DELIVERANCE
“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” Romans 4:25
Our hearts rejoice, and we stand amazed as we consider all that Jesus was delivered unto, and as the result all that we’ve been delivered from and shall be delivered unto.
“FOR OUR OFFENCES”
Before the foundation of the world, our dear Lord had a date with the cross. We are told of several who were involved, on His path there. Humanity is so prone to pass the blame, but be it ever remembered that our offences (misdeeds) put Him there.
Judas Iscariot, after seeing Jesus body anointed for burial with very precious ointment, going to the chief priests, and saying “What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.” Jesus said shortly thereafter; “The Son of man goeth as it is written of Him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! It had been good for that man if he had not been born” - Mt. 26:15,24. After Judas had betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and saw Him condemned to die, he tried to undo his dastardly deed by giving back the silver, but instead it was used to buy the field of blood.
The Jewish religious leaders: “…the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor” – Mt. 27:1,2. We here read of the counsel of puny, fumbling, bungling men. They seem to have laid their plans, and now are carrying them out without any problems. We read that Pilate “knew that for envy they had delivered him” – Mt. 27:18.
Acts 2:22-24, “…Jesus…a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
Pilate: Jesus allowing Himself to be led into Pilate’s Judgment hall, spoke not a word in self-defence. Pilate marveled, and asked Him if he knew that he had power to crucify or release him. Thank God that Jesus’ destiny was in the hand of a higher Authority and Pilate was overruled. Shortly thereafter Pilate sought to release Him, then “delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified” – John 19:16.
We read in Acts 3:13-15, “…the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead.” In the prayer of Acts 4, we read about the kings and rulers, Herod, Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel being gathered against Jesus; “For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.”
We actually have stated most clearly in Romans 8:32, who really delivered our dear Lord to the cross, and why He did it. God didn’t spare Jesus any measure of the wrath of divine judgment against sin, that He might be able to spare, deliver, and enrich us. By delivering Jesus up to the cross on account of our sins, He is just, and the justifier of the ungodly who believe in Jesus Christ.
“RAISED AGAIN”
Our right standing with God is also related to Jesus’ deliverance from death and the tomb. The Apostle wrote, that if Christ be not raised, we are yet in our sins. Praise God, we need no longer live under the guilt, condemnation, or control of sin. “The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” “…sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” I Cor. 15:56,57 & Rom. 6:14. Glory to God for deliverance, body, soul and spirit, provided for us in the redemption and resurrection of our dear Lord.
“So great a death” “…we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us: – II Cor. 1:9,10.
“Hath delivered us:” This is a result from the past. We, being justified by faith, have a new standing, a secure position, knowing deliverance in our spirit from the penalty of sin.
“Doth deliver:” As we presently experience sanctification of the Spirit, our soul also, progressively enjoys deliverance from the power of sin. As our affections are being set on things above we enjoy an ascending state, a transforming condition. As we let Him work in us, we are not conforming to this world, but being transformed inwardly from glory to glory. When the Apostle Paul cried out, “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” he was dealing with the sin principle in the fallen human nature. We are now being delivered from selfishness, shamefulness, suffering and even shallowness and sickness. As we walk by faith and not by sight, in love, and in the light, we are also presently experiencing deliverance in our bodies because of the resurrection life of Christ and the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit.
Our Lord Jesus Christ “gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father; To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” - Gal. 1:4,5. The present day conditions are evil because they are somewhat controlled by the god of this world. The course of this age seems to be going according to the prince and power of the air. But, thank God, our deliverance is according to the will of God, and unto His eternal glory. Jesus, doing God’s will, came and gave Himself to ransom and rescue us from the present evil influence and tendencies which characterize this age. I believe that sanctification is the process by which he is now developing kings and priest unto God.
“Will yet deliver:” Our future deliverance is glorification, when creation “shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” What a deliverance eternally from the presence of sin! We read of that eternal state, and rejoice that “there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” – Rev. 21:27.
So now we await God’s “Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” – I Thess. 1:10. God, that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all – that he might bring many sons unto Glory. We now, and shall forever give thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son - Col. 1:12,13.
He was able to do that because, He that descended first into the lower parts of the earth, hath also ascended up on high and led captivity captive.
By J. D.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
THE LAST DAYS
Anita Clark
“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; Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 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...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. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness” I Timothy 4:1-3, 6-7.
Note that the Holy Spirit “speaks expressly” which means in the original Greek, “to describe, show in out spoken or distinct way.” The Holy Spirit speaking through the Apostle Paul is warning us of conditions and errors of the last days. In one respect the Church Age is the “last days,” the sixth of the dispensations in which God has dealt with man. We are getting close to the seventh dispensation of The Kingdom Age, also called The Millennial (one thousand year period) in which Jesus Christ reigns.
In the “later times” Apostle Paul says, the Spirit speaks that “some will depart from the faith.” This departure began in Paul’s day. He stood against legalism in his epistle to the Galatians. In another place he spoke of the error of some saying, “resurrection is past already.” He spoke another time of some who had “made shipwreck of the faith.” However, error is more and more rampant today than in Paul’s day. We are appalled at some of the events of the last month, which show compromising of some who claim to be Spiritual.
Paul’s description of this falsity which would come in the last days leaves little to the imagination as to of whom he is speaking. The apostasy of the false church is recorded here in such plain language, speaking loudly that we need not be mislead. In verse one he says there will be a “departing from the faith.” First came legality - salvation by works instead of faith only, to obtain salvation. Despite the council of Acts 15, many continued to believe that you had to do certain good works to be saved or keep saved. “Seducing spirits” began to get a foothold in many of those who proclaimed themselves to be ministers of God. Paul spoke of Satan’s false prophets being “transformed into angel of light.” Also, verse three, speaking of “forbidding to marry,” and “abstaining from meats” is exactly the doctrine of having to abstain from certain meats on certain days, doctrines taken partly from Judaism but distorted somewhat. Also, forbidding priests to marry, which was never part of the true doctrine of the Word of God. The Apostle Peter, whom the Catholic Church says is their first pope, had a mother-in law as recorded in the Gospels.
Over time many false doctrines were added to the Romish church, such as using prayer beads as heathen idolaters use, praying to idols, trusting “saints” for protection instead of trusting in the Lord God, praying to Mary, which contradicts Scripture since the Word of God says, “For there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Doing Penance is another false teaching, for we receive nothing from God by human effort or works. All forgiveness is by grace through faith. Even to this present time “indulgences” so called benefits for special works are given. At one time these were given out for anyone who made known to Church Authorities if someone was not following all the Church doctrines or beliefs. Many true believers in Christ were tortured and slaughtered because of this.
The first three hundred years, after Christ died, the church suffered great persecution at the hands of the Roman government. But, in the time of Constantine the Great, about 313 A.D., he legalized Christian worship. Then, he felt his place as Emperor of Rome was to enforce Church policy for the “Spiritual health” of his subjects. Daniel 7:25 speaks of “wearing out the saints of the Most High,” is certainly what happened in history as to the persecution of believers in Christ who did not follow the edicts of the church. Read church history to verify what I am saying.
The Roman Catholic Church instituted the high office of the Pope, calling him the Vicar of Christ. The term “vicar” comes from the Latin word vicarious, which means “instead of.” to call the pope the “vicar of Christ” implies that he has the same power and authority that Christ has over the church. Hebrews 7:16-17 speaking of Jesus Christ, “Who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For He testifieth, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” And verses 24-26 say, “But this man, because He continues ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.”
POPE FRANCIS - A JESUIT - He is the first Jesuit Pope. Some in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church are concerned about this. One of those said, “Jesuits aren’t supposed to be in positions of authority.” They are sort of like another branch of the Catholicism and have a history of being the warriors of the Church. They are responsible for much persecution of true Christians in centuries past. There are 18,000 members at the present.
Jesuits take an oath recorded in the Journals of the 62nd Congress, 3rd Session of the United States Congressional record (from which it was subsequently torn out). One part of the oath is, “I have been taught my duty as a spy, to gather all statistics, facts and information in my power from every source; to ingratiate myself into the confidence of the family circle of Protestants and heretics of every class and character, as well as that of the banker, the lawyer, among the schools and universities, in parliaments and legislatures, and judiciaries and councils of state, and be all things to all men, for the Pope’s sake, whose servant I am until death.”
POPE FRANCIS MEETS WITH TELEVANGELISTS – In July several Charamatic Televangelists made special visits to Pope Francis. These ministers expressed the Church need to be reunited with “the Mother Church” so made their trip to Rome to visit the Pope. Joel Osteen went a week before the Copeland group made up of Kenneth Copeland, James Robison, and other charismatic believers. The meeting was held very informally around a wooden table, where they ate with the Pope. We note that these ministers are all of those who teach so called “prosperity teaching.” The essence of this teaching is that if you have faith you will be wealthy and also healthy - that lack of these things shows a lack of faith according to their doctrine. These leaders are being greatly deceived, citing Jesus prayer in John 17:21, where He prayed, “That they may be one; as Thou Father, art in me, and I in Thee...” The Church is already one through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Kenneth Copeland played a recording at his church, where the Pope spoke from earlier this year where Francis spoke on a smart phone camera and called on Christians to set aside their differences.” This shows the subtlety of Satan at work. The vow Pope Francis took as a Jesuit, quoted above says, that he will ingratiate himself, and become all things to all men,” this in order to deceive many.
The Pope’s predecessor, Benedict XVI, regularly bemoaned the decline of Christianity (Catholicism) in his native Germany and across Europe. In contrast, the Argentine Francis comes from a region where competition from Pentecostalism is one of the biggest challenges facing the Catholic Church. It seems that he is moving to deceive these believers, by pretending to go along with them. Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians share much in common. Together they make up at least 584 million people in the world, one in four Christians world wide, according to the Pew Research Center.
Recently, the Pope met with 50,000 charismatic Christians in Rome’s Olympic Stadium. He said, “In the early years of the charismatic renewal (as the movement is called) in Buenos Aires, I did not have much love for charismatics.” Seemingly, now, since Catholicism is losing so many thousand members, he is willing to compromise, which appears to be a ruse to draw “lost sheep” back into the fold.
In this large stadium in Rome on June 2, 2014, the Pope knelt on stage, while the crowd prayed with their hands raised toward him that the Holy Spirit would fill him. Many spoke in tongues during this time. The Pope invited them to come to the Vatican to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary reunion of the Charismatic belief, which began in 1967 on the Feast of Pentecost in 2017. This is Satanic deception. We pray that no true believer will be deceived.
Ecumenicalism (meaning ‘representing the whole Christian world) started several years ago, and has grown into two great bodies - the World Council of Churches (W.C.C.) and the National Council of Churches (N.C.C.). The main aim of these movements is to bring churches of all denominations and cults, and ultimately, all religious organizations together as One Ecumenical World Church. Bible Prophecy of a Super church is now being fulfilled. For many years, there is much courtship between the WCC and Roman Cat holicism is moving along. Gradually mainline churches have compromised the truth for unity’s sake. This will create one great super church, which will be “hand-in glove” with the Antichrist during the tribulation. This will completely come together after the true church is resurrected and translated to heaven in its ranks. The One World Church will be in full sway during the tribulation period and many will be deceived. Even now many are deceived.
Revelation 17 & 18 speak of the judgment of the False Church - The true Church made up of every believer in Christ will be in heaven with the Lord, when the false system will be judged during the seven years of tribulation with all the error of this false system. Revelation 18:4 implores, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not her plagues.” We have the privilege to stand for the Truth now. We rejoice in the precious dynamic truth of the pure Word of God. Make your stand against this error of the last days.
HOME WITH THE LORD
Pastor and teacher, Brother Ben Morgan, went to be with His Lord, whom he loved and served faithfully in the ministry of the Gospel since his youth. He will be greatly missed, his life was certainly poured out for others. He was faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10) and the promise is a crown of life. He fought a good fight, finished his course, keeping the faith, loving the Lord’s appearing like the Apostle Paul - II Tim. 4:6-8.
Anita Clark
“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; Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 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...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. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness” I Timothy 4:1-3, 6-7.
Note that the Holy Spirit “speaks expressly” which means in the original Greek, “to describe, show in out spoken or distinct way.” The Holy Spirit speaking through the Apostle Paul is warning us of conditions and errors of the last days. In one respect the Church Age is the “last days,” the sixth of the dispensations in which God has dealt with man. We are getting close to the seventh dispensation of The Kingdom Age, also called The Millennial (one thousand year period) in which Jesus Christ reigns.
In the “later times” Apostle Paul says, the Spirit speaks that “some will depart from the faith.” This departure began in Paul’s day. He stood against legalism in his epistle to the Galatians. In another place he spoke of the error of some saying, “resurrection is past already.” He spoke another time of some who had “made shipwreck of the faith.” However, error is more and more rampant today than in Paul’s day. We are appalled at some of the events of the last month, which show compromising of some who claim to be Spiritual.
Paul’s description of this falsity which would come in the last days leaves little to the imagination as to of whom he is speaking. The apostasy of the false church is recorded here in such plain language, speaking loudly that we need not be mislead. In verse one he says there will be a “departing from the faith.” First came legality - salvation by works instead of faith only, to obtain salvation. Despite the council of Acts 15, many continued to believe that you had to do certain good works to be saved or keep saved. “Seducing spirits” began to get a foothold in many of those who proclaimed themselves to be ministers of God. Paul spoke of Satan’s false prophets being “transformed into angel of light.” Also, verse three, speaking of “forbidding to marry,” and “abstaining from meats” is exactly the doctrine of having to abstain from certain meats on certain days, doctrines taken partly from Judaism but distorted somewhat. Also, forbidding priests to marry, which was never part of the true doctrine of the Word of God. The Apostle Peter, whom the Catholic Church says is their first pope, had a mother-in law as recorded in the Gospels.
Over time many false doctrines were added to the Romish church, such as using prayer beads as heathen idolaters use, praying to idols, trusting “saints” for protection instead of trusting in the Lord God, praying to Mary, which contradicts Scripture since the Word of God says, “For there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Doing Penance is another false teaching, for we receive nothing from God by human effort or works. All forgiveness is by grace through faith. Even to this present time “indulgences” so called benefits for special works are given. At one time these were given out for anyone who made known to Church Authorities if someone was not following all the Church doctrines or beliefs. Many true believers in Christ were tortured and slaughtered because of this.
The first three hundred years, after Christ died, the church suffered great persecution at the hands of the Roman government. But, in the time of Constantine the Great, about 313 A.D., he legalized Christian worship. Then, he felt his place as Emperor of Rome was to enforce Church policy for the “Spiritual health” of his subjects. Daniel 7:25 speaks of “wearing out the saints of the Most High,” is certainly what happened in history as to the persecution of believers in Christ who did not follow the edicts of the church. Read church history to verify what I am saying.
The Roman Catholic Church instituted the high office of the Pope, calling him the Vicar of Christ. The term “vicar” comes from the Latin word vicarious, which means “instead of.” to call the pope the “vicar of Christ” implies that he has the same power and authority that Christ has over the church. Hebrews 7:16-17 speaking of Jesus Christ, “Who is made not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For He testifieth, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” And verses 24-26 say, “But this man, because He continues ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens.”
POPE FRANCIS - A JESUIT - He is the first Jesuit Pope. Some in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church are concerned about this. One of those said, “Jesuits aren’t supposed to be in positions of authority.” They are sort of like another branch of the Catholicism and have a history of being the warriors of the Church. They are responsible for much persecution of true Christians in centuries past. There are 18,000 members at the present.
Jesuits take an oath recorded in the Journals of the 62nd Congress, 3rd Session of the United States Congressional record (from which it was subsequently torn out). One part of the oath is, “I have been taught my duty as a spy, to gather all statistics, facts and information in my power from every source; to ingratiate myself into the confidence of the family circle of Protestants and heretics of every class and character, as well as that of the banker, the lawyer, among the schools and universities, in parliaments and legislatures, and judiciaries and councils of state, and be all things to all men, for the Pope’s sake, whose servant I am until death.”
POPE FRANCIS MEETS WITH TELEVANGELISTS – In July several Charamatic Televangelists made special visits to Pope Francis. These ministers expressed the Church need to be reunited with “the Mother Church” so made their trip to Rome to visit the Pope. Joel Osteen went a week before the Copeland group made up of Kenneth Copeland, James Robison, and other charismatic believers. The meeting was held very informally around a wooden table, where they ate with the Pope. We note that these ministers are all of those who teach so called “prosperity teaching.” The essence of this teaching is that if you have faith you will be wealthy and also healthy - that lack of these things shows a lack of faith according to their doctrine. These leaders are being greatly deceived, citing Jesus prayer in John 17:21, where He prayed, “That they may be one; as Thou Father, art in me, and I in Thee...” The Church is already one through the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Kenneth Copeland played a recording at his church, where the Pope spoke from earlier this year where Francis spoke on a smart phone camera and called on Christians to set aside their differences.” This shows the subtlety of Satan at work. The vow Pope Francis took as a Jesuit, quoted above says, that he will ingratiate himself, and become all things to all men,” this in order to deceive many.
The Pope’s predecessor, Benedict XVI, regularly bemoaned the decline of Christianity (Catholicism) in his native Germany and across Europe. In contrast, the Argentine Francis comes from a region where competition from Pentecostalism is one of the biggest challenges facing the Catholic Church. It seems that he is moving to deceive these believers, by pretending to go along with them. Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians share much in common. Together they make up at least 584 million people in the world, one in four Christians world wide, according to the Pew Research Center.
Recently, the Pope met with 50,000 charismatic Christians in Rome’s Olympic Stadium. He said, “In the early years of the charismatic renewal (as the movement is called) in Buenos Aires, I did not have much love for charismatics.” Seemingly, now, since Catholicism is losing so many thousand members, he is willing to compromise, which appears to be a ruse to draw “lost sheep” back into the fold.
In this large stadium in Rome on June 2, 2014, the Pope knelt on stage, while the crowd prayed with their hands raised toward him that the Holy Spirit would fill him. Many spoke in tongues during this time. The Pope invited them to come to the Vatican to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary reunion of the Charismatic belief, which began in 1967 on the Feast of Pentecost in 2017. This is Satanic deception. We pray that no true believer will be deceived.
Ecumenicalism (meaning ‘representing the whole Christian world) started several years ago, and has grown into two great bodies - the World Council of Churches (W.C.C.) and the National Council of Churches (N.C.C.). The main aim of these movements is to bring churches of all denominations and cults, and ultimately, all religious organizations together as One Ecumenical World Church. Bible Prophecy of a Super church is now being fulfilled. For many years, there is much courtship between the WCC and Roman Cat holicism is moving along. Gradually mainline churches have compromised the truth for unity’s sake. This will create one great super church, which will be “hand-in glove” with the Antichrist during the tribulation. This will completely come together after the true church is resurrected and translated to heaven in its ranks. The One World Church will be in full sway during the tribulation period and many will be deceived. Even now many are deceived.
Revelation 17 & 18 speak of the judgment of the False Church - The true Church made up of every believer in Christ will be in heaven with the Lord, when the false system will be judged during the seven years of tribulation with all the error of this false system. Revelation 18:4 implores, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not her plagues.” We have the privilege to stand for the Truth now. We rejoice in the precious dynamic truth of the pure Word of God. Make your stand against this error of the last days.
HOME WITH THE LORD
Pastor and teacher, Brother Ben Morgan, went to be with His Lord, whom he loved and served faithfully in the ministry of the Gospel since his youth. He will be greatly missed, his life was certainly poured out for others. He was faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10) and the promise is a crown of life. He fought a good fight, finished his course, keeping the faith, loving the Lord’s appearing like the Apostle Paul - II Tim. 4:6-8.
Who did it?
And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. Exodus 32:1
It seems that the people of God forgot who it was that actually brought them out of the land of Egypt. This is a recurring theme with Israel, and it is a reminder to us to be ever mindful of who we follow and who we trust.
Every day of our life is a journey we are taking, and as God's children, He has brought us out of Egypt (the world) and is taking us on to the promised land where our inheritance lies.
So as we journey along, who do we look to? Who do we trust? Some person who God used along the way? Some person that we look up to? It's good to recognize and show honor to the people God uses in our lives, but we must always remember who we are following.
So often, God's people are following a person, and when that person fails, they are devastated and can't go on. Or when their leader passes on, they lose all sense of direction. Paul encourages the Corinthian saints to be followers of him, but insomuch as he follows Christ.
I often hear people say about something that happened; "that was definitely a God thing." It is important to recognize the hand of God in our lives, but the way it is expressed, makes it sounds like most other things are not "God things." Is God only leading us when we see the miracles (plagues of Egypt, crossing of Red Sea)?
How much better to recognize that God is always leading us and instead of worrying what happened to that man, "Moses," we continue to follow our true leader, Jesus Christ. When we are following close to Him, we will see His hand in everything, not just special situations.
Because the children of Israel were focused on Moses, as soon as he was not in sight, they turned to something of their own creation to help them. How often do we turn to our own imagination when we should be trusting the One who set us free.
It seems that from time to time, God stops us or slows us down so we can take time to consider where we are in our journey, and make sure we know that He is in front. He already knows the entire journey and goes before us. Let us always trust Him, not just in word, but in our actions.
Gordon Crook
And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. Exodus 32:1
It seems that the people of God forgot who it was that actually brought them out of the land of Egypt. This is a recurring theme with Israel, and it is a reminder to us to be ever mindful of who we follow and who we trust.
Every day of our life is a journey we are taking, and as God's children, He has brought us out of Egypt (the world) and is taking us on to the promised land where our inheritance lies.
So as we journey along, who do we look to? Who do we trust? Some person who God used along the way? Some person that we look up to? It's good to recognize and show honor to the people God uses in our lives, but we must always remember who we are following.
So often, God's people are following a person, and when that person fails, they are devastated and can't go on. Or when their leader passes on, they lose all sense of direction. Paul encourages the Corinthian saints to be followers of him, but insomuch as he follows Christ.
I often hear people say about something that happened; "that was definitely a God thing." It is important to recognize the hand of God in our lives, but the way it is expressed, makes it sounds like most other things are not "God things." Is God only leading us when we see the miracles (plagues of Egypt, crossing of Red Sea)?
How much better to recognize that God is always leading us and instead of worrying what happened to that man, "Moses," we continue to follow our true leader, Jesus Christ. When we are following close to Him, we will see His hand in everything, not just special situations.
Because the children of Israel were focused on Moses, as soon as he was not in sight, they turned to something of their own creation to help them. How often do we turn to our own imagination when we should be trusting the One who set us free.
It seems that from time to time, God stops us or slows us down so we can take time to consider where we are in our journey, and make sure we know that He is in front. He already knows the entire journey and goes before us. Let us always trust Him, not just in word, but in our actions.
Gordon Crook
RUTH
Debra Isenbletter
Ruth 2:10 – “Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?”
In this verse we see Ruth’s reaction to the words of Boaz, she is utterly overwhelmed and overcome by the promises of Boaz! She shows her submission and then she asks Boaz the question of why? She cannot see anything in herself that would cause him to offer to her such blessings.
Her submission is seen when she: “fell on her face and bowed herself to the ground.” Literally this means “falls down or cast oneself down. It can be translated “bowed very low, touching her face to the ground.” This was completely voluntary. In the scriptures it was an act of respect to man, as when Lot saw the three men, he “ran to meet them … and bowed himself toward the ground” (Gen 18:2). It is how Abigail responded to David when she saw him, she “fell before David on her face and bowed herself to the ground.” (1 Sam 25:23). It was an act of reverence and worship to God, as seen in how Abraham responded when God spoke to him: “And Abram fell on his face and God talked with him” (Gen 17:3), and how Moses petitioned the Lord: “And I fell down before the Lord …” (Deut 9:18). It could be voluntary as seen when one the of the ten lepers healed came back and bowed down before Jesus (Lk 17:15-16) or involuntary, as when the man who was demon posses fell down before Jesus, acknowledging Him. (Lk 8:28). In Ruth’s case, her action was completely voluntary; it was an expression of her submission, her gratitude, her humbleness and her obedience. What an example for us she is! Her actions are a type of the worship that the Bride will give to her Bridegroom; she does this even before she fully realizes what lies in store for her. This should be our response to Jesus, who is our Boaz, who shows to us such wonderful grace! The Lord looks for, asks for and rewards those who willingly humble themselves. James tells us that “he giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6) and goes on to promise that if you “humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, he shall lift you up” (James 4:10). Sister Mary Bodie writes: “She falls upon her face and worships this great man” and Brother Art Eggers writes that in her action “we see Ruth making a decision of obedience.”
Her question is two-fold – It is: Why me? “Why have I found grace (favor, kindness) in thine sight” and Why you? “that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger.” She cannot comprehend why and only through her daily contact with Boaz will she begin to understand his grace. Ruth was looking for grace when she left Naomi that morning (2:2) but she was still surprised to find grace (2:10). She says that she “found grace” but grace really found her, it is her need that brought forth this grace! Jesus is the manifestation of God’s grace – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” (Tit 2:11) and He found us – “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Lk 19:10). He saw our need and reached out to us in grace, offering Himself and we like Ruth are overwhelmed and overcome and exclaim: “Why me?” Ruth looks at Boaz and sees his promises are because of grace, she knows that this grace comes from him, for she says “thine” and she sees that this grace is because he has looked at her: “thine eyes.” She doesn’t know why Boaz would be willing to show this grace or what he could possibly see when he looks at her, but Boaz saw her potential, he saw deep into her soul and he saw something she did not see herself. Jesus is the same, He looks deeply into our soul, our heart and He sees what His love and grace will change us. For Ruth, it is only as she gets to know Boaz that she will begin to understand and have the answer to the question of “Why have I found grace in thine eyes?” The same holds true for every child of God, and it is only as we get to know Jesus, as we have daily contact and fellowship with Him that we can truly begin to understand a little why we have found grace in His eyes, and what it is that He could possibly see in us that would cause Him to extend to us such promises. But we will never fully understand why, all we can do is gladly receive that grace, embrace it and let it work in our lives.
After Ruth had in essence said: “Why you?” she then went on to say: “Why me?” when she said: “that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” She was surprised that he would notice her. The word “take knowledge” means “to look intently at,” “to acknowledge,” “to regard” and “to deliver.” When Boaz saw her, he saw her need, and it was her need that drew him and touched him. Ruth knew what she was or had been, she says she was “a stranger.” She saw only the negative things about herself, as a “stranger” she was a Gentile and an idolater. She didn’t think she was entitled to any kindness from the people of God, and she didn’t think God’s promises pertained to her. (Eph 2:12). But this is what she WAS, but Boaz saw what she IS. Jesus truly sees us, He has “knowledge of” us, who we were (our past) and He sees our need, and He also sees who we are, and He is waiting for use to simply step forward in faith. That single step changes us forever. This is what Ruth did. It was her faith that Boaz saw, he no longer saw her past; he saw her present and her future. When we look at ourselves we are disappointed, we see only our failures or weaknesses but when the Lord looks at us He sees what His grace has done, the change that has taken place, He sees the full potential of who we are in Him. I don’t know who wrote this but it expresses so well the different ways we can look.
Look at self and be distressed, Look at others and be depressed, Look at Jesus and be blessed!
Debra Isenbletter
Ruth 2:10 – “Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?”
In this verse we see Ruth’s reaction to the words of Boaz, she is utterly overwhelmed and overcome by the promises of Boaz! She shows her submission and then she asks Boaz the question of why? She cannot see anything in herself that would cause him to offer to her such blessings.
Her submission is seen when she: “fell on her face and bowed herself to the ground.” Literally this means “falls down or cast oneself down. It can be translated “bowed very low, touching her face to the ground.” This was completely voluntary. In the scriptures it was an act of respect to man, as when Lot saw the three men, he “ran to meet them … and bowed himself toward the ground” (Gen 18:2). It is how Abigail responded to David when she saw him, she “fell before David on her face and bowed herself to the ground.” (1 Sam 25:23). It was an act of reverence and worship to God, as seen in how Abraham responded when God spoke to him: “And Abram fell on his face and God talked with him” (Gen 17:3), and how Moses petitioned the Lord: “And I fell down before the Lord …” (Deut 9:18). It could be voluntary as seen when one the of the ten lepers healed came back and bowed down before Jesus (Lk 17:15-16) or involuntary, as when the man who was demon posses fell down before Jesus, acknowledging Him. (Lk 8:28). In Ruth’s case, her action was completely voluntary; it was an expression of her submission, her gratitude, her humbleness and her obedience. What an example for us she is! Her actions are a type of the worship that the Bride will give to her Bridegroom; she does this even before she fully realizes what lies in store for her. This should be our response to Jesus, who is our Boaz, who shows to us such wonderful grace! The Lord looks for, asks for and rewards those who willingly humble themselves. James tells us that “he giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6) and goes on to promise that if you “humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, he shall lift you up” (James 4:10). Sister Mary Bodie writes: “She falls upon her face and worships this great man” and Brother Art Eggers writes that in her action “we see Ruth making a decision of obedience.”
Her question is two-fold – It is: Why me? “Why have I found grace (favor, kindness) in thine sight” and Why you? “that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger.” She cannot comprehend why and only through her daily contact with Boaz will she begin to understand his grace. Ruth was looking for grace when she left Naomi that morning (2:2) but she was still surprised to find grace (2:10). She says that she “found grace” but grace really found her, it is her need that brought forth this grace! Jesus is the manifestation of God’s grace – “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” (Tit 2:11) and He found us – “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Lk 19:10). He saw our need and reached out to us in grace, offering Himself and we like Ruth are overwhelmed and overcome and exclaim: “Why me?” Ruth looks at Boaz and sees his promises are because of grace, she knows that this grace comes from him, for she says “thine” and she sees that this grace is because he has looked at her: “thine eyes.” She doesn’t know why Boaz would be willing to show this grace or what he could possibly see when he looks at her, but Boaz saw her potential, he saw deep into her soul and he saw something she did not see herself. Jesus is the same, He looks deeply into our soul, our heart and He sees what His love and grace will change us. For Ruth, it is only as she gets to know Boaz that she will begin to understand and have the answer to the question of “Why have I found grace in thine eyes?” The same holds true for every child of God, and it is only as we get to know Jesus, as we have daily contact and fellowship with Him that we can truly begin to understand a little why we have found grace in His eyes, and what it is that He could possibly see in us that would cause Him to extend to us such promises. But we will never fully understand why, all we can do is gladly receive that grace, embrace it and let it work in our lives.
After Ruth had in essence said: “Why you?” she then went on to say: “Why me?” when she said: “that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” She was surprised that he would notice her. The word “take knowledge” means “to look intently at,” “to acknowledge,” “to regard” and “to deliver.” When Boaz saw her, he saw her need, and it was her need that drew him and touched him. Ruth knew what she was or had been, she says she was “a stranger.” She saw only the negative things about herself, as a “stranger” she was a Gentile and an idolater. She didn’t think she was entitled to any kindness from the people of God, and she didn’t think God’s promises pertained to her. (Eph 2:12). But this is what she WAS, but Boaz saw what she IS. Jesus truly sees us, He has “knowledge of” us, who we were (our past) and He sees our need, and He also sees who we are, and He is waiting for use to simply step forward in faith. That single step changes us forever. This is what Ruth did. It was her faith that Boaz saw, he no longer saw her past; he saw her present and her future. When we look at ourselves we are disappointed, we see only our failures or weaknesses but when the Lord looks at us He sees what His grace has done, the change that has taken place, He sees the full potential of who we are in Him. I don’t know who wrote this but it expresses so well the different ways we can look.
Look at self and be distressed, Look at others and be depressed, Look at Jesus and be blessed!
The Feasts of The Lord
Leviticus 23 – Part 6
by Earlene Davis
Day of Atonement
Vs. 26-27, “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.”
The Jewish name for this set time is ‘Yom Kippur.’ It is the most important High Holy Day for the Jews. It is most solemn, a fasting time rather than a feasting time. Each individual Jew was to “afflict their souls.” This day of confession was accompanied with an offering made by fire unto the Lord.
It was on this day the high priest entered the fearsome Holy of Holies where God dwelt. Lev. 16 tells about it in detail. First the high priest would make a blood sacrifice for His own sins and for his house. Then he would offer a blood sacrifice on behalf of all the sins of all the people of Israel. Today there is no Temple, so there are no animal sacrifices. The Jewish people have to rely solely on repentance for forgiveness of sins. They have no assurance that God has heard and forgiven. For the Scriptures teach that atonement is in the blood, Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22.
Vs. 28-31, “And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.” If they worked on atonement day or did not repent of their sins, they were cut off from among the people.
Vs. 32, “It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.” A full twenty-four hours was specified by God for confession, but remember it was for the sins of an entire year. It was a sabbath of rest for them when they repented and had faith in the blood sacrifice for their atonement.
Atonement means, “to cover, cancel” in Hebrew. In the Greek is has the meaning of “reconciliation.” This day of atonement for the Jew was the covering over of their sin and reconciliation to God for a year at least.
This set time is not fulfilled by the church. The church is not innocent of course, but Jesus shed blood paid for the sins of every one of us - Heb. 9:28. When Christ offered His own blood as our atonement or covering, the veil of the Temple was rent (torn) in two, signifying that He had opened the way into the Holy of Holies. Mk. 15:38. By His sacrifice all who believe now have access to God and a covering for sin. The Day of Atonement will be fulfilled in a wonderful way when the Lord returns, coming to the aid of Israel and judging those nations that have come against her at the battle of Armageddon. Zechariah tells us of the reaction of Israel when they see their King returning.
Zech. 12:10-14, “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.” Individually and very personal will be their repentance.
They will certainly afflict their souls, mourning for the rejection of their Messiah Christ, and turn to Him. Zech. 13:1, 6, “ In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness…And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.”
Those Jews who do not bow to the Antichrist when he enters the Temple (II Thess 2:3,4), and will repent and morn when they see Him who they pierced (their Messiah), they will be the remnant that will be a nation born in a day Rom. 11:26; Isa. 66:8. Only surviving, believing Israel will be saved, for two-thirds of that nation shall perish at the hands of the Antichrist.
The tribulation period will end on the Day of Atonement. For they shall accept the atonement Christ has made. God will have ended His separation from Israel (His wife). The book of Hosea tells of the adultery of Israel in type and of her redemption and purification.
Only then will the third of these end-time series of set times become a reality - “Tabernacles” (next issue).
Leviticus 23 – Part 6
by Earlene Davis
Day of Atonement
Vs. 26-27, “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.”
The Jewish name for this set time is ‘Yom Kippur.’ It is the most important High Holy Day for the Jews. It is most solemn, a fasting time rather than a feasting time. Each individual Jew was to “afflict their souls.” This day of confession was accompanied with an offering made by fire unto the Lord.
It was on this day the high priest entered the fearsome Holy of Holies where God dwelt. Lev. 16 tells about it in detail. First the high priest would make a blood sacrifice for His own sins and for his house. Then he would offer a blood sacrifice on behalf of all the sins of all the people of Israel. Today there is no Temple, so there are no animal sacrifices. The Jewish people have to rely solely on repentance for forgiveness of sins. They have no assurance that God has heard and forgiven. For the Scriptures teach that atonement is in the blood, Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22.
Vs. 28-31, “And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.” If they worked on atonement day or did not repent of their sins, they were cut off from among the people.
Vs. 32, “It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath.” A full twenty-four hours was specified by God for confession, but remember it was for the sins of an entire year. It was a sabbath of rest for them when they repented and had faith in the blood sacrifice for their atonement.
Atonement means, “to cover, cancel” in Hebrew. In the Greek is has the meaning of “reconciliation.” This day of atonement for the Jew was the covering over of their sin and reconciliation to God for a year at least.
This set time is not fulfilled by the church. The church is not innocent of course, but Jesus shed blood paid for the sins of every one of us - Heb. 9:28. When Christ offered His own blood as our atonement or covering, the veil of the Temple was rent (torn) in two, signifying that He had opened the way into the Holy of Holies. Mk. 15:38. By His sacrifice all who believe now have access to God and a covering for sin. The Day of Atonement will be fulfilled in a wonderful way when the Lord returns, coming to the aid of Israel and judging those nations that have come against her at the battle of Armageddon. Zechariah tells us of the reaction of Israel when they see their King returning.
Zech. 12:10-14, “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.” Individually and very personal will be their repentance.
They will certainly afflict their souls, mourning for the rejection of their Messiah Christ, and turn to Him. Zech. 13:1, 6, “ In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness…And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.”
Those Jews who do not bow to the Antichrist when he enters the Temple (II Thess 2:3,4), and will repent and morn when they see Him who they pierced (their Messiah), they will be the remnant that will be a nation born in a day Rom. 11:26; Isa. 66:8. Only surviving, believing Israel will be saved, for two-thirds of that nation shall perish at the hands of the Antichrist.
The tribulation period will end on the Day of Atonement. For they shall accept the atonement Christ has made. God will have ended His separation from Israel (His wife). The book of Hosea tells of the adultery of Israel in type and of her redemption and purification.
Only then will the third of these end-time series of set times become a reality - “Tabernacles” (next issue).
Lord of the Fountain
Lord of the Foundation
Jack Davis
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:45-49
The Lord is one who is honored over and above all. As regards His Lordship, there should be a consistency in what He is saying and what we are doing. If He really is our Lord, what He says is very important to us. We will search out by prayer and study, to fully know His will. Do we proclaim Him Lord by what we do? ‘Lord, help us to have a balance that is true. May our lips acknowledge You as Lord when we pray: and in our lives may we not ignore Your Word, but obey.’
The Lord looks for lives that pray. He said, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” He so loves to have us obey. He said, “Follow Me,” and “walk in love.” He then gives us lives that pray; lives that are profitable and fruitful for us, and unto Him tomorrow and today.
Our hearts are meant to be good treasures, open to the Word of the Lord. We are to be receptive to His good and faithful saying. It is good for us to let His enriching life-giving Word sink down deep, and take lodging in our hearts, David said, “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart.” The Apostle Paul said, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.”
We are also to send forth that which is good, beneficial, and enriching to others. We only do good, because of the good that He has placed in our hearts. The real good that flows from our mouth is of the overflow with which He has filled our hearts. So Jesus says, in essence, “PRACTICE WHAT YOU PRAY.” When you say, “Lord,” let Him be Lord. When He is really Lord, we give forth from a good fountain.
Then Jesus likens our coming to Him and hearing His Word and acting upon it, to building a good foundation – Luke 6:47-49. He would be our stay. In building a house upon the earth, Jesus is speaking of a life that follows the dictates of our fleshly nature. Such only can produce that which can be easily shaken, being without good foundation or durable substance. It is spiritually very shallow. If you have not acted upon the Word or experienced it, how secure can you be on His promises?
“Digged deep” speaks to me of the deeper, hidden, inner, secret life that we may enjoy – a relationship of becoming established “in Christ.” The saint’s security is in being rooted and grounded “in Him” against any torrent of trouble. He would be our stay in life’s most severe test, no matter how vicious the onslaughts of adversity.
“Not every one that said unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy Name? And in Thy Name have cast our devils? And in Thy Name done many wonderful works?” – Mt. 7:21-22.
It is not God’s will that any should perish. But each must believe unto salvation. Doing God’s will from the heart requires an early step in the works of faith, of turning “to God from idols” in whatever size, shape, or form. We do God’s will only as we obey His Word. Many so-called “wonderful works” are being done in the Lord’s dear Name, but not all “prophecies and casting out of devils” done in His Name are done or attempted in God’s will. This was evident in the days of the sons of Sceva, and even more so today. Acts 19:14.
The most noble efforts of humanity will not count for much in eternity, unless they are done on the right foundation with the right materials and motives.
I Cor. 3:11-15, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 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. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
Therefore, our apostle solemnly warns, exhorts, and wisely encourages us as to the proper fountain and foundation of our dear Lord.
“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” – II Tim. 2:19.
As we honor His Lordship in our lives, He uses them to His eternal glory. THANKS BE UNTO OUR LORD FOREVER.
Lord of the Foundation
Jack Davis
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:45-49
The Lord is one who is honored over and above all. As regards His Lordship, there should be a consistency in what He is saying and what we are doing. If He really is our Lord, what He says is very important to us. We will search out by prayer and study, to fully know His will. Do we proclaim Him Lord by what we do? ‘Lord, help us to have a balance that is true. May our lips acknowledge You as Lord when we pray: and in our lives may we not ignore Your Word, but obey.’
The Lord looks for lives that pray. He said, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” He so loves to have us obey. He said, “Follow Me,” and “walk in love.” He then gives us lives that pray; lives that are profitable and fruitful for us, and unto Him tomorrow and today.
Our hearts are meant to be good treasures, open to the Word of the Lord. We are to be receptive to His good and faithful saying. It is good for us to let His enriching life-giving Word sink down deep, and take lodging in our hearts, David said, “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart.” The Apostle Paul said, “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly.”
We are also to send forth that which is good, beneficial, and enriching to others. We only do good, because of the good that He has placed in our hearts. The real good that flows from our mouth is of the overflow with which He has filled our hearts. So Jesus says, in essence, “PRACTICE WHAT YOU PRAY.” When you say, “Lord,” let Him be Lord. When He is really Lord, we give forth from a good fountain.
Then Jesus likens our coming to Him and hearing His Word and acting upon it, to building a good foundation – Luke 6:47-49. He would be our stay. In building a house upon the earth, Jesus is speaking of a life that follows the dictates of our fleshly nature. Such only can produce that which can be easily shaken, being without good foundation or durable substance. It is spiritually very shallow. If you have not acted upon the Word or experienced it, how secure can you be on His promises?
“Digged deep” speaks to me of the deeper, hidden, inner, secret life that we may enjoy – a relationship of becoming established “in Christ.” The saint’s security is in being rooted and grounded “in Him” against any torrent of trouble. He would be our stay in life’s most severe test, no matter how vicious the onslaughts of adversity.
“Not every one that said unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy Name? And in Thy Name have cast our devils? And in Thy Name done many wonderful works?” – Mt. 7:21-22.
It is not God’s will that any should perish. But each must believe unto salvation. Doing God’s will from the heart requires an early step in the works of faith, of turning “to God from idols” in whatever size, shape, or form. We do God’s will only as we obey His Word. Many so-called “wonderful works” are being done in the Lord’s dear Name, but not all “prophecies and casting out of devils” done in His Name are done or attempted in God’s will. This was evident in the days of the sons of Sceva, and even more so today. Acts 19:14.
The most noble efforts of humanity will not count for much in eternity, unless they are done on the right foundation with the right materials and motives.
I Cor. 3:11-15, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 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. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
Therefore, our apostle solemnly warns, exhorts, and wisely encourages us as to the proper fountain and foundation of our dear Lord.
“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” – II Tim. 2:19.
As we honor His Lordship in our lives, He uses them to His eternal glory. THANKS BE UNTO OUR LORD FOREVER.
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