THREE ADMONITIONS FROM THE LORD
God chastises whom He loves
1. REVERENCE IN THE SANCTUARY OF THE LORD
The sanctuary of the LORD may be in your home or could be any place, time or day you have dedicated to the LORD. Once you have dedicated any day, time or place unto the LORD, you should treat it (be it fasting or prayer) with utmost reverence. You must have sincerity and walk in with fear and trembling into the presence of the Lord. John 2:15-20; Leviticus 19:30.
• Our body is the sanctuary of God – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17.
• Ecclesiastes 5:1; Exodus 3:5; Joshua 5:15.
• God does not want divided attention or anything or anyone sharing His glory.
• Habakkuk 2:20; Zechariah 2:13.
• No one can enter into the rest of God without holiness.
• Psalm 2:11; Psalm 5:7; Hebrews 12:28
2. ENQUIRING FROM THE LORD.
Do not do things without first enquiring from the LORD. Never get into a ‘comfort zone’ where you take God for granted. Look at the example of Moses, who was so powerful with God, yet Moses never used God’s power without clearance from God. John 15:5.
Whenever we enquire first, if God is with us, He will answer. Jesus was an example of constant enquiry – He was always praying, sometimes all night long like when He chose His disciples. John 8:29; John 5:30. Samuel said that obedience was better than sacrifice. We should always enquire from the LORD about His business.
David enquired of specifics from God, even when under severe stress. 1 Samuel 23:10-12; 1 Samuel 30:8.Sometimes we think that God is late; God is never late. Always enquire of the Lord, if you don’t, the Lord can cease to work with you.
We should focus on pleasing the only One who knows everything and can put us in hell fire- Jesus said in Luke 12:5. The time you devote in pleasing God can save your life. 2 Samuel 2:1. The key in ministry to God is to listen to Him and to pay attention to what He says.
3. LIVING THE WORD OF GOD
You must perfectly live the word you have heard. Have you been passing the test? How have you been relating to other people, your spouse, your family, work colleagues and others? Are you the light of God to them? Examine yourself. Every morning that you wake up, accept it as a day to mend your ways – the next morning may not be yours. If you do not obey the word of God, then you need to amend your ways. If you claim you know the word of God, and you do not live it and obey it; then you have not heard the word. John 8:39.
It is not what we say but what we do. Do not say one thing and do another. We are judged by the word we hear. Whenever you do not do the word of God that you heard or that you preach – it becomes a curse. Deuteronomy 11:26-28. The word of God is a blessing and can also be a curse. Hebrews 4:12-13. A two edged sword cuts both ways; if used rightly it can heal, if used wrongly it kills.
The word of God is a Living Being! Jesus said that if His Word abides in you, He is in you and with you – John 15:7.
• Leviticus 18:5
• Ezekiel 20:11
When you live in the Word and the Word lives in you – you become the light.
• 1 John 2:6; John 14:12; John 10:25; Matthew 5:16
Whoever deceives himself especially in the things of God, is not worth living. Living the Word is the only way you show that you know Him; any other thing is a mockery of God. You can recite the whole bible, if you do not do the Word, you are just wasting time. Romans 2:17-24.
The greatest and most important thing to God is His Word. The greatest fear the devil has is anyone who obeys the Word of God! The carnal mind cannot comprehend this. If you obey God, then you have something in you that is greater than what is in the world.
Proverbs 3:11-13
“My child, don't turn away or become bitter when the LORD corrects you. (12) The LORD corrects everyone he loves, just as parents correct their favorite child. (13) God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense.”
Thursday, December 17, 2009
ONE WHO IS NOT PERFECT IN LOVE IS NOT BORN OF GOD (NOT BORN AGAIN) AND CAN NOT SEE GOD
TODAY EVANGELICAL MINISTRIES BIBLE STUDY on THURSDAYS 7.00PM @ 9207 COUNTRY CREEK DRIVE, HOUSTON TEXAS 77036
"For the law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)
Transcript from BIBLE STUDY - Facilitated by Dr. Emeka Ozurumba – 01/29/09
THE LORD’S MANDATE
God’s instruction to the facilitator –“Whatever I teach you, you must live that life and teach others.”
Prayer of the facilitator and for us all “Lord, help me that I may not put Your name to shame.”
The kingdom of God is an endurance race – whoever endures to the end will be saved. "And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22 ESV)"
The ‘church’ will survive. So we need to ask ourselves everyday – “How am I doing in the Lord? Do not let any human being deceive you. The word of God is available to teach you – read and follow it. Don’t be confused, no matter how ‘hard’ the word of God may appear to you, if it is the Word of God, then follow it.
Test every spirit that speaks to you and test every word. Test with the word of God. The Spirit of God can not contradict or deviate from the word of God.
Two issues are before us today:
1. HOW DO I REALLY KNOW THAT I AM PLEASING GOD AND LOVE GOD?
2. ONE WHO IS NOT PERFECT IN LOVE IS NOT BORN OF GOD (NOT BORN AGAIN) AND CAN NOT SEE GOD
Let us look at number 2:
ONE WHO IS NOT PERFECT IN LOVE IS NOT BORN OF GOD
God is love. If you are not perfect in love, you are still in darkness and cannot see God.
"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:24 KJV)
The one who is born of God has put on God.
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God! That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:5-6 ASV)
If one who is born of God is god - it is given to you to understand it. You will not understand the mystery unless God has given it unto you. Only the children of God hear God. You don’t hear God if you don’t know Him and obey Him.
"He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."(John 8:47 KJV)
"Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." (John 8:47 ESV)
If you do not obey God, you have not really heard from God – spiritually. The one who says I know God is the one who obeys God.
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63 KJV)
"It is the Spirit that gives life. The flesh does not profit, nothing! The Words which I speak to you are spirit and are life." (John 6:63 LITV)
If the ‘scales’ are not removed from your eyes you cannot understand! Whoever is not born of God cannot see or hear God.
Any word of God that does not bring us to repentance or to the place of self-examination (self searching) – mark that word – it is not of the kingdom. John the Baptist came preaching – repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus said – go and preach the kingdom and that the kingdom is within you. The kingdom brings challenge within. It brings you to a place of brokenness and contrite heart. It brings you to repentance. When you are able to worship in spirit and in truth with a contrite heart then the kingdom truly is within you.
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24 (KJV)
"Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29 KJV)
If the word of God does not break you, then you are far from God and His kingdom. You will need to cry unto God.
Those who profess the word of God must live by the word of God and die by the word of God. The word of God is a double-edged sword. A two edged sword and it has no respect for any human being. If you use it correctly – you will live by it and it will save you; but if you misuse it – it will kill you.
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)
If you want you want your life to be simplified, live by the word of God. The burden of the Lord is very light. It is not that difficult; it is always for our own good - so that it’ll be well with us.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)
"And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13 KJV)
If I say “I have heard the word of God and I know God”; but I live contrary to God. Do I really know God? One who is not perfect in love cannot see God and is not of God.
"Everyone who abides in Him does not sin. Everyone who sins has not seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as [HE] that One is righteous. He who practices sin is of the Devil, for the Devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was revealed [manifested], that He might [destroy] undo the works of the Devil. Everyone who has been born of God does not commit sin, because His seed remains in him, and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. In this the children of God are [manifested], and the children of the Devil: everyone not practicing righteousness is not of God, also he who does not love his brother." (1 John 3:6-10 MKJV)
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8 KJV)
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" (Hebrews 12:14 KJV)
When you hear the word of God and keep doing things contrary to the word of God, you will be judged and can be condemned. God does not want this to happen to anyone. God’s love requires us to respond quickly and not to think we have enough time! It is too risky!!.
There is an adage that says – “when you wake up is your morning”. So, that when you hear the word of God – respond immediately. Do the word right away because we may not have tomorrow to adjust and repent. Whenever God gives you understanding and your eyes are opened to God’s truth in His word, begin to function in that word. Everyone is held accountable for that which he knows.
"And this is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." (1 John 1:5-6 MKJV)
"He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no offense in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because darkness has blinded his eyes." (1 John 2:9-11 MKJV)
Jesus prayed at the cross and said “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing”. Now that you and I know, what defense do we have and how is Christ going to pray for us, since we already know. Anytime and any moment that God has opened our eyes and heart to receive Him and know His truth – we are accountable. This does not mean that God is not merciful and full of grace and compassion. Rather, it means that we run the risk of mocking God when we act as if we do not know what we are doing.
"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." (Hebrews 6:4-6 KJV)
"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord has made ruler over His household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his Lord shall find him doing so when He comes. Truly I say to you that He shall make him ruler over all His goods. But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delays His coming, and shall begin to strike his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he does not look for Him, and in an hour which he does not know. And He shall cut him apart and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 24:45-51 MKJV)
There is God’s mercy for the ignorant – mercy may not be guaranteed for knowingly abusing the privilege of understanding the truth of God.
"Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief." (1 Timothy 1:13 KJV)
"She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8:11 KJV)
"Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." (John 5:14 KJV)
The word of God stands forever. If we do the work of the devil, then we are of the devil. You cannot walk with God who is holy, if you are not holy.
"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins," (Hebrews 10:26 KJV)
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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. (Romans 6:1-4 KJV)
"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God," (Hebrews 6:1 NKJV)
God is love and loves us so much and what a privilege that He has extended understanding to us. We ought to love everyone else. If we are born of God we would love our enemies. Children of the devil cannot love their enemies. If you continue to act like an unbeliever then you are an unbeliever. Your fruit demonstrates who you are. It is by their fruit we shall know them not by their saying (what they say) or dressing (how they look).
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:44-45 KJV)
CASE STUDY – WHAT ABOUT KING DAVID?
"Don't let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault." (Psalms 19:13 CEV)
"Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression." (Psalms 19:13 KJV)
King David, though he was a man after God’s heart, sinned and God corrected him –but there were consequences and God said David had despised Him. David did not have the privilege of the teaching of Christ; but we do. When you do the truth, you know the truth. That’s why Jesus said that you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free.
"And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife." (2 Samuel 12:7-10 KJV)
The Lord asked David why David had despised Him (the LORD); despite the incredible and extravagant love God had shown to David – see 2 Samuel 12 verse 8 and 10 above. The Lord asked David – what wouldn’t I have done for you if you asked? The same way God has shown incredible love towards us. When we sin, we despise the LORD and grieve His Holy Spirit.
"The LORD said to his people: Come and present your case to the hills and mountains. Israel, I am bringing charges against you-- I call upon the mountains and the earth's firm foundation to be my witnesses. My people, have I wronged you in any way at all? Please tell me." (Micah 6:1-3 CEV)
"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." (Isaiah 1:2-3 KJV)
"Now will I sing to my well beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My well beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?" (Isaiah 5:1-4 KJV)
Who are those destroying God’s vineyards? Some of the leaders and pastors!!! See below:
"Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness." (Jeremiah 12:10 KJV)
"For the law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)
Transcript from BIBLE STUDY - Facilitated by Dr. Emeka Ozurumba – 01/29/09
THE LORD’S MANDATE
God’s instruction to the facilitator –“Whatever I teach you, you must live that life and teach others.”
Prayer of the facilitator and for us all “Lord, help me that I may not put Your name to shame.”
The kingdom of God is an endurance race – whoever endures to the end will be saved. "And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22 ESV)"
The ‘church’ will survive. So we need to ask ourselves everyday – “How am I doing in the Lord? Do not let any human being deceive you. The word of God is available to teach you – read and follow it. Don’t be confused, no matter how ‘hard’ the word of God may appear to you, if it is the Word of God, then follow it.
Test every spirit that speaks to you and test every word. Test with the word of God. The Spirit of God can not contradict or deviate from the word of God.
Two issues are before us today:
1. HOW DO I REALLY KNOW THAT I AM PLEASING GOD AND LOVE GOD?
2. ONE WHO IS NOT PERFECT IN LOVE IS NOT BORN OF GOD (NOT BORN AGAIN) AND CAN NOT SEE GOD
Let us look at number 2:
ONE WHO IS NOT PERFECT IN LOVE IS NOT BORN OF GOD
God is love. If you are not perfect in love, you are still in darkness and cannot see God.
"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:24 KJV)
The one who is born of God has put on God.
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God! That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:5-6 ASV)
If one who is born of God is god - it is given to you to understand it. You will not understand the mystery unless God has given it unto you. Only the children of God hear God. You don’t hear God if you don’t know Him and obey Him.
"He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."(John 8:47 KJV)
"Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God." (John 8:47 ESV)
If you do not obey God, you have not really heard from God – spiritually. The one who says I know God is the one who obeys God.
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63 KJV)
"It is the Spirit that gives life. The flesh does not profit, nothing! The Words which I speak to you are spirit and are life." (John 6:63 LITV)
If the ‘scales’ are not removed from your eyes you cannot understand! Whoever is not born of God cannot see or hear God.
Any word of God that does not bring us to repentance or to the place of self-examination (self searching) – mark that word – it is not of the kingdom. John the Baptist came preaching – repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus said – go and preach the kingdom and that the kingdom is within you. The kingdom brings challenge within. It brings you to a place of brokenness and contrite heart. It brings you to repentance. When you are able to worship in spirit and in truth with a contrite heart then the kingdom truly is within you.
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24 (KJV)
"Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29 KJV)
If the word of God does not break you, then you are far from God and His kingdom. You will need to cry unto God.
Those who profess the word of God must live by the word of God and die by the word of God. The word of God is a double-edged sword. A two edged sword and it has no respect for any human being. If you use it correctly – you will live by it and it will save you; but if you misuse it – it will kill you.
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 KJV)
If you want you want your life to be simplified, live by the word of God. The burden of the Lord is very light. It is not that difficult; it is always for our own good - so that it’ll be well with us.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV)
"And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?" (Deuteronomy 10:12-13 KJV)
If I say “I have heard the word of God and I know God”; but I live contrary to God. Do I really know God? One who is not perfect in love cannot see God and is not of God.
"Everyone who abides in Him does not sin. Everyone who sins has not seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as [HE] that One is righteous. He who practices sin is of the Devil, for the Devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was revealed [manifested], that He might [destroy] undo the works of the Devil. Everyone who has been born of God does not commit sin, because His seed remains in him, and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. In this the children of God are [manifested], and the children of the Devil: everyone not practicing righteousness is not of God, also he who does not love his brother." (1 John 3:6-10 MKJV)
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8 KJV)
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" (Hebrews 12:14 KJV)
When you hear the word of God and keep doing things contrary to the word of God, you will be judged and can be condemned. God does not want this to happen to anyone. God’s love requires us to respond quickly and not to think we have enough time! It is too risky!!.
There is an adage that says – “when you wake up is your morning”. So, that when you hear the word of God – respond immediately. Do the word right away because we may not have tomorrow to adjust and repent. Whenever God gives you understanding and your eyes are opened to God’s truth in His word, begin to function in that word. Everyone is held accountable for that which he knows.
"And this is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." (1 John 1:5-6 MKJV)
"He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no offense in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because darkness has blinded his eyes." (1 John 2:9-11 MKJV)
Jesus prayed at the cross and said “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing”. Now that you and I know, what defense do we have and how is Christ going to pray for us, since we already know. Anytime and any moment that God has opened our eyes and heart to receive Him and know His truth – we are accountable. This does not mean that God is not merciful and full of grace and compassion. Rather, it means that we run the risk of mocking God when we act as if we do not know what we are doing.
"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame." (Hebrews 6:4-6 KJV)
"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord has made ruler over His household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his Lord shall find him doing so when He comes. Truly I say to you that He shall make him ruler over all His goods. But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delays His coming, and shall begin to strike his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he does not look for Him, and in an hour which he does not know. And He shall cut him apart and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 24:45-51 MKJV)
There is God’s mercy for the ignorant – mercy may not be guaranteed for knowingly abusing the privilege of understanding the truth of God.
"Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief." (1 Timothy 1:13 KJV)
"She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8:11 KJV)
"Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." (John 5:14 KJV)
The word of God stands forever. If we do the work of the devil, then we are of the devil. You cannot walk with God who is holy, if you are not holy.
"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins," (Hebrews 10:26 KJV)
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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. (Romans 6:1-4 KJV)
"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God," (Hebrews 6:1 NKJV)
God is love and loves us so much and what a privilege that He has extended understanding to us. We ought to love everyone else. If we are born of God we would love our enemies. Children of the devil cannot love their enemies. If you continue to act like an unbeliever then you are an unbeliever. Your fruit demonstrates who you are. It is by their fruit we shall know them not by their saying (what they say) or dressing (how they look).
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:44-45 KJV)
CASE STUDY – WHAT ABOUT KING DAVID?
"Don't let me do wrong on purpose, Lord, or let sin have control over my life. Then I will be innocent, and not guilty of some terrible fault." (Psalms 19:13 CEV)
"Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression." (Psalms 19:13 KJV)
King David, though he was a man after God’s heart, sinned and God corrected him –but there were consequences and God said David had despised Him. David did not have the privilege of the teaching of Christ; but we do. When you do the truth, you know the truth. That’s why Jesus said that you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free.
"And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife." (2 Samuel 12:7-10 KJV)
The Lord asked David why David had despised Him (the LORD); despite the incredible and extravagant love God had shown to David – see 2 Samuel 12 verse 8 and 10 above. The Lord asked David – what wouldn’t I have done for you if you asked? The same way God has shown incredible love towards us. When we sin, we despise the LORD and grieve His Holy Spirit.
"The LORD said to his people: Come and present your case to the hills and mountains. Israel, I am bringing charges against you-- I call upon the mountains and the earth's firm foundation to be my witnesses. My people, have I wronged you in any way at all? Please tell me." (Micah 6:1-3 CEV)
"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." (Isaiah 1:2-3 KJV)
"Now will I sing to my well beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My well beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?" (Isaiah 5:1-4 KJV)
Who are those destroying God’s vineyards? Some of the leaders and pastors!!! See below:
"Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness." (Jeremiah 12:10 KJV)
Monday, February 2, 2009
GRACE AND TRUTH
FLESH VERSUS SPIRIT- A SURRENDERED LIFE
Once we know the truth, the truth shall judge us.
- Total surrender to God causes us to be accountable to God.
- When actually you have surrendered to God and the things of the world are still attracting you, then there is a conflict. You can no longer live the life you used to live before.
It is a matter of total surrender. He has given us the power to become His own – His sons. - A true hearer is a doer of the word of God. Hearing God requires doing what he says; otherwise we have not heard from Him yet. Those who accept what He says in His word and begin to live that life are surrendered to Him.
Anyone who is born of God is of the Spirit of God – John 1:12-13; John 3:5-6. Those born of God are god. They are His – His Spirit.
But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13 ASV)
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God! That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (John 3:5-6 ASV)For whatever reason God knows, He drew you out of all the people in the world to know Him. It is a privilege. You need to cherish and keep that privilege. When God chooses you and draws you to Himself and gives you understanding; it is given to you (a privilege) to have understanding. Drop arguments -you cannot argue with God. If you cannot accept what God says in His word, then are you given to understand it?
Once we know the truth, the truth shall judge us.
I have come as a Light into the world, so that whoever believes on Me should not remain in darkness. And if any one hears My Words and does not believe, I do not judge him, for I do not come to judge the world, but to save the world. He who rejects Me and does not receive My Words has one who judges him; the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (John 12:46-48 MKJV)We cannot claim we don't know any longer. We must stop sinning and move on to the call of God for our lives. God’s commandments are not grievous. We are to purify ourselves as He is pure.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, (Hebrews 6:1 KJV)
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (1 John 5:3 ASV)
Giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; (Colossians 1:12-13 ASV)
To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him all our days. (Luke 1:74-75 ASV)
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. (Romans 6:6 KJV)
Though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief; (1 Timothy 1:13 ASV)
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (Romans 6:1 ASV)
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because the thing which may be known of God is clearly revealed within them, for God revealed it to them. For the unseen things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being realized by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, for them to be without excuse. (Romans 1:17-20 MKJV)We are not to focus on "we have to grow” and “it is a process” and forget the things we have been told to stop doing:
While it is said, "Today if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation." For some, when they had heard, did provoke; however, not all who came out of Egypt by Moses. (Hebrews 3:15-16 MKJV)
While it is said, today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. (Hebrews 3:15-16 KJVR)
Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, Behold, you are made whole. Sin no more lest a worse thing come to you. (John 5:14 MKJV)
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good Word of God and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away; it is impossible, I say, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify the Son of God afresh to themselves and put Him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6 MKJV/KJV)
Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel. Therefore hear the Word of My mouth, and give them warning from Me. (Ezekiel 3:17 MKJV)
KEYS OF THE KINGDOM:
1. ENDURANCE
The kingdom of God is an endurance race – whoever endures to the end will be saved.And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22 ESV)
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. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (KJV)
You know that many runners enter a race, and only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25 CEV)
The kingdom of God is for those who will overcome - Revelation 2:7, 17, 26
Be the first and be the last. Always be the first to find God (in any situation) and be the last standing with Him.
2. OBEDIENCE
Obedience is to love as love is to God. If I say I love God and don't obey him, it is a lie.If you love Me, keep My commandments. (John 14:15 MKJV)
You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. (John 15:14 MKJV)
If you disobey God, you don't love God, neither do you like or even care about God. If you don’t do what he says, you are not His friend. If you don’t obey Me, then you actually hate Me.But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence. (John 14:31 KJV)
We would be identified as children of God, if we do the works of God. The one you believe is the one you know. The one I believe in is the one I’ll obey and hear His voice. To know God is to be in agreement with and to identify with God [Amos 3:3].He who does not love Me does not keep My Words, and the Word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me. (John 14:24 MKJV)
The only duty of man is to obey God. See Joshua 1:5-7- where God told Joshua to be strong and courageous so he (Joshua) can obey God in all that God commands. Only be diligent enough to obey God, and He (God) will ensure that no one would be able to resist you (stand before you) – Joshua 1:5.
TRUE OBEDIENCE
The only way to know God is to love God.And by this we know that we have known Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, I have known Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:3-4 MKJV)
Jesus is Truth so if the truth is not in us then we are of the devil –If someone is a liar he or she is not of God -John 8:44.
If we would really do what God tells us to do (true obedience); God promises to be with us always.And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things which please Him. (John 8:29 MKJV)
If Christ didn’t do things pleasing to God, God would not have been with Him. If our Lord, Jesus Christ met that requirement, we ought to. God is not a respecter of any human being. Whoever is not willing to accept the whole doctrine of Christ is against Christ (anti-Christ).
God promises His protection to those who have set their love upon Him – obedience!
BecauseHe has set His love on Me, therefore I will deliver Him; I will set Him on high, because He has known My name. (Psalms 91:14 MKJV)
We can do everything we like for God, unless we obey Him – our works for Him, will be in vain:Not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name? and in Your name have cast out demons? and in Your name done many wonderful works? And then will I say to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)
HOW DO WE OBEY GOD?
God will not accept our obedience unless it is done in a broken spirit and a contrite heart.The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. (Psalms 51:17 MKJV)
And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw nigh unto me, and with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which hath been taught them; (Isaiah 29:13 ASV)
Unfortunately, many of us become proud as we get older, especially in the Lord. We should always pray that God will grant us divine humility before Him. That is what God expects and respects. God’s only begotten Son was born in a manger. His birth announced to shepherds. God can send a child to teach us.And Jesus said, I have come into this world for judgment, that they who do not see might see, and that they who see might be made blind. (John 9:39 MKJV)
When a student is hardened, then there is no point to teach him or her. Be like the pine tree that is not resistant to the wind and in a storm it does not get easily destroyed.And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. (Matthew 21:44 KJV)
And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be Mine. (Leviticus 20:26 KJV)
Do not obey God out of obligation and fear. Rather, obey God because of the love and reverence we have for Him; otherwise it is eye service.
When we are in the Lord and the Lord is in us, obedience becomes natural. We should obey from a humble heart.The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. (Proverbs 8:13 KJV)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (Romans 8:35 KJV)
Sin can separate us from God!
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2 KJV)
God does not want us to fall away. He says – “Don’t fall away. I am God. I am in heaven. You are here on earth. Do it My way. It’s only My way that counts!
When God sees a heart that is not willing to fall away, He (God) will help that person.THE GRACE TO OBEY AND FOLLOW THE TRUTH IS AVAILABLE FROM GOD -
For the law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17 MKJV)
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