothing more than self-centeredness and self-righteous behavior that is attempting to be justified and righteous before God!
 
Paul says this in Galatians 2:21 "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Did Christ die in vain NO OF COURSE NOT!!! Then stop trying to find righteousness by the law!
 
Paul says this about Israel in Romans 10:1:1 "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."
 
You see Christ has done all the works and our faith is shown in HIS WORKS not ours! When we do the works of the law in order to be righteous, we are saying we are better than Christ and that He died in Vain, COME ON SAINTS let us not fall back into our own efforts but let us enjoy the rest, freedom and joy of being in Christ righteousness!
 
3/28/2024
Forget your past and reach forth into the future in Christ!
Shame and guilt can keep us in bondage forever. We all have something we regret doing or have lived through and we just feel bad about, but we can move on in Christ!
Phil 3:11 "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
 
Realizing WHO we are in Christ now can change everything. We are accepted in Him therefore we do not need to seek others acceptance. We do not need to fear punishment for He was the propitiation for ALL sin. We do not need to walk in shame for we are made a NEW Creature therefore our old shameful self is gone.
 
Live by faith in Christ and that is in the present. Live in the present and you will have Joy and Peace!  
3/292024
Walk by the same rule and mind!
Sadly the church today does not walk by the same rule or mind set.  
Phil 3:15 "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing."
 
One church adds this, and another adds that and before long we have all kinds of different rules, traditions and ordinances. This is why I have said over and over, take them all out and then we are all one!
 
It is not hard to do but you can't do it if you live under law! We need to be in grace follow grace and walking by faith. The perverted gospel is living by the law so live by faith and receive what Christ has given you as you walk by the Spirit!
4/1/2024
Follow Paul!
Paul says to follow him as he is our apostle AND he is the one to who Jesus gave the revelation of the mystery too!
Phil 3:17 "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample."
While I am going through the book of Philippians, here are several other verses that Paul says to foolow him.  
1Co 4:16 "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."
1Co 11:1 "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
1Th 1:6 "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:"
 
The reason we follow Paul is that the doctrine he was given by our LORD JESUS CHRIST is the doctrine to the Body of Christ! It is the doctrine to the gentile WORLD! It is the doctrine for today, under grace and by faith alone. It is the revelation of the mystery, and we are to tell everyone about the fellowship of the mystery in Christ!
 
He then says to mark those which means to take note or to separate from those who cause divisions and offences to the doctrine that was given to Paul. Those who teach law and pervert the grace message.
Rom 16:17 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."
 
Read Paul's books over and over! Romans through Philemon and then Follow Paul and then you will be following Christ!
4/2/2024
Your Home is in Heaven!
There are many who are enemies of Christ cross! They not only reject Christians they boldly say there is no God! They serve only themselves and are self-centered, but they will perish into hell. As it has been said those who are lost are dead already!
Phil 3:18 "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
 
BUT NOW we are in heaven as our Home is there NOW!!! Take comfort in knowing this and have no fear of your place in Christ in Heaven!!!
20 "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."
 
Our hurting disfigured, and "old" bodies will be made new, strong and vibrant as we worship our Lord Jesus Christ!!!
So keep your heart and mind on Christ in Heaven and do not fear but STAND STRONG IN CHRIST!!!
 
4/3/2024
STAND FAST, REJOICE AND WHATSOEVER, BELOVED!
Paul tells us to do 3 things here.
1.STANDFAST which means to be immovable, persevere and persist! It means to not give in to the world but to stand strong in Christ!  
Phl 4:1 "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life."
 
Notice the love that Paul has for the saints. He calls them his beloved, joy and crown! Oh, how he loved the church, and we should too. The church and by church, I mean people not buildings, are so very important. They are to be valued above all else because of Christ!
2. Then he says to REJOICE! Rejoice always he says. We are to be constantly renewing our minds and focused on Christ not this world's problems. Now that doesn't mean we are blind but not focused or overwhelmed with the world's problems.
4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
 
3. We then are to not be anxious but think on WHATSOEVER is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtues, praiseworthy to think on these things! Think on what Paul teaches, Think, Think, Think!!!!
4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
 
Jesus is all of those things! He true, pure and lovely! He is good, virtues and praiseworthy! JESUS, JESUS, JESUS!!!
4/4/2024
ANXIETY AND PEACE!
While I wrote on the verse below yesterday I wanted to go back and share some more.
Phil 4:6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."
The words "careful for nothing" is talking about Anxiety. We all have anxiety because anxiety is fear of the future. We all have some fear as it is part of the flesh and sinful part of us. BUT it is getting worse, and Anxiety is rampant among us today. The reason for the anxiety is that there are more ways of showing us and the world how bad it is and the fear of the future is scary. It doesn't matter if it is your family, neighbor or wars in the middle east or Europe. It doesn't matter if it is in our streets or in our houses, we see more and more violence. But we also see things that bring on more rejection like on T.V., movies or social media. Lusting for something or someone causes anxiety. Lusting for affection, acceptance and applause brings more and more anxiety! Success seems to be the goal these days in whatever you do and striving for it brings more anxiety.
 
The world says take this pill it will calm you down. Or do this or that and you will get rid of anxiety and have peace of mind, but it is not true. It is like putting a band aid on cancer. The cancer needs to be cut out or destroyed.
 
When we have a relationship with Christ and go to Him and share our heart, our request, our needs and then realize that He IS the answer we then can have peace. Seeking peace in the wrong places doesn't give peace it only "calms it down for a while"!
With Christ we know the past, present and future is taken care of. We know that death is not the end and we do not need to fear it!
 
We know that no matter what is going on in our present circumstances nothing is greater than Christ Love which brings security in an unsecure, rejecting world!
1Jo 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
 
Jesus is the answer, and His love takes care of fear and anxiety away! So, keep renewing your mind and by standing on the "whatsoever's" and peace will come into your heart and mind through Christ!
4/5/2024
BE FULL AND BE HUNGRY!
Paul tells the church that he has been full, meaning having everything he needs or hungry, meaning without everything he needs.
Phil 4:10 "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
 
We too need to have the attitude of not holding on too tight to the things of this world. I have seen over and over in couples who for 1. live way above their means. and 2. they can't handle having nothing, while some have nothing and quite content.
Sadly, to many believers want wealth and health above Christ. I have seen some believers divorce over their monetary problems. Trying to control life will not help the situation in fact trying to control everything will get you in worse trouble as well as it is sin!
 
Don't lust for more and when you are mad, upset, frustrated or fearful just remember that this is your flesh crying out. Turn to God and admit your heart and then walk by faith. Whether full or hungry, be content in Christ alone and you will have peace regardless of your circumstances.
4/8/2024
You can do all things through Christ which strengthens!
Verse 13 gets thrown around a lot in Christendom. "13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Often it is used wrongfully to say something like "I can become President if I wanted through Christ" or "I will be the greatest basketball player of all time" type stuff, but that is NOT what Paul was getting at!  
Phil 4:12 "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
 
Paul was saying through Christ "I HAVE EVERYTHING" and regardless of suffering or abounding, Christ is enough.
 
The Philippian church also helped financially support Paul. The word communicate means to partner with and be in fellowship with. They gave financially and prayed for Him in order for his ministry as well as for the gospel to spread.  
14 "Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
 
Giving and receiving are God's economy plan and there are 4 things we should give financially too as believers. 1. widows in need, 2. orphans, 3. the poor in need and 4. the ministry and spreading of the gospel! We should Not give to build some huge building or funding for some lavish lifestyle. Just like a personal mortgage and not going beyond our means so should the church be responsible. This is why I like and support home churches or someplace rent free or at the least something cheap to rent. I once had a fellowship in an airplane hangar rent free, so it doesn't need to be fancy.
 
Now one more thing we can do with our "free will" offering if desired to do is to help and bless others. Like someone who has a birthday and wants to gift them something they have on their heart to do but couldn't afford. We once gave a girl a birthday present that she wanted to do for years but couldn't afford. She always wanted to jump out of an airplane and parachute down. She loved it and it was a pleasure to do. Another way might be if someone needs a car, or bike or something these are things the Body of Christ also.  
By the way Paul says it wasn't that he couldn't work if he had to but the gift from the Philippian church helped him to do more ministry AND it blessed them even more, for it was a great sacrifice for them to give and well pleasing to God!
 
COLOSSIANS 
Love in the Spirit!
As we start this new book, we see Paul give his normal greetings. He starts every book with Grace and Peace. One is Greek the other Hebrew and also who this book is addressed to. To the saints, that is the saved holy ones and faithful brethren in Colosse. This is something every church should desire to be called, "faithful brethren"!
Col 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
 
Paul has prayed for them and is proud of their faith and love for all the saints. That does not just mean in Colosse either, as they loved all the saints everywhere.
3 "We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,"
 
He tells them of their hope in Heaven and that will be with the Lord someday, and that the gospel message of being in Christ brings fruit that is called "good works".  
5 "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; 6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: 7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit."
 
These good works are a byproduct of being in Christ and walking by the Spirit. We too have that same Spirit within us, and we too have good works to share the gospel, the cross and the love of Christ! Remember you are not here to just receive but to also give. You are saved that so others may be saved also! Reach out and share the gospel message and teach all that you know with others.
4/10/2024
Paul's desire for all of us!
Paul's great desire for the church!
1. To be filled with the knowledge of will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding! We get this from studying the word and allowing it to help us understand, discern and grow in Christ.
Col 1:9 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
 
2. The we would Walk Worthy and be fruitful in "good works", which means being faithful in all we do, while increasing in the knowledge of God.
10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
 
3. That we be Strengthen with all might in His power, which means to allow Christ to work through us! That the Word of God would makes us more and more confident and secure in our relationshipwith Him and that we would be patient, longsuffering and joyful in Him.
11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
 
4.And always THANKFUL!!! Thankful that we belong to God and have eternal life and have the Holy Spirit within us! That we have a heavenly inheritance and a righteous inheritance with all the truly great genuine and faithful saints in Christ!
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:"
 
Be thankful, confident and always Walk by faith!
4/11/2024
Delivered from darkness, death and into Christ Kingdom!
Paul says that God the Father has delivered us from darkness which is death and placed us in light which is life! That light and life is found in "the kingdom of his dear Son", Jesus! This is why we can say we are "IN CHRIST"!!!
Col 1:12 "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"
 
We have been redeemed which means ransomed through His blood. That means Christ death and blood paid for our sins thus making it possible to be completely forgiven by faith! We are now reconciled to God and God is not angry with us and no need to punish us.
 
I think we often focus so much on sin that when we sin, we feel horrible. We feel so ashamed and guilty and fear we deserve punishment. What we need to understand is that God simply wants us to walk by faith and to come running back to Him. He wants us to be focused on Him and not on being "good enough" or not sinning but relating to Him! He wants us to be intimate with Him, by being transparent and vulnerable with Him. He wants us to receive from Him instead of trying to get His approval by working harder.
 
You are redeemed, reconciled and in Christ so run, rest and receive from God by faith!
4/12/2024
JESUS!!!
Jesus is the exact image of God the Father!  
Col 1:15 "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence."
 
Everything was created by Jesus and made to worship Him. Jesus is the creator and Jesus is the word and the one who spoke things into existence. Jesus is above all authority and Jesus is the head of the church, which is His Body! Jesus is the one who has the preeminence which means the place above all others.  
 
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS!!!! JESUS IS ABOVE ALL! GIVE JESUS PRAISE TODAY!
4/15/2024
Reconciled, holy and unblameable in HIS sight!!!
We have been declared reconciled, holy and blameless in God's sight through Christ!!!
Col 1:19 "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:"

Christ has done the work, and He is the fulness of all things, meaning through Christ salvation, eternal life and wholeness is found in Him. It means that the heavens and the world are now able to be reconciled and purified through Him. It means that there is no more searching or understanding needed to be done but is if finished, complete and righteous in Him!
 
There is peace between God and man, and Christ will present you before the Father holy and blameless! When you stand before God you don't have to be afraid or fear punishment, so just be thankful and grateful and at rest in our Lord Jesus! 
4/16/2024
Be grounded and settled in the faith!
Paul states that the gospel has been preached to every creature under heaven, which means all mankind now knows and may be saved!
Col 1:23 "If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:"
He also says that we need to stay grounded and settled in faith meaning we should understand the Word and growing in faith daily! Studying the word should be your #1 priority in life. It should even come before your family yet when you study the Word you will find that your family benefits even more then if you had made them the priority.
 
Paul says he rejoiced in his sufferings for Christ for the church's sake! The church is Christ Body, and it is a living organism not a building or institute of some kind. It is alive without boundaries! The Body is not bound by laws, ordinances, nations or government. It lives in communist countries as well as free, IT IS ALIVE JUST AS CHRIST IS ALIVE!
So be grounded and settled in the faith by reading and studying the word "rightly divided" daily.
4/172024
The Mystery Message!
We are in the mystery dispensation. The dispensing of God's will for today was not known and not prophesied. No one knew of this new dispensation that gentiles would be offered salvation without Israel, law or works!
Col 1:25 "Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."
 
God would make known the riches of His Glory to gentiles is amazing!!! That we could be saved by faith without works of the law and that Christ would live in us is unbelievable!
 
Paul then says that we should preach Christ, warn all and teach with the wisdom that edifies so that every man may be mature in Christ! This is our ministry today. This is our purpose today!
 
Preach The Mystery Message, that grace message, that message that saves, builds and frees....
CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY!
4/18/2024
Absent in the flesh yet with you in the spirit!
Paul describes his great love for the churches by saying even though I am not with you physically I am spiritually.
Col 2:1 "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ."
 
He always wanted the church to be united in love and to understand the great riches of being in Christ. You know that is what we should all want for each other. We should desire that understanding of the mystery of God and Christ. We should desire to love one another and to share time with one another.
 
Unfortunately, most Christians are so weak and immature that any criticism, counsel or help comes with defensiveness and rejection. We should want to be mature enough to receive from others and that takes time and willingness. As I always say the greatest character change in the believer should be humbleness and the willingness to receive from others as well as give to others. Without humbleness there is pride and with pride comes independence and with independence comes defensiveness!
 
Paul is encouraged by this church's steadfastness of faith in Christ, and this is what we should desire for all churches and saints. A humble, persevering church that desires the Word of God and a relationship with Christ!
 
As you go through this week think about your desire for God, Christ, the Word and for others. Think about if you can receive counsel from others and if you are truly humble! Be honest with yourself and then pray about it and see if there are areas in your life that need to change.
in the love of Christ,
4/19/2024
ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN CHRIST!!!
As we have received Christ Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we are then to walk in Him.  
Col 2:6 "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving."
 
Walking in Him means that our soul which is our mind, will and emotions, is doing the walking. Just as our Spirit is saved sealed and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, our soul has to think and do something! It can think of sinful thoughts or righteous ones. So, walking means that we think about Him and put Him on by renewing our minds. Renewing is the daily process we must all do. No one gets away with not doing this as a believer.
 
As we renew our minds and walk in Christ we will grow and become rooted in Him. Rooted means to grow deeper like roots of a tree.  The more water and nourishment the deeper and stronger they become.
 
We are to be built up which means just like a person who works out gets stronger by lifting heavier weights, so we too get stronger in Christ. Our mind becomes set and forms in Christ. Our minds get freer and freer and less about ourselves and more on Christ and others.
 
As we renew our minds and grow and become rooted and built up in Christ, we become established in the faith, and we become Thankful to our Lord Jesus Christ! If you're not thankful then perhaps you're not built up in Him!
Get built up, rooted and stronger by reading, studying and walking by faith!
4/22/2024
COMPLETE IN JESUS!
Years ago, when working at a different ministry, we had the privilege of counseling a person who was high up in the psychological field. They had no answers for their issue, and they were desperate for answers. This was because they had a philosophy that was after man and not after Christ. Christ is the answer to all issues especially eternal life itself!
Col 2:8 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:"
 
The traditions of men will not bring life. Following the law, ordinances and principles without Christ just brings more rebellion. Now when Paul talks about the traditions of men here, he is not just talking of worldly traditions but also church or religious traditions and ordinances. This whole chapter in Colossians 2 teaches us about what is important today for the Body of Christ and it isn't in ordinances but Christ, for you see we are complete in Him!
 
In Jesus dwells the complete, full Godhead in bodily form. There is nothing more that we need to do for Jesus has fulfilled it all in Himself. We are made whole, holy and blameless in Spirit. We are IN CHRIST and HE is in us! We cannot get more spirit or a better spirit in us for He is complete in Us. Our spirit is full, whole and complete in Him.
 
You are Complete in Christ so Stop trying to work harder and do more works of the law and just be content in the love of our Lord Jesus Christ!
4/23/2024
Circumcised, buried and made alive!
Paul tells us we have been circumcised, buried and made alive in Christ!
Col 2:11 "In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;"
 
Circumcision means to be "cut off" from the world of sin and to be owned and dedicated to the Lord! You are HIS possession and HIS child! NOTICE ALL this is NOT physically but SPIRITUALLY!!!! It is by CHRIST works and not ours therefore it is an eternal as well as internal thing that has been done.
 
We are buried with him in baptism meaning by identification. NOTICE NO WATER!!! Baptism means to be immersed in by identifying. It does not always mean water in fact there are lots of different baptisms in the bible such as fire, death and spirit!
 
We are then risen and quickened which means made alive by Christ. We are not dead spiritually but alive. We are no longer dead, rotten sinners but we are LIVING, SPIRITUAL SAINTS IN CHRIST!!!!
And because we are cut off spiritually from the sinful world and because we have been buried and are alive in Him and belong to Him, we also have ALL OUR SINS FORGIVEN!!! SHOUT AMEN SAINTS!!!
AND GIVE GOD THE GLORY TODAY!!!
4/24/2024
NO ORDINANCES!!!
Every denominational church and many so called non-denominational churches have ordinances. Many times, this is what separates them from other denominations. Foot washings, water baptisms and food communions are all apart of most churches in some way. Catholics and most orthodox churches have 7 of these ordinances but Paul says these things are only shadows!
 
Col 2:14 "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."
 
You see those things were needed to point toward Christ, but they are not Christ! All of these now are gone and no longer needed. We walk by the spirit not by the flesh. We are called to walk by the spirit not by sight! Everything today is by the spirit and not by what we can touch taste or handle! Those things are religious things but cannot take away sinful fleshly things. They look humble, faithful and like you are worshiping God but really it is dead works that lead to more unfaithfulness. It is a FALSE HUMILTY and will do nothing for your sin or faith. It is faith in the wrong thing and that thing is our selves! In fact, most of the time it feeds others flesh like parents and church members to think and say, "look they are saved and one of us now"!
 
18 "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."
 
There are NO ORDINANCES TODAY! 0! NONE! So, stop trying to have this outward work that shows an inward change type thing and just have an inward change that loves others as Christ loved you!
4/25/2024
CHRIST WHO IS OUR LIFE!
IF WE BE RISEN WITH CHRIST, WOW!!! You have risen from the dead Dear Saint in Christ!
Col 3:1 "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
 
We are alive with Christ! No longer are we dead but ALIVE and therefore since we are alive, we should keep our affections, heart, and thoughts on heavenly things. Things that are above with Christ and the things that are above the muckety-muck
here on earth. The power and love and grace of our Lord! The acceptance and forgiveness of our Lord Jesus. The eternal glory and place above of all forever and ever! THINK on these things and the peace of God will fill you full!
 
Of course, it doesn't mean we are blind to the things here on earth, but our HOPE is in Christ not fixing the problems here on earth. The problems may get fixed but as soon as one gets fixed another comes, another war or another political thing pops up, so keep your thoughts, hope and affections on things above.
 
ALWAYS remember that CHRIST IS LIFE and HE is OUR LIFE! There is NO life without Christ!!!
Peace to you all!
4/26/2024
PUT OFF-PUT ON!
We are to put off and put on daily. Put off our lust and sinful thoughts and actions and put on righteous, godly and loving thoughts and behavior.
Col 3:5 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
 
Everyone must do this, and it is hard work sometimes. Not works to be saved but to renew the mind with what is true within your spirit. It is hard because our thought life is caught up in our lust and what we want and desire to "feel" happy, or what comforts us. We lust for love, money, or power. We lust for what others have and covet our friends and neighbors' things. We lust for more and more and more things and even good things can still be sinful!
 
So just like doing a hard day's work and having dirty clothes we take them off and shower and then put clean clothes back on, we do this with our thought life. We take each thought captive and then put off and replace it with righteous thoughts. We don't just take off our dirty cloths and stand naked for the elements would hurt us. Just like the sun would give us sunburn or standing around naked would give us shame and guilt so we put on clothes. We put on Christ and our identity in Him. We put on mercy, kindness and humbleness of mind. We put on God's love, acceptance and forgiveness! We put on and stand in the freedom of His grace and then love others by telling them about Christ!
 
So don't live in filthy clothes but take off and put on God's Love and our Lord Jesus Christ!!! AND let the PEACE of God rule in YOUR heart!!!
4/29/2024
Teaching and Admonishing one another!
While allowing the word of God to dwell in our thought life we are to teach and admonish one another. We should read, study and let the word sink into our mind and hearts daily, and then reach out to one another in some way.
Col 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
 
Now the so-called institutional church which is the more traditional church would never allow this. They are stuck on 4 songs and a pastors' message and go home mode! But the Body of Christ is an organism with many gifted parts. All may participate and join in the maturing of the body. This is why many large churches want to have midweek small home groups but unfortunately it is looked at as the minor-less important time instead of a more major part of the church. All may contribute, in fact when others can tribute when the body has gathered regularly, they begin to be bold and serve others! They become real and get to know one another.
 
They see the flaws yet love them. They see the faith of another, and it encourages them. They see that there are others with the same issues and struggles in faith and everyday life. They sense maybe for the first time they are not alone in this world.
Singing, teaching and sharing life should be the norm not just a once in a while type thing. We all should come with something to share like a verse or a testimony. We can lead in a song or poem, but all need to be from being real, transparent and praising the Lord.
 
Now sometimes someone might share they are having trouble or need help or counsel. They may have a health problem or even an emotional one. They need to be free to open up with one another. Then the body may pray for them and encourage them in some way.
Paul then says we should do ALL to the glory of God and to be THANKFULL and giving THANKS UNTO GOD THE FATHER THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD!
4/30/2024
Relationships!
Relationship are important and Paul tells us the order and way we should relate to one another. All relationships should have a sense of love, honor and respect for each other.
Col 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
Wives should allow the husband to lead and follow. This is not an unequal thing but an orderly understanding. This actually shows respect which is love to her husband and teaches the children as well as unbelievers how to submit to God as well as authority. It teaches discipline and unity and how to get along with others. The duty of a wife is far greater than what it looks like on a surface level for it is the bedrock of how countries, government and society should be as a whole.
 
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
We men should love as Christ loved, with tenderness and gentleness, and with patience and by protecting in all areas of life, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. Loving means leading in her all areas of life, which is the spiritual area as well, and also gently correcting and supporting his wife. The greatest thing a husband can do is lead his wife by reading the word to her.
 
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Children will have a great life if they submit to their parents. This shows love, order and respect not only to the parents but to all mankind. This shows Christ to those that don't know Him as well as to those who do, and it encourages them to see others doing what they already know is right.  
 
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Don't provoke your kids by insulting or teasing them. To many dads use harsh words to correct and discipline which is worse than a spanking, as words stick forever. Don't reject or belittle them but correct with love and gentleness. Even when disciplining them we can bring them to Christ if we are slow to anger and patient with them.  
 
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
We all can relate to this as we all work for someone at some point in our lives. Work hard for your boss as if he is Christ and do the best job you can as much as you can. Get to work on time and help as much as possible and don't just show up for a paycheck.
 
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Everything we do should be to bring glory to God and praise to Christ! Work hard, have fun and be a voice for the Lord always!
5/1/2024
Servants and Masters!
As I said before work hard for your employer just like he is Jesus and do the best you can in all things and you will be rewarded with a clear conscience and most likely from your boss too!
Col 3:22 "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."
4:1 "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven."
 
I address servants yesterday but today we also address masters or in today's term the "boss'! Your boss may not be the owner, but someone is the owner of the business you work for, and they are to be respected, and they as believers hopefully will respect you. Masters are to treat their employees just like they were treated by Christ, with love and respect. Give them good honest wages and help them grow by teaching them the business. Don't cheat them and Be patient with them and correct in love not belittling them or making them feel small after all that servant/employee works to make You money. But more importantly he or she is a person who either knows Christ or could know Him as their personal Lord and Saviour. You are an ambassador for Christ first and therefore they can see or not see Christ through you.
The Lord has died for ALL and is not a respecter of persons meaning everyone is treated the same for doing what is right or wrong. DO RIGHT AND SERVE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!
4/2/2024
PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER!
Paul asks for prayer which I find most believers struggle with. They can pray for others, but when asking for prayer for themselves it is hard.
Col 4:2 "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak."
 
Our pride and fear of failure and looking weak can play into not asking for prayer. If we ask for prayer, it must mean that something is wrong and I have failed at faith and weak or something, which is totally untrue.
 
Paul asked for prayer so that he could speak the mystery of Christ. When we minister and share the gospel, we too should share the mystery gospel. Don't share the Kingdom gospel as it is not working today but share the gospel that is working today the gospel of grace. The death, cross and blood of Christ! The burial and resurrection of Christ! That He loved them and died for their sins and is alive today! Share your testimony as best you can and let them see that you too were once lost and needed this same
Saviour. That you too were dead but now alive in Christ.
 
Ask for Prayer and pray for others and then share the gospel of the mystery, the gospel that saves, the gospel of Jesus Christ!
4/3/2024
WALK IN WISDOM AND REDEEM THE TIME!
I was just talking to Robin today about this subject.  
Col 4:5 "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
 
Often, we think that redeeming the time and the wisdom we need is focused on more work related but it isn't. Walking in wisdom can be and should be spending more time with the Lord and reading His word and praying. Receiving from the Lord and praying how we might minister to others. How we can use the time we have to bring others to the Lord.
 
You know we often see LDS and J.W. knocking on doors and they do this from a law and performance-oriented way of talking to people, but we can do the same even more so without making it a law or performance and work. Every time you go the store you can pray for the person checking you out or share the gospel with them. You can talk to your neighbors or family about the Lord. I know a guy in Yuma who puts gospel tracts out and shares the gospel everywhere he goes. He brings the gospel to his workplace and his workplace is the U.S. mail! WOW! What a witness for Christ! I knew a pastor years ago that I pastored with that every time we ate, he would ask the waitress if they knew the Lord and then leave a tract with them. One time he was even late to give the message on Sunday because he was walking the streets around the church and was sharing the gospel with a boy in the neighbor hood.
 
I often read the stories in the VOM books which stands for the VOICE OF the MARTYRS, and you hear of great faith and good works these people do all at a risk of being killed, but they look forward to doing it. We should not waist time and we should pray for a passion for the lost and how to bring them to the Lord. We also should desire to edify and teach how to walk by faith and to build others up.
 
Pray for that passion and heart to bring others to the Lord and redeem the time you have by be prepared anytime to share the message of the cross of Christ!
5/6/2024
House Church!
I am a big fan of House churches! Here we see that Nymphas had a church in his house.
Col 4:15 "Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. 16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea."
 
In the early gentile church period, most fellowships were in houses. This was common and safe. They were small congregations and operated as a family. They knew one another and were able to minister and function easily.
 
I believe that is still the best way. Most people don't realize that out of all the churches in the U.S only 10-20 percent are mega churches that means over 2000 in attendance. They get allot of attention because they can afford to be on T.V and such but that does not mean they are any better of a church. Out of the 80% left over, churches are under 200 in weekly attendance and 80% percent of those are under 100. That means even in churches that have buildings the majority are small local churches, and that is not counting all the house churches that do not get counted at all! There are thousands of house churches, and in Korea and China there are estimated to be millions of them.
 
If you struggle with different doctrines of most traditional, denominational or non-denominational churches as so many do pray about starting a house church. You don't have to be a great speaker or even a theologian just be faithful and desire for others to come to Christ. Just reading the Word alone can change lives. Informal, small intimate groups are better than formal, large ones.
grace to you,
5/7/2024
1 Thessalonians
The theme of 1 Thessalonians is the coming of Christ and when we are "caught up" with Him which is more commonly known as the rapture. Rapture is the Latin word for "caught up". There are those who don't believe in the rapture or have a different view of it, but it is real and before the tribulation period.
 
Paul begins this book with his normal introduction by saying who he is writing to which is the church, the body of Christ. The Body of Christ is the gentile church though Jews may come just as any other gentile by way of the cross.
1Th 1:1 "Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:"
 
He is proud of the way the church has received and become followers of Paul and the others who preached there but most important that they believed, accepted and followed Christ. They received the gospel that Paul often calls "my" gospel which is the gospel of grace, the gospel that saves and the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the gospel that preaches Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery and stands in Liberty and grace!
 
Paul prayed for them and was excited to hear that they were being faithful, and their works showed it. We too should pray for one another and remember those who live in such horrible conditions in other countries. That are jailed and separated for the cause of Christ. Who live in communist or Muslim countries and die for Jesus! We have it made and I think sometimes have taken the freedom we have for granted. We even take have become complacent you might say.
 
BUT keep praying for each other and please pray for this ministry as well. Pray for Robin and I as we continue to pray for you!
5/8/2024
Faithfull Church!
What a faithful church! They once worshiped idols but now worship God through faith in Jesus!
1Th 1:7 "So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."

Their faith was known throughout the country, and I would hope that your faith is known throughout your family and friends. That your town knows who you are as a Christian. Are you known for something else or for being that one who lives daily in the Lord and who shares the Lord with others Let it be known that you are a Christian and that you follow Christ all the time. You may not be perfect, but you saved and sharing the gospel with others.
 
Paul once again wants them to know that Christ will return and that they are safe from the wrath to come. This is something that many just don't get. They don't believe in the rapture so that can't get this verse, but it is a powerful comforting verse because it shows that we will not enter into that time of wrath. We are saved and "caught up" into heaven with our Lord Jesus!
 
So, take comfort in knowing that and that you know where your home is now as well as the future for you are HEAVEN BOUND!
5/9/2024
Paul's heart for the church!
Paul shared the gospel and the truth with the church. He wanted nothing from them. He did not seek glory or money or anything else except for their hearts to come to Christ!
1Th 2:1 "For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ."
 
Sadly, that is not the case today in many of our churches. Mega churches have very charismatic preachers that can make people get excited but generally in the background in the day to day working it is not so great.
We see evangelist and pastors on T.V who only lust for themselves and want people to give to them instead of just leading and teaching the word of God. I once visited a church that the pastor put such a guilt trip on the people it was sickening to listen too. He wanted to raise more funds for a "New" building! I heard a pastor say in a meeting one time when going over the books that he would see the churches lights go out before his ever would at home. In other words, he had better get paid before the church paid the bills.
 
I am so proud and thankful for those bi-vocational pastors and teachers. I am so glad to see the small church pastor who doesn't take a huge salary and uses the church funds for his own needs. I think it is even better if the pastor takes what is given by donation than one who has a set salary only.
 
It is easy to get caught up in worldly possessions or want to grow the church and put everything on a credit card in the name of reaching others for Christ, and then guilting the church to give and give more.... but the leaders, pastors and teachers need to serve first with the right heart and motives! Let us have the heart of Christ and of Paul and share the gospel regardless of any financial gain.
5/10/2024
Imparted unto our own souls!!!
Paul says that they were gentle and loving and imparted their own souls meaning they just didn't preach and leave but that they stayed and discipled and cared for them.
1Th 2:7 "But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory."
 
I believe that is one of the most important parts of a pastor and teacher but also of the church in general. We should give our lives to others. We should be willing to invest ourselves in others at the local church. It is not "just" about sharing the gospel and then leaving them alone but exhorting, comforting and relating as a father world do toward his own children, which means to love them until Christ is formed in them and walking worthy of God.
 
Just like being born is only the first step in life so evangelizing is the first step in discipleship. There is no room for lone rangers in the Body of Christ! So, spend time with others and try to edify, encourage and build in the faith as much as possible when you can.
5/13/2024
Receive the Word of God!
Just as the church in Thessalonica received the word of God so ought we.  
1Th 2:13 "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:"
 
They received it as the word of God and not just men giving some new cultish talk. They didn't have the bible as a whole, so they read the letters and heard them preaching the gospel and received it.
We want to position our mind to receive the Word, to study the word and dwell on the word. While teachers and pastors are important, just reading the word daily brings life. Read, study and receive is a good way of dealing with the word and God daily!
 
Most of us will never suffer as they did at that time, but we can suffer in our daily walk if we don't receive it. We can become fleshly, doubting and fearful. We can become more worldly than Godly and seek worldly things instead of spiritual life in Christ. We can end up walking by sight and not by faith.
 
Just one more thing there are many who suffer greatly in the world today for "receiving the word". They are Christians in foreign land that are tortured, jailed and murdered for being believers, so pray for them and be grateful that you were not born in that situation. By the way I have read that those who do suffer for Christ there in these countries don't complain but are glad to be there in that position for they can share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who are lost. They even pray for us here in the freer countries to come to life and share the word of God!
Let us be as brave as they!!!
5/14/2024
You are our Glory and Joy!
Paul tells the church that they are His glory and joy because they are in Christ!
1Th 2:16 "Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. 17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. 18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy."
 
And once again Paul mentions the word wrath coming upon those who do not know Jesus and then he says
"Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?..."
meaning that we will be with the Lord when He comes and will take those who are His from this earth and will protect them from the wrath to come.
 
1 Thes is about the coming of Christ and we who are saved should so look forward to it.
Paul also so loved the saints that he always wanted to see them face to face. He wanted to spend time teaching them and getting to know that he may impart so spiritual gift to them. That he could give them some wisdom or help in whatever way he could.
We too should desire to give and minister with and to others. Being with likeminded believers is a great joyful time, so spend time with other saints as much as you can.
Maranatha- Our Lord cometh!
5/14/2024
STAND FAST IN THE LORD!
Paul's greatest concern for the church was their faith! Were they Standing in the Lord!
1Th 3:1 "Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: 3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. 5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. 6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: 7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: 8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord."
 
Paul sent Timothy to check and see how they were doing, and the report was good.  Timothy was to establish in other words teach, edify and build them up in Christ. Timothy was to remind them of the revelation of the mystery and of the sound doctrine they had learned from Paul's ministry. He was to comfort them as they were being persecuted also and to bring comfort to them by means of following Christ no matter what the problem was.
 
You too want to "STAND FAST" which means to "STAY STRONG" and "UNMOVABLE IN FAITH AND IN CHRIST"!
Don't be wishy washy as so many today are, and be faithful to God, to the Body and serve others. Stop trying to find a church that serves you but rather were you can serve others. Stand in the right doctrine and don't be entangled with law and false doctrine.  Serve the Lord with all your heart and love others as you have been loved.
5/16/2024
Perfect what is lacking!
Paul wanted to see the church and spend time with them. He wanted to teach and give them more understanding of sound doctrine. He wanted to share more of Christ and to edify them in any area that was lacking in their faith.
1Th 3:9 "For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; 10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. 12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints."
 
I know believers who think they do not need anyone to teach them or to go to some fellowship or listen to anyone because in their mind all they need is the Word and Christ. But that is not true and certainly is not what Paul says here is it. Paul says he would come and perfect what was lacking or whatever they didn't know or understand.
 
All of us lack some understanding of ourselves. We all need the body to point out our attitudes or sins or help with doctrine. Most of us think we are right in most things but really, we can be off in many things we do. This is why the Body functions the way it does and why we need the Body to minister to one another. We have 3 things to help us grow and often times we don't do 2 of them. 1. the Spirit which we should listen too but don't! 2. the Word of God which we don't read or understand or again don't listen too! 3.
lastly the Body of Christ that speaks when we don't do the first 2!
 
The Body is a spiritual organism that is alive and moves throughout the church and the world. It works to bring salvation to the lost and healing to those who are saved. Healing in every area of life. There are 7 areas of life, and all are important. They are the spiritual, phycological and physical areas as well as the financial, social, marital and parental areas. All of these areas can be addressed by the Spirit, the Word and the Body of Christ!
 
Paul prayed that they would abound more and more in love toward one another and that takes time and work. So many believers just visit one church than another and never really settle into one fellowship. Of course, right doctrine is important but once that is settled than we should stay put and begin to "love" one another. It takes years to develop a church and relationships and if we keep moving around you never get to know people well enough to give or receive from them.
 
Loving one another should never be mistaken for hugs and kisses alone. Loving someone is caring enough to tell them when they are wrong and teaching them how-to live-in Christ along with encouraging them to walk by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ!
5/17/2024
DEFRAUD NOT!
Defraud means to take advantage or gain by taken advantage of another! It means just as it does in the financial world to take something that isn't yours as in defraud a bank or a person of their money. But this passage deals with defrauding someone by fornication meaning sex outside of marriage which is ONLY between a man and women. It is taking something that does not belong to them from the other person. The male takes the body of the female when it is not his as it belongs to God and to the women.
1Th 4:1 "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit."
 
There is another passage that deals with defrauding, but it is "Within" marriage. That means to not give of ourselves to the other IN marriage. This too is to cheat, take advantage of and to be selfish and withhold from the other.
1Co 7:4 "The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency."

We are to give and receive not defraud one another. We are to love one another and to want to satisfy one another as much as possible in all areas of life. Mentally and emotionally as well as verbally and yes physically to the best of our abilities. Now the only one who can satisfy the Spiritual area is the Lord Jesus yet there is an element that we can still help the other grow spiritually by encouraging them in some way in faith. Reading, studying and praying with them can be a way of helping them in this area.
 
We have an epidemic of sexual behavior and living in all kinds of perverted ways today. While it has always been, it didn't become accepted as accepted behavior until it was passed by Law in the U.S. President Obama allowed this to happened and now, we have the perversion it has caused to an even greater extent. There is homosexuality and transsexuality along with polygamy which is making a comeback and Utah has now accepted. You would also think that fornication would be an issue with the younger generation only, but I know seniors who sleep or live together outside of marriage. This is no difference based just because of your age or if you want to keep your former spouses "check" coming in as it is still sin before God!
 
This one subject alone is worthy of much more than just a devotion, and I hope you can understand the enormous problem we have today. Pray for those who call themselves believers and sleep or live together to get married or break up. Pray for the perversion in the LGBTQ community to repent and come to the Lord. Pray that you too may not defraud or spouse or if not married to not defraud others. The LUST for LOVE is hard but GOD IS LOVE so receive from Him and be satisfied!
5/20/2024
INCREASE MORE AND MORE!!!
Paul tells the church to increase more and more as he has said before that we should abound in everything. Faith, hope, and love as well as grace and understanding and we get all this from reading the word and staying in prayer with our Lord.
1Th 4:9 "But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."
Paul knows of their love for others and praises them for it and then tells them to work hard and mind their own business. Evidently, they had a problem with gossip or perhaps not working as this is in Greece home of the philosophers who just sat around doing nothing but talking about some new philosophy!
He encouraged them to walk honestly and supply their own needs so that they could help others in their needs. This is why we should work to support ourselves and to help others. We can minister by giving in many different ways. Prayer, time and give financially can be the things we can do along with food, clothing, vehicles and shelter are just some ways we can minister to others.
Keep reading and studying the Word and stay in prayer and relationship with Jesus daily and grow in grace, faith and love!
5/21/2024
RAPTURE!
The words "Caught up" is called "Rapture" in Latin. It is used to mean the time when the saints of this age will be "caught up" with Christ in the clouds, so that the tribulation period can begin. It is the time of God's wrath and dealing with the nation of Israel on an earthly and kingdom basis.
1Th 4:13 "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
The Rapture is real, and it will be a Grand day for all who know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. The dispensation of grace will be over and usher in the end times also known as the Ages to Come period.
We should comfort one another as we will be with our Lord and miss the wrath to come. It is a peaceful time to celebrate and look forward too!
Don't let those who do not believe sway you in this GREAT DAY IN CHRIST!
5/22/2024
BE AWAKE, AWARE AND COMFORTED!
So many folks today and sadly even those who claim to be believers party like unbelievers with no concern for the coming Lord Jesus. They drink like any other non-believer without a care for spiritual things and they live a material, fleshly, earthly lifestyle. I know people who are in ministry that drink like no big deal and live their life like grace gives them a license to sin.
1Th 5:1 'But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."
Paul tells us to sober minded which means to be serious and not silly or to be circumspectly which means watchful, cautious and alert. We should always be AWARE and AWAKE to what is going on around us in all areas of life. Spiritually, mentally and physically as well as globally, politically and financially in this world!
 
We are children of light and so we should shine that light to this lost world. You can't do that if you are drunk and carousing around at night. We should stop and really think what we are doing and what it looks like after all you wouldn't want your kids or grandkids thinking it is ok to do whatever you want, whenever you want while disregarding Jesus would you?
 
We should be comforted in the fact that we are not of this world and that we will not go through that great tribulation and see the wrath of God. We want to edify one another which means build up each other in faith and always stay awake and aware of your thoughts as well as this world.
5/23/2024
Authority and ministry!
Sadly, authority is challenged in every way these days. Parents are challenged more and more, and disrespect is shown to police, teachers, government officials and even pastors.  
1Th 5:12 "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men."
Paul says we should respect those that teach the word and are over them for their works sake. We should really respect everyone even if we disagree. That means not showing malice, calling them names or attacking them. We can separate and disassociate from them, but we do not need to be rude or nasty toward them. I see a lot of disrespect on social media especially and it is easy to do as not one is there to say stop.
The leaders are to minister but Paul says that everyone is to minister. All of are to be at peace and warn the unruly meaning those who cause trouble and cause undo separation especially in doctrine.  We all are to comfort the feebleminded and comfort the weak and be patient with all which goes back to what I was saying before when it comes to respect.
We all are to minister and do what is good and not just to those on our local church but to unbelievers as well. Respect authority and minster to all when possible!
5/24/2024
REJOICE, PRAY AND GIVE THANKS!!!
Paul ends this letter with encouraging words and practical things to do.  
1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
We should always rejoice in the Lord, in other words when thinking of the Lord we should be so grateful thankful and excited for we have eternal Life through Jesus!!!
 
17 Pray without ceasing.
We should continually and never stop. We don't have set times as Israel or other religions oh No we can pray to God anytime! We should give thanks tot the Lord and for others in Christ as well as pray for the lost!
 
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
As said above ne thankful. A thankful heart is a content heart and not a striving, anxious heart. Be content in Christ alone and everything else will seem small.
 
19 Quench not the Spirit.
Don't quench the spirit by walking after the flesh. Allow the Spirit to work in your life and allow the Spirit to open your mind to what the scripture have to say.
 
20 Despise not prophesyings.
Prophesy today means teaching and we should be teachable. One of the things I look for in people that come to me is a teachable heart. Do they want to be taught or do they already know it all!
 
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
We should know what is right and if there is a question prove it out by the word or in time. Notice it says to abstain from the appearance of evil, it doesn't have to be evil to appear evil. An Example might help, I have singles saying, " I spent the night over at my girlfriends house last night, but we didn't sleep together"! Most of the time that is not true but either way it appears like you did!  
 
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25 Brethren, pray for us.
We are already sanctified in Spirit which means set apart in Holiness, but our soul which is our mind-will and emotions as well as our body are to be as we renew our minds. A day will come when our whole Spirit, soul and Body will be also! This also proves we a re trichotomy (3) and not a dichotomy (2) person as so many churches teach. It also gives us the understanding of we can be saved and still sin as well as OSAS!!!
 
26 "Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."
Spend time with one another and read the word and be one with likeminded saints!
So, Rejoice, Pray and be Thankful!!!
5/27/2024
NEW BOOK! 2 THESSALONIANS
After Paul's greeting, he the tell the church that he thanks God for their growing faith and love for the saints. He tells them he is proud of them for their going through so much tribulation and for standing strong in faith!
2Th 1:3 "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:"
 
He knows of their persecution and from others who are trying to get them to follow the law or to follow some idol and worship it in some way. He tells them that they will be taken care of by God and shall never see the glory of the Lord Jesus!
5 "Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;"
 
Just know that Jesus will come and be glorified in His saints and that God would count YOU worthy because YOU believed the gospel!
10 "When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Let the name of JESUS be Glorified in YOU because YOU are IN CHRIST!!!
5/28/2024
THE ANTICHIST!
Paul tells the church to not be deceived with all the talk of this or that when it comes to the end time prophecy and to not be worried for the sign will come that will show when it is time.
2Th 2:1 "Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved."
 
That sign is that there will be a falling away and the antichrist will be revealed. He will be a leader and will be possessed by Satan like Judas who was also called the son of perdition. He will be well-liked in the first half of the tribulation but in the 2nd half he will be the wicked one who deceives. He will deceive many and they will not come to Christ!
 
Be comforted for you will not be there. A good lesson for us is to not be taken in by every faith healer, prosperity dealer and law pushing preacher but to stand by faith in the grace and freedom of Jesus Christ!
5/29/2024
Satan's signs and wonder program!
From the beginning Satan has deceived mankind. He tricked Eve and even now continues to deceive mankind into thinking they too can be God! Satan will even do signs and wonders which will captivate people's fleshly religious minds into thinking this antichrist is the real deal!
2Th 2:9 "Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."
This why I say over and over the sign gifts are no longer working today. The sign gifts were just that a sign to point Israel to God but after the completion of the Word of God there is no reason for them. Therefore, we should not follow signs and wonders but follow Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery that is IN THE WORD!!!
Don't be deceived by faith healers, tongue talkers and miracle mischief but be grounded in God's Love and Word!!!
5/30/2024
BRETHREN AND BELOVED OF THE LORD!
Paul is proud of this church and how they are growing in grace! How they have withstood the law minded and idol worshiping and false gods of the world.
2Th 2:13 " But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work."
He then tells them to "Stand Fast" which means to stand firm and hold the traditions which they were taught. Now many teach that this means the law, but it does not in fact Paul says "...which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."
 
The traditions are what Paul taught by speaking to them or by letters to the gentiles which was not under law! The traditions are those things that are Godly and righteous and loving others. Keeping oneself from fornication and idols and other sinful behavior.
 
We too want to not be entangled with this world and its sinful thinking but be different and stand fast in the Lord! Hold onto Paul's traditions by reading Romans through Philemon and be comforted, content and a conquer in Christ,
You Brethren and Dearly Beloved of the Lord!
5/31/2024
The Lord may have free course!
Paul sought others to pray for him and his fellow workers in Christ. He wanted prayer so that the Word of the Lord would have a "free course" meaning an ease throughout the region as well as spread even more!
2Th 3:1 "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. 5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."
 
I hope your desire is to share the gospel of grace and the cross of Christ wherever you are. That the gospel according to the revelation of the mystery given to Paul would be on your mind always because it is the gospel that sets us free in Christ.
 
Paul says "not all men have the faith" which means many don't, but they do tend to want to control the church and the spreading of the word of God. All through the world there are those who do not know Jesus yet have the power to or try to stop the gospel from spreading. Communist China, North Korea and Islamic countries all try to stop the name of Jesus but can't so pray for those who live there and teach the Word of God!
 
Always remember that the Lord is Faithful always! He is faithful when we are not! He is faithful to death and proved that, but He is faithful now so depend and hang on to Him for your very life!
 
Paul encourages us to do the things that he gave us as instructions in Godliness and into the love of the Lord! Receive the love of God and keep your eyes and heart on Christ!
6/3/2024
WITHDRAW FROM THE DISORDERLY!
We are told to withdraw from the disorderly! These are those who cause trouble, non believers and believers alike! We are to separate from those who will not submit to correction, or the doctrine of Grace given by Paul or even not work but expect others to take care of them!
2Th 3:6 "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother."
 
Paul talks a lot about this through his epistles and while most Christians find this to be unloving, they don't realize what scripture says. They don't understand nor discern why to separate from others when Jesus spoke of loving others unconditionally.
 
We first let us remember that Jesus separated himself from the Pharisees and leaders of Israel. Those that didn't believe and receive also were separated from Him also regardless of if leadership.
there are several reasons to separate from others.
1. their influence! Sometimes they influence us more than we them. We may end up in sin.
2. to bring them to their knees so they would repent and come to Christ. Paul turned them over to Satan he says in 1Cor 5
3. For us to be separate from the world and to be a witness for Christ. If they see no difference, why should they come to Christ. To be a light among them and shine the light of Christ upon them.
 
If you have relationships that are unhealthy because of unfaithfulness, abuse and rejection or whatever it maybe you may need to withdraw or separate from them. If you are prone to impulsive decisions, then get a 2nd or 3rd opinion from faithful people who know the situation.
 
Now this may not apply to marriages or to believers over small disagreements and ALL and ALWAYS should only be done after some time of trying to talk and reconciliation attempted.
Not all separation is bad and may even be needed for their sake as well as yours and always for Christ's sake!!!
6/4/2024
1 TIMOTHY
Starting a new book and going verse by verse we come to 1Timothy. A great book which has Paul teaching a young man named Timothy who joined Him in his ministry. Timothy was half Greek and half Jew so Paul had him circumcised in Acts so that the Jews would be willing to listen to him see Acts 16:1-3. Timothy would go on to be extremely helpful and faithful to Paul and the Lord's work.
 
Here in 1Timothy Paul gives his normal introduction and then tells him to teach no other doctrine but the doctrine he learned from Paul. The doctrine of grace which comes from the revelation of the mystery given to Paul from Christ Himself! This gospel for today and the gospel that saves! The doctrine that is under grace without Israel, Law and ordinances! The doctrine of faith alone for salvation without works! We too should teach no other doctrine and share no other gospel!
 
1Ti 1:1 " Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do."
He then tells him to not get caught up in fables which are stories and talk that amounts to nothing. He tells him to not get caught up in genealogies which were so very important to Jews. Jews worked hard to keep their genealogies so they could prove they were Jews and above the gentile as well as the lineage of Christ but as Paul always did in many things he instructed us to do the exact opposite!
 
Don't get caught up in fables like T.V shows that portray Jesus or Moses or genealogies because for one most of the time they are not biblical and second our genealogy give us nothing, as we are all born sinners and have become a
NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST!
6/5/2024
Sound doctrine and a pure heart!
Paul tells Timothy that the bottom line is love from a pure heart in other words with the right motive. Most people love from a self-centered motive which really is lust, it may be ever SO subtle, but it is still lust.
1Ti 1:5 "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;"
 
We are to have a good conscience that means taken an honest appraisal of ourselves. Checking and double checking our attitude, intentions and motivation. Why are we doing what we're doing? Is it Godly or ungodly? So, keep a good conscience by being honest with yourself and perhaps getting others to help you see yourself rightfully.
 
Our faith should be sincere and genuine not fake or hypocritical. By being real and not trying to be "super spiritual" (meaning sounding and looking religious and good but not good or biblical) YET being led by the Spirit! We are to have true humility and not what Colossians 2 says of having false humility. We want to truly walk by faith in all things.
 
Now those that walk according to law have a false humility and do not understand sound doctrine for today. The law does not save you nor does it make you spiritual and it only builds pride to boast in your flesh. The law only condemns and does not bring life,
so, learn sound doctrine by reading and studying the doctrine given to Paul by Christ! The doctrine according to the revelation of the mystery found in Romans -Philemon! The doctrine of grace and of our Lord Jesus Christ!
6/12/2024
PAUL'S PERFECT PATTERN!
Paul was an enemy of Christ! He did not believe and was trying to get rid of this "sect" of believers.
1Ti 1:11 "According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."
 
Now when Paul says he was the chief of sinners it doesn't mean he was the worst or the greatest sinner but rather the first. He was the first to be saved not as a follower of the Messiah as the 12 or little flock but as an enemy of Christ.
 
Jesus came to him and blinded him so that he would truly know that it was Jesus who spoke and would save him if he believed. Paul did believe and therefore the pattern of saving man by grace through faith alone was set. No more Israel, law or works required. The gentile was the enemy of Christ but was now offered salvation by the gospel of grace through the cross of Christ! This Pauline Pattern is still the pattern for today! It is the only way to be saved today!
 
Paul is our pattern, Apostle and leader for the church today, so follow Paul and you will be following Jesus!
6/13/2024
The King and Only Wise God!!!
Jesus is the King that is eternal, immortal and invisible and the only wise God! Let us praise Him and give Him honor and glory forever and ever and ever.......... .........
1Ti 1:17 "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."
 
Paul shares with Timothy to fight the good fight of faith and keep a conscience! This is what we should strive by faith to do also. To be discerning and aware of our own thinking and take each thought captive. To have that "change of mind" and walk by faith as much as possible. To put off and PUT -ON! We should desire humbleness and gentleness yet with the power of the Spirit working within to share the gospel, fellowship with others and give God the Glory!!!
 
Many saved saints struggle with understanding the love and grace and power of the Spirit within for different reasons and as much as possible we want to be ready to teach, edify and help in whatever way we can!
 
Be ready, Be aware, Be faithful and always give God the Father and Jesus the Son the Glory forever and ever!
6/14/2024
JESUS A RANSOM FOR ALL!!!!!
Paul encourages us to pray for ALL men! Yes, even those we don't like, or we don't vote for! Pray for our leadership and those in authority to be saved and come to Christ and to then make Godly decisions. All leadership should be prayed for meaning moms, dads, husbands, teachers, pastors and all who hold the responsibility to govern.
1Ti 2:1 "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
Paul then tells us that God desired ALL men to be saved and that Christ died and gave Himself a ransom for ALL!!! Calvinists teach that Christ did NOT die for ALL but only the elect, which is not true, HE DIED FOR ALL! We must always understand God's love for all His creation and desire for All to come to Him and worship Him and give Him the Glory. Man has free will to choose to come to Christ by faith through the grace and love of God which He showed by sending Christ to the cross! Man has always had the capacity to choose even in the Garden!
EVE....
Gen 3:5 "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took (CHOSE) of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."
AND CAIN....
Gen 4:6 "And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest (CHOOSE) well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest (CHOOSE) not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him."
Both of them had the ability to choose rightfully and failed. All through the bible we see the prophets and Israel make wrong decisions, but they had a choice!
YOU have a choice today to follow Christ and yield to His will and receive His Love, CHOOSE WISELY!
6/172024
Pastor Paul the Apostle!
Paul preached and was the Apostle to the gentiles. He was a teacher, pastor and leader of the churches who loved them and was always concerned for them.
1Ti 2:7 "Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety."
 
He encourages us to pray everywhere!!! When? ALL the time we can be in communication and listening to the Lord. You don't have to sit down or kneel down at your bed although there is nothing wrong with that. You don't have to make it a long prayer or even a super spiritual event but just talking and receiving from Christ. God gave us 2 ears and one mouth so we can hear from God first and talk second. We should pray without wrath and doubting that means with a humble and faithful heart and attitude.
 
Paul then turns his attention to a practical part for women. This is not a demeaning or sexist thing but a righteous and Godly thing. Let the women dress appropriately and not with the intent of seducing men. I have gone to churches where the women were so scantily dressed, I was in shock, and I suppose the church would say "well better to see them come then stay home" type of thing! The women are looking for attention and the church were looking at numbers and not Godly and modest dress.
 
He also tells them to not usurp authority over men. Women can do this by talking too much. When women talk too much, they are really showing their insecurity!!!  They are fearful and seeking attention instead of being secure in Christ they want to control. Men on the other hand need to speak up and lead more, while women need to talk less. Women would do themselves good if they would learn to be teachable, quiet and follow, verses being prideful, arrogant and seeking attention by talking and controlling. I have found over time that women who usurp authority over men are those who have vowed at some point in their life to never take abuse or be under a man again. They have said to themselves as well as God "I will NOT....." this is a vow and is sin which controls them and needs to be addressed and repented of!
 
Paul encourages women to be content in Christ first. To be faithful in Christ and to be content in family and children. That does not mean they can't work outside of home but perhaps their first desire is to be a wife and mother if possible.
Let us all be content in our roles as God has set forth in Christ!
6/18/2024
BISHOPS AND DEACONS!  
Bishops and deacons are offices within the local church. The Bishop or Elder or Pastor as they are called are the primary teachers in the church, and they are responsible for edifying and disciplining the church.
Deacons on the other hand are those who serve the Body in different ways. Primarily as workers by distributing the practical needs of the Body. but we should never forget that Stephen was a deacon and gave a great yet stern message to Israel in Acts 7.
Both of these offices are important and should be respected by the church body but always knowing they are just people hopefully serving the Body.
The things that are said describing their behavior should be considered guidelines not law. For instance, I have seen some churches that won't let a person be a pastor because he was married twice after being widowed the first time. Or one who got mad at his family member and yelled at them.... these are guidelines, not law they are still people not robots.
Notice they are men not women in these roles, and they are not to be an immature believer but one who is mature and grounded in the Lord.
Pray for these leaders and may they edify your heart and mind!
1Ti 3:1 "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his 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 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and 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."
6/19/2024
LATTER TIMES!
Paul warns of latter times when people will depart from the faith. Now this does not mean to imply you can lose your salvation but rather they will not have religious faith. Religious faith means they go to church and go through the rituals and things and think there is God and believe there is a Jesus but never truly saved. It is a works mentality!!!
1Ti 4:1 "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; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."
 
They will be following devils and speaking lies and their conscience seared, dulled and callous. They might even be religious such as the Roman Catholics who will not allow their priest to marry and eat certain foods on certain days for religious reasons. This of course is false humility and deserves no respect and is no help as to salvation nor to neglecting of the sinful flesh.  (Read Col. 2)
 
This all also goes against Jewish customs and diet that they so believe in also. All things are good and nothing to be refused if received with thanksgiving which is the key to ALL THINGS IN CHRIST!!!!
 
Of course, that does not mean we need to eat things we dislike or don't want to eat but it doesn't make them bad for others either. Beware of these Latter Times and religious people who walk after the law and does nothing for your edification. Just Stay faithful, eat what you want and give Thanks unto the Lord Jesus!
6/20/2024
Godliness is profitable in all things!
1Ti 4:6 "If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation."
 
Paul tells Timothy that if he teaches the church that all things are good to eat and that they are sanctified by God and prayer he would be a good minister. (see yesterday's devo.1 Tim 4:1-5)
 
We too should strive to be a good minister. Strive does not mean to "do works" in order to be approved rather we are approved so do "good works" and serve others.  He tells him to keep up the faith and doctrine and don't get involved in in old wives' fables which are gossip, fiction and false stories but to exercise himself in Godliness.
 
Now Godliness means to be righteous, holy and respect unto God! It means to "act" like God would act. It means to think as God thinks in holiness and righteousness. Doing what is right in all things for the sake of Christ! Godliness is of God; sin is of the world.
We should try in ALL things to be Godly for it is profitable and brings LIFE for our soul as well as for others.
LIFE IS IN GOD ALONE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST!  
6/21/2024
SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN!
1Ti 4:10 "For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 11 These things command and teach."
Paul once again says that God through Jesus is the Saviour of all men, especially those who believe! NOW that is PLAIN speaking! He is saying that Jesus died for all and that all men have the opportunity to be saved by faith. So once again should show Calvinist how they are wrong and that you should stay away from Calvinist church and teachers.
 
12 "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Regardless of age Timothy was to be an example and so should we. That takes humbleness and maturing to be an everyday part of life.
 
13 "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
Timothy was to read! I encourage all of you to Read, Read, Read Daily!!!! Read on vacation, read at work, read at home daily. We are to read and let the Holy Spirit do His job. Study the word and compare scripture with scripture. Stay in Paul's Books until they are so familiar that you can easily understand the mystery doctrine and distinguish between Israel's [prophecy and law program verse's the gentile grace program! He was to exhort which means to encourage and teach, plead and call upon all men to come to Christ!!  
Read and study daily while encouraging others to come to Christ and know right doctrine that frees you in Christ!
6/24/2024
Meditate, Give thyself and Take heed!
Paul tells Timothy to meditate, give thyself and take heed! This all means to work hard, read and study with all his heart! It means to be aware and disciplined and to give of himself with all his ability in all he does as it will save himself and others.
1Ti 4:14 "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
 
We want to do the same thing. Read and study and devote ourselves to the doctrine of grace! The doctrine that saves which are only found in the mystery doctrine today. Only by the cross of Christ, grace and by faith alone can we be saved and secure in Christ!
Don't forget the sound doctrine for today that is only in Paul's books!
6/25/2024
Elders, young men and widows!
1Ti 5:1 "Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 3 Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some are already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed."
Paul lays out some good practical advice for the church to do when dealing with elders, young men and widows. We should be respectful of those who are older as well as those that hold a position of elder in the church. If they sin, they should be treated and talked to gently as you might do toward your own father. Appealed to them by saying "may I share something with you". This is a good way to talk with anyone when wanting to rebuke or exhort in some way.

Younger men should be respected as much as possible too. Even though you may be older respect them first and the share like they are your brothers IN CHRIST as well as your brother in flesh. Unless they are disrespectful gentle words will reach them if they are believers and humble, which is to say that must come first.

Now Paul has a lot to share about widows. He says honor them all but those who have someone to take care of them should be taken care by their family, don't burden the church more. Yet the church should take care of those who do not have someone to take care of them. Now days we have a lot more government things that can help us, but the church can still support in many ways. Spiritually, mentally and emotionally we can edify and encourage them. Sometimes just sitting with them is good for them as many will be lonely.

Many young women are made widows by war or accidents and need help also. They too may get lonely and desire to remarry and have children. They should try not to fall into the trap of gossiping and just being a busybody but being productive in some way. Ministry at church or with families are a good way to help others and serve Christ.
ALL widows should remain faithful regardless and stand in Christ with the help and encouragement of the church body!
6.26/2024
Leaders!
Paul tells Timothy to instruct the church that the leaders whether they are called Elders, Bishops or pastors to be counted worthy of double honor. Which means if they teach and lead the Body then they should 1. be honored and respected for that work and 2. be paid and supported IF possible.  
1Ti 5:17 "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality."
Now I say IF possible because not all churches can afford to pay full time or even part time, but usually they can be give in some way. I think the best way is not by salary but rather like any other ministry and that is by donation. If someone wants to give than great if not, great! Free will giving is the way for today and not tithing. Now if a church grows to the point where they need or have a full-time pastor and desire to support him great if not great!
 
I have seen churches that are 500+ and more than big enough to support 2-4 full time pastors but they don't because the pastors are bi-vocational and want it to stay that way. This gives more income to the church body to use in the way they desire such as missions or to the poor and needy. It also gives the pastor the freedom to preach how he sees fit without worry of losing his job or men pleasing.
 
I personally have never had a salary given to me and have always had a donation base ministry. We don't charge for ministry in anyway whether it be for counseling, teaching in bible studies or pastoring a church.
 
Pastors hold a Great responsibility so if one is in sin they should be gently approached and given the chance to be honest, repent and restored but if they won't and defend themselves, they eventually should be brought before the church and rebuked. Really the problem arises more when they defend themselves then it does for the original sin itself in most cases.
 
Pray for your pastor and leaders as they bear a huge responsibility for the church and must live with a big target on their back for morality and Godliness at the same time!
6/27/2024
Paul's Practical Steps!
Paul gives some practical steps to Timothy and the church.  
1Ti 5:22 "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. 23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. 24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid."
 
Don't lay hands on someone to soon means to not give your blessing or give authority to them before they have proven themselves faithful. I have actually done this 2-3 times in my life and regretted it every time.
While serving the church we want to be as sinless as possible. That does not mean we are perfect but rather not joining others in their sin. I have seen men I looked up to actually fall into sin and it hurt my heart as well as their witness to me.
 
Drink a little wine for infirmities is an excuse many saints use just to drink or get drunk. They want to drink so they manipulate scripture for their own flesh. The water or food was bad in those days so for medicine they could drink wine which would help in their digestive system. But today's wine is made stronger and there is no need for it to be a medicine as there are many meds for today. Can a believer drink sure just as he has the freedom to steal, lie or do anything else and still be saved BUT is it the BEST thing NO! Does it edify the Body of Christ NO! Does it kill his witness YES! How many drinks does it take to affect your mind ONE!!!! STAY SOBER! Paul constantly says to be sober minded, and you can't do that if your affected by alcohol. I do not recommend ANY believer to drink ever!!!
 
ALL sin is known at some point, in death OR life so don't think you are getting away with it! On the other hand, the same goes for our 'good works" unto God!
 
Be aware, discern and stay sober so that you may edify and build up those around you.  
6/28/2024
Be Content and May the name of God be not blasphemed!
Blasphemed means to defame, disrespect or revile.
1Ti 6:1 "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort."
 
We are not to act in a way that people would say "you're a Christian what God do you serve". In other words, we are to serve others in Spirit and love as much as possible. Now that doesn't mean that we won't be attacked for not loving the way the world thinks we should and wants us too.
Master's which today could be a boss or authority figure and the worker should both be willing to serve and honor one another.  
 
3 "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
 
Part of being a believer is a humble heart. I have family, friends and seen others who are too prideful to accept help, counsel or listen to sound doctrine and therefore separate from them. We are told over and over to "withdraw" and separate from those who won't listen and argue and behave in such a way that it is impossible to reach them.
There are those who will never be content in Christ because they are carnal and always looking for something to do or do some religious thing. They want to look spiritual or sound spiritual but are really just fleshly and seeking power and control. They are not content in Christ but seeking to be closer in a works sort of way.
Be content in Christ alone and you will have peace and security within!
7/1/2024
FLEE AND FOLLOW!
Paul says to be content with just food and clothing and I might add lets us be content in Christ alone!
1Ti 6:8 " And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
 
BUT I have seen to many who go into ministry as well as businessmen and others who worship the all mighty dollar. Money is important but not more than God! Some just want to have things and toys and collect stuff and some just want the power that wealth brings but it can destroy them. Many fear and save for retirement and that is good but to live in fear and to save without giving is sin.
 
11 "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."
 
Paul says "Flee and Follow" after righteousness, Godliness and faith! These are things that are internal and eternal. These are things that can not be taken away. These are things that bring peace and security within. We should follow after love, patience, meekness and fight the good fight of faith! All these things are in Christ and bring eternal Life!
Be wise with your money but don't worship it nor hold to tightly and follow after the greater things which are all in Christ!
7/2/2024
Fight the good Fight of Faith!
Paul encourages Timothy to keep the good fight of faith!
1Ti 6:12 "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen."
Paul says this is a commandment meaning an order! All leaders should keep the faith but not just leaders, but all saints should abide in faith. We should Keep the faith, walk by faith and do all things in faith! Be a good ambassador for Jesus! Be a good witness to non-believers and believers alike. And if they fall and look for help, let the first person they go to be you, for your behavior has shown faith and Godliness.
Christ is King of king's and Lord of Lord's and the only one who hath immortality. Now if Christ has immortality and you are in Him do you too have immortality Yes meaning you too will live forever through Christ. You too have eternal life in Him. so Let us PRAISE THE LORD and be forever THANKFUL TO HIM!
I hope and I encourage you also to say and perhaps be the only thing I am remembered by is that I had fought the good fight of faith in
Jesus Christ our Lord!
7/3/2024
Rich get Richer IF?
I have to admit I sometimes get jealous when I see the evil, godless people of this world getting rich and the saints living in poverty. But the rich can get richer if they give to others.
1Ti 6:17 "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen."
 
Paul encourages the wealthy saint to help minister to the poor, orphan and widow. To help the needy and starving saints around the world. To do good works by being willing to support the Godly and righteous ministries that share the gospel of Christ! So many things that the rich of this world can help and not be in bondage to their own wealth which will do them no good in the life after.
 
Notice Paul uses the word science which means knowledge or intelligence. So many famous scientists, philosophers or psychologist who don't believe and think they are so smart yet empty within. Lost and seeking but never finding as they deny Jesus and spiritual things to their human, natural and worldly thinking. The mind is darkened, and their heart is blind, and they will die in their sin and be hell bound.
 
BUT NOW WE WHO ARE SAVED!!! Are secure and looking forward to that day when we will be with our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
7/4/2024
2 TIMOTHY!
This is Paul's last book before being martyred. Paul knew that his time had come and was ready and willing to be with Lord!
2Ti 1:3 "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
He tells Timothy after his normal greetings that he missed him and wanted to see him. He is so pleased with Timothy in how he had kept the faith. How he had grown to be a mature faithful leader. And how this started from a mom and grandmothers' faith. You know many of us have parents or grandparents that took us to church or in some way shared their faith and we should be thankful as there are many that don't.
 
Then he says God has nt given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind! Timothy was prone to being a little timid compared to others although I don't think he was bad as many say, after all he went with Paul and stood beside him in many trying times. He later became the bishop at the church in Ephesus.
 
We should remember that we have that same Holy Spirit that has the power of God and the love and mind of Christ! We do not need to live in bondage to fear and we need not fear man, rejection or failure for we are in Christ and children of the living God!!!
7/5/2024
God's Predestined Purpose!
God decreed before man was created to call and save man through Jesus Christ!
2Ti 1:8 "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles."
 
Notice it was His purpose that was predestined before the world began and the purpose was IN CHRIST! Because He loved His creation, He wanted to save them after they failed and had fallen into sin, yet the Purpose never changed, and the purpose was to have a people called the church and that they would worship Him by faith in Christ.
 
Jesus brought immortality meaning eternal life through the gospel and it is Life that we all need. The greatest thing you have is
LIFE IN CHRIST!
 
Paul was appointed which means to be "set in place" as authority and as the preacher, apostle and teacher to us gentiles.  Christ spoke through Paul is our authority as doctrine goes. So, keep reading those Pauline epistles over and over and be "set" in Christ!
7/8/2024
That He is Able!!!
God is able to keep His word and He is faithful to us for eternity. God is able to save us through Jesus Christ! GOD IS ABLE!
2Ti 1:11 "Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: 17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. 18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well."
Paul tells Timothy that he knows to whom he has believed and is persuaded that God is able to do all that He has promised us through His Son Jesus! So do not shrink in fear but be bold, confident and secure in Christ.
 
It has been said that the only thing we need to fear is fear itself and there is truth to that. Fear will keep us in bondage but walking in the power and security of God's love by faith brings joy, peace and self-control.
 
Paul says that he was refreshed when Onesiphorus came to see him. We too can be refreshed when we spend time with other likeminded saints.
7/9/2024
DISCIPLESHIP!
Paul tells Timothy to remember what he has been taught by Paul and then teach others. This to me is discipleship. Teaching the next person who in turn teaches the next one and so on.
2Ti 2:1 "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things."
 
There are lots of ways to disciple and one on one "counseling" is one of them. Discipleship does not mean only from the pulpit or classroom type teaching. In fact, I don't think real discipleship can ever be done by just a teaching. We need to be able to speak into one another's lives and correct, rebuke and be transparent with one another. The problem with most churches is that they think they are discipling when really, they are just filling them with more information that really is head knowledge and not leading to transformation. The info may be good but if it stops there the person may still live a fleshly sinful lifestyle.  
 
There are those in the mid Acts, Pauline and grace churches who don't like the word disciple, but I think itis a good word and to add Paul doesn't throw every word out just because it is not follow the doctrinal stance. He often used Old Testament to words to get the meaning across.
 
Anyway, here the point is to teach faithful men who will teach faithful men so that they edify the Body, while it also relieves the work to be done by one man.
 
Paul tells Timothy to also be strong in faith and endure as a soldier would and if possible, take some income for himself. It does not mean to take advantage of them either but to support himself if the work is there and if it is and financially possible.
7/10/2024
But the Word of God is not bound!!!
The Body of Christ is not a nation or organization but a Live Organism that moves and is not bound to anything other than Christ! He is not bound therefore the Word of God is not bound in any way.
2Ti 2:8 "Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself."
Paul says "my gospel" which means the Word that Jesus shared with him is not bound. He therefore endures to spread the gospel and edify the church.
"If we be dead with Him, we shall also live with Him"!!!! What a glorious way of thinking for all of us that are truly saved in Christ! No need to fear for we are more than conquers through Christ! We do not need to fear death! We do not need to fear failure or rejection from others. We do not need to be sad or depressed about the world's choices and works but rather we can
REJOICE IN CHRIST ALWAYS!!! God loves you and you can have joy in the midst of tribulation and peace in the middle of suffering! The WORD of GOD is NOT BOUND!!! HALLELUJAH!!!
7/11/2024
STUDY, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH!
Our words matter and while not perfect we should strive to be as right, clear and concise as possible. We don't want to mislead or manipulate our teaching.
2Ti 2:14 "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some."
 
Now one of the greatest teachings I can tell someone is found here in verse 15. "Study to show yourself approved unto God", which is only found in the KJB and says we should Study the word! Not just read it which is always good but study it. Get into what it is really saying. Now it says to "rightly divide" which means to draw straight lines and we draw those lines between Paul's books and the books addressed to Israel. Romans through Philemon are different than Genesis through Acts and different than Hebrews through Revelation. (Here is a diagram to help and please fill free to copy if want.)

Now all the bible is true, but the bible is written, and doctrine is changed throughout the bible. We want to make sure we are under the right doctrine which is the doctrine of grace to the gentiles. We are NOT under law but rather in the dispensation of grace.
Learn to study the right doctrine for today and the bible will come alive and be so much clearer for you!
7/12/2024
A VESSEL OF HONOUR!
There are those who preached that the resurrection had already come and then there are those who teach today that there is no resurrection at all, both are wrong! When false teaching comes along it hurts the faith of those who are confused or don't understand scripture.
2Ti 2:16 "But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."
We are to be a vessel of honour and speak the truth in love. We don't want to manipulate or take advantage of others for the sake of gain. Paul says to purge ourselves of dishonorable things and not get caught up in 'babblings" that do not edify the church.
Be a vessel of honour and share the word in truth and love.
7/15/2024
Good advice for all of us!
Here are some good things for all of to follow. Paul tells Timothy to follow after righteousness, faith, charity and peace.  
2Ti 2:22 "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."
Now we should all have this in mind by putting on Christ and His righteousness, love and peace! This is a Soul thing meaning a thinking and choosing thing.
We then should not get into strife when dealing with others who do not know the Lord or with those who do not know sound doctrine. I have to admit that way too often I get into this when I see certain post on social media and should just ignore them.
We should want to teach and be patient with those who oppose and want to live under law. Those who are weak and want the law to govern them instead of being under grace and being Spirit led.
Now this saying in 25 that says if God will give them repentance is often misused by Calvinist to think that God makes someone repent and He may not allow some too, but that is not true. God allows all and any who TRUELY repent to do so.
Just remember to FOLLOW God, Christ and Paul as well as righteousness, faith, charity and peace that will come by following Christ Jesus our Lord!!!
7/16/2024
TODAY!!!
If these verses are not for today, I don't know what is!!!
2Ti 3:1 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
 
LOVERS OF SELF, WOW!!! That says it all doesn't it! We live in a society that says, "love yourself more" and "You need more self-esteem and to think higher of yourself"!  Even Dr. Dobson says it and if he says it must be true right, WRONG! Pastors preach it, counselors teach it, and schools push it!!! We are constantly hearing over and over again how we need to love ourselves more and what has it done but create an even more Self-centered world!!!
 
NO, NO, NO we need to tell them what the bible says and that we think of ourselves to much. That we are born in sin which means "making ourselves our own god" and think and defend ourselves to much.
 
Notice all the other descriptions and then in verse 5 "having a form of godliness". This is a religious person or a person who goes to church or bible study but doesn't know the Lord! A person that wants to follow the rules but doesn't want to follow Christ. A person who walks and lives in sin but doesn't live by faith with a true heart or changed mind in Christ. They are always learning and have knowledge of the word, but their behavior shows otherwise.
 
Be aware of these types of people and mark them in your mind and either speak, correct and share the word of God boldly or disassociate with them! Meanwhile keep walking by faith and growing in the grace and love of our Lord Jesus!!!
7/17/2024
Resist the truth
2Ti 3:8 "Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was."
Many will resist the truth and UNLIKE Calvinist who say you can't resist the truth THEY DID!!! Yes, they will reject the truth and God's will and plan of salvation and will spend eternity in hell!  
 
Follow Paul's doctrine
10 "But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
We want to follow Paul and know His doctrine. The doctrine that Jesus gave him. The doctrine that saves and sets us free from sin and fear. The doctrine of righteousness, peace and Love! And yes, those that choose to be saved and to follow righteousness will suffer but it is a good suffering! It is an honor and privileged suffering! Don't worry about the suffering but focus on things above in Jesus our Lord!
 
But evil men will still be around and deceive!
13 "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."
Don't be deceived in thinking that just because you have JESUS and LIFE within that the evil of this world is gone because it is not YET we are more than conquers in this life! We will never die regardless of the circumstances!  
VICTORY IS YOURS IN CHRIST JESUS!!!
7/18/2024
The Inspiration of God!
God wrote the bible! Man penned it by the inspiration of the Spirit of God!
2Ti 3:14 "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 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. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
All scripture was inspired by the Holy Spirit for mankind to understand the name of God! To understand life and salvation and all of it was inspired through Christ Jesus. This world and universe were all made by Christ as it says in
Col 1:15 "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."
Christ is the living, written and spoken word of God! And by Him is the word written for us but not all written to us. What do I mean by that you may ask. Well 75% of the bible is addressing Israel while 25% is addressing Gentiles and the Body of Christ. So, while ALL the bible is written "FOR" us it is NOT written "TO" us! Romans- Philemon are the books written "TO" us while the rest is written "FOR" us and "TO" Israel
Read and study ALL the bible and learn to rightly divide the "word of truth" and then you will experience the freedom to live through Jesus Christ our Lord!
7192024
PREACH THE WORD!!!
We will be judged according to being saved, if we are alive in Christ or dead in sin?
2Ti 4:1 "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."
Then Paul tells Timothy to PREACH THE WORD!!! This is what we should all do which means to proclaim the word of God. We should know enough to reprove, rebuke and exhort others. You really don't need to know allot to do that but the more you know the better and more confident you will be.
Preaching is the way for today as far as God's ministry today. Telling others about Christ is the way people come to Christ and it is God's way for today, meaning God does not speak to man audibly today, He speaks through the Holy Spirit, and His Word and Body.
The time will come...WELL That time has come as it has throughout time that they do not endure sound doctrine. Even believers are fooled and do not understand sound doctrine but seek prosperity, healing and law like teachers. They seek it because they are not content with the cross and Christ but lust for more and more. They want to get closer to Christ by their works and religious ways. They want to say, "look at me God and what I am doing for you, now bless me PLEASE"!!!
We are to do the work of an evangelist meaning preach, share and invite others to know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour!
7/22/2024
Paul's Good Fight!
2Ti 4:6 "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:"
2Tim was Paul's last book before being martyred. He had fought the GOOD FIGHT! He had kept the faith and he had done his job, but he knew his time had come.
You know we don't know when we will pass from this life to be with Christ, but we do know that it will come, and we should be prepared for it mentally. We should want to say as Paul said, "I have fought the good fight"!
Have you? Will you? These are things we can ask ourselves.
He closes here with "unto ALL them also who love His appearing" meaning all of us who are saved and look forward to Christ appearing can look forward to that day and having a crown of righteousness!
PRAISE THE LORD and keep up the GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH!!!
7/23/2024
Paul's last request!
These are Paul's last recorded words and request.
2Ti 4:10 "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. 13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. 16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. 21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen."
It would be sad to know that time is running out and he knows he will die soon and that many had forsaken him. We must not look for others to bring relief or something new to feel good about but rely on the Lord alone. Sure, it would be nice to be remembered but so many in history have died alone. Jesus really was alone in a horrible death wasn't He, yet the Lord of all didn't have a funeral or viewing or a tape and music of His life playing for the crowd.
Stand Strong in Christ alone and may the Grace of God be with you all!
7/24/2024
TITUS!
Titus was a strong leader and while Timothy was said to be more fearful... although he couldn't have been too fearful as he followed Paul and preached among the gentiles, yet Titus who was a Greek, was bold and ready to preach the word of God!
Titus 1:1 "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; 2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; 3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;"
Paul tells Titus that eternal life was decreed before the world began through Jesus and that decree would be manifested through preaching.
We all often hear people say "God spoke to them" but He didn't at least audibly. I mean they didn't actually hear His voice through their ears, yet perhaps through the spirit. You see God works through His word and through the body of Christ to get this message of salvation to the world. He could I suppose just yell from heaven to everyone and they could hear His voice and therefore come in faith, but He doesn't do that does He!!!
When you hear preachers say they heard God's voice just remember that is not how God operates today for He wants you to come by faith not by sight, which means hearing also!!!
Preaching means to PROCLAIM and ALL of us can do that! Proclaim Christ today to your family, friends or neighbor and give them the opportunity to come to Christ by faith!
7/25/2024
SET IN ORDER!
God is a God of order and there are certain things He wants in a certain order like the chain of authority.
Tit 1:4 "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. 5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."
Titus was told to set things in order in Crete which was an island in the Mediterranean. This church needed to have faithful elders which could teach the people.
These leaders needed to know sound doctrine and be able to teach. They also need to be a good servant who loves people and desires the best for them. Now we must always understand that a pastor or elder is human and he can fail in these areas at times but as a whole should have these qualities.
Unfortunately, in the world today authority is challenged constantly and disrespected, so pray for your pastor and leaders and encourage them.
By the way a church does not need to have a very formal type of leadership or board type thing but rather a faithful leader who can teach sound doctrine and love the Body of Christ!
7/26/2024
Is this Today???
Tit 1:10 "For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. 12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. 13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; 14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
This sounds like today in so many ways! Teaching law and perverting sound doctrine for the sake of gain! Deceiving innocent naive saints with the prosperity and healing messages and all for gain!  
 
Notice Paul say that unto them who are defiled and unbelieving NOTHING is pure!!! WOW! isn't that the truth. No matter how much you spend trying to convince or persuade from the scriptures if they a do not believe your wasting time! The unbelievers mind and conscience are defiled which means to be polluted, contaminated and stained with evil!
 
The Paul says a powerful verse all of us should get! "THEY PROFESS THEY KNOW GOD"!! WOW! Again, a very powerful verse saying there are religious people who say they know God BUT THEY DON'T!!!
 
Don't be fooled by everyone that claims to say they know God or say they are a Christian. I think of the movie the Godfather in which the mafia guys go to church while planning the murders of 5 people! Yes, they claim to be believers but are not. There is a lot of these in the pews today, but they are not a part of the church, the Body oof Christ! Just because they profess doesn't mean they possess Christ! And works do not mean it either, but the fruit of the spirit will!!!
7/29/2024
SOUND DOCTRINE!
Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Sound doctrine means the right, healthy and true teaching! In each dispensation there has been sound doctrine meaning a way to live and know God for that time. For instance, the teachings that God ordained for Israel was under Law.
 
The teachings that Jesus told Paul for the gentile church is our doctrine today. Sound doctrine tells us what is right, healthy and true and what our Worth, Walk and Work are for today.
 
If you mix doctrines, you no longer have sound doctrine, but you have false doctrine. Paul tells the church in
Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
 
There are a lot of false and bad doctrine around but the one thing they ALL have in common is LAW! Any form of trying to live under law is a false doctrine and always leads to bondage. Even those churches that want to be extremely liberal and
include every form of perverseness still includes law, THEIR LAW!
1Ti 1:10 "For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;"
 
Our doctrine today is found only in Paul's books Romans through Philemon and teach us our worth, walk and work in Christ Jesus!
7/30/2024
Godly Behavior!
Titus 2:2 "That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."
 
Simply this is the way we should behave. This is how our Walk should be daily. How we live and yes, we will still sin, struggle and fall but simply get up and begin again knowing who you are in Christ. Renewing your mind and praise the Lord. Don't dwell on your sin or failure but put on Christ love and move on. I always say admit to your sin but don't dwell on it.
 
Notice Paul hits everyone in some way. Men, women, young men and women which can be very young or all the way to teens or older. Teaching them and exhorting them to know the Lord, and to live righteously.  This is missing today in many Christian homes. The parents take their kids to church but that is all. The bulk of the work should be done at home not church. Read, study and teach your children the word of God. Live out righteousness and that way they see it daily and lived out, as this old saying is true "more is caught than taught"!
 
Even servants are to be obedient and work hard in order to please the boss.
As you grow in grace and doctrine be sure and teach your kids, or grandkids. Teach at your church or home with neighbors or wherever you are and walk and live righteously and always give God the Glory!!!
7/31/2024
FOR THE GRACE OF GOD!!!
Titus 2:11 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."
The grace of God shows His great love, kindness and mercy! While His Great Power is evident His love for us is even Greater!
Notice it says ""For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to ALL men," ALL being the key word! Not just SOME but ALL! Christ died for ALL therefore God's grace is for ALL! Now not all will be saved but that is not the point the point is that free will and the ability to be saved is available!
This same Grace teaches us that we can come to Him and be comforted in Him rather than seeking someone or something else. That our deepest desire for love is found in Him. That we can live righteously and godly because of that wonderful grace! That we can turn from our self-centered lust and receive from Him. That we can say "NO" to our ungodly fleshly desires and be refreshed in His Love.
That grace tells us that we are saved and therefore we look for Jesus's return and being with Him for eternity.
Notice it also says "...appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ"!!! which means that Jesus Is God also!
This great grace and love give us that inner peace and contentment which also makes us want to share the gospel and do "good" works for others.
Let us be thankful and Give God the Glory for His Great Grace!
8/1/2024
We were foolish too, but now!
Titus 3:1 "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."
Oh, but after the kindness and love of our God appeared to man, he saved us! He washed us clean with in, and gave us life! He made us NEW by the Holy Spirit within our spirit and we are now one.
Oh yes, we were lost, foolish, disobedient and deceived! Yes, we were serving ourselves and lusting and living for our own pleasures, but now, But Now, OH BUT NOW!!!! WE ARE FREE FROM SIN! ALIVE IN HIM! JUSTIFIED, RIGHTEOUS AND HEIRS FOR ETERNITY, WOW!!!!!!
JUST SAY THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU JESUS!!!!
9/2/2024
DO GOOD WORKS!
Titus 3:8 "This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."
Believers should do "good works" which are works that done in faith and righteous. Any work can be good if done in faith but doing works just to do them or gain acceptance is called bad works. They are good because they are in faith and bring glory to God!
 
9 "But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain."  
I often see people get into their genealogy and it consumes them.  It becomes a identity thing. Jews had to prove their genealogy and how Jewish they were, thinking it gave them a superior position but today that is not necessary for there is no Jew or gentile, black or white, male or female but we are all one in the body of Christ!
 
10 "A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself."
If a person is a heretic meaning one who causes problems and follows a false doctrine, then we should separate from them. Don't keep trying to convince someone who argues all the time. They are controlling, argumentative and not teachable! They are not humble nor have a desire for truth.
 
12 "When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. 13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them. 14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. 15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen."
Paul's desire was to see likeminded faithful men. Faithful people always uplift each other. He encourages them to do good works as we should also do and then ends with these words
"Grace be with you all Amen"!
8/5/2024
PHILEMON!
Philemon is a very short book with only one chapter. It is written to Philemon a friend of Paul's and a believer who owns a slave named Onesimus. Now just because they were slaves(servants) does not mean they were treated poorly.
Now Onesimus ran away, became a believer and then desired to follow Paul and actually was a great help to Paul. So, Paul is writing Philemon to forgive him and take him back as a brother. To love Him and accept him back as Christ had loved and forgiven him.
Now Philemon had every lawful right to not receive, accept or forgive. He had as many today the right to be angry. He could as so many today who are believers who do not respect other believers. Many grow up not having or knowing authority and are bitter and angry and out of control, yet because they know the word they demand others to know it! They disrespect authority and other people and are self-centered,
PAUL TEACHES US!
In this little book Paul teaches us some very practical and important things.
Forst Paul appeals to Philemon. This is what we all should do with all people and especially authority. We should appeal to them and ask, "may I share with you". Appealing to the person means you accept and respect their "position" of authority. Now that authority may just be as simple as their home or Facebook page, but IT IS THEIR home and THEIR page not ours.
Now Paul had authority too as he reminds Philemon that he owed him, but he does not use that authority rather he says, "FOR LOVES SAKE" I ask that it would be "willingly" and not forced to be obedient or as a debt to Paul.
We want to do things for "LOVES SAKE"! We want to be moved by love, God's Love.... not just doing something because it is the right thing to do. In fact, to do something you are told to do or to follow the word without love means without faith and therefore is sin to begin with.
Appeal to authority and each other and do ALL things "FOR LOVES SAKE" unto the GOD OF LOVE!!!!
Philemon 1:1 "Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. 8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly. 15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. 20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. 22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you. 23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."




 


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