tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7590851081596486722024-02-20T08:17:14.846-05:00Righteous LifeBertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-23141197603817182832012-10-22T08:19:00.000-04:002012-10-22T08:19:29.203-04:00Is the BIBLE necessary?<br />
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…but the word of God is not bound. (Not even in leather)</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%;">
Introduction<o:p></o:p></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Christianity, what is
it? Christianity has become so
diversified and varied that no one is able to agree on its tenets. Is it my
viewpoint, your viewpoint, or some other guy’s point of view? Consider these statistics:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">According to About.com, Christianity is
ranked the largest religion in the world today. In 2010 there were 2.18 billion
Christians around the world, nearly a third of the global population.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The Pew Forum from the Center for the
Study of Global Christianity (CSGC) conducted research that estimates that
there are about </span><b style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">41,000</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Christian
denominations worldwide.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Denominations are
defined as, a large group of religious congregations united under a <b><i><u>common
faith</u></i></b> and name and organized under a single administrative and
legal hierarchy. A denomination can be
further described as a religious organization whose congregations are <b><i><u>united
in their adherence to its beliefs and practices.</u></i></b> Here are a few of these denominations:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Baptist, Anabaptist, Oneness-Pentecostal
or Unitarian-Pentecostal: Jesus Only, Baptistic-Pentecostal or
Keswick-Pentecostal, Holiness-Pentecostal: 3-crisis-experience, Apostolic, or
Pentecostal Apostolic (living apostles), Pentecostal (Protestant; Classical
Pentecostal), Friends (Quaker), Reformed, Presbyterian, Christian Brethren
(Plymouth Brethren, Open only), Congregational, Congregationalist, Disciple,
Restorationist, Restorationist Baptist, Christian, Dunker (Tunker), Dipper,
German Baptist, Brethren, Exclusive Brethren (Plymouth Brethren, Closed,
Strict), Anglican Evangelical, Independent Evangelical, Fundamentalist, Christadelphian
apocalyptic, eschatological (i.e. "end times" Christians), Divine
Science, Gnostic, esoteric, anthroposophical, Holy Spirit Association for
Unification of World Christianity, Jehovah's Witnesses (or
"Russellites"), Latter-day Saints (Mormons), including Mormon
schismatics, Liberal Catholic (Theosophical, Masonic, Gnostic), Bulgarian
Orthodox, Byelorussian / Belorussian (White Russian / White Ruthenian), Coptic
Orthodox, Czech / Slavonic-speaking Orthodox,Estonian Orthodox, Ethiopic,
Ethiopian Orthodox, GeOez-speaking, Byzantine-rite (jurisdiction for more than
one ethnic group), Chaldean (Eastern Syrian rite), Coptic (Alexandrian rite), Ethiopic
(Alexandrian rite), Greek (Byzantine rite), Hungarian (Byzantine rite), Italo-Albanian
(Byzantine rite), Charismatic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Wow, what a list! When
you consider that there are about 40,972 <b><i>more</i></b> denominations we see the
magnitude of this division. Notice my
use of the word ‘division’; I use that word because this is EXACTLY what it
is. You see EACH of these denominations
hold to the belief that they are carriers of the TRUTH from God. The problem is that the whole point of a
denomination is that there are disagreements in beliefs. So when the apostle Paul asks the question
‘Is Christ divided’ Christianity’s answer is a resounding <b><i>YES</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Of all those who call
themselves Christian there is NO unity in faith. In fact there can be found divisions and
differing beliefs even within some households. So what’s the big deal? Do we all <b><i>have
to</i></b> believe the same thing?
According to Paul and Jesus YES!
There can be NO division in Christ.
Consider this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">THAT YOU ALL AGREE AND THAT THERE BE NO DIVISIONS AMONG YOU</span>,
but that you be made complete in the <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">SAME MIND </span>and in the <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">SAME JUDGMENT</span>. For I
have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there
are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am
of Paul,” and “I of Apollo,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” Has Christ
been divided? 1 Cor. 10-13</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This reference by Paul
is the first recorded set of denominations in the church. They had come to segregate themselves based
upon differing beliefs. Paul’s
declaration here shows that divisions are not good. Let us consider Jesus’ position on the
matter:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I in them and You in Me, that they may be <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">PERFECTED
IN UNITY</span>, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them,
even as You have loved Me. John 17:23</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">According to Jesus this
perfection in UNITY was <b><i>essential</i></b> to the world knowing that
he was sent by God. Based on these
verses, it is clear that Christianity is its own worst enemy in proclaiming the
truths it receives from Jesus. Because of
their divisions Christians do more harm than good to the cause of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%;">
The source of all confusion<o:p></o:p></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So what is the cause of
all these divisions in the so-called ‘body’ of Christ? It is obvious that the divisions are sourced
from our propensity to denominate. We have defined denomination as ‘a religious
organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs
and practices’. We must conclude, therefore,
that divisions arise out of a difference of beliefs and practices. But why would there be differing
beliefs? Consider that in the entire world,
from culture to culture and ethnic group to ethnic group, the following
calculation is agreed upon:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">2+2=4<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How is it possible that
the whole world inclusive of Hindu, Muslim, Atheist, Agnostic and every single
denomination of Christianity can all agree on the summation of this simple
computation? The reasons being are that
the principles of mathematics are universal and unchanging. It is because of this that unity can be achieved
despite differences in culture.
Therefore there will <b><i>never </i></b>be a council coming together
to dispute the veracity of this conclusion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Christianity finds no
such universality in its foundation to ensure the same conclusions. You may say ‘But what of the bible, doesn’t
it serve as a foundation of our faith’.
Oh, does it really? <b><i>I can
say without fear of contradiction that the bible and in particular the
scriptures of the New Testament are the CAUSE of the divisions in Christianity
today.</i></b> Blasphemy you say? I refer again to the definition of a
denomination:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">A
religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its
beliefs and practices.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">To the good Christian I
ask this question ‘From where does your belief arise’. Most would say that they
arrived at a certain set of beliefs from conclusions they gleaned from the
bible. These conclusions may either be
from personal studies or an acceptance of teachings from some pastor or priest. Since this is the case how is it that there
are so many denominations? It is because
there are so many differing beliefs. But
if the words on the page are the same in your bible and in my bible how can
differences in beliefs arise? (Remember
there is no mathematics sect declaring that 2+2=5.) <b><i>The reason for these differences is that no
one can accurately determine the exact <u>meaning</u> of the words in the
bible.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Consider that when a
person writes words on a page in order for understanding to occur there must be
more than just a comprehension of the words.
In fact comprehension would only get you so far; what is essential is a
grasp of the <b><i>intention and mindset</i></b> of the writer who penned the words. This principle can be realized in observing
arguments over the United States Constitution.
This document was created on September 17, 1787, <b><i>less than three hundred years ago</i></b>. Its reading is not hampered by translation
issues yet arguments for and against a particular issue may be predicated on
its words. How is this possible? It is because the framers of the constitution
are ALL dead, and as such are unable to declare the intent behind the words in
the document. Without knowing the intent
true understanding is lost, and what is left is subjectivity. One can be assured that the framers
themselves were COMPLETELY aware of what they meant when they wrote those words,
but because of the passage of time we can never know for certain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The problems in
understanding are monumentally magnified in regards to the bible. Consider this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The words of the New Testament were
written THOUSANDS of years ago</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">We have authors that cannot be
definitively verified</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The words were written by authors of a
different culture, time and language</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">We have translations of translations of
translations</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">NONE of the original writings were
preserved</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Everyone who wrote books or letters
comprising the bible are now dead and cannot be interviewed</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Any two of these issues
would cause differences in beliefs, but combine them and we have a glorified
mess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Consider the beliefs
that arise from the NT in regards to God’s judgment on the unbelieving. Some groups say that God punishes the
unbeliever in a burning hell forever; some say that God annihilates the
unbeliever. All find basis for their
beliefs in the <b>VERY SAME</b> scriptures. But either God is schizophrenic or there is
another problem. The problem in this
fundamental doctrine is based on the fact that the bible we have is a
translation of a translation of a translation.
In a blog I wrote <a href="http://bertrammills.blogspot.com/2011/10/myth-of-eternal.html">here</a> I
prove that the problem with our understanding of the judgment of God lies in an
erroneous translation using the word ‘eternal’ found throughout the NT. This simple example helps us to see how these
differing beliefs can arise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Distortions can also
arise from misunderstandings in culture.
Understanding the culture of the day is paramount to our understanding
of the intent of the writers at the time of their writings. In reviewing the following verse we can see
the result of cultural misunderstandings, consider:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper
clothing, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">MODESTLY </span>and <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">DISCREETLY</span>, not with braided hair and gold or
pearls or costly garments, 1 Timothy 2:9</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We read this today in
2012, but Paul wrote this at about 70 A.D.
Here is the problem: these words do not change, whatever the words are
they were the same when he wrote them.
One thousand years from now this verse will still read the same. Do you think that <b><i>his</i></b> intent translates to
us today in regards to how women should adorn themselves? Keep in mind that the intent behind what he
wrote is just as important to our understanding as the words that he
wrote. Ask any <b><u>10 </u></b>Christian women on their idea of MODEST and DISCREET apparel
and you may get <b><i><u>15</u></i></b> different answers.
Why would this be? It is because an understanding of these written words
has become subjective, and in this case they are subjective to time and the
degradation of morality in general. What
was considered modesty at the time of Paul’s writings INFORMED HIS IDEAS ON THE
USE OF THE WORD FOR MODESTY; the problem is that his ideas may be considered
REPRESSIVE in today’s culture. If we
seek to obey these words we must realize that a correct appreciation of the words
is based on the intent of the writer and <b><i>NOT</i></b> your interpretation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
The rise of heresies<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">A heresy is a harsh
sounding word that means an opinion or doctrine that is in opposition to what
is generally accepted. Baptists consider
Mormons heretics, Methodists consider Jehovah’s Witnesses heretics and
Catholics consider EVERYONE heretics.
What most people do not realize is that MOST of Christianity is
heretical because ALL of them have moved away from an understanding of the intent
of the original writers of the bible.
When reading the bible we cannot transfer <b><i>our own</i></b> sentiments on its
words because we did not write them. The
problem is that sentiments color our opinions and inform are interpretations. Without a clear grasp on intent then we have
NO RECOURSE BUT TO BE SUBJECTIVE, and because the intent is lost to us due to
the death of the writers of the New Testament there will NEVER BE CONSENSUS OR
UNITY when reading its words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%;">
Jesus had no scribe<o:p></o:p></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The fact that Jesus had
no scribe among his disciples is an important detail that is overlooked. Jesus, after prayer to God, chose the
following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Peter, he was a fisherman by occupation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">John, He was a fisherman along with his
brother and father. (Mark 1:19-20).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">James, by occupation a fisherman along
with his brother and father at the Sea of Galilee, in partnership with Peter
and Andrew (Luke 5:10).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Andrew was a fisherman by occupation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Philip, unknown occupation.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Bartholomew, there is no other reference
to him in the New Testament. Nothing much is known about him.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Thomas, his occupation is unknown.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Matthew, he was a tax collector by
occupation. He is ascribed to be the author of the Gospel according to Matthew.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">James, nothing much is known about him.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Thaddeus, nothing else is known about
him apart from the mention of his name.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Simon the Zealot, occupation unknown.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Judas Iscariot, he was a treasurer of
the group (John 12:6, 13:29). Because he
was chosen as treasurer we can conclude that he may have been a bookkeeper.</span></li>
</ul>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">There is no text that
tells us that Jesus ever commissioned any of his disciples to write down the
words he was speaking. Because there
were no recording devices during this time the ONLY way to capture what was
spoken orally was for one to write it down on paper. Now consider this, Jesus knew that he would
only be on earth for a time. He spoke, what
his apostles considered to be, 'words of life'.
</span></span><b><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">You have to then ask yourself why he </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">didn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"> have someone commissioned
with the task of writing down all the words that he was saying for future
reference.</span></span></i></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Consider what preachers
do today; they have you sit and listen to their teachings, then they encourage
you to buy a CD of the same teaching, take it home and listen to it seven
times. Why didn't Jesus have someone just
to write? Consider the authenticity we
could claim if someone was there writing as the words were coming from his
mouth. <b><i>An even better scenario would
have been for Jesus himself to have taken pen to paper.</i></b> All we have today is mostly accounts of
events that happened retold by persons who may or may not have been
eyewitnesses of these accounts themselves.
Even more startling is that Jesus never gave the apostles the command to
write. Jesus’ command to them was to go
and preach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%;">
Are the WORD of God and the Bible synonymous?<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Let's begin with a few
blasphemous/heretical statements:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Blasphemy one- the bible is NOT where
you were to learn about Jesus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Blasphemy two- the bible is not <b><i>THE</i></b>
word of God</span></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The word of God is <b><i>not</i></b>
a book – it is a person. This is often
the point where someone would declare that I am nit-picking, splitting hairs,
or being caught up in semantics. But in
reality that is like having a headache and popping a few cyanide pills because they
<b><i>look
like</i></b> aspirin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Most Christians today
regard the bible as the word of God. But is really? Consider our understanding; the bible is a
collection of statements from God, activities of men, historical documents,
wise sayings, letters, prophecies, songs of praises et.al. <b>But do
we have a biblical definition of what the word of God is</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. John 1:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH, AND DWELT AMONG US, AND WE SAW HIS
GLORY, GLORY AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN FROM THE FATHER,</span> full of grace and
truth. John 1:14</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">If you had no concept
of the phrase ‘word of God’ and I presented you with these two verses and asked
you the question 'What is the word of God', what would you answer? You would conclude that the word of God was
Jesus himself and not some words on a page.
If I were to take a photograph of you right now what would the
photograph be? Could I claim that the
photograph was you? </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Wouldn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"> it be more
accurate to conclude that the picture was an IMAGE of you and not you
yourself? In this same way the bible is
not the word of God but a snapshot of the word of God. Therefore, the bible includes words </span></span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>from</i></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">
God but it was </span></span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>never </i></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">intended to be a conclusion, in the same way that a
picture of you doesn't represent the </span></span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">totality</b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">
of your existence.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jesus <b>IS</b> the word of God, whenever God speaks
it is Jesus that comes out of his mouth.
What was spoken thousands of years ago is akin to a picture of you when
you were ten years old but you are now thirty. Based on this we can now understand the verse:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">...For the word of God is <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">LIVING</span> and <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ACTIVE </span>and
sharper than any two- edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul
and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and
intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Hebrews wasn't talking
about words on a page; it was talking about the fact that Jesus is ALIVE. In comprehending this truth we now realize
that the words spoken by God today have <b><i>just as much power and are just as binding
as the ones written on pages thousands of years ago.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Consider the use of the
phrase ‘Word of God’ in the bible, and see if you can glean from these verses
that it is referring to a book:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of
Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go
beyond the WORD OF THE LORD my God, to do less or more. Numbers 22:18 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And as they were going down to the end of the city,
Samuel said to Saul, Bid the servant pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but
stand thou still a while, that I may show thee the WORD OF GOD. 1 Samuel 9:27 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">But the WORD OF GOD <u>came</u> unto Shemaiah the man
of God, <u>saying</u>, 1Kings 12:22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And it came to pass the same night that the WORD OF GOD
came to Nathan, saying, 1Chronicles 17:3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where
they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and
they spoke the WORD OF GOD with boldness. Acts 4:31 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples
unto them, and said, it is not reason that we should leave the WORD OF GOD, and
serve tables. Acts 6:2 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And the WORD OF GOD increased; and the number of the
disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests
were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard
that Samaria had received the WORD OF GOD, they sent unto them Peter and John: Acts
8:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard
that the Gentiles had also received the WORD OF GOD. Acts 11:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">But the WORD OF GOD grew and multiplied. Acts 12:24<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And when they were at Salamis, they preached the WORD
OF GOD in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
Acts 13:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius
Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear
the WORD OF GOD. Acts 13:7 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city
together to hear the WORD OF GOD. Acts 13:44<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, it was
necessary that the WORD OF GOD should first have been spoken to you: but seeing
ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we
turn to the Gentiles. Acts 13:46<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that
the WORD OF GOD was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and
stirred up the people. Acts 17:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And he continued there a year and six months, teaching
the WORD OF GOD among them. Acts 18:11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">So mightily grew the WORD OF GOD and prevailed. Acts 19:20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Not as though the WORD OF GOD hath taken none effect.
For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Romans 9:6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD
OF GOD. Romans 10:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">What? Came the WORD OF GOD out from you? Or came it
unto you only? 1Corinthians 14:36<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">For we are not as many, which corrupt the WORD OF GOD:
but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. 2Corinthians
2:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not
walking in craftiness, nor handling the WORD OF GOD deceitfully; but by
manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in
the sight of God. 2Corinthians 4:2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD: Ephesians 6:17 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Whereof I am made a minister, according to the
dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the WORD OF GOD; Colossians
1:25<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">For this cause also thank we God without ceasing,
because, when ye received the WORD OF GOD which ye heard of us, ye received it
not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the WORD OF GOD, which
effectually works also in you that believe. 1Thessalonians 2:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">For it is sanctified by the WORD OF GOD and prayer. 1Timothy
4:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds;
but the WORD OF GOD is not bound. 2Timothy 2:9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient
to their own husbands, that the WORD OF GOD be not blasphemed. Titus 2:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And have tasted the good WORD OF GOD, and the powers of
the world to come, Hebrews 6:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed
by the WORD OF GOD, so that things which are seen were not made of things which
do appear. Hebrews 11:3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Remember them which have the rule over you, who have
spoken unto you the WORD OF GOD: whose faith follow, considering the end of
their conversation. Hebrews 13:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of
incorruptible, by the WORD OF GOD, which lives and abided forever. 1Peter 1:23 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the WORD
OF GOD the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in
the water: 2Peter 3:5 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known
him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye
are strong, and the WORD OF GOD abided in you, and ye have overcome the wicked
one. 1John 2:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Who bare record of the WORD OF GOD, and of the
testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Revelation 1:2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">I John, who also am your brother, and companion in
tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle
that is called Patmos, for the WORD OF GOD, and for the testimony of Jesus
Christ. Revelation 1:9 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the
altar the souls of them that were slain for the WORD OF GOD, and for the
testimony which they held: Revelation 6:9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and
his name is called The WORD OF GOD. Revelation 19:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment
was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the
witness of Jesus, and for the WORD OF GOD, and which had not worshipped the
beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads,
or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
Rev_20:4</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">NONE of these verses
are talking about a book – but a living being.
You can prove this by substituting the name Jesus for the phrase ‘Word
of God’, and in every instance it would make perfect sense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Consider this verse:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed
by the WORD OF GOD, so that things which are seen were not made of things which
do appear. Hebrews 11:3</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">To conclude that Hebrews
is talking about the bible here is LUDICROUS since the worlds were formed <b><i>before</i></b>
even one of its writers came into being.
And in another place:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the
WORD OF GOD the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water
and in the water: 2Peter 3:5 </span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These verses prove that the Word of God is NOT words
in a book but a living Entity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
All scripture?<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for
teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 2 Timothy
3:16</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This is the go to verse
for a devoted Christian seeking to prove that the bible is inerrant. It tells us that all scripture is inspired by
God and therefore is incapable of containing error. But what scripture is Paul
referring to in this letter to Timothy?
When we read this today we are not reading Paul’s intent but our
interpretation. Ask any Christian and they will confirm to you that the ‘Scripture’
referred to by Paul are the words written in the New Testament book they have
in their hands. But is it really? In order to find out we must consider the
context of this verse by examining the verse immediately preceding it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And that <u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">From A Child</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span>thou hast known <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">THE HOLY
SCRIPTURES</span>, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Now considering that
Timothy was a man at the time of this writing Paul could NOT be referring to
the 27 books of the New Testament, because as of the writing they were not as
yet compiled. A similar statement is attributed to Jesus:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES; for in them ye think ye have
eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 5:39</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Could an argument be
made that the scriptures referred to by Jesus here are Matthew, Mark, Luke and
John. Absolutely NOT! Jesus and Paul in these instances were
referring to what is known as the Old Testament. Paul referred many times in
his writings to these verses in the Old Testament, and in fact they form the
bases of the teachings in his letters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">For whatever was written IN EARLIER TIMES was written
for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement OF THE
SCRIPTURES we might have hope. Romans 15:4</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%;">
What is the purpose of the Spirit of God?<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So why didn't Jesus
have scribes and why wasn't there an accurate collection of the exact words of
Jesus? The answer to that question is
the same to the answer to why questions of biblical errancy are
ridiculous. The answer is that <b><i>Jesus
never intended for his message to be captured on paper.</i></b> This is the reason why the original manuscripts
of the New Testament were NOT preserved.
<b><i>God had no reason to preserve them.</i></b> If you were able to do
whatever you wanted are you dependent on anyone? Was Jesus hoping that the disciples would
retain the words he was speaking accurately so that they would be transferred
throughout all generations to come? Not
in the least, for if he wanted that then he would have ensured the invention of
the <i>iPhone</i> and <i>YouTube</i> a long time ago! God
knew that anything written down is captured in time and subject to the intention
of the writer. Just like you may look nothing like your baby pictures these
words too would become ravaged with time, locked in cultural relevancy and hampered
by losses in translation. What then was
God's plan to deal with the accurate spreading of the gospel? The Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Depending on your
denomination to some the Holy Spirit is that thing that gets you to huck and
buck, to others it’s the thing that causes you to fall down and foam at the
mouth while writhing on the floor. But
what is the purpose of the Holy Spirit, and how does it preserve the word of
God throughout all time?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">How many theologians
and dedicated students of the bible go to extreme lengths to buy this book,
that commentary, this bible version, that biblical dictionary? They pay substantial sums to go to Israel to
see firsthand where Jesus walked in hopes that this would in some way help them
to understand the bible better. When you examine the reasoning for these </span></span><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><i>augmentations
to comprehension </i></b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">you come to the conclusion that this is all nonsense. Why would Jesus base his gospel on words whose
understanding is culturally-dependent for persons thousands of years removed
from the relevancy of the words, ignorant of the language and void of cultural references? In this instance </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">UNDERSTANDING</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"> WILL NOT OCCUR. In fact this is the reason for all the
divisions today. Consider this verse:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you,
it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you,
it is easier for a camel to go through the EYE OF A NEEDLE, than for a rich man
to enter the kingdom of God.” Matthew
19:23-24</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">When we read these
verses we are seeing words that are locked in a time and a culture. A cursory reading of this passage today would
yield a conclusion that Jesus is talking about trying to get a camel to go through
the eye of a needle. We hold a ridiculous
picture in our minds of a 1,000 pound camel trying to get through the eye of a sewing
needle. Theologians in their
augmentations to understanding inform us that this parable is based upon a
cultural peculiarity. They say that the
eye of a needle had nothing to do with a sewing needle, but it was a narrow
opening in the walls of cities that allowed passage to travelers when the city
gates were shut. It was difficult to
enter because it was so narrow, and if one had a camel it would have to be
forced through. Now does that
understanding come to mind apart from us having some knowledge of this narrow
opening? No it doesn’t; in fact we are
still envisioning a sewing needle, because we have no mental reference for this
wall opening thingy. But what was the
point of this parable? Jesus was telling
us that entrance to the kingdom of God is <b>HARD</b>
for some and <b>EASY</b> for others. If Jesus came here today would he talk about
some needle in the wall thing? No, he wouldn’t;
the verse would probably say something like:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">“Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter
the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a <u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">NON-WEB
TECHNICIAN</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> TO WRITE CODE FOR A WEBSITE</span>, than for a rich man to
enter the kingdom of God.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The point is that the
parable’s meaning is what is important and the Holy Spirit, that transcends
culture, is able to transmit the understanding to you. Yet the augmentations of understanding would
rather bog you down in unnecessary muck rather than transmit the simple truths
of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I declare to you that <b><i>NONE </i></b>of
these augmentations are necessary, and in fact they are all <b><i>hindrances
</i></b>of the truth. Why is it essential
to go to university to get a firm grasp on something that <b><i>illiterate fisherman completely
understood</i></b>? Ask yourself this,
fifteen years after Jesus was resurrected what were the apostles doing? They were preaching the kingdom of God. Okay, was any of the New Testament written at
this time? No, in fact the first gospel was not said to have been written until
around 50 AD. Well how were the
Christians of the day growing? They had
no New Testament. Were they inferior to
you? Did they miss out? Consider these words:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
John 14:18</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jesus was consoling his
disciples with this promise because they would not see him again. But how does he fulfill this promise of
coming to them again? Consider:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">I will ask the Father, and He will give you another
Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the
world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him
because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">And in another place:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For
we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I WILL DWELL IN THEM
AND WALK AMONG THEM; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 2 Corinthians
6:16</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The promise of the spirit
is it to the disciples only or to all those who will believe through them:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for THOSE
ALSO WHO BELIEVE IN ME THROUGH THEIR WORD. John17:20</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">And again:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you
will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. <u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">FOR THE PROMISE IS FOR YOU AND YOUR
CHILDREN AND FOR ALL WHO ARE FAR OFF, AS MANY AS THE LORD OUR GOD WILL CALL TO
HIMSELF.”</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span>Acts 2:38-39</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">These verses show
clearly that the promise of the Spirit is to <b>ALL </b>those who are called by God.
Since this is the case what then is the purpose of this Spirit?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
A Helper<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">I will ask the Father, and He will give you another
Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the
world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him
because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
A Teacher<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
send in My name, HE WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS, AND BRING TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE
ALL THAT I SAID TO YOU. John 14:26</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This is more profoundly
declared in another place:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">As for you, the anointing which you received from Him
abides in you, AND YOU HAVE NO NEED FOR ANYONE TO TEACH YOU; BUT AS HIS
ANOINTING TEACHES YOU ABOUT ALL THINGS, and is true and is not a lie, and just
as it has taught you, you abide in Him. 1 John 2:27</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This is a phenomenal
declaration found in these verses because we can see that Jesus’ intention is
to have the HOLY SPIRIT be the conduit for learning this ‘New and Living way’. In this way there is NO NEED to have a
physical record of the things that Jesus said because the Holy Spirit would
LITERALLY teach you of these things. To
those familiar with the current rave in technology, cloud computing, this is
easy to understand. Through cloud
computing it is no longer necessary to physically carry documents. All that is needed is a connection to the
Internet and any files that you have stored in the ‘cloud’ can be accessed by
you or ANYONE you give privilege to.
Physical documents can be lost or damaged, but data stored in the cloud
can be recalled in an instant. Anyone
can come into the same information anywhere over the earth once they have
access; NO MIDDLE MAN, no interpreter, no dictionary or commentary needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<o:p> </o:p></h3>
<h3>
To testify about Jesus<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">“When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from
the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify
about Me, and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the
beginning. John 15:26-27</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This purpose of the
Holy Spirit is remarkable. The Spirit in
essence would be a witness for Jesus. It
is remarkable because to be a witness involves providing information on or about
a person. Do you understand this? A person upon receiving the Spirit will began
to receive information that he heretofore had NOT KNOWN about Jesus. This, however, shouldn’t be that strange
considering what was written here:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except
the spirit of the man which is in him? <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">EVEN SO THE THOUGHTS OF GOD NO ONE
KNOWS EXCEPT THE SPIRIT OF GOD. NOW WE HAVE RECEIVED, NOT THE SPIRIT OF THE
WORLD, BUT THE SPIRIT WHO IS FROM GOD, SO THAT <u>WE MAY KNOW</u> THE THINGS
FREELY GIVEN TO US BY GOD</span>, which things we also speak, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">NOT </span>in
words taught by human wisdom, but in those <u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">TAUGHT BY THE SPIRIT</span></u>,
combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. 1 Corinthians 2:11-13</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Think about it, why
would God give a revelation of himself to a single person and tell that person
to tell the world about him? Wouldn’t
that be like giving a single person a taste of vanilla ice cream and letting
him describe it to the whole world…in words.
If you wanted someone to experience something wouldn’t it make more
sense to provide the means for all who you want to experience the thing to
receive it? The Holy Spirit is the
conduit God uses to give the knowledge of God to ALL he calls. In this way we can fully realize the command
of Jesus when he says:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Take My yoke upon you and <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">LEARN FROM ME</span>, for I am
gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How is it even possible
for us to ‘learn FROM Jesus’? This
knowledge is not resident in a book.
This learning from Jesus is as a result of increasing ones knowledge
directly from the Word of God, who is Jesus, via the Holy Spirit and NOT a
book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<o:p> </o:p></h3>
<h3>
A conviction<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning
sin and righteousness and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe
in Me; <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">AND CONCERNING RIGHTEOUSNESS, BECAUSE I GO TO THE FATHER AND YOU NO
LONGER SEE ME</span>; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world
has been judged. John 16:8-11<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">“But this is the covenant which I will make with the
house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">“I WILL PUT MY LAW WITHIN
THEM AND ON THEIR HEART I WILL WRITE IT; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY
SHALL BE MY PEOPLE</span>. Jeremiah 31:33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">AND THE HOLY SPIRIT ALSO TESTIFIES TO US</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">; </span>for
after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those
days, says the Lord: I will put My laws upon their heart, and on their mind I
will write them,” Hebrews 10:16</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Look at the function of
the Holy Spirit in these verses. The
highlighted words are his work in the life of the believer. In the first instance we see that it is the
Holy Spirit that convicts the believer of righteousness. This is important to know because Jesus then
goes on to say that he goes to the father and they will no longer see him. What does that mean? It meant that he would not physically be
there to tell them what was right and what was wrong in regards to
righteousness with God. Then how would
they come to know this information, by what means? The Holy Spirit would now
convict them. Don’t we search our bibles
to find out what God requires; well according to this THAT ISN'T EVEN NECESSARY
since the Spirit which is a more definitive medium would perform this duty?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jeremiah speaking of
the work of the Holy Spirit declares:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">“I WILL PUT MY LAW WITHIN THEM AND ON THEIR HEART I
WILL WRITE IT; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This same verse is also
referenced in Hebrews. Again we see that
God is telling us that he would give us his law – not in some inefficient way
by writing it down but by placing it in our hearts. Coincidentally, it is in our hearts where the
Holy Spirit comes to live:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">…but you know Him because He abides with you <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">AND WILL BE
IN YOU</span>. John14:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">BECAUSE YOU ARE SONS, GOD HAS SENT FORTH THE SPIRIT OF
HIS SON INTO OUR HEARTS, CRYING, “ABBA! FATHER!” GALATIANS 4:6</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Another reason why
relying on the conviction of the Holy Spirit is necessary is for issues touched
on before i.e. being able to distinguish between right and wrong. I wrote <a href="http://bertrammills.blogspot.com/2012/01/discerning-between-good-and-evil.html">here</a>
on how maturity is dependent on our being able to distinguish between right and
wrong. What must be realized is that
personal sentiments of successive generations have eroded our understanding of the
strong moral fiber that is obvious throughout the scripture. We therefore cannot rely on our personal
sentiments, and this is why the Holy Spirit that is untouched by times but
remains an anchor that DOES NOT move, and a light that is constant in the face
of increasingly dark moral concepts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Guide<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">HE WILL
GUIDE YOU INTO ALL THE TRUTH</span>; for He will not speak on His own
initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you
what is to come. John 16:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the
way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Isn’t this a wonderful
promise! In the <i>Bible Limitations</i> section of this paper I explore the necessity for
guidance that is not met by the bible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
<o:p> </o:p></h3>
<h3>
To Glorify Jesus<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will
disclose it to you. John 16:14</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">And in another place:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">…but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has
come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all
Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Consider that the early
church had no bible BUT they had the Holy Spirit and power; today we have the
bible, along with commentaries and what do we have—<b><i>Apologetics with NO power</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Consider Paul<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Paul’s life can be a
model for how we were to come to learn of Christ. Do you realize that in his lifetime he had no
reference of the four gospels? This is
important to know because here was a man who became the pillar of our faith
writing 2/3 of the New Testament. Consider
this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel
which was preached by me is not according to man<u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. FOR I NEITHER RECEIVED IT FROM
MAN, NOR WAS I TAUGHT IT, BUT I RECEIVED IT THROUGH A REVELATION OF JESUS
CHRIST.</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span>For you have heard of my former manner of life in
Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to
destroy it; and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries
among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions.
But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me
through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach
Him among the Gentiles, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I DID NOT IMMEDIATELY CONSULT WITH FLESH AND BLOOD, NOR DID I
GO UP TO JERUSALEM TO THOSE WHO WERE APOSTLES BEFORE ME; </span>but I went away
to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. Then three years later I went up
to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen
days. But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord’s
brother. Galatians 1:11-19</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Have you ever stopped
to think how <b><i>incredibly awesome</i></b> these verses are? First he says to them:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">‘For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel
which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it
from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus
Christ.’</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Do you realize that
Paul is actually saying here that he learnt the gospel <b><i>NOT FROM MAN</i></b>? How was this possible? Remember he had no four gospels and he claims
that he learned the gospel but not from men.
<b>HOW DID <i><u>YOU</u></i> COME TO KNOW THE GOSPEL?</b> Most of us will proffer the answer: well we
got it from the book of <i>John</i> or <i>Matthew</i> or some preacher. But how was it possible for Paul to learn the
Gospel <b><i>without</i></b> ANY OF THESE THINGS?
Here is how:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after
laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to
you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain
your sight and <u>BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT</u>.” Acts 9:17</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Paul was filled with
the Holy Spirit; and just as Jesus declared, the Holy Spirit was the <b><i>source</i></b>
of this new knowledge that Paul came to know.
He further confirms this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
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<span style="color: blue;">I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor
did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">THIS IS INCREDIBLE!
Paul is saying to us that he <b>DID NOT</b>
seek out those who walked with Jesus and talked to him face to face. But why?
These men could have easily given to him the very words that Jesus spoke
to them. Why didn’t he go to learn from
them? <b>BECAUSE IT WAS NOT NECESSARY!</b>
Paul already had all that he needed; he had the Holy Spirit and the
Spirit was able to present him with more certainty of truth than those who
actually walked with Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">If we understand the
magnitude of what the Holy Spirit is and its purpose it would completely FREAK
US OUT. We seek out men to teach us and
we spend thousands at bible colleges and go from one conference to the next and
for what? <b>OPINIONS!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Consider this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">…being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in
the bond of peace Ephesians 4:3</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Do you know why the Christian
church is so divided? It is because we
have TOO MANY SOURCES which inundate us with opinions. If we all relied upon the same source, that
is the Holy Spirit, then we would all SAY THE SAME THING:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, THAT YE ALL SPEAK THE SAME THING AND THAT THERE BE NO DIVISIONS
AMONG YOU; BUT THAT YE BE PERFECTLY JOINED TOGETHER IN THE SAME MIND AND IN THE
SAME JUDGMENT. 1 Corinthians 1:10</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Such a thing is <b><i>impossible
</i></b>if there are differing sources.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%;">
The limitations of the Bible.<o:p></o:p></h1>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Consider the gifts of
the Spirit. According to the gospels
there is no mention of the gifts of the Spirit by Jesus. (Although there is an
obscure passage at the end of the book of Mark declaring that the believers
will speak with new tongues this is generally agreed to not have been in the
earliest manuscripts.) Since we have no
details from Jesus in this regard, neither do we see him speaking in tongues, how
then did these gifts arise? Remember there
were no bibles and no letters from Paul to which they could refer and tailor
their expectation from God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">For to one is given the word of wisdom through the
Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to
another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one
Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and
to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues,
and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works
all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 1
Corinthians 12:8-11</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The gifts listed by
Paul were in complete operation by the time he came to know about them. He did not introduce them to the church he
just wrote about what was already occurring. The point is that there was no
bible to which the early church could refer to understand these things <b><i>and
yet</i></b> they thrived in the manifestation of these gifts. Even without the bible and letters from Paul
these things arose as the Spirit determined they should.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4>
<o:p> </o:p></h4>
<h3>
But aren’t the gifts of the Spirit over and done?<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Some think the gifts of
the Spirit are done away with because of this verse:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy,
they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is
knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part;
but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. 1 Corinthians 13:8-9</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">But this conclusion is
contradictory since that the whole reason for faith is the fact that we
CONTINUE to know in part. In fact it is
BECAUSE we know in part that faith is necessary, and since the need for faith
would not cease until the perfection comes then one must conclude that the
gifts themselves continue up until the perfection that Christ brings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">One note of importance
is that the gifts of the spirit are <b><i>avenues</i></b> for the word of God. When someone presents a word of wisdom that
is actually a direction from God. When
someone is healed that is a word from God; a prophecy, this too is a word from
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
The need for a personalized word<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The word of God is
personal to you; it comes to you <b><i>for</i></b> you<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in your
book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was
not one of them. How precious also are
Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalms 139:16-17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in
your book before one of them came to be. Psalms 139:16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith
the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">These verses give us incredible
insight into understanding the nature of the Word of God. All these verse help us to realize the
personal interaction of God in our lives.
When you read the phrase ‘All the days ordained for me were written in
your book’, what does this mean? It
means that God has a book on you detailing ALL YOUR DAYS. How important to you is THAT book? Do you think that THAT book has more
relevance to you than 2 Timothy 4:13 where Paul reminds Timothy to bring a coat
he left in Troas? What exactly is in
this book that God has on you? Could it be filled with ‘Thoughts of peace, and
not of evil, to give you an expected end’?
Since this book is specifically for you, would you EVER be able to read
it in the 66 books you call the bible? So
we have this monumental book specific to us, filled with the Word of God to us,
detailing his plan for us, and declaring to us the steps we should take. How do we get access to this book? The Holy Spirit!</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Consider that there is
no verse in the bible that tells you to move your family to Colorado in March
and to buy a house and live there for four years! But the living word of God that manifests by
the Spirit of God IS able to be this specific.</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">If God were to
send you a word in this way do you think it has any <b><i>less weight</i></b> than
something written in the book of <i>Isaiah</i>
or <i>Daniel</i> or <i>Zephaniah</i>? In fact the word
of God to you in this way has even <b><i>more</i></b> potency because it is directly
to you and not shrouded in transference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
The connection between the Will of God and the Word of God<o:p></o:p></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The bible is filled
with promises from God. The promises are
of deliverance from oppression, victory over enemies and help when we are weak. The problem is that we assume that the
promises we find are indeed for us. We use our faith in hopes that God would
‘fulfill his word’ from some scripture we found in Habakkuk chapter 3 or
Ephesians chapter 2. Most Christians reading
this paper believe that God has the power to heal the sick, and we can find
promises from God where he promises in the bible to heal diseases. Well how is it then, even in the face of our
strongest faith in these words, do our loved ones or some stricken soul we
intercede for dies. Doesn’t the bible
state that God watches over his words to perform them? Doesn’t the bible say that if we believe he
will fulfill his promises to us? So why
do we still end up with death? Here are
possible conclusions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">God is a liar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">The Bible is a book of lies</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">You are faithless</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Many Christians in the
face of tragic circumstances are unwilling to confront the likelihood of any of
these possibilities, so they just move on to the next faith encounter. I submit that there is another reason for <a href="http://bertrammills.blogspot.com/2011/08/myth-of-control-contemplating-death.html">death</a>. Yes the bible is filled with promises from
God but the problem is that these promises are SUBJECT to the will of God and
NOT your faith. The will of God is the
determination that God has decided will occur.
It is through this will that all things come into being:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having
been predestined <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE WHO WORKS ALL THINGS AFTER THE
COUNSEL OF HIS WILL,</span> to the end that we who were the first to hope in
Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:11</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">And thus we have a
glaring limitation of the bible. Yes,
there are promises but those promises are DEPENDENT on the will of God, and
that will is DIFFERENT for EVERYONE. You
see the sovereignty of God may determine that your sister dies from breast
cancer at the age of 50; it also may determine that your brother-in-law
recovers from a brain tumor at age 56 and lives on until he is 89. In both cases the promises of healing are
listed in the bibles they cling to, but the will of God determines each
outcome. Consider this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">“Since his days are determined, the number of his
months is with You; and his limits You have set so that he cannot pass. Job
14:5</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Now since our days are
determined by God, and no amount of negotiation can stave off death; what is
more important to know in these times of trials? Is it more important to memorize 300 bible healing
promises OR to be ‘<b><i>filled with the knowledge of his will’</i></b>? Consider:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we
have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the
knowledge of His will in all <u>SPIRITUAL WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING</u>.
Colossians 1:9</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The Spirit of God fills
us with the knowledge of his will so that we do not waste time with useless
words when we pray:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">FOR WE DO
NOT KNOW HOW TO PRAY AS WE SHOULD</span>, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for
us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what
the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to
the will of God. Romans 8:26-27</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This is very important
because the weakness talked about here has to do with our ignorance since the
will of God must be revealed to us in <b><i>every </i></b>situation. Apart from the knowledge of his will our
prayers, even if they are based on scriptures, are USELESS in that God ONLY
hears requests that are in accordance with His will:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">This is the confidence which we have before Him, that,
if we ask anything ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, HE HEARS US. 1 John 5:14</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<h3>
<o:p> </o:p></h3>
<h3>
Spiritual Warfare<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Consider how important
our concept of the Word of God is to our understanding of spiritual
warfare. When we read the following what
do we understand:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, WHICH IS THE WORD OF GOD. Ephesians 6:17</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">If we hold to the view
that this is somehow talking about words in a book we will be severely hampered
in our effectiveness. Understanding that
the word of God is a living being you can now realize that this brings a level
of specificity that cannot be offered in blanket verses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h3>
Wouldn’t this realization bring about an increase in heresies?<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">If we had a system
where ANYONE could have access to the Holy Spirit and declare the Word of God wouldn’t
that be chaos? Wouldn’t all the crazies
be unleashed with their spooky utterances? Actually no it won’t because there are
safeguards that one would learn in the elemental phase of ones training to
maturity (more on this in the next section). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The Holy Spirit is
speaking, and it will continue to speak words to increase our understanding. Consider these words:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And the word of God increased; and the number of the
disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the
priests were obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">How did the word of God
increase? Since Jesus is the Word of God
does this verse mean that Jesus got fatter?
What was happening is that people were being filled with the Spirit of
God and as a result they were manifesting the gifts of the Spirit and with each
manifestation the word of God increased.
They needed no bibles because the word of God was with them, in them and
came through them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So how then do you
judge what is crazy or not? Consider
these words:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">…that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things
which are written… 1 Corinthians 4:6</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Remember that Paul’s
concept of what was written was based on the scriptures of the Old
Testament. Since the word of God does
not contradict itself it is relatively easy to judge an utterance. Consider this prophecy:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span class="MsoIntenseReference"><span style="color: red;">The
recession that began in 2008 was the beginning of the end for the united states
of America. America WILL REGAIN its
footing after the recession that began in 2008.
This will be followed by another recession; from which it will AGAIN
regain its footing. The recession that
FOLLOWS THE SECOND IN THIS SUCCESSION will arise QUICKLY after the second
recession and IT will be the </span></span><span class="MsoIntenseReference"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">last</span>. The financial experts and economic gurus WILL
NOT BE ABLE TO DEVISE A WAY TO STOP THIS COLLAPSE. They will make plans and overtures to try and
stave off and mitigate the crisis but it will have NO EFFECT. This last recession in this series will
result in the COMPLETE, TOTAL and UTTER ruin of The United States’ economy from
which IT WILL NEVER RECOVER. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Since there can be
found NOWHERE in the bible the words ‘America’ and ‘2008’ this prophecy
classifies as an increase of the word of God.
Does it meet the test of NOT going beyond what was written? Yes it does,
consider:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">“He makes the nations great, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">THEN DESTROYS THEM</span>; He
enlarges the nations, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">THEN LEADS THEM AWAY</span>. “He <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">DEPRIVES OF INTELLIGENCE </span>the
chiefs of the earth’s people And <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">MAKES THEM WANDER </span>in a pathless waste. Job
12:22-24</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As we continue to
develop in the Spirit of God such judgments would become second nature to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h1 style="line-height: 150%;">
The apostles were the foundation.<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you
are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been
built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself
being the corner stone, Ephesians 2:20</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Well what are pastors/teachers for?<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you
have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the
oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone
who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for
he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have
their senses trained to discern good and evil. Hebrews 5:12-14</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My animosity towards
the pastoral system in place today is well documented in a <a href="http://bertrammills.blogspot.com/2012/03/realization-of-illegitimacy-of-clergy.html">paper</a>
about the <i>Illegitimacy of the Clergy</i>. It was important to denounce this system,
because it has robbed the church of the reliance we should have on the Holy
Spirit and the power that comes with that dependence. However, I make it clear that the offices
explicated by Paul in his letters do have legitimacy; what is lost is their
correct function. So what is the
function of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and
some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">EQUIPPING
OF THE SAINTS </span>for the work of service, to the building up of the body of
Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to
the fullness of Christ. Ephesians
4:11-13</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The problem with the
pastor is that he sees his duty as a lifelong job, but if you read the above
carefully you will see that their function was UNTIL. They had no <b><i>enduring</i></b> function just
until. Until what?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">…to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which
belongs to the fullness of Christ. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Maturity was the goal
of the functions not an everlasting process but maturity. Just like a baby matures into an adult the Christian
too was to mature. There is a pop
culture label for an adult child that won’t leave home, ‘Failure to
Launch’. See even the world understands
this concept but our churches are filled with eternal babies being enabled by
pastoral den mothers whose egos are stroked by increasing numbers and a desire
to be depended upon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">So how do we know when
the Christian is mature? The Christian
is considered mature when he is able to distinguish between good and evil. The
pastors and teachers were to aid in bringing the Christian to maturity. In the same way we feed babies with baby food;
the Christian was to undergo a similar process.
The pastor/teacher was to teach the elementary principles of the oracles
of God. It was an understanding of these
elemental principles that leads the believer to maturity. In fact Paul’s letters were filled with just
that – elementary principles. A key
tenet of these elemental principles was for the believer to receive the Holy Spirit:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">He said unto them, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">HAVE YE RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST <u>SINCE
YE BELIEVED</u></span>? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard
whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, unto what then were ye
baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily
baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they
should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. AND WHEN
PAUL HAD LAID HIS HANDS UPON THEM, THE HOLY GHOST CAME ON THEM; AND THEY SPOKE
WITH TONGUES, AND PROPHESIED. </span>Acts 19:2-6</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">And again,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an
eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man
had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was
speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted
only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the
synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, THEY TOOK HIM ASIDE AND
EXPLAINED TO HIM THE WAY OF GOD MORE ACCURATELY. Acts 18:24-26</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">These examples are of
persons who needed the elemental principles that led to maturity. Once the process of maturity is complete then
that individual would now no longer be in need of a teacher but was capable of
teaching others who would be in need of the elemental knowledge:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">For though by this time <u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">YOU </span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">OUGHT TO BE
TEACHERS</span>, you have need again for someone to teach you the <u>elementary
principles of the oracles of God</u>, and you have come to need milk and not
solid food. FOR EVERYONE WHO PARTAKES ONLY OF MILK IS NOT ACCUSTOMED TO THE
WORD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, FOR HE IS AN INFANT. But SOLID FOOD IS FOR THE MATURE,
who <u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">BECAUSE OF PRACTICE</span></u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span>have their senses trained <u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">TO DISCERN
GOOD AND EVIL</span></u>. Hebrews 5:12-14</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Once the Spirit had
been received by the members of a particular body all the believers need do
was:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">...walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which
you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing
tolerance for one another in love, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">BEING DILIGENT TO PRESERVE THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT IN
THE BOND OF PEACE</span>. Ephesians 4:1-3</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">There would at this
point be NO NEED for the pastor to continue to function since the believers
themselves are qualified, by virtue of the indwelling of the Spirit, to be
teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<h1>
Conclusion<o:p></o:p></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The point of this paper
was to present the realization that there is more to the New and Living Way
than meets the eye. The body of Christ
has been hampered by issues of doctrine, opinions of men, losses in translation
et.al. God is revealing the way out of this
mess, and way out is through the Spirit of God.
Having the Holy Spirit at the helm of your life will ensure that you are
not ‘tossed about by every wind of doctrine’ or led into confusion. You will come to see the light of his way and
he will lead you into ALL truth. You
will find no need to seek out a bible college or read every bestseller, but you
will come to know that the word of God is right next to you, in your heart and
on your lips. Call out to God for his Spirit;
after all we have this promise:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: .65in; margin-right: .65in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 4.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoIntenseQuote" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 10.0pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to
your children, <span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">HOW MUCH MORE WILL YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER GIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT
TO THOSE WHO ASK HIM?” </span>Luke 11:13</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-44157006551913831862012-04-13T15:24:00.001-04:002012-04-13T15:24:52.118-04:00The return of Jesus Christ as the only mediator between God and man<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; line-height: 200%;">For there
is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">
1 Timothy 2:5</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In this final installment of the Reformation
Redux I hope to bring you to the realization of the simple yet profound concept
of ‘Christ the only mediator between God and Man’. On its surface it may seem as though this
need not be said in Christendom since it is <b><i>so</i></b> obvious, but it is
only when we examine our beliefs in the light of God’s word (and not the other
way around) can we see the need for this concept to return to the body. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
By understanding the last installment
we can see an obstacle to our direct connection to God in the activities of the
clergy. Through its system many who
occupy these positions have wittingly or unwittingly set themselves as hindrances
to the desire of God in the earth. It is
this system that supplants the will of God for his called out ones. Through the clergy system we have introduced
a type of bureaucratic layer that we must go through to catch a glimpse of
God. Even when we perceive him it is
only through a special lens provided by the clergy that determines what our
relationship with God should be like.
This should not be so. In this
section you will come to see how what we call church now stands as the primary
agent of hindrance to your relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Church bureaucracy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
At the inception of the body of
Christ and up until the death of the apostles the concept of church bureaucracy
would have been an oxymoron to those who had walked and talked with Jesus. They knew first hand his requirement and they
came to understand what it was that he required of us as his body. Bureaucracy is antagonistic to the body
concept and stifles its growth. Before
we go further let us define this term:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Administration of a government chiefly through bureaus or departments
staffed with non-elected officials;</b><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span>Management or administration marked by hierarchical
authority among numerous offices and by fixed procedures.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This succinctly describes the
concept of bureaucracy; by its very definition we can see how it directly obstructs
our relationship with the Father.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The idea of the clergy arose from a
desire among carnal-minded men who saw it as <b><i>their </i></b>duty to impose
order in a particular structure – in the case the body of Christ. They started with good intentions supposing
that it would enhance the experience of Christianity. What happened though was that the order they
tried to impose was counterproductive to what God had designed. It was borrowed from the political systems of
the day – mainly the Roman political structure that was Christianized and adopted
by the church. By doing this they
introduced a foreign element into the purity of God’s structure and it has caused
problems ever since.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The clergy sought to be all things
religious to the believers. By inserting
themselves into the pure equation of<o:p></o:p></div>
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God ║
Jesus ║ Man<o:p></o:p></div>
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…, we now have the concoction<o:p></o:p></div>
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God ║
Jesus ║ <b>Clergy</b> ║ Man<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This foreign entity by its very
presence encumbers the development of the relationship between the man and his God. The clergy introduces a level of bureaucracy that
must be passed in order to reach God. Lest you think this only occurs in the
Catholic Church consider your own protestant actions when you find yourself in
some spiritual or physical problem. More
often than not we run to the ‘House of God’ to seek out the ‘Man of God’ for
his ‘Special Anointing’. This is an
impediment!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Church Leadership<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Most people cannot see the hindrance
that the clergy system places on their relationship with God because they
assume that it is God’s plan and that it is the best system available. Many would tout scripture after scripture
proclaiming the authenticity of the ‘offices’ in the church today. We need leaders they say, how else will we
settle disputes or be rebuked when we go astray. I say to you leadership as a concept is not
the problem; the problem is our understanding of what is the leadership that <b><i>God</i></b>
demands. Consider the words of Jesus:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But Jesus called them unto
him, and said, <b>ye know that the rulers
of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over
them</b>. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Not so shall
it be among you</span></b><span style="color: blue;">: but whosoever would become
great among you shall be your minister;
and whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.</span> Matthew 20:25-28<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Do you understand how far we have
fallen with our concept of leadership compared with Jesus’? When we think of church leadership we think of
a single individual or some small group of individuals wielding power over a larger
group. This is by far one of the most
ungodly concepts as far as the church is concerned. Look at what Jesus describes as
leadership. First he tells you what it is
NOT:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Ye know
that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones
exercise authority over them.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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From this initial statement on
leadership we now understand that the systems of the world in regards to
leadership were<b><i> unacceptable</i></b> to God. What
made this unacceptable was that the people who led did so by controlling the
lives of those they led. Not only that,
the system of the Gentiles was similar to a pyramid with the leader on top
being supported by the underlings. Does
this sound familiar? Of course it does
you see it in almost every church you go.
A single individual and his team determine: <o:p></o:p></div>
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1 - What songs you
sing and when you sing, <o:p></o:p></div>
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2 - When to stand
when to sit <o:p></o:p></div>
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3 – When to shout
hallelujah <o:p></o:p></div>
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4 - They tell you
when you should pray; in fact they even tell you in what manner to pray <o:p></o:p></div>
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5 - They tell you
when to give and how much to give <o:p></o:p></div>
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6 - They determine
when we meet together, and they determine the tenor of those meetings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What may I ask is the difference
between what we call leadership in the church and the leadership Jesus speaks
out against? Just for contemplation, who
is Lord in the services you attend; we would blurt out without hesitation “the
Spirit of the Lord, of course”. We
assume this because we presume that the pastor has some special way to connect
to God, and therefore he is more in tuned with God and so the Spirit of God must
be at work. Do not fool yourselves!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus goes on to tell us what type
of leadership he expects in his body:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…but
whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister; and whosoever
would be first among you shall be your servant:
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The above version pretties up the idea
of what Jesus is saying by using the word minister and servant, but what is the
exact word used here to describe leadership.
<i>Vines Complete Expository Dictionary</i>
describes the word servant as ‘a person doing <b><i>servile work</i></b> or an
attendant rendering <b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">free</span></i></b>
service’. Now there is just no way of
getting around this, Jesus says those who want to lead should not seek to be
served but to serve. What qualifies as
service? Jesus qualifies it as <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Servile </span></b>or<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Free </span></b>work. Well now if Jesus had to say to the leaders of the
churches today. If you want this ‘job’
you have to be at the beck and call of the people you lead and you have to do
it for free; let’s see just how many takers we would have. Jesus follows this by saying that leadership
should cost the leader something. Today
it cost these leaders nothing in fact they are <b><i>paid</i></b> salaries. WHAT!!!
You may quote Paul’s statement that those who preach the gospel should
live off the gospel, but that is no authorization for them to get fixed
salaries. In fact a fixed salary was
foreign to their concepts. When he says
that they should live from the gospel he meant that they lived based on what
the love of the people they ministered to freely gave to them; not some fixed
salary. But I digress. The key to this is to realize that the leadership
that we have today is not the leadership that God requires, and so it directly
raises its head to compete with the relationship we should have with God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Together bureaucracy and the
current church leadership style impede our relationship with God. But how exactly does this hamper the return
of Jesus Christ to his rightful place as the only mediator between God and man?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What is produced by
what we have done?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Due to the well-entrenched
structure of the clergy, adherents to the Christian faith have come to see it
as indispensable to developing their walk with the Lord. What now happens is that they see the system
as their link to God. This very act
produces a problem all its own, because eventually you will have persons paying
lip service to God and ignoring his principles of holiness. When you see the ‘Man of God’ by virtue of
this office as holier than you are you will begin to act differently in his
presence because of some perceive specialty.
What then happens is that you develop a respect for him that does not
extend beyond his presence. How many
Christians would think nothing of committing a misstep when in the presence of
their co-workers but would think it unimaginable in the presence of their Pastor? In a church building your speech is honorable
and holy but on your job you would cuss at the drop of a hat. This goes beyond just saying the person is a
carnal-Christian. The problem is that they see the pastor and a church building
as sacred and worthy of respect, BUT they do not realize that the one who
bought them is always with them. This is
the chief problem with the clergy system.
It hinders holiness by placing emphasis on itself, and this naturally
causes its followers to see the institution as holy but not realizing that the
Holy One lives in them. This is why in
our societies you can commit sacrilege by defacing a church building, but there
is no similar out cry when we lust in our hearts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The fact that the clergy has become
a surrogate for a relationship with God is evident in our lifestyles. We neglect holiness and employ it only when
we are in the presence of those to whom we ascribe honor. This should not be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What is the purpose of
the Holy Spirit?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Who is the Holy Spirit and how does
he factor into our relationship with God? Jesus describes him as follows:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And I will pray the
Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for
ever, even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth
him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall
be in you.</span> John 14:16-17<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Look carefully at Jesus’ words as he describes the
relationship between you the believer and the Spirit of Truth. He calls him a comforter or in some version a
helper. This can be defined as someone
who comes alongside us to help us. He
comes, Jesus says, to be with us forever.
But what does he come to do and with what does he help us?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But the Comforter, even
the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.</span> John
14:26<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Jesus says that he is coming to teach each believer
all things and bring to our remembrance all that was taught by Jesus. The Spirit of truth comes to bring us to a
place where we can obey God and walk in accordance with his ways. (Remember the
teaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom in the first installment?)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Howbeit when he, the
Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall
not speak from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, these shall he
speak: and he shall declare unto you the things that are to come. He shall
glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare it unto you. All
things whatsoever the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he taketh of
mine, and shall declare it unto you.</span> John 16:13-15<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Look at this picture, Jesus says that he will send
the Spirit of Truth to <b><i>each </i></b>one who believes. Why would he go through all the trouble to
send the spirit with such a detailed and complex task and not have him fulfill it? I must reiterate that the entire work of the
spirit is to get you to a place of maturity where you are now directly in tune
with God. The Holy Spirit, therefore, is
our connection to God through the teachings of Jesus Christ. This is a wonderful system. God’s design was for us to relate to him
through the Spirit of God that connects us back to God. THIS IS A DIRECT CONNECTION no interface of
the clergy needed. You need no one to accomplish this work in your life; we
just need to yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit as he leads us into all
truth. Problems arise in our lives and
in the body when we neglect the pure system of God. The clergy today seeks to do the work of the Holy
Spirit in your life. This is an
impossible task, and anyone seeking to attempt to do so will be found foolish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What does God really want from us?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
God sent his son Jesus for a reason. The premise of that reason is to reconnect us
back to God. Listen to his words:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Jesus saith unto him, I am
the way, the truth, and the life: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me.</span></b>
John 14:6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
This declaration excludes and negates any attempts
to circumvent the system implemented by God.
He wants to relate with each of us directly, he wants to be our teacher,
our comforter, our helper, our provider and most of all he wants to relate
directly to you. No go between and no
middleman just God and you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Consider the way it was in the beginning. Adam
walked and talked with God daily. God did
not just create the man and say I do not want to have anything else to do with
you. No, he would commune with him on a daily
basis. We can infer this based on that
fact that Adam was familiar with the sound of the Lord walking in the Garden so
a relationship was present. There was no
choir, no worship leader and no pastor just God communing directly with the
man. This is where we fell from. God
sent Jesus to restore us to the place where we can again relate directly to him.
Consider his invitation through Hebrews:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Let </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">us</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> therefore come </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">boldly</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> unto the throne of grace</span><span style="color: blue;"> that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of
need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is not the talk of an aloof
God but one who wants to relate to YOU.
This is not a God bogged down in protocol but one that has his ears
attentive to your cry. This is not a God
who is harsh and restrictive to whom we should place a barrier between him and
us. No this is your FATHER.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Consider the tone that God took with
when dealing with <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>
and their request for a king:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But the thing displeased
Samuel, when they said; Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the
LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in
all that they say unto thee: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">for they have not rejected
thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.</span></b>
1 Samuel 8:6-7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
It seems as though God is pretty upset with this
particular request. He takes personal
offence when he says ‘for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected
me, that I should not reign over them’.
Why did he react this way? It is
because he wanted to be king over the people.
They just like we want a person or system they can see, touch and feel
and so we institute clergy systems to act in the stead of God. God in fact explained to them that the king
would deal with them harshly, but oh no they wanted someone they could
see. As I went through the last
installment I am sure that the thought in most readers was what would we do
without our leaders who will solve our dispute or pray for our children. God says to you ‘I am all that you need’. No go between. Listen to his heart:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But this is the covenant
that I will make with the house of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> after those days, saith Jehovah:
I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it;
and </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I will be their God, and they shall be my people.</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></b>Jeremiah 31:33<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And what agreement hath a <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">temple</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> with idols? For we are a temple of
the living God; even as God said, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I will dwell in them, and
walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>2 Corinthians 6:16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For this is the covenant
that I will make with the house of Israel After those days, saith the Lord; I
will put my laws into their mind, And on their heart also will I write them: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And I will be to them a God, And they shall be to me a people.
</span></b> Hebrews 8:10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And I heard a great voice
out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he
shall dwell with them, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and they shall be his
peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.</span></b> Revelations21:3<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Jesus answered and said
unto him, if a man love me, he will keep my word: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and my
Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.</span></b>
John 14:23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Listen to this call, this invitation to you is to
come to him he wants to be with you and have you know of him, not through
someone but directly. Consider this scenario: You are a new parent. You have just had your first child. You have
purchased a whole new wardrobe for the child.
You have an array of toys and trinkets for him to play with. If you are particularly financially astute
you have even a college fund started for the child. Ok, you go through all this to prepare for your
new baby then what do you do. You send
the infant to an infant boarding school 2000 miles away so that the people in
the school can teach the child about you.
You instruct them to teach the child about your mannerisms, your likes
and dislikes, what you expect of them and how you expect them to respond to
your voice when you speak. This contract
is for 18 years after that time the child is to be returned to you with
everything you told them to give him. Also
during this time you have had no contact with the child. What would happen? When the child returns to you, yes, he may
know all that was taught him, but how would he actually respond to <b>YOU</b>?
You would be a stranger to the child in fact he only knows the instructors
at the school, and he has had no time to develop an intimate relationship with <b>YOU</b>.
It is doubtful if he will ever embrace you as his parent, but it is
guaranteed that he has developed and affinity for his instructors. Wouldn’t this be a disaster of the highest
order? Yet this is the exact system that
is in place today. The instructors are
your pastors and the clergy. They teach
you how to respond to God and they teach you what he is like. But God says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Howbeit when he, the
Spirit of truth, is come, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">he</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> shall guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak
from himself; but what things soever he shall hear, these shall he speak: and
he shall declare unto you the things that are to come</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">. He shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall
declare it unto you. All things whatsoever the Father hath are mine: therefore
said I that he taketh of mine, and shall declare it unto you</span></b><span style="color: blue;">.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
God HIMSELF wants to teach us about
him. In fact it seems absurd for someone
who does not even know you completely himself to teach a person<b><i>
about</i></b> you. By the way, no loving
parent would even think to perform this scenario with their own child yet we
ascribe this system to the all-loving God! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There is one more point to examine
as we close this section. The introduction
of the clergy into the relationship equation of God and man reintroduces an
element that is similar to a structure that was in place when Jesus was
alive. The temple of the Old Covenant
was structured in a very interesting way.
There were the outer courts and the inner courts. In the outer courts was where the people of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> could congregate
but in the inner court only the priest could go to do ceremonial duties. In the
inner court was the Holy of Holies. This
was a special place that housed the Ark of the Covenant and the very presence
of God. Absolutely no one was allowed in
here but the chief priest, and even he could only enter in on special
occasions. Imagine, the very presence --
the real presence -- of the Almighty God was resident on the earth in a single
place where you could go. The significant
thing was that separating the Holy of Holies from the inner court was a veil:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And thou shalt make a veil
of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubim the work
of the skilful workman shall it be made. And thou shalt hang it upon four
pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, upon four
sockets of silver. And thou shalt hang up the veil under the clasps, and shalt
bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony: <b>and the veil shall separate unto you between the holy place and the
most holy</b>.</span> Exodus 26:31-33<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This simply meant that the presence
of God could not be experienced by all but only a few selected individuals that
had been sanctified to do the work of the Lord.
Do you know what became of this veil?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Jesus cried again with
a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And behold,
the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; and the earth did quake; and the rocks were rent.</span>
Matthew 27:50-51<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Well isn’t that interesting? When
Jesus died on the cross, the very instant he died, several things
happened. One thing in particular was
that the veil, the veil that kept the presence of God from the ordinary man,
was torn apart <b>completely</b>. Now why would God choose to use such
symbolism? He was letting the world know
that through the work of Jesus the way to the presence of God was <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">open to all</span></b> who received him.
No more ceremonies, no more rituals, no more singing slow songs and fast
songs. The way was open to the one who
accepted him fifty years ago and to the one who accepts him today. His presence is here his arms are open to
receive us and he wants us to get to know him in his fullness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
God wanted to tabernacle with your
directly with no one in between. Well now fast forward to today and what have
we? <b>THE VEIL HAS RETURNED!!!</b> This time it isn’t a curtain of blue, purple and
scarlet. No, this time it is a robe or a
suit on a man on a pulpit. Think of everything
we do today in order to get to the presence of God. They have taught us that we must come
together in a building, be seated in a pew, stand and sing when we are told and
what we are told, bring your tithes and offerings, listen to an individual
preach and then throughout the course of this activity we can then experience
the presence of God. This ritual
accomplishes nothing! Do you think God
went through the trouble of sending his son to die and symbolically tear down a
curtain just so that we can replace one set of rituals with another in order to
meet with him? Do you not see that the
clergy by inserting themselves into the equation have<b><i> become</i></b> the veil? All their activity, all their rites and
rituals do nothing more than to further separate the people from their God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
All that is needed is God and his people not God
the clergy and his people!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What would a closer relationship with
God mean?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
A relationship directly with God is of utmost
importance to the believer. He is our
source he is our Father and without him we can do nothing. I repeat without<b><i> HIM</i></b> we can do
nothing. That said there is one
principle that you must take with you from this installment and that is:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b>If you cannot hear God for yourself do not let anyone hear him for you.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
I have found that there is no shortage of persons
that will exploit your ignorance for the advancement of what they think they
know. This is why it is so very
important to know God, not through your pastor or some organization but
directly. Only he can guide you in the
way you should go. So what exactly would
a closer relationship with God mean?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">"But he who enters by
the door is a shepherd of the sheep.” To him the doorkeeper opens, <b>and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls
his own sheep by name and leads them out. "When he puts forth all his own,
he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.”A
stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do
not know the voice of strangers."</b></span> John 10:2-5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
</span></b><span style="color: blue;">And I give unto them eternal life; and they
shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.</span>
John 10:27-28<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see what he expects of us? Notice he did not say that he knows the voice
of his sheep, of course he knows his sheep, but the emphasis is placed on the <b>sheep knowing his voice</b>. It is only when we know his voice that we can
then flee from the voice of strangers because until that time <b><i>all</i></b>
voices are strangers. You must come to
know his voice; you must come to know him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
To know him requires that we abide with him. Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">You are already clean
because of the word which I have spoken to you.” Abide in Me, and I in you. As
the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither
can you unless you abide in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Me.</st1:place></st1:state>
"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in me and I in him, he
bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”If anyone does not
abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them,
and cast them into the fire and they are burned. "If you abide in me, and my
words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. </span>John
15:3-7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
This abiding that is being described here is not
some casual acquaintance. God is inviting
you to stay with him; not only that, look at the symbolism he uses to describe
the relationship he wants with you. ‘<span style="color: blue;">I am the vine,
you are the branches</span>’. This is
rich imagery that gives us an idea of the relationship he wants to have with
us. He is the vine and you are the branches. Contemplate what that means for a moment; he
is the plant and you are the branch. <b>I have examined plants all my life and I
have never seen a coupling between a plant and its branches.</b> GOD WANTS TO CONNECT DIRECTLY WITH YOU. No one else in between; we need no other to
connect us. We do not need rituals, or
ceremonies, or clergy, or for that matter church services <b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">as we know them</span></i></b>. God is well able to connect directly to us
for he loves us and wants to be with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Throughout these tenets I have sought
to show how the body of Christ has strayed from its safe harbor. We have taken missteps that have caused us to
shipwreck and damage ourselves and those that may have entered in. The confusion that overwhelms us is only
comparable to the ignorance that enslaves us.
But God would have you to be free.
He made us to be free, free to worship and connect with him. He is your Lord and he calls you to
himself. Embrace the truth and welcome
home.<o:p></o:p></div>Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-37211559564826430932012-03-08T11:05:00.003-05:002012-03-14T08:42:01.465-04:00The realization of the illegitimacy of the clergy<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">In this installment we will explore
one of the most destructive forces to the body of Christ today.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Throughout history the </span><st1:place style="line-height: 200%;" w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">church</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place><span style="line-height: 200%;">
has been subjected to much damage.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">It
has been repeatedly bombarded with attacks from without; this was all designed
by Satan to derail the work of the true gospel in the world.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Satan, in his craftiness, knew that in order
to be truly effective at corrupting the work of Christ he would have to destroy
us from within.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">He worked subtlety at
first, and as time progressed those subtle moves have wrecked major havoc on
the people of God. The most prominent method that Satan uses to influence the
people of God is through doctrine.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">It
was through this vehicle that he was able to hide the true gospel of the
kingdom from the eyes of the people, and it is through this vehicle that he
continues to do much harm to the body. The clergy and by extension the clergy
system has caused much trouble to the body of Christ today.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">I know that at this point most of you may be
balking at this statement but let me assure you that you will come to see this
schism for what it really is.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The dangers of classism<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The desire to see societies
classified has been a flaw of all humanity throughout the ages. It has caused discontent, disharmony and it
has even started wars. We seek to impose
logic on our surroundings through introducing classes, because through class
structures we can easily group people according to the classifications we
establish in our societies. To most this
may seem a benign practice, but I assure you it is not. Classism separates people on many bases. The more prevalent of separation is usually
along economic lines. Economically we
classify people as lower, middle and upper-class citizens. This sordid distinction separates people
according to their financial standing in the society. This tragedy has scarred the minds of the
young and hampered the healthy development of our societies for eons. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Classism does nothing more than separate
and once something is separated we introduce weaknesses into its
structure. For those of you who are
familiar with construction you realize that the strength of a building is in
the interconnectivity of its many parts.
The mortar connects the blocks that support the foundations; the walls connect
the roof to the rest of the house. If
however you introduce a distinction or separation in the walls you weaken the
entire house. This is exactly the way
that classism weakens whatever it touches.
Consider what it has done to our societies. Lower class persons feel that they can offer
no meaningful contributions to their communities because of their economic
status. Because of this they come to see
their condition as a plague to be rid off.
Upper class persons see themselves as the essentials and treat everyone
else as their subordinates. This does
not make for a cohesive community and so it weakens us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Classism has found its way into the
body of Christ, and just how it weakens our societies it weakens the interconnectivity
of the body. The reason why your body
works <b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">is </span></i></b>because
it is interconnected. If I were to
introduce a barrier in this well designed system you would die or become severely
debilitated. Classism is destructive and
yet we have embraced it whole-heartedly in the body of Christ. In fact it is come to the point where we can
see no other system through which we can fulfill our obligation to Christ in
this world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What is the Clergy
System?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It may surprise you that the word
clergy is not found within the scriptures.
In fact you will come to see that this concept, as it is today, was in
no way sanctioned by God as a means of operation in the body of Christ. The clergy that we have today was based upon
Roman governmental systems that were in place at the time of the early
church. It directly mirrors their pagan
form of government and was adopted as the ideal way for the church to be
governed. The clergy system is based on the
clergy so we will define it by defining the word ‘clergy’. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The word clergy, as defined by the
dictionary, means the group or body of ordained persons in a religion <b><i><u>as
distinguished from the laity</u></i></b>.
This distinction is very important to the concept of the clergy, because
by its very nature the clergy introduces classism to the body of Christ. Before we go on deeper into understanding the
clergy we must identify then who is this laity it distinguishes itself
from. Well the definition for laity is
the exact opposite of the clergy. It is
a body of religious worshippers <b><i><u>as distinguished from the clergy.</u></i></b> Do you see how deadly classism is? This distinction which is an ungodly and demonic
concept has caused untold trouble in the body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The <i>Kleros</i> and the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><i>Laos</i></st1:place></st1:country-region><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The Greek word <i>kleros </i>from which we get the term clergy, and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><i>laos</i></st1:place></st1:country-region>
from which we get the term laity <b><i>can</i></b> be found in the word of God. The
word <i>kleros</i> means ‘a lot or share; an
inheritance’ and the term <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><i>laos</i></st1:place></st1:country-region>
means ‘the people of God’. Now on its
surface this may <b><i>seem</i></b> as though the two terms have some semblance of truth but
just you read on. Before we explore this
keep in mind that today the clergy represents your typical pastor or workers in
a ministry, and the laity represents the people who come to the church or the
followers of the clergy. So how does God
use the term <i>kleros</i> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><i>laos</i></st1:place></st1:country-region>
in his word? It would surprise you to
know that the <b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">whole</span></i></b>
people of God were called clergy and the <b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">whole</span></i></b> people of God were called laity. That would make sense based on the Greek
definition of these words <i>kleros</i>
(clergy) meaning inheritance share or lot, and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><i>laos</i></st1:place></st1:country-region>
(laity) meaning the people of God. So in
God’s eyes we <b><i>ALL</i></b> were to be the people of God with a lot share or inheritance. Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But ye are
a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, <b>a peculiar people</b>;</span> [Laity] <span style="color: blue;">that ye
should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into
his marvelous light; Which in time past were not <b>a people</b></span> [Laity], <span style="color: blue;">but are now the <b>people of God</b></span> [Laity]: <span style="color: blue;">which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.</span>
1 Peter 2:9-10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
To whom is Peter writing? He is writing to all the people of God in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pontus</st1:place></st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Galatia</st1:place></st1:country-region>, <st1:place w:st="on">Cappadocia</st1:place>, <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bithynia</st1:place></st1:country-region> who
are chosen (1 Peter 1:1). Now I ask you
were there any apostles, prophets, evangelist, pastors and teachers living in
these areas? Yes there were. Well Peter calls them <b><i>all</i></b> the laity. He made <b><i>no</i></b> distinction in their ranks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Giving
thanks unto the Father, which hath made</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> <u>us</u></span><span style="color: blue;"> <b>meet to be partakers of the inheritance</b></span>
[Clergy] <span style="color: blue;">of the saints in light</span>: Colossians
1:12<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
To whom is Paul directing this
verse? He says that God has made <b><i>us</i></b>. Who is this ‘us’ he speaks of? This ‘us’ is all those who walk worthy of the
Lord pleasing him in every good work.
Well now, Paul says that <b><i>all</i></b> who please God are his clergymen. Well don’t that beat all! God makes no distinction between the laity
and the clergy. <b>ALL</b> are laity and <b>ALL</b>
are clergy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">In whom
also we have obtained an <b>inheritance</b></span>
[Clergy], <span style="color: blue;">being predestinated according to the purpose
of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will</span> Ephesians
1:11<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Here again we see that we all are
partakers in the clergy (Inheritance) of God.
No distinction.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And if ye
be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and <b>heirs</b></span> [Clergy] <span style="color: blue;">according to the
promise.</span> Galatians 3:29<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see that? Paul says that if you are a part of Christ
then you are his clergy. Everyone who is
an heir is also a part of the clergy of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Feed the flock of God
which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but
willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords
over God's <b>heritage</b></span> [Clergy],
<span style="color: blue;">but being examples to the flock.</span> 1 Peter 5:2-3<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Now I love this verse most of
all. If you continue to hold to your
distorted concept of the clergy this verse will make no sense to you. Do you see what Peter is saying? To whom is Peter talking? In this verse he is addressing the elders
(the feeders of the flock). Well now,
what does he say to <b><i>them</i></b>? Keep in mind that
people in these offices consider <i>themselves</i>
the clergy. What does he say to these ‘special’
men of God? He tells the pastors to not
lord it over God’s <b>CLERGY</b>! Who were this ‘clergy’? It was the <b>FLOCK</b>. Well then on what
basis can it continue to stand that there is some special class of people in
the body of Christ? Will you listen to
the word of God or will you obey what you think you know?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Today the clergy has become this
special separate class of persons who have been ‘called’ by God to the work of
the ministry. (I will show just how<b><i> demonic</i></b> this concept of being
called to the ministry is in just a bit!)
God however makes no such distinctions.
What do we have in the body of Christ today? We have a class of people that walk in our
services late and step out early; they are the untouchables the unapproachable
the set apart. We have a group of people
that must be seated in the prominent places of our meetings and be adorned with
special clothing to display their status.
This in the eyes of God is a rank heresy that is as poisonous as
anything that Satan has introduced to the body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Is the clergy system
God’s way?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The clergy system is defined as the
established order organized around the clergy.
It is a special group of people set aside for a particular task in the
church. Is this therefore God’s
way? NO, a thousand times NO! By its very definition today the clergy
separates itself as a special group of people with a special call on their
lives from God. It is usually
represented by a single man -- who in most cases is called a pastor and a
select group of aids which are called deacons, elders, etc. The scriptures do not support it and the
natural order of things does not support it.
What do I mean by the natural order of things? Natural order is a structure that promotes
growth and proper development in accordance with predetermined criteria. In our case we have a body called the
church. Does the clergy system therefore
encourage the growth and development of the body of Christ?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Error is spread much easier in
the body through the clergy system<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The irony of it all is that the
clergy system was developed way back in 100 A.D. by the early church fathers
for the very purpose of stemming error.
The thing is that because of the nature of the system the system itself
perpetuates error. At the center of the clergy
system we usually have one man who has taken on the role of declaring the word
of God to his people. Do you see how
easy it is to spread error in this system?
The people in a particular church place all their trust in a single
individual to speak the word of the Lord to them. He is to hear from God for you. Red flag, <b><i>red flag</i></b>. When that much responsibility is concentrated
in one place and the title Christ is not after your first name, error is bound
to occur. Instead of having a situation
where it is possible to judge we are now placed in a situation where <b><i>one</i></b>
man must have the mind of Christ for all.
This is no body mentality this is a recipe for disaster!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The clergy set themselves as the
voice of God in the earth<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This again is dangerous. It is dangerous not only for the people of
God but for the so-called clergyman. It
is a danger for the man because he now has the burden of being the voice of God
to the people. Do you realize the
impossibility of that task? The very
system itself causes us to rely on this individual because we perceive him,
(with help from them), as more spiritual and closer to God than we are. Therefore
if we are to be closer to God we have to attach ourselves to those who already are. I am sure that this was not the original
intention for these men because trying to fulfill this task is not at all feasible. You can hear it in their sermons when they
castigate the flock for coming to them with every little problem they
have. But have they ever considered why
their followers do this? It is because
the clergy system purports them as the voice of God. Since you therefore are the voice of God,
solve my problem! Oh they want the glory
but not any of the trouble and pressure that such a position would entail. There are in essence robbing God of a direct
relationship with his people. The
direction should be to eventually get themselves out of a job by developing a
people so mature they hear from God for themselves ( you will come to see that
this was the design of God in the first place).
But his system is designed to make the people even more dependent on the
leaders of the church.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Their successes<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Can we look at their success to
determine that indeed they are endorsed by God?
First off let us determine what they deem to be success. It would surprise you to know that for the
most part ministerial success is based on the growth in numbers of adherents to
a particular ministry. Depending on the
size of one’s ministry it is usually to them a determinant of whether you are
successful or not. This is evident by
the lingo of these groups where they talk in ‘number of seats in their
sanctuaries’, and rough calculation of how many people follow their ministry. Some even determine their success by how much
money they can exhibit by their lifestyles.
Well, can we use these as a barometer of the blessing of God? No, we cannot.
We must never use such shoddy measures to determine if God is indeed
with us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Maybe we can point to the fact that
God speaks to them and through them.
Isn’t the fact that God speaks to them proof enough that he is with
them? Well let us turn to the scriptures
to find this out. Let us look at the
life of Moses. God spoke to Moses
through a burning bush – a burning bush.
God told Moses that he wanted him to deliver his people from the bondage
of the Egyptians. God even gave him the
staff of power telling him to use it as a sign to the Israelites that he would
deliver them. God gave him all sorts of
instructions. Moses then was on his way
to be obedient to God. On his way back to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region> what did he encounter?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Moses
took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">land</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Egypt</st1:placename></st1:place>: and Moses took the rod of God in
his hand.</span> Exodus 4:20<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So Brother Moses is on his way to
obey the Lord, but what happened next?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And it
came to pass by the way in the inn, that the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">LORD met him</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and sought to kill him.</span></u></b>
Exodus 4:24<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Say what? God just had this long talk with Moses and here
he is now about to kill him! Well why was
that?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Then
Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it
at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.</span> Exodus 4:25<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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God was about to kill Moses because
he had not circumcised his son. Do you
see this? Moses was a Jew and being a
Jew there were things that he was required to do – circumcision was one off
them. God was not about to let his oversight
slide so he stood in the way to kill Moses.
This is all in spite of the fact that he had talked with Moses
beforehand. In this same way we should
never look at someone and say that because of this and this God is with them. The determinant should be if they are in right
alignment with the word of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The clergy and real estate<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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When asked today about a vision for
their particular church a pastor will usually unveil some building plan. As of late this has been the way to prove
your valor in the Lord. The clergy systems are in competition to build the
biggest and most glorious structures to prove their validity. We have sure come a long way:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And how I
kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have
taught you publicly, and from <b>house to house</b>.</span> Acts <st1:time hour="20" minute="20" w:st="on">20:20</st1:time><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Likewise
greet <b>the church that is in their house</b>.
Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.</span>
Romans 16:5<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Oh maybe back then they did not
have many people and they had to meet from house to house because of their
scant numbers. Oh, let’s see:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And the
word of God increased; and the <b><i>number</i></b><b><i> of
the disciples multiplied</i></b> in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>
greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.</span>
Acts 6:7<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Howbeit
many of them which heard the word believed; <b>and the number of the men was about five thousand</b>.</span> Acts 4:4<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well how about that. They had five thousand come to the Lord and
they <b><i>still</i></b>
met from house to house. You will see
just why they did so in just a bit. My
point is that these were not visionless leaders yet their first inclination was
<b>NOT</b> to gather the believers all in
one sanctuary for meetings. So what type
of vision did they have if not to build buildings?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Wherefore I also, after I
heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not
to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory,
may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the
hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the
saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who
believe, according to the working of his mighty power,</span></b> Ephesians 15:19<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And in another place he continues
his vision for the church:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For this cause I bow my
knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in
heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of
his glory, to </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">be strengthened with might
by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith;
that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all
saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the
love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the
fulness of God.</span></b> Ephesians 3:14-19<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This was Paul’s vision. His vision was to build up the people of God
and he did so rather well even though he never got his building.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>They claim their system brings the
proper hierarchy to the body<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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The clergy system it is claimed
brings order to the body of Christ in our gatherings. They see what they have aligned themselves
with as God’s standard:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">And God
hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly
teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments,
diversities of tongues. </span>1 Corinthians 12:28<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This verse is alluded to as
defining God’s hierarchy in the church therefore justifying the clergy. While this verse does represent individuals
in the church this is by no means a hierarchy but a list of <b><i>functions</i></b>
in the body. If it were a hierarchy then
apostles would be a higher class order than prophets and prophets would be of greater
importance than teachers. But God said that
we are all members of the one body but with different functions. To introduce a higher order would be to
introduce schisms and it would therefore contradict:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">That there
should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care
one for another.</span> 1 Corinthians 12:28<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Do you now understand what he says? He declares that if we have more care for any
member of the body than we have for another member then we have schisms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The clergy system has become the
end-point of ministry<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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They set themselves up as the
receptacles of ministry. The perception
is that we should give money to <b>them so
that <i>they</i> </b>can change the
world. It is their task and we are to
aid them in doing the work of God. I
will talk more on this later but let me now ask the question? Why are they the receptacles of ministry and
we the enablers. Why are we not all
enablers and receptacles?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>They call their structures
sanctuaries<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The entire goal of the clergy is to
position themselves as the agents of God in the earth. Not just regular agents like the average
Christians but you know the <b><i>real</i></b> ones. In order to do this they have gone to the Old
Testament, pulled out a concept and brought it to use for today. Do you realize what the sanctuary was?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">"You
are to be responsible for the care of the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">sanctuary</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> and the altar, so that wrath will not fall on the
Israelites again. I myself have selected
your fellow Levites from among the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the
LORD to do the work at the Tent of Meeting.
</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But only you and your sons may serve as
priests in connection with everything at the altar and inside the curtain.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Anyone else who comes near the sanctuary must be put to
death."</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Numbers 18:5-7<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The sanctuary was a place where <b><i>only</i></b>
the priests were allowed to enter. Do
you see what would happen to any other person entering the sanctuary? God commanded for them to be put to
death. Get that, <b>put-to-death.</b> We are <i>so</i> SELECTIVE! The only reason why this term is in use today
is because it adds to the spirituality of the clergy to show the body that they
operate on a higher level than we do.
Consider their use of the term ‘House of God’. Please are we serious? Listen these men are not ignorant, they know
the scriptures. I will have much more to
say on this later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The clergy system as we know it is
not supported with scripture nor is it a system that induces growth. It is therefore foreign to the design of God
and has no legitimacy. But just what has
such a system done to the body of Christ?
I will show that it has hijacked the body and left it hamstrung. I will show that indeed it is one of the most
destructive forces know to the believers today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Clergy Hijack<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The Individual purpose of the
believer<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The current-day clergy system is a
thief of the individual purpose of the believer. The word of God is very clear that Jesus
expects each of us to fulfill a specific call on our lives:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Then said
Jesus unto his disciples, If </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">any man</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up <b><i>his</i></b>
<b>cross</b>, and follow me. </span>Matthew
16:24<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The cross in this statement was an
illustration of the purpose of God in the life of Jesus. It was one of the key things that Jesus came
to do. It was an essential part of his purpose. Through this instruction Jesus was not
telling us to walk around with some cross on our backs, but he was telling us
to embrace the purpose that God has for each of us to fulfill in the work of
expanding his kingdom. Through the work
of the commission we are <b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">all</span></u></b> called to impact
the world through our obedience to the gospel and submission to the will of
God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Through the introduction of the
destructive laity/clergy structure and the concept of full time ministry the
clergy has robbed the typical believer of the proper perspective that is
essential for the fulfillment of the call of God on his life. The problem is that it is so engraved in our
psyches that we cannot see the truth of these errors. So we go about living frustrated lives at the
behest of those who would only use us to fulfill their own skewed aspirations.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
To understand this fully we must
first examine how the clergy system has robbed the purpose of the believer
through the concept of full time ministry.
This is the sacred cow of the clergy.
The see themselves – and would have you see them – as ‘ministers of the
gospel’ or ‘full-time ministers’ or ‘workers in the vineyard’. You may not see it but these concepts have a
profound effect on your perception of yourself and your purpose. Consider the concept full-time ministry. The very phrase introduces the idea that
there is ministry that is <b><i>not</i></b> full time. Can you understand then what are the
implications involved here? They are saying
that they are fully involved with the work of the Lord in their daily functions,
but you on the other hand are only <b><i>partially</i></b> doing so due to your <b>SECULAR</b> affiliations. Please understand that this implies that the
whole body is not functional or not fully functional. Now what has this innocent little philosophy
done to the body? The laity, that is
supposed to be you, is supposed to bring in money to the clergy and their
ministries. You therefore subconsciously
come to see it as your part (your purpose) to help the clergy do <b><i>their</i></b>
work. This is destructive error! We see our purpose as making sure that the
clergy is operational. This is not the
church that Jesus created! What does the
scripture say?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And all
things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and hath given to <i><u>us</u></i></span></b><span style="color: blue;"> the ministry of reconciliation</span>. 2 Corinthians 5:18<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Therefore,
</span><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">we</span></i></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> are ambassadors for Christ</span></b><span style="color: blue;">,
as though God were making an appeal <b><i>through us</i></b>; we beg you on behalf of
Christ, be reconciled to God. </span>2 Corinthians 5:20<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We then</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, <u>as workers together with him</u>, beseech you also that
ye receive not the grace of God in vain.</span> 2 Corinthians 6:1<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">For the
perfecting <b>of the saints</b>, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">for the work of the ministry</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, for the edifying of the body of Christ:</span> Ephesians 4:12<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you understand what you are to
do in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>? Do you not see that there is no distinction
in the body? WE all have the ministry of reconciliation. WE all are ambassadors for Christ. WE all are workers together. I particularly like the last verse. Do you see what the apostle, prophet etc. is
supposed to do? They are to perfect <b><i>us</i></b>
for the work of the ministry. So in fact
what we are doing in the so-called secular world is the<b><i> true</i></b> work of the
ministry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The clergy has maintained their
unspoken and sometimes explicit air of superiority by setting themselves apart
from the body through their rituals and service. The problem is that they are not separate
from us, and together we function as the people of God and the voice of God in
the earth. Consider this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For who
hath known the mind of the Lord,
that he may instruct him? but </span><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">we </span></i></b><span style="color: blue;">have the mind of Christ.</span> 1Corinthians <st1:time hour="14" minute="16" w:st="on">2:16</st1:time><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Does this jump out at anyone? It says that <b>WE,</b> the entire body of Christ, have access to the mind of Christ. Do you realize that you have the same access
to God that some preacher has. If you <b><i>really</i></b>
understood this we would not be so reliant on them for guidance from God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Consider how the distinction of the
laity plays such a powerful role in downgrading our purpose. The call to the ‘clergy’ is <b>NOT</b> I repeat is<b> NOT</b> some higher calling.
There is no superior body part.
We are all essential. Therefore
the pastor is<b><i> not</i></b> of a higher calling than a politician called by God to be
so. What rubbish we spew out; what utter
nonsense we think! The clergy declares
this nonsense in order to stroke their own egos, but consider that a politician
called so by God can have a greater effect on a nation than any pastor can.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This business about a laity that is
ministered to by the clergy is utter nonsense.
What has this produced in the body?
Well we have churches that have become one-stop shops for everything the
typical believer could hope for. Thieves
of purpose they are! Consider that the
typical ‘church’ today would not only serve as a meeting place but a marriage counselor,
kindergarten, etc. In some cases there
could be found schools, shopping plazas, financial advisories and anything else
a pastor could imagine as his service to the call of God on his life. All you can hope to be in this spiritual Wal-Mart
is a shelf-stocker. Is this right? Of
course not! We are not workers for their
purpose we are workers together with them in all our purposes. How many of you think that you are fulfilling
the call of God on your life because you are an usher or worship leader in
these behemoths? Are you serious? Is the cross that God has for you ushering? It
is <b><i>the
body</i></b> that should be engaged with these entities <b><i>APART</i></b> from the ‘church’. <b><i>You </i></b>should be the one opening a
college. <b><i>You</i></b> should be the one
with a marriage counseling office. <b><i>You</i></b>
should be the one giving godly financial advice. Apostles, prophets, evangelist pastors and
teachers have a very <b>SPECIFIC </b>job
description in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> <b>AND SO DO YOU! <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You are not supposed to be some
laid back Sunday Christian; you are a part of the living body of Christ that
should be functioning not<b><i> in</i></b> some organization <b>BUT IN THE WORLD.</b> You should be in your communities doing the
work of the ministry. This does NOT mean
handing out tracks, but it does imply a dynamic member of the body being a
force of change in the world around him in the purpose that God has given to
you FULL TIME. Not ushering or singing
in some choir.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The hijack of the manifestation
of the spirit<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The clergy system has also been
instrumental in hijacking the manifestation of the gifts of the spirit. How do they do this? It is very simple. They have effectively cancelled your need to
operate in the gifts. Through the
structure of our liturgies (orders of service) the only person who gets to
minister to the body of Christ is the Pastor.
We in effect come to church to hear a pastor preach. If you would read the books of Corinthians
and Acts you will see that that <b><i>never</i></b> was the intention of
Christ. We have today a one-celled
organism not a body! There is simply no
need for you to exercise your gifts in your meetings. So why have gifts in the first place? Only a select few of the clergy get to
operate thereby. Consider this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For ye may
</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">all</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> prophesy
one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.</span> 1 Corinthians
14:31<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This was to take place during a
typical church service. Do you see what
he said? Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
Through this verse we see that it was the intention for the body -- the members
of the body -- to perform this function.
Is this gift occurring on this level in your local church or is every
thing surrounding the ministry of a <b><i>single</i></b> individual? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For the body
is not one member, but many.</span></b> 1 Corinthians 12:14<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There is however an interesting
side-effect to this line of thought and that is that it places a demand on the
pastor to ensure that legitimacy is added to the work of his ministry. To do this he usually ensures that he is
walking in the gifts of the spirit so he takes it upon himself to walk in
healing, prophecy, word of knowledge etc.
This is often fruitless because Jesus who gives the gifts does not
concentrate them in one man. Consider:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But the manifestation of
the Spirit is given to </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">every man</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> to profit withal. For </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">to one</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">to another</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> the word of
knowledge by the same Spirit; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">To another</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> faith by the same Spirit; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">to another</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">To another</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> the working of
miracles; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">to another</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> prophecy; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">to another</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> discerning of spirits; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">to another </span></b><span style="color: blue;">divers kinds of tongues; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">to another</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that
one and the selfsame Spirit, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">dividing to every man
severally as he will</span></b><span style="color: blue;">. </span>1 Corinthians
12:7-11<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
He distributes these gifts
throughout the body. He does this
because this is essential to the development of the body to maturity. It was through the gifts’ expression that we
were all to become mature. Can’t you see
therefore how much damage is done to the body of Christ when one individual is
the center point of the assembly? There
is no way that he gives all the gifts to one man, and the purpose of the gifts
was for all of the body to profit. So if
we just have a single individual operating with impunity then how can the body function? For that matter how can it profit? It may surprise you to know that the
functions of the apostles, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher were <b>NOT</b> the central focus of the typical
meeting of the early church. It was
rather the outline given by Paul where every member was functioning through the
gifts that God dispersed throughout the body that was the ideal order of the
day. How far we are fallen! Just as a side note look at the list again do
you see any ushering and worship leading as gifts or manifestations of the
spirit? The clergy has created all these
auxiliary things to prop itself up and to give its activities credence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This concentration of work that we
have today in a typical pastor is not good and it is also not new. Due to our desire to <b><i>not</i></b> be responsible or to
even be intimate with God we have encouraged the clergy in the construction of
this heresy. Consider the plight of
Moses:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But there remained two of
the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other
Medad: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and the spirit rested upon them; and they
were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they
prophesied in the camp.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> And there ran a young man, and told Moses,
and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. <b>And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men,
answered and said, My lord Moses, </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">forbid them</span><span style="color: blue;">.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> And Moses said unto
him, Enviest thou for my sake? </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that
the LORD would put his spirit upon them!</span>
Numbers 11:26-29<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Moses had the right attitude. He knew that it would be better if God would
speak through ALL his people. But
wouldn’t that make Moses’ job redundant you ask? Well isn’t that the <b><i>goal </i></b>of maturity? Joshua was acting as the typical pastor’s aid
(or as they are now called ridiculously so armor bearers). “Oh it is not possible that the gift could be
in anyone but our pastor. Oh no, no one
else should prophesy! If all prophesied
then when will the pastor speak?” What
an incredibly debased mind we have! What
has this produced today? You may say
that your pastor taught you about spiritual gifts. Oh really, but has he allowed the people to manifest
those gifts. How can he you ask. When
would we have time for him to preach? This
is my point exactly! You see we would
not have time for a lot of things if we operated how God intended. But we would have a body that was FULLY
functioning and hearing from God; a body that was mature and edified one
another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The hijack of our giving<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This particular incursion has had
significant affect on the operation of the body of Christ. The clergy’s hijack of our giving has not
only hampered our obedience to the gospel of the kingdom, but it has also
hindered the advance of the kingdom <b><i>thorough </i></b>the body itself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
No one can deny that financial
blessings can be had through our giving.
Giving is an intricate part of the new creation in Christ that we become
upon our adoption of the gospel of the kingdom.
It was God’s intent to create a people who would not give because they
were obligated to do so, but because they were moved to because of the
priorities of their hearts. But the
clergy denies us this right. Apart from
teaching the heretical teaching of the compelled tithe they establish themselves
as a giving station. The logic is
simple:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>I am doing the will of God. You
are working in the secular word. You
should give to me so that you can partner in my <i>real</i> work for the Lord. I will
then use these funds and distribute to the needy. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Is this the intention of God? Absolutely not! This model has induced us to
divorce ourselves from the obligation we have to give to others. We cast off our responsibility by giving to
some church and saying to them I PAY YOU TO DO God’s work so I am your partner. Oh yeah is that how it goes? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Give</span><span style="color: blue;"> to him that </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">asketh YOU</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, and from him
that would borrow of </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">You</span></b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">turn not thou away.</span>
Matthew 5:42<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And
whosoever [</span>individual not some organization<span style="color: blue;">]shall
<b>give</b> to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in
the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, <b><i>he</i></b> shall in no wise lose
his reward.</span> Matthew 10:42<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Jesus said
unto </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">him</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, If thou
wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and <b>give</b> to the poor, and
thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me</span>. Matthww
19:21<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Give [</span>YOU
give<span style="color: blue;">]</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, and it
shall be given unto <b>you</b>; good
measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men <b>give</b>
into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be
measured to you again.</span> Luke 6:38<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Sell that <b>YOU</b> have, and <b>give</b> alms; provide
yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not,
where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.</span> Luke 12:33<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Let him [</span>the
individual<span style="color: blue;">] that stole steal no more: but rather let
him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he [</span>the
individual<span style="color: blue;">] may have to <b>give</b> to him that
needeth.</span> Ephesians 4:28<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you realize what the central
focus of each of these verses is? It is
YOU giving <b><i>DIRECTLY</i></b> to a cause. Not
through some organization, but you directly impacting a need. What does this do? It sets you up as a minister of the gospel
and you get the opportunity to help. God
does not want his body to be seen as an organization but as individuals each
touching their world directly for him.
After all he says to us:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">your</span></u></b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span><b><span style="color: blue;">good</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> <b>works</b>, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven.</span>
Matthew 5:16<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When we divorce ourselves from our
obligation to give to the world directly we embrace the concept ‘the church
will do it for me’. While those around you
go hungry and without we placate our consciences’ by saying that we have given to
the church. If people need help they
should go there! This is akin to what the
Pharisees were doing with the Law of Moses:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">"For Moses said,
'HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER'; and, 'HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF FATHER OR
MOTHER, IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH'; but you say, 'If a man says to his father or
his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say,
given to God),' you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his
mother;</span> Mark 7:10-12<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Back then if you dedicated a gift
to the temple even though your parents were starving the Pharisees exempted you
from supporting them directly. Jesus
rebuked such nonsense then, and he still rebukes it today!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It may interest you to know that
giving <b><i>collectively</i></b> was <b>only</b>
done on special occasions and never on a regular basis. The following verses are used regularly in an
offertory appeal but closer scrutiny proves otherwise:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Remember
this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows
generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided
in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a
cheerful giver.</span> 2 Corinthians 9:6-7<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Now, to what in particular was Paul
referring? He tells:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">There is
no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. For I know
your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians,
telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your
enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.</span> 2 Corinthians 9:1-2<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul was addressing a gift that
they had promised to meet the needs of the impoverished saints in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>. Did he show this instruction anywhere
else? Yes he did:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Now about
the collection for God's people</span></b><span style="color: blue;">: Do what I
told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of
you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up,
so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I
will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with
your gift to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>.
If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.</span> 1
Corinthians 16:1-4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see that? This was a collection to help the saints in
another place. This was a collective
effort for a single purpose. This was not
a regular occurrence, but a singular event.
What did they do any other time?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Command
them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to <b>share</b>.</span>
1 Timothy 6:18<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
To whom were they to be willing to
share?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Share</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.</span> Romans 12:13<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And do not
forget to do good and to <b>share</b> with others, for with such sacrifices God
is pleased.</span> Hebrews 13:16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You, I say YOU directly were
supposed to find a brother in need and meet that need. Not waiting on some church but YOU doing it. YOU were supposed to help that person get
into a business; YOU not some church. YOU
were supposed to ensure that the poor sister’s electricity was always running
not some church but YOU. YOU were
supposed to pay that hospital bill for some unfortunate person, YOU not some
church.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
At the inception of the church a
centralized giving program was evolving.
Let us look at this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For there was not a needy
person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them
and bring the proceeds of the sales and lay them at the apostles' feet, and
they would be distributed to each as any had need.</span> Acts 4:34-35<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Well was this an efficient
model? You may declare its efficacy by
pointing to the fact that under this system there was not a needy person among
them. But was this the best way? Consider the Apostles response?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">So the
twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not
desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.</span>
Acts 6:2<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This proves that giving in this way
was not the most efficient or desirable way.
In fact this proves that giving was best done directly. This proves the point that the clergy system
as structured is not the best way to meet the needs of those in need. Consider what arose because of the
centralization:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Now at
this time while the disciples were increasing in number, <b>a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the
native Hebrews, </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">because their widows were
being overlooked in the daily serving of food.</span></b> Acts 6:1<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This would not have happened if the
giving was more direct.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The final thing that the hijacking
of our giving has done is that it places the possibility of being blessed only through
giving to clergy. This coupled with the
prosperity gospel has ensured a continued stream of money to their
coffers. If you are impoverished
yourself and you read Jesus’ promise that if you give it would be given to you
what would be your first inclination. Would
it be to give to your fellow impoverished brother or some mega ministry? I have never heard them tell you that you can
be blessed abundantly by finding some poor person and giving directly to
them. Oh no brother, if you want the
hundredfold you better find some jet-set <i>Armani
</i>wearing preacher. If not your seed
is falling into bad soil. Such rubbish! We need to REPENT! We need to repent of the destructive concepts
we embrace that have not only hampered us but have robbed those who should be blessed
by us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The hijack of order<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Here is one you may not have
thought of. The clergy has hijacked the
order that was given to the body of Christ.
By order I mean the structure and proper functioning of our ranks. How did they do this? Why do we assume that the order that Paul
speaks of must come through the Pastor?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Let all
things be done decently and in order.</span> 1 Corinthians 14:40<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Why do we assume that it is a
clergy function to maintain order in the church? Look at what he says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">What then
shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word
of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must
be done for the strengthening of the church. If anyone speaks in a tongue,
two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must
interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the
church and speak to himself and God. Two or three prophets should speak, and
the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to
someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all
prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits
of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of
disorder but of peace.</span> 1 Corinthians 14:26-33<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Who is responsible for the order in
this church service? The answer is right
there -- he is addressing the body. He
could have easily said now you elders or you pastors you better get them people
in order. No he does not say this; he
tells the <b><i>body</i></b> to maintain order in the body. We were supposed to be a self regulating
entity. We have this concept that we are
dumb animals that God has to control through the pastor. This is rubbish; we all have the spirit of
God in us. Paul instituted these
guidelines so that we can all govern ourselves in our congregations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
What about when action was required
in the body? Surely Paul instructs some
single individual to deal with sin in the body.
No he did not. Do you remember
when in the Corinthian church there was a brother living in incest? This was a pretty grievous situation. Did Paul instruct the bishop, elder, pastor
or whoever to go and rebuke this fellow.
No sir he did not! Look at what
he says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">In the name of our Lord
Jesus, when </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">you</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> are assembled, and I with </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">you</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, I have decided
to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his
spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your boasting is not good Do
you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out
the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact
unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.</span> 1 Corinthians
5:4-7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
And in another place Paul says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For what have I to do with
judging outsiders? Do </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">YOU</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> not judge those who are within the church? But those who
are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.</span> 1
Corinthians 5:12-13<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Well now, just who was it that was
to deliver the vile brother over to Satan?
The body. And who was it that was
to clean out the leaven (sin) from among them.
The body. Well blow me down! We would not even consider this today. In such a situation we would bring it to the
attention of the clergy. Let the clergy
deal with this, they have the authority.
Nonsense, God gives such authority to the body of Christ. You the collective!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Order in the church was to be done
by the body and it was never orchestrated by any one man. Did they have instances of a one man show for
us to see in the scriptures? Yes they did:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">I wrote unto the church:
but Diotrephes, who loveth to have </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">the preeminence among
them,</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I
come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with
malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the
brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.</span>
3 John 9, 10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This Diotrephes character loved to
be in charge of things. Do you see his
activities? He determined who spoke and he determined who was welcomed. <b>HIM</b>,
not the body. This was <b><i>not
in line</i></b> with the body concept of the scriptures, but <b><i>it is
the norm</i></b> of what we have today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Doesn’t the scripture teach that we should be submissive to our leaders?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It is important to address this
concept now. The scriptures do instruct
us to be submissive to those that lead us, but in order to understand this we
must first understand what was Jesus’ concept of leadership:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Also a
dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.
Jesus said to them, <b>"The kings of the
Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call
themselves Benefactors. </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But you are not to be like
that</span><span style="color: blue;">.</span></b><span style="color: blue;">
Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who
rules like the one who serves.</span>
Luke 22: 24-26<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
We must be very careful when making
assumptions when we read the scriptures.
Upon examining verses on submission to leadership in the body of Christ
we can easily incorporate our flawed concepts of leadership in our
readings. Examining the verses above it
is clear that in regards to leadership Jesus rejects the prevailing view of a
leader on top. Whether we see it or not
this is what we have adopted today as our model. Our Pastors only carry ‘servants’ in word
only. Look at their lifestyles they are
in their positions more catered to than the kings of this world. In fact if we were to institute the
leadership style of Jesus here most would run away from the notion of being a
pastor!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So what does it mean that we should
be submissive to them?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Now I urge you, brethren
(you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the<sup>)</sup>first
fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the
saints), that you also <b>be in subjection
to such men</b> and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.</span> 1
Corinthians 16:15-16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And we beseech you,
brethren, to know them which labour among you, <b>and are over you in the Lord</b>, and admonish you; </span>1
Thessalonians <st1:time hour="17" minute="12" w:st="on">5:12</st1:time><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This seems to be establishing a
hierarchy in the body of Christ. Upon
closer examination we can see just what this submission to leadership really
means:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Remember
your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Consider the
outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.</span></b> Hebrews 13:7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">So I urge
and implore you, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">be imitators of me.</span></b>
1 Corinthians 4:16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see these above verses? They are declaring in no uncertain terms just
what this submission was to be. We are
to submit to our leaders in the Lord by being imitators of their way of life. THAT IS SUBMISSSION. Submission in this sense does not mean a
superior and a subordinate, but imitation.
Peter says it most brilliantly:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Neither as
being lords over God's heritage, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">but being examples to the flock</span></b><span style="color: blue;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is God’s way and this is his
order.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The hijack of praise, worship
and the presence of God<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The clergy has been very instrumental
at hijacking the concept of praise and worship.
These activities have become things that we think are best done
corporately. The clergy has gone so far
as to redefine these concepts and that for the worse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Praise<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Anyone not thinking that the
concept of praise is corrupted can go to any typical charismatic church and
observe their so-called praise and worship service. It will soon be abundantly clear to you that
what is considered praise is a song that is upbeat and that is sung really fast
and loud. But what does he say to us?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Through
Him then, let us continually offer up a </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">sacrifice of
praise</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> to God, that is, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name</span></b><span style="color: blue;">.</span> Hebrew <st1:time hour="13" minute="15" w:st="on">13:15</st1:time><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How is someone to praise God, and what
does it mean? Please try to understand;
the bible is not ambiguous. It is not
difficult to understand what it means.
In fact it has been in the early centuries a goal of the clergy to
obscure the simplicity of the word of God so that the ordinary man could not
understand it. So what is praise? Praise is defined in the above verse. Hebrews
says that it is when we thank God. That
is it. When we thank God then we are
praising God. No mystery, no confusion,
no fast song -- just thanking God. And most importantly, congregation not
necessary! In fact Paul tells us to
continually offer up praises to God.
Because the clergy has hijacked this concept and relegated it to music
then we do much damage to this command.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Worship<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If ever there was a concept that
was massacred it is this one. Again
visit any charismatic church and their idea of worship will become patently
obvious to you. To them worship is a
slow-paced song that evokes tears from the congregants, screeches or siren-like
wails. To them worship is a type of song
that slows the pace down. Well tell me
is this what God had in mind? Absolutely
not! In the gospel of the kingdom
worship has <b><i>absolutely nothing </i></b>to do with singing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Ok so what <b><i>is</i></b> worship? Well whatever worship was under the old
covenant it was not accepted under the new.
Consider this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But the
hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall <b>worship</b> the
Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to <b>worship</b>
him. </span>John 4:23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Jesus says that true worshippers
would worship God in a new way. This new
way is identified by him as ‘in spirit and in truth’. So whatever this means it would be the new
way of worship going forward. So what
does it mean to worship God? How do we
worship God? The more important question
is can we indeed worship God in our church services today? No we cannot!
Consider that Jesus said that we would worship him in spirit and in
truth so how do we do this?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Therefore,
I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, <b>to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God</b>—</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">this is your spiritual act of worship</span></b><span style="color: blue;">. </span>Romans12:1<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see that? It is the submission of our bodies to
fulfilling his will that is considered worship.
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Not some song!</span></b> He continues to expand:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Do not conform
any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> Then you will be able to test
and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.</span> Romans 12:2<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So you see God wants worship but
worship is a submission of your bodies to his will, and his will is
diametrically opposed to the way of the world.
Have you heard this before? If
you have read my first installment on the gospel you have. This is the righteousness that God requires,
and it is when we are in compliance <b><i>with</i></b> the gospel of the kingdom that God
considers that a state of worship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
As long as we have a distorted
concept of what is right we will continue to act in error. He told us specific things that have no room
for improvisation. Let us just stick to
what God says.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>The house of God<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is one of the most heinous of
desecrations possible in the body of Christ.
What do we commonly call the church buildings that we attend? We call them houses of God? Do you realize how blasphemous this is? The clergy perpetuates this lie because they
want to add to the spirituality of their station. But consider, if you will, how ridiculous
this concept is. We collectively go to
some building as a group. We meet there
every Sunday and sometimes throughout the week.
It is therefore this act that qualifies this place as the house of
God. What absurdity! We live in a time where churches spring up
everywhere. The custom has been to find
space wherever it was available. So you
rent some place that use to be a chicken shack and one day it was an old
abandoned building and today it is the house of God. Are you serious? This is a classic example of mixing the old
and the new together. And it all has to
do with trying to add holiness to things. What does God say concerning this?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Howbeit the most High
dwelleth </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">not</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> in
temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, Heaven is my throne, and earth
is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the
place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?</span> Acts 7:48-50<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see what he says? <b>HE
DOES NOT LIVE IN <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">TEMPLES</st1:place></st1:city>
MADE WITH HANDS</b>. (Isn’t it
interesting that the majority of our efforts and financial gifts go to
maintaining some building?) Listen to me these are not just words that these
people say. They call their buildings
houses of God because they believe it. <b><i>And
so do most of you!</i></b> None of us
would ever dare think to do some vile act in one of these ‘sacred’ places yet
when we get outside these walls we fall into sin easily. Why is that?
<b>It is because you have bought
into the LIE.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">you</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> also, as living
stones, are being built up <b><i>as a spiritual house </i></b>for a holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus
Christ.</span> 1 Peter 2:5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Did you read this verse? It says that you, you the body of Christ <b><i>you</i></b>
are his house. Not some building no
matter how pretty. There is nothing
sacred about blocks and mortar. God says
that no temple was good enough for him. He
prefers to live in you his children. There
is nothing sacred at all about some church building!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Jesus
replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will
love him, and </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">we will come to him and
make our home with him</span></b><span style="color: blue;">.</span> John 14:23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And what
agreement hath the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">temple</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> with idols? <b>for ye are the temple of the living God; as
God hath said, </b></span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I will dwell in them</span></u><span style="color: blue;">, and walk in them;</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> and
I will be their God, and they shall be my people.</span> 2 Corinthians 6:16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Let me tell of the danger that
accompanies the idea that a church building is the house of God. Do you realize what the above verses are
saying? It is saying that <b><i>all </i></b>that
God is lives in you the believer. Do you
see that? Do you understand that? We do not because then we would see ourselves
as sacred. The clergy has made a
building the house of God and the people are just the people of God. When will we stop these blasphemous ranting? You are sacred, you are sanctified. If we understand this we would be more conscious
of the residents we carry in us, and sin would not be so easy for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
My fellow believers, I pray God
that you come to see the error that the clergy system perpetuates in the body
of Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The hijack of the anointing and
the voice of God<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Let us move now to how the system
hijacks the anointing and the voice of God.
The clergy in its effort to be a set apart group of individuals special
unto God have gone on to lay claims to the anointing. They see it as their exclusive gift that they
can dole out to whomever they please.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Some describe the anointing as the ‘burden
removing yoke destroying power of God’.
That is quite a mouthful so let us just agree that the anointing is the
power of God. In the old covenant the
anointing was a symbolic measure used among the priesthood and political realms
to signify God’s choice. Today this is
not so! This power is available to ALL the people of God not to some select
few. Some clergymen have gone so far as
to evoke the following verse to show their uniqueness in the eyes of God:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Saying,
Touch not <b>mine anointed</b>, and do my
prophets no harm</span>. 1 Chronicles <st1:time hour="16" minute="22" w:st="on">16:22</st1:time><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Will these blasphemers never cease
to pervert the word of God? Many a
preachers use this to instill fear in their congregants so that they can act
with impunity. But what does the
scripture say under the new covenant?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But the <b>anointing</b>
which </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">ye have received</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> of him </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">abideth in you</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things,
and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in
him. </span>1 John 2:27<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see that? We all have the same anointing from God. The suppressive clergy would not have you to believe
this because this would cut away their uniqueness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Interestingly enough, this leads to
another point. The clergy would have you
see them as the voice of God in the earth.
Well now let us see, if:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God has given you a purpose individually<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God has given to you, his body, gifts of the spirit<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God expects you to act directly on his behalf in the
world<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God has directed you, his body, to restore order in
your meetings<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God has handed you directly the power to praise and
worship and even to house his presence in your bodies<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God has given you his body – ALL of you -- his anointing<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How pray tell is it that God would
not give you his voice as well. GOD
desires to speak directly to you! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How did the clergy exalt itself so
high above the body of Christ? It is due
to their flights of fancy where they see themselves on the same level as
Moses. As they read the scriptures they
come to see themselves in the role that Moses played. But they fail to realize that they are not of
the same caliber. We are all under a new
covenant. Consider how God viewed Moses:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Then He
said to Moses, "Come up to the LORD, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and
seventy of the elders of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
and you shall worship at a distance.”</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Moses alone,
however, shall come near to the LORD, but they shall not come near, nor shall
the people come up with him." </span></b>Exodus
24:1-2<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see what this is
saying? Under this situation Moses alone
could approach God. Do you not see that
this is not so today?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Let </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">US</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and
find grace to help in time of need.</span>
Hebrews 4:16<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today, in this New and <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Living Way</st1:address></st1:street> the door
to God has been opened to ALL who yield themselves to obey him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The ‘clergy’ as organized today has
not a leg to stand on!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Was it always like
this?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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By now I hope you come to see that
what we have today is a far cry from what God ordained. He gave us the best possible parable to
illustrate the relationships that we should have in the church. Unfortunately we have allowed the clergy
system to corrupt our thoughts and rob us of the goodness his design would
bring to us. What is this simile that he
gave us to follow? Jesus calls the
church his body. The body as you will
see is the most appropriate comparison to what Jesus really wanted. What we have today however is a two-headed
monster with one head that is Christ and another head that is the clergy system.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Understanding the body<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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Jesus used the body to describe our
relationship with him and with each other.
This use of the body metaphor is therefore essential to our
understanding of how we are to operate together and how he has authorized us to
perform on the earth. To anyone that has
taken a course in the anatomy of the human body you can see just how intricate
and complex the body is designed. It has
many systems that are all interconnected fulfilling their functions all for the
common good of all. Consider this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">For as the
body is one, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and hath many members</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one
body: so also is Christ</span>. 1 Corinthians 12:12<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you understand this? Jesus says that we are just like a body as we
form the body of Christ in the earth.
Here are some pertinent characteristics about the body that are
essential for our understanding of how the church is to operate:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Interconnected<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">So we,
being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.</span> Romans 12:5<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here we see that the body of Christ
is to be a connected entity. We are
supposed to be members of one another.
This is a trait that only a body can boast. My question to you is can this be said of us
today? Of course not! The body of Christ today is the most
disjointed entity ever; so much so that if it would represent a person it could
only have true representation in a body that has undergone an explosion! Infighting, confusions, denominations, tearing
and biting at one another. There is no interconnectivity
in us. But do you want to know why? It is because we have rejected the gospel of
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>.
Every thing that divides us is based in the realm of the flesh. It comes from a un- renewed mind. If we were all as Jesus said, and we operated
as he said according to the gospel of the kingdom we would be together. But because we follow men and the error of
their understandings the unity of the spirit has been broken, and what we are
left with is this mangled mess we call the church.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>No superiority<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This is a most important trait of a
body. Think for a movement; if your body
had more than one seat of authority what would happen? You will malfunction. This is because the body is designed to only
have one head. In the body of Christ today
we have what we call a clergy. They
stand as superiors to the rest of the body.
This is not how a body is to operate.
In your heart do you have cells that are superior to other heart cells? In your blood do you have cells that are more
important than the others? In your
stomach do you have cells that are far more important than other stomach cells? NO you do not. All cells are of the same importance. The thing is that there is only one head that
controls it all. <b>THE CLERGY IS NOT THE HEAD OF THE BODY OF CHRIST.</b> Those in what we call leadership simply have
a different function than us. One
stomach cell-type provides the encasement of the stomach mechanism. Another stomach cell provides the acid to digest
the food that comes in the stomach. Another
stomach cell moves the food along the digestive track. Is one cell more important than the next? Should one cell be distinguished from the rest? Should we only hear from one cell or are all
needed to fulfill an overall purpose.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>The body works as a unit<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This trait of the body is the third
link in the chain of how the body works.
If the heart says that I do not want to pump blood to the small toe
would the body operate effectively? No,
if such a thing were possible the toe would die. This is why the body has to work as a unit
for it to fulfill its functions. Is the
body of Christ working together as a unit?
We cannot even agree on the truth of God’s word. This is evident in the amount of
denominations we have on the earth today all thinking that they are right. Well let me say right now, <b>YOU ARE ALL WRONG</b>! The instant that we developed denominations
is the point where we prove that we are defeated. This is not good, we are not working as a
unit, and we are not in the bond of the spirit.
We are this disjointed mishmash of segregated people all thinking that
we are hearing from God, and the most important things we have neglected. A church here and a church there my God! Man Paul would not be able to communicate
with us today. If he addressed his
letter to the church at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Nassau</st1:city>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Bahamas</st1:country-region></st1:place> or the
church at <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state>
to whom will it go? Listen this division
serves no purpose and do not fool yourselves thinking you have the favor of
God. He says that he is returning for a
spotless body. What we have today is a
body spotted by greed, rancor, malice, arrogance and the like. And it is all because we would not follow the
prescription of the scripture that tells us how we should be in the earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What should we be like?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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What should the body of Christ be
like? How should we function on the earth? Such questions can not be answered without examining
the scriptures. Would you obey his
way? Or will you cling to your accepted heresies
that have no basis in the truth but in the commandments of men? For us to become a body again there are three
things that must be restored for the true nature of the body and the power of
God to be revealed through us as a whole:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">The restoration of every member functioning<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">The realization of the works of service<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Connectivity<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
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<u>The restoration of every member
functioning<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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The body is not a single member
where one part operates and the other part just watches. There is a name for such a condition it is called
a coma or maybe even paralysis. If we
are to be restored to be worthy to operate in the gospel of the kingdom then
every member of the body <b><i>must </i></b>operate. This is especially so when we come together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The purpose for the assembling of
ourselves was not to sing songs and hear some preacher preach. It was for mutual edification and expression
of the spirit through the gifts that he placed in the body of Christ. The body was supposed to be a self-healing
self-building entity. Where every part
operated wherever it was needed:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">For the
body is not one member, but many. </span>1 Corinthians 12:14<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Now you
are Christ's body, and individually members of it. </span>1 Corinthians 12:27<o:p></o:p></div>
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We are members of the body and as members
we are to operate. We are all to operate
for the edification of each other. That
is God’s plan:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">But to
each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.</span> 1
Corinthians 12:7<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you see that? When was the last time you saw anyone other
than the pastor edify the body. Listen
this is not talking about some token effort in letting a few people share a testimony
or sing a song. <b>SINGING A SONG IS NOT A GIFT OF THE SPIRIT</b>. We have fallen so far! How many feel that they are edifying the body
when they sing a special selection as it is called. What <b><i>are</i></b> these manifestations given of
the spirit for the common good?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">For to one is given the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">word of wisdom</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> through the
Spirit, and to another the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">word of knowledge</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> according to the same Spirit; to another </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">faith </span></b><span style="color: blue;">by the same Spirit,
and to another </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">gifts of healing</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> by the one Spirit, and to another the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">effecting of miracles</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, and
to another </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">prophecy</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, and to another the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">distinguishing
of spirits</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, to another </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">various kinds of tongues</span></b><span style="color: blue;">,
and to another the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">interpretation of tongues</span></b><span style="color: blue;">. But one and the same Spirit works all these things,
distributing to each one individually just as He wills.</span> 1 Corinthians
12:8-11<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">If anyone </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">speaks in a tongue</span><span style="color: blue;">, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in
turn, and </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">one must interpret</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the
church; and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets
speak, and let the others pass judgment. But if a revelation is made to another
who is seated, the first one must keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by
one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted;</span> 1 Corinthians <st1:time hour="14" minute="27" w:st="on">14:27</st1:time>-31<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well now, look at these
manifestations of the spirit. Do you see
this? This is GOD’S order. What we have today is praise and worship,
collect an offering, announcements and bring on the pastor to preach. All this is done in the name of the Lord and
99.9% of the body is not operational. Do
you know what is even more devastating?
The order that God designed would not fit our programs today. One would have to go. Guess which one has been kicked to the
curb. Oh the pastor has a word from the Lord
you say. Well now let us review those
verses again. Well it looks like the
whole body was receiving a word from the Lord.
Well what is this we have? Paul
even tells us to desire gifts:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">But </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">earnestly</span><span style="color: blue;"> desire the greater gifts</span></b>. 1 Corinthians 12:31<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well if Paul only knew. He is telling us that we should all be functioning
in our gatherings and now we are not all functioning. There is <b>NO
NEED BROTHER PAUL FOR US TO DESIRE GIFTS BECAUSE WE HAVE NO USE FOR THEM TODAY!</b> Paul was really not with the times. Today brother Paul we streamlined our service
and now we only have one member edifying.
We do not need your old ways
Paul, besides I do not want to have a closer relationship with God because then
he would want me to change so let the preacher preach me happy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It is when the restoration of every
member functioning that the church will really grow. By growth I am meaning maturity. Consider that we have a body today that is
itself fraught with sin. Could it be
that these issues exist because the body itself isn’t all functioning?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…but speaking the truth in
love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each
individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in
love.</span></b> Ephesians 4:15-16<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you see God’s original intent
here in this verse? He wanted EACH
INDIVIDUAL PART WORKING. What would such
a thing cause? IT WOULD CAUSE THE GROWTH OF THE BODY. Well now, what is this we have? God says that the body will ONLY grow when
EVRY PART is PROPERLY working. Could this
be the reason why we have so much disunity and sin struggles in the body of
Christ? Of course it is! Do we think that we can deviate from God’s
best, incorporate our own ideas and still have his blessing? This verse is not talking about new
membership. How foolish are we to think
that because our churches are getting bigger that we are growing! Neither could we placate our conscious’s by
putting people to work as ushers or worship leaders or greeters (THESE ARE ALL <b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">NOT</span></u></b> GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT). Growth here means
maturity and maturity to God is when we stop struggling with sin and begin to
look like Jesus. That is only done when
EVRY PART IS WORKING PROPERLY.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The works of service<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And He gave </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">some</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> as
apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors
and teachers, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">for the equipping of the
saints for the work of service</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, to the
building up of the body of Christ;</span> Ephesians 4:11-12<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
In this verse Paul tells of SOME of the functions
in the body of Christ. He was not
establishing hierarchy but he was establishing the function of <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">SOME</span></b> of the members of the body of Christ. These offices are essential to the operation
of the church and they have a unique purpose.
The problem is that the purpose has been altered to what we have today
as a clergy. But the true purpose of
these functions in the body would shock you!
Look at the verse again, read it slowly.
Can you see what is the purpose of these functions are in the body? Look
at the verse you will see that it says that their job was to <b>EQUIP</b> the saints for the work of the
ministry. In another place it says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But we request of you,
brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have
charge over you in the Lord and </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">give you instruction</span></b><span style="color: blue;">,</span> 1 Thessalonians 5:12<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For even if I boast
somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave <b>for building you up</b> and not for destroying you, I will not be put
to shame</span> 2 Corinthians 10:8<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Well now, what then are they suppose to equip us
for? What is this equipping suppose to
produce? The equipping of the saints is
for the very purpose of <b>NOT</b> being
dependant on these offices. Did you get that? God put them there so that they can teach you
to the point where you do not need them any longer. Look at the scriptures:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For when for the time </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">ye ought to be teachers</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first
principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and
not of strong meat</span>. Hebrews 5: 12<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see that?
The writer of Hebrews wanted them to mature to the point where they
themselves were teachers not having to be taught. He wanted them to come to a place of maturity
where they would be able to connect directly with God. That was the design of God. He knew that the body would have to be
directly connected to the head if it was to be mature so his design was to introduce
these select few to bring the many to a place where they would no longer need
them. <b>THE WORK OF THESE FUNCTIONS WAS NOT AN EVERLASTING PROCESS.</b> At some point the believers should come to a
place where they are now able to receive meat and that directly from Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But strong meat belongeth
to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses
exercised to discern both good and evil.</span>
Hebrews 5:14<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The goal of the pastor and the rest
is to work themselves <b><i>out </i></b>of a job. Why else would he tell them to mature?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man</span></b><span style="color: blue;">,
</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">to the measure of the stature which belongs to the
fullness of Christ. </span></b><span style="color: blue;">As a result, we are no
longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by
every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful
scheming; but speaking the truth in love, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">we are to
grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the
whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies,
according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of
the body for the building up of itself in love.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Ephesians 4:13-16<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Let us look at the two important elements
in these verses:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
1 – <b><i>Until</i></b>. Do you see that word? This was not supposed to happen at the return
of Jesus, but it was his intention that this be an ongoing process achieving
conclusions on many levels <b><i>TODAY</i></b>. Once this unity and maturity was met then
these positions were no longer needed and they were assimilated back into the
body until people were added that were not yet mature. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Not that
we lord it over your faith, <b>but are
workers with you</b> for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm.</span>
2 Corinthians 1:24<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is a wonderful system. They were to become a self-sufficient entity
that was in all parts working until maturity so that all would edify all. How wonderful are the ways of our God!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
2 – Grow up into Christ. Do you see that phrase? This is where we would have each believer now
directly connected to God because of the maturity that has been produced in the
body through the functions of the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and
teacher.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Is your pastor bringing you to the
point that he can decrease and the body can increase to a place of maturity
where now we all are doing what the Spirit wants? God does not want a go-between; he wants a
direct link to ALL of his children.
Where ALL can hear everything he is saying. This is why we see no moderator or leaders in
the gatherings described in Corinthians.
The spirit of God was fully in charge and he used whomever he pleased to
get them to speak his word however he wished.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>So what <i>are</i> these works of service?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The works of service are two parts:
<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Our service to the body and <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Our service to the world<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The maturity that was to be
produced was to bring us to the place where we all can, depending on our gifts,
edify the body of Christ. God wanted for
you to come to a place of maturity and using the gift of the Spirit to edify
your brothers and sister. Did he not say
that the gifts were for the common good and our edification? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The maturity also was to bring you
to a point where you were to now be walking in the tenets of the gospel of the Kingdom
and operating in the things that he said.
This would produce men seeing your good works and glorifying God. The acts of righteousness that would be a
part of the mature life would have been what God wants to show the world of his
goodness and grace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Connectivity<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If we are to be a body again we
must restore the bond of the spirit.
This disjointedness is hindering the spread of the gospel of the
kingdom. There are no special divisions
in the body of Christ. There are no
special offices. The clergy as we have
it today introduces such schisms. This
disjointedness can also be found in the rest of the body. What does his word say to us?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…whereas
our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the
body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may
be </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">no division in the body</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, but that the members may have the same care for one
another.</span> 1 Corinthians 12:24-25<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
God’s desire was that we would have
no divisions among us. We should have
the same care one for another. NO divisions. If you give abundantly to a pastor you should
give abundantly to your sister next to you.
Look at how beautiful God had designed the body to work. Do you remember when there was financial lack
in one part of the body? Remember what Paul
said:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For I mean not that other
men be eased, and ye burdened: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But by an equality</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for
their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there
may be equality:</span> 2 Corinthians 8:13-14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
God’s design was to have his body
so connected that there would have been equality all around. Do you understand his plan for us? Let us put off then these concepts that have
no root in truth and put on the new and living way as outlined but the gospel
of the kingdom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Obey the gospel!<o:p></o:p></div>Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-73258490477219102162012-03-08T11:03:00.000-05:002012-03-12T08:44:05.060-04:00The end of the arrogation of the tithe<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; line-height: 200%;">Bring ye
all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and
prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the
windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room
enough to receive it.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> Malachi 3:10</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There is not a person who has ever
gone to a protestant church who has not heard this verse bellowed from a
pulpit. This verse found in the book of
Malachi is a watchword for almost every sect and church in Christendom
today. It is taught as a command from
God, and is seen as a requirement if you are to live a good Christian
life. It usually is accompanied with a
stern warning that God will curse you if you do not obey this command. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
We must examine this particular
concept, because unlike all the other things that Christians cannot agree on the
practice of tithing seems to be one that lives above the fray. So much is this concept revered that to speak
anything against it would usually warrant labeling the blasphemer a heretic; it
can be expected that he would be called into the Pastor’s office for an
exorcism. But what does the Bible really
say on this topic?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There are several things I hope
that these installments have inspired; one is the fact that we as Christians
ought to study the scriptures for ourselves, because ultimately we -- not our
group but <b><i>we</i></b> -- will give an account to God for the things we do. Secondly, I hoped to enlighten the body about
its blind adherence to the Mosaic Law.
One thing that is sure is that once we come to understand the word of
God then we are responsible to act in accordance with it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It never ceases to amaze me how
selective we humans are. We really do
relish the power of choice. This power
to choose is usually dictated by our propensity to please ourselves. With spiritual things we are no
different. How on earth are we to think
that it would be acceptable to God for us to go about and cherry-pick what we would
follow of the Law of Moses? The scriptures clearly say to us:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And I
testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under
obligation to keep the whole Law</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;">.</span> Galatians 5: 3<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">All who rely on observing the law are under a
curse</span><span style="color: blue;">, for it is written: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">"Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do
everything written in the Book of the Law."</span></b> Galatians 3:10<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The Law of Moses is not some fruit
salad that we can say ‘I’ll take this and I’ll take that and no-no, I don’t
want that!’ If you are to follow one
part you are required to follow all. <b>NO EXCEPTIONS!!!</b> God knew this and that is why he sent his Son. Only Jesus could have fulfilled the law and
meet its requirements. Through this
action he became our gateway to God into a New and Living way; but back to
cherry picking. Isn’t it interesting how
we do not even worship in Saturday <b>WHICH
IS A PART OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS </b>yet we strain at the gnat in commanding
all Christendom to tithe! Let me ask the
question. Just what is it that makes
tithing so special that it survives the cross, but at the same time resting and
meeting God on the Sabbath became an option?
Are we serious? If you want to
follow one part then follow all – I dare you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Please know dear family, <b><u>whatever</u></b> he wanted us to do and
whatever he desires for us to follow he made such information very clear to us:
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Fear not,
little flock; for it is your Father's </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">good
pleasure</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> to <b>give</b><b> you the kingdom</b>.</span>
Luke 12:32<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
He would not leave us to our own
imaginations to figure out such things because he knew we would mess it
up. He wants us to obey him. This is why the principles of the kingdom are
not hidden to us:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And the disciples came,
and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and
said unto them, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Because it is given unto <b><u>you</u></b></span><span style="color: blue;"> to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them
it is not given. </span>Matthew 13:10, 11<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see that? He <b><i>wants</i></b> us to know what pleases God because
only then can we do and become righteousness.
So follow Jesus; he is our example.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What was the tithe?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The tithe was a tenet of the Law of
Moses. It was placed in the law for very
specific reasons (of which we will talk about later). The word tithe means a tenth part of
something. It represented what we would
call today ten percent of a whole. It
was a requirement of God that was established by Moses to his people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Was the tithe for everybody
under the old covenant and what did they tithe?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This may seem like a strange
question but I assure you it is not. NO,
everybody under the old covenant did not tithe, and those that did had to tithe
specific things. Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And all the tithe of the
land, <b>whether of the seed of the land</b>,
<b>or of the fruit of the tree</b>, is the
LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his
tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. <b>And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of
whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.</b> He
shall not search whether it be good or bad, neither shall he change it: and if
he change it at all, then both it and the change thereof shall be holy; it
shall not be redeemed. These are the commandments, which the LORD commanded
Moses for the children of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>
in mount Sinai</span>. Leviticus 27:30-34 <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Now before we examine this let me
ask you this question. Did God omit any
information that he wanted to tell them?
No way, for if he did then they would not be able to obey him. So let us now look at what was <b><i>supposed</i></b>
to be tithed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
1 – Seed of the land<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
2 – Fruit of the tree<o:p></o:p></div>
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3 – Of the herd<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
4 – Of the flock<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
5 – Whatsoever passes under the rod
(Shepherding)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is a simple list. Ok let us see; seeds, fruits, herds, flocks;
wait a minute where are the fish. No
fish brother Moses? How is it fish is
not mentioned? What then was the
fisherman to bring? In fact this list
looks like it only spells out items that a farmer or shepherd would have. But I thought they were supposed to tithe on <b><i>all</i></b>
their increase:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">of thy seed</span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">, that the field bringeth</span><span style="color: blue;">
forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place
which he shall choose to place his name there, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">the tithe of thy corn</span><span style="color: blue;">, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">of thy wine</span><span style="color: blue;">, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and of thine oil</span><span style="color: blue;">,</span> [wine and oil comes from the fruit of plants] <span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and the firstlings of thy
herds and of thy flocks</span><span style="color: blue;">; that thou mayest learn
to fear the LORD thy God always.</span> Deuteronomy 14:22-23<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This looks pretty specific to
me. There is no mention of a fisherman
tithing before the Lord, because just as with the farmer his increase was the
fruit of the land the fisherman’s increase was in the fish of the sea. So under these requirements his tithe would
not have been accepted. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Well how did Peter tithe, or for
that matter how did Jesus tithe (remember he was a carpenter)? The answer is that <b>THEY DID NOT TITHE</b>. The
tithe was based on the increase of farmers and shepherds <b><i>not</i></b> all of the people of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>. By the way does anyone see what else is
missing from this list? That’s right;
money was not included in the tithe. But you say they had no money those
days. Not only did they have money it
was also never a tithe. Here are the scriptures to prove that:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And if the way be too long
for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far
from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the
LORD thy God hath blessed thee: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Then shalt thou turn it
into <u>money</u></span></b><span style="color: blue;">, and bind up the money in
thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And thou shalt bestow that <u>money</u></span></b><span style="color: blue;"> for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for
sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth:
and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou,
and thine household,</span> Deuteronomy 14:24-26<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
These verses show that if they were living to far
from the temple they turned their tithe into money and when the got to the
temple they were to convert it back to oxen, or for sheep, or for wine –again
farmers buying from farmers to tithe. So
this is a clear indication that the tithe was only required of a particular
subset of the Israelites.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The teaching of the tithe and the
church today<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Today we are hindered by this principle in the body
of Christ. This is similar to the trouble
that Paul had with the Galatians. They had replaced the true gospel with
another way to righteousness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
How is the tithe taught in the church today? Most churches have what is called an
offertory appeal. This appeal is where
someone usually a Pastor or an aid comes before the people to request funds to
sustain the ‘work of the church’. More
often than not there would be a reading from the verse in Malachi accompanied
with some deep revelation as to how we are to be following this verse. They will also seek to show how the promises
associated with obedience to it are applicable today. It is very important for them to include the
portion of scripture that declares you cursed if you disobey God in this
manner.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Well then, to what conclusion should we come and
what should be our recourse in relations to all these things. The only way to determine this is to examine
the scriptures for in them we have life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Examining the tithe<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Abraham and Melchizedek<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There are some teachers that
justify the tithe by saying that they are not following the Law of Moses, but
they claim that they are following the example of faithful Abraham. On its surface this seems to be a plausible
argument, but we are obligated to check its veracity. In this account of Abraham Lot had been
captured by the kings that had raided the city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sodom</st1:place></st1:city>.
They took <st1:place w:st="on">Lot</st1:place> away captive and Abraham
decided to go after them to get <st1:place w:st="on">Lot</st1:place> back. He got together a group of men and they went
after <st1:place w:st="on">Lot</st1:place>.
Let us take it up from there:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And he divided himself
against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them
unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Damascus</st1:place></st1:city>.
<b>And he brought back all the goods,</b>
and also brought again his brother <st1:place w:st="on">Lot</st1:place>, and
his goods, and the women also, and the people. And the king of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sodom</st1:place></st1:city> went out to meet him after his return
from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">valley</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Shaveh</st1:placename></st1:place>, which is the king's dale<b>. And Melchizedek king of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Salem</st1:place></st1:city> brought forth bread and wine: and he was
the priest of the most high God.</b> And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be
Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the
most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And he gave him tithes of all.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> <b>And the king of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sodom</st1:place></st1:city> said unto Abram,
Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king
of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the
possessor of heaven and earth, That </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I will not
take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing
that is thine, </span><span style="color: blue;">lest thou shouldest say, I have
made Abram rich:</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> Save only that which the
young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner,
Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.</span> Genesis 14:15-24<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Alright there you have it this is
the account of the tithe of Abraham. Now
from the top before we get into this in depth notice one thing; this was the <b><i>one
and only</i></b> time that Abraham tithed.
God had appeared to him many times and <b><i>not once</i></b> did he ever give
him this as an ordinance. That said let
us look into this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
1 – Abraham was in a war. He was victorious in that war and the
scripture says that when he won that war he took the spoils of the war from
those he was victorious over. There is
no doubt that there was wealth aplenty in this cache.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
2 – Abraham bought these spoils
before the priest Melchizedek <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
3 – Abraham gave to the priest
tithes of the spoils of the war.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Now from these three points can we
use this as a justification for tithing today?
Of course not! For one thing this
was a onetime event and no pastor would say that we should tithe once in our
lives! Second, did you notice that
Abraham kept nothing for himself? What
kind of tithing is that? He kept nothing
for himself from the spoils! Third, did anyone see the key word in this verse? The word is Abraham <b>GAVE </b>a tithe to Melchizedek.
I assure you that this is not just semantics and nit-picking. If you have read this series in its intended
succession you would be well aware by now of what giving is. I talked extensively on this in Tenet #
3. I showed that giving is not giving if
it is something that is required or demanded.
This is important because while a tithe (tenth) was at the center of
this issue the true point is that Abraham <b><i>gave</i></b> it. This is not what we have today. Under the old
covenant and subsequently the teachings of today one did not <b><i>give</i></b>
tithes. They were an <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">obligation</span>, a command <b>not</b> a gift of one’s freewill. Consider:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Now
consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham <b><i>gave</i></b>
the tenth of the spoils.</span> Hebrews 7:4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How does this differ from the tithe
of the old covenant and the one we obey today?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And verily
they that are of the <b>sons of Levi</b>, <b>who receive the office of the priesthood</b>,
</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">have a <u>commandment </u>to take tithes</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> of the people <b><u>according
to the law</u></b>, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the
loins of Abraham:</span> Hebrews 7:5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Hello, anyone there? Do you see what that says? Under the Levitical priesthood they had a<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> command</span></b> to <b><i>take</i></b> tithes. This is completely different from what
Abraham did. He gave in this scenario
but they had a command they had to obey.
This is not the same thing. There was no requirement that Abraham choose
the number ten, this was just a custom of the culture of the day. Abraham was not acting in accordance to the
law; in fact if their culture was to give 17 % that is what he would have
given. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Besides all this did anyone pick up
anything else from the verse we just quoted?
Let us look at it again:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And verily
they that are of the <b>sons of Levi, </b></span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">who receive the office of the priesthood</span></u><span style="color: blue;">, </span></b><span style="color: blue;">have a commandment to
take tithes of the people <u>according to the law</u>, that is, of their
brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There it is. The sons of who? Levi.
So that would make it of the priesthood of who? That would be the Levitical priesthood. And what would that priesthood be based
on? The Mosaic Law. And of what priesthood are we of today? <b>MELCHIZIDEK</b>:
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Whither
the forerunner is for us entered, <b>even
Jesus, </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">made an high priest for
ever <u>after the order</u> of Melchizedek</span></b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">.</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Hebrews6:20<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">As he saith
also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.</span></b> Hebrews 5:6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So we see that Abraham gave not of
necessity, but freely the ten percent to the priesthood of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Jacob’s tithe<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Jacob went out from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Beersheba</st1:place></st1:city>, and went
toward <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Haran</st1:place></st1:city>.
And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the
sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his
pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold
a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold
the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the LORD stood
above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of
Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;
And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to
the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and
in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am
with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring
thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that
which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said,
Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and
said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and
this is the gate of heaven. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took
the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and
poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bethel</st1:place></st1:city>: but the name of
that city was called Luz at the first. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">If </span><span style="color: blue;">God will be with me, and
will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment
to put on, So that I come again to my
father's house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: And this stone, which I
have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and of all
that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee</span><span style="color: blue;">.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Genesis 28:
10-22<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Jacob’s tithe is not mentioned often. This is due to the fact that this type of
tithing in no way relates to the teaching of the tithe today. In fact this
example would contravene what is taught regarding tithing. The reason for this is that Jacob’s tithe
here is a <b><i>conditional </i></b>one. He says
to God I will do this <b><i>if </i></b>YOU do this. Listen to me right now; never will you get
some preacher to say that. I can imagine
it now; the preacher mounts his pulpit and says ‘Laity listen to your Man-(<i>d</i>) of God (be sure to pronounce the word
man with a <b><i>d-sound</i></b> on the end; it adds to his spirituality). I had
a revelation last night. We are to tithe
in the manner that Jacob tithes before the Lord. So from now on <b><i>only</i></b> bring in a tenth <b><i>if</i></b>
the Lord blesses you abundantly this week.’
There would not be many takers I am sure. This was a conditional tithe, and it was only
in the event that Jacob’s circumstances met his request to God. Preach that, I dare you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The Annual Tithe<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
I am going to show you some surprising things about
the tithe. Judge within yourself the
scriptures and please let the spirit of the Lord guide you in your search for
truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Thou shalt truly </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth
forth year by year.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> And </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;">, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there,
</span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine
oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; </span></u></b><span style="color: blue;">that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always. And
if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">if the place be too far from thee</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there,
when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Then shalt
thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose:
And </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">thou shalt bestow that money for <u>whatsoever thy
soul lusteth after</u>, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong
drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the
LORD thy God, </span></b><span style="color: blue;">and thou shalt rejoice, thou,
and thine household, </span>Deuteronomy 14:22-26<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
This is where I get very angry in regards to the
doctrine of the tithe. Does anyone see
how the tithe was to be administered in the preceding passages? Listen to me this is the Law of God that they
say we must follow. Who among them can
alter theses words? Who among them can
change what the Lord has said? Any
alteration of these verses is heretical and blasphemous to the sovereignty of
God. May he have mercy on us. Let us now examine these verses. <b>READ
HIS WORD NOT YOUR DOCTRINE</b>!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
1 – His command under the law was for them to tithe
year by year. This is what I call the
annual tithe. In the first instance it
was done once a year<b><i>. Once a Year!</i></b> One time every year, will you understand
this? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
2 - This is the part where it gets interesting. Do you see what the very next verse says? God
is giving instructions on what to do with the tithe. <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">God</span></b> is giving
instructions. What were they suppose to
do with the tithe? <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…</span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">thou shalt eat</span></u><span style="color: blue;">
before the LORD thy God</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, in the place which
he shall choose to place his name there, <b>the
tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy
herds and of thy flocks; </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
I promise you under heaven that you will never get
one of those preachers to declare this verse to you! They were supposed to bring the tithe to the
temple and sit there and <b>EAT </b>and <b>DRINK</b> the tithe before the Lord. <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Who changed this?</span></b> When did the cross of Christ alter this? If we
are to follow this teaching today <b>who</b>
changed the rules? I demand these
law-abiders to show me when this rule was altered? The annual tithe was to be eaten before the
Lord <b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">by</span></i></b> the people who brought
it. Did you know that? <b>DID
YOU KNOW THAT?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
3 – In case you still believe they had no money
consider the very next verse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And if the way be too long
for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or <b>if the place be too far from thee</b>, which the LORD thy God shall
choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: <b>Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind
up the money in thine hand</b>, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy
God shall choose<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
If the place where they were to bring the tithe was
too far for them God said to turn it into money. But it gets even better! What happened next will shock you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
4 – Now here is where it gets <b><i>all the more fascinating</i></b>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And <b>thou shalt bestow that money for <u>whatsoever thy soul lusteth after</u>,
for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy
soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, </b>and thou
shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Well now, will you listen to the command of the God
you seek to obey? He says that before
the long journey they were to turn the tithe to money. Ok, when you got to the temple what were you
to do? You were supposed to bestow that
money for <b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">whatever</span></i></b>
your <b><i>soul
lusted</i></b> for. You get that? You were supposed to buy whatever you longed
for within the following categories: oxen, sheep, wine and strong drink! Then what were you to do with God’s holy
tithe (please say the last phrase in a deep trembling voice for enhanced
spirituality)? <b>You were supposed to eat it before the Lord</b>. Well blow me down!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Just to show you how depraved the minds of some of
these preachers can get, I once heard one preaching on these very same
verses. He recounted it in a very pious
way and when he got to this verse he could not handle the truth of God’s word. He then proceeded to cast out the verse that
said they were to buy strong drink with their tithe. He said, ‘Oh God would not want us to do that
-- something that leads you into depravity’.
Well my goodness what does the word of God say? Please do not misinterpret this as an
advocacy for drunkards. I myself do not
consume alcohol and I do not suggest anyone starts, but at the same time we
cannot discard this verse as written.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
For those of you who still need proof of the
administration of the tithe consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Thou mayest not eat within
thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the
firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest,
nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which
the LORD thy God shall choose,</span></u><span style="color: blue;"> thou, and
thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the
Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God
in all that thou puttest thine hands unto. Take heed to thyself that thou
forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth.</span>
Deuteronomy 12:17-19<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
They were instructed by God to take the tithe and
eat it before the Lord. This was the
annual tithe. Now pray tell me where it
can be found in your bible that:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
1 – The tithe was <b>changed</b> to money only as an acceptable offering<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
2 – <b>Everyone</b>
was commanded to tithe<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
3 – The tithe was <b>not</b> to be consumed by those who brought it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
How is it that we can just go about and change the
word of God without fear? To me this is
all moot anyway because in the last installment I prove that the Law has given
way to the New and Living way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The tri-annual tithe<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
This is very interesting, because you will see here
that indeed this tithe is the <b><i>only one</i></b> accepted and taught by
preachers today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not
forsake him</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">for he hath
no part nor inheritance with thee. </span></b><span style="color: blue;">At the </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">end</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">of three years </span></b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine
increase the same year,</span><span style="color: blue;"> and shalt lay it up
within thy gates: And the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Levite</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, (</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">because he hath no part
nor inheritance with thee</span></b><span style="color: blue;">,) </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">the stranger, and the
fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates</span><span style="color: blue;">, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD
thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.</span> Deuteronomy
14:27-29<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of
thine increase </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">the third year</span><span style="color: blue;">, which is the year of tithing</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and hast given it unto the
Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within
thy gates, and be filled</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; Then thou shalt
say before the LORD thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of
mine house, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and also have given them
unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, </span></b><span style="color: blue;">according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded
me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them. I
have not eaten thereof in my mourning, neither have I taken away ought thereof
for any unclean use, nor given ought thereof for the dead: but I have hearkened
to the voice of the LORD my God, and have done according to all that thou hast
commanded me. Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy
people <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land
that floweth with milk and honey.</span> Deuteronomy 26:12-15<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see these above verses? This is the only semblance to tithing we hear
today. Look at the elements:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
1-Collecting a tithe<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
2-Bringing to the Levites<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
3-Waiting for God to bless you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Listen to me; look at what <b><i>had</i></b> to be changed in
order for us to preach this verse today.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The 3-year tithe had to became the <b><i>only</i></b>
tithe<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The tithe became <b><i>only</i></b> money<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The tithe is directed <b><i>only</i></b> toward the preachers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->It moved from a tri-annual event to a weekly
event<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
How is it that we can so callously cut and paste
God’s word to fit our own doctrine?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The Sabbath Year<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Now here is one most of you have never heard of and
I contend you will never hear it because it does not transfer well into the modern
church.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And the <b><u>LORD </u></b>spake unto Moses in mount
Sinai, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, <b>When ye come into the land which I give
you, then shall the land keep a sabbath unto the LORD</b>. Six years thou shalt
sow thy field, and six years thou shalt prune thy vineyard, and gather in the
fruit thereof; <b>But in the seventh year
shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD:</b> thou
shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard. <b>That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou </b></span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">shalt not reap</span></u><span style="color: blue;">,
neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed:</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> for it is a year of rest unto the land. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee,
and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy
stranger that sojourneth with thee.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> And for
thy cattle, and for the beast that are in thy land, shall all the increase
thereof be meat.</span> Leviticus 25:1-7<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
How come this has been neglected? This is clearly saying that there was no
tithe taken on the Sabbath year. You
know why this is overlooked? No preacher
would dare give you a year off from tithing.
How ever would they support the ‘work of the ministry’? Yet this is a command of God! In fact annual, tri-annual and the Sabbath
year comprise the Law of Moses on tithing.
It is obedience to these that Malachi demands. It is disobedience to their <b><i>specifics</i></b>
to which Malachi accords a curse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Did Jesus endorse the tithe?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Many use as an argument Jesus’ statement to the Pharisees
as an endorsement of the tithe. Is this
so? Let us consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">"Woe to you, teachers
of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint,
dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the
law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter,
without neglecting the former.</span>
Mathew 23:23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">"Woe to you
Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds
of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have
practiced the latter without leaving the former undone</span>. Luke 11:42<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Is this an instance where Jesus endorses the tithe
and therefore commands us to continue practicing it? NO it is not!
Who was Jesus? Jesus was a
Jew. And what does the scripture say
explicitly about him?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But when the fullness of
the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">made under
the law,</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Galatians 4:4<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you understand this? Jesus was born under the Law. He complied perfectly with the Mosaic Law and
all its tenets. It was <b><i>because</i></b>
of this that he was worthy to be an unblemished sacrifice for sin. At the time of the rebuke to the Pharisees Jesus
himself was under the Law. It may shock
you to know that offering a sacrifice for sin of bulls and goats was perfectly
acceptable to God up until the death of Jesus.
Until then, one could receive forgiveness of sins through the
requirements of the Law of Moses. But
once the new covenant, purchased through the blood of Jesus, was opened to us
then we were to find forgiveness of sins under different requirements. So Jesus was perfectly correct in talking to
the Pharisees in this manner – after all he could not tell them to disobey the
Law of Moses at that time – but this is in no way an endorsement to continue
this practice once the new covenant was open to us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Who changed the rules?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Now I would like to know just who was so big, bad
and bold enough to change alter or simply mess around with God’s holy word. If the tithe is to be accepted today show me <b>ONE</b> scripture that says that we should
change how it was administered. Show me
where the cross of Jesus Christ stopped us from tithing according to the commands
of the Law to this watered-down version we have today. To those of you today who hold fast to this
rule that the tithe has changed to things other than described in the
scriptures consider this scenario:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Someone walks up to you and gives you a brand new car
or blesses you with a new house free of charge.
Now to what do you ascribe this?
Your pastor will say, ‘oh this increase has come to you because of your
faithfulness in paying your tithe’. Well
now, how happy are we! But wait just one
minute. That new car and new house is considered
and increase. Oh, oh, you know what that
means? It means that in keeping with the
Law of Moses you MUST pay ten percent.
Now, now, what is the faithful brother to do? Will he carve off 10% of his car and take it
to the alter, or maybe he would have to let some pastor ride it for 10% of the
time or better still he must borrow or come up with 10% of the value of the
thing and submit it to the pastor in order to comply with this word. If not then you have been increased and you
did not tithe to the Lord. He says to tithe on your increase and since that no
longer means just fruits and sheep then it must include your cars and
houses. Sounds like more trouble than it
is worth. (Please note that this scenario presents a considerable problem to
those of the Prosperity movement, because it is them that expect transference
of wealth in the form of cars and houses!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
I must reiterate the question. Who changed the
rules? <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">How is it that the curse in Malachi chapter 3 remains intact
and the tithe to which the curse is attached has been massacred?</span> Are we serious? We say that God will curse those who do not
tithe, but in order to escape that curse we have to be obedient to what God had
said in regards <b><i>to</i></b> the tithe. Surely there
must be some passage that tells us exactly how to tithe in the New Testament
that warranted this change. It would
have to be detailed and not obscure so as to not leave it up to men’s
imagination. How selective are we! We
eat ham and pork chops, crawfish and lobster, tuna and turtle meat all with
impunity, but oh the tithe oh how we must keep thee. The scripture says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">O the depth of the riches
both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments,
and his ways <b>past</b> <b>finding</b> out!</span> Romans 11:33<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Sadly brother Paul it is not God’s ways that are
past finding out but man’s way. Indeed
we are all baffling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Remember the words of Paul to Timothy:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For some men, <b>straying from these things</b>, <b>have turned aside to fruitless discussion</b>,
</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">wanting to be <u>teachers of the Law</u></span></b><span style="color: blue;">, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">even though they do not
understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">confident assertions</span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>1 Timothy 1:6-7<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
I am well aware that many preachers say that they
do not follow the law in regards to tithing; they are just following the
example of faithful Abraham. If this is
so then they <b><i>cannot</i></b> attach the curse of Malachi to this for if they do then
they are preaching the law.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">They are not Levites and they are not
Priests!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
This concept I believe to be at the heart of the
controversy on tithing. Preachers today
have transferred the concept of the Levites and placed this mantle on themselves. This has no basis in scripture whatsoever! What have we done today? We have:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Made the preacher a Levite<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Made the buildings we worship in The
Temple(storehouse) of God and the sanctuary<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Turn the tithe into money<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Does anyone see how dangerous this is? We have created a tradition all for one
purpose to cause the people of God to give to these behemoths we call
churches. This is indeed another gospel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
How is it I say to you that the tithe has survived
and the position of the Levite has not been fully restored? If the preachers of today are comparable to
the Old Testament Levite how is it that they bear no resemblance to them? This is important because even <i>they</i> realizes that they cannot justify
themselves receiving tithe unless there is some semblance of their position
with that of the Levites.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Who were these Levites and what did they do?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
The Levites were one of the tribes of Israel. They
were responsible for the work of the temple of God. They were charged with presenting the
sacrifices to God, and other ceremonial duties that were essential to the righteousness
of the children of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>
under the Law. What were their duties?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And the LORD said unto
Aaron, <b>Thou and thy sons</b> and thy
father's house with thee <b>shall bear the
iniquity of the sanctuary</b>: and thou and thy sons with thee <b>shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.
</b>And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring
thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but
thou and thy sons with thee <b>shall
minister before the tabernacle of witness</b>. And they <b>shall keep thy charge</b>, and the charge of all the tabernacle: only
they <b>shall not come nigh the vessels of
the sanctuary and the altar,</b> that neither they, nor ye also, die. And they <b>shall be joined unto thee, and keep the
charge of the tabernacle of the congregation</b>, for all the service of the
tabernacle: and a stranger shall not come nigh unto you. And ye <b>shall keep the charge of the sanctuary</b>,
<b>and the charge of the altar:</b> that
there be no wrath any more upon the children of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>. And I, behold, I have taken
your brethren the Levites from among the children of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>: to you they are given as a
gift for the LORD, <b>to do the service of
the tabernacle of the congregation</b>. Therefore thou and thy sons with thee
shall keep your priest's office for everything of the altar, and within the
vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office unto you as a
service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.</span><strong>
</strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Numbers
18:1-7<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And the LORD spake unto
Aaron, <b>Thou shalt have no inheritance in
their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them:</b> I am thy part and
thine inheritance among the children of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>. And, behold, I have given
the children of Levi all the tenth in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> for an inheritance, for
their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the
congregation. Neither must the children of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> henceforth come nigh the
tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin, and die. You do many things
like this in fact you have made the word of God without effect because of your
traditions.</span> Numbers 18:20-22<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
These duties in no way describe the activities of
the local pastor today. In fact the word
of God says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And from </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Jesus Christ</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, who is the
faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the
kings of the earth. <b>Unto him that loved
us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,</b> <b>And hath made </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">us</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">kings and priests</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for
ever and ever. Amen.</span> Revelation 1:5-6<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see this verse? It says he has through salvation made <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">us,</span></b> who is this us -- that is all the saints – he has made <b>us</b> kings and priest. So if the pastor can collect tithes so can
every individual in the church! You are
a priest. Get that through your
sanctified skull. There are no big
priests and little priest we are all the <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">SAME</span></b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
And another thing.
Do you see where it says that they would not have any inheritance in the
land? Well blow me down! Why has this
not transferred into the church today?
Man these preachers today have more of an inheritance than you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Again I say that this is all moot because the
priesthood that we are under is of the order of Melchizedek and not the Levitical. The doctrine of the tithe cannot stand today
because it was God’s way of taking care of the Levites and since the priesthood
has change then the law has changed as well.
Consider this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">If</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> therefore </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">perfection were by the Levitical priesthood</span><span style="color: blue;">, (</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">for under it the people
received the law,)</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">what further need was there that another priest should rise
after the <u>order of Melchisedec</u>, and <u>not</u> be called after the order
of Aaron?</span></b><span style="color: blue;">
</span>Hebrews 7:11<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Modern day Levites? HA! The pastors of today are NOT Levites and you
are not under the Levitical covenant!
Still want more proof? I have
read the bible extensively and I have never seen anywhere where Jesus the
Christ took tithes from his followers.
Was he doing the work of the Lord?
Yes, more than ye all. Well how
then did he not take this right unto himself?
Surely he would be doing well by giving us this example. Surely this would have been an end to all discussions. Why did not Jesus instruct his followers to
now bring tithes to him? Surely if these
modern day pastors could demand and accept tithes Jesus could have. Jesus accepted no tithes because <b>HE COULD NOT DO SO!</b> <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Jesus was of the tribe of JUDAH </span></b>and
what does the scripture say of that tribe:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For it is </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">evident</span><span style="color: blue;"> that our Lord </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">sprang out of Juda</span><span style="color: blue;">;
<b>of which tribe Moses spake nothing </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">concerning priesthood</span><span style="color: blue;">.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Hebrews 7:14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Hello, anybody there? Jesus could not accept tithes because he was
not a Levite. Only Levites could accept
tithes under the Mosaic Law and Jesus is of a different priesthood that has no
requirement for tithing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
By the way neither did the apostles
accept tithes. Let us look again at Acts:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">And they wrote letters by them after this manner</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto
the brethren which are of the Gentiles in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>
and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Syria</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and <st1:place w:st="on">Cilicia</st1:place>. Forasmuch as we have heard, that
certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your
souls, saying, <b>Ye must be circumcised</b>,
</span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 200%;">and</span></u></b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></u><b><span style="color: blue;">keep the law: </span></b><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">to whom
we gave no such commandment</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;">: It seemed
good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with
our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall
also tell you the same things by mouth. <b>For
it seemed good to the </b></span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Holy Ghost, and to us</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;">, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">to lay upon you no greater
burden than these necessary things</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; That ye
abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled,
and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare
ye well.</span> Acts 15:23-29<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Well now surely the apostles were
doing the Lord’s work. They took the
time to write this long letter and did not even have the <b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">decency</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></b>to include tithing! Oh the unmitigated gall of the apostles; do
they not know that this is how cathedrals and worship centers are built. How ever should pastors get paid if not for
this!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
That no one should or even <i>can</i> accept tithes today is sure. We have
in place a law to which God no longer demands.
This is akin to what the Pharisees did:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Making the
word of God of none effect through your <b>tradition</b>, which ye have
delivered: and many such like things do ye.</span> Mark <st1:time hour="19" minute="13" w:st="on">7:13</st1:time><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
God demands of us that we follow a
new tradition not of the letter but of a new and living way:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Therefore,
brethren, stand fast, and hold the <b>traditions</b> <b>which ye have been taught</b>, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">whether by word, or <u>our epistle</u></span><span style="color: blue;">.</span> 2 Thessalonians 2:15<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What therefore does the
gospel of the kingdom demand of us today?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So what do we do under this new
kingdom; this new covenant? What is the
gospel’s answer to all this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Now this I say, he who
sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also
reap bountifully.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Each one must do just as he has purposed in his
heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that
always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for
every good deed; as it is written,"HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE
POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER." Now He who supplies seed to
the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and
increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything
for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. <b>For the ministry of this service is not
only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through
many thanksgivings to God.</b> <b>Because
of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your </b></span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to
all,</span> 2 Corinthians 9:6-13<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The problem with the mindset of the
typical Christian is that we have been taught to interpret the word of God in a
strange way. Most of you reading this
would use this verse to support a command to tithe. Why?
It is because you have been taught that the Old Covenant is an extension
of the New and when you see the word <i>give</i>
or <i>sow</i> you immediately equate it to
the tithe of the Old Testament. But
remember the words of Hebrews:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Behold, the days come,
saith the Lord, when </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I will make a new covenant</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Not according to</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when
I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Keep this in mind as we continue to
find out what the word of God says we are to do under this New and Living
way. Let us look at the elements in Corinthians:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
1 – First Paul begins with a
principle. This principle is based on
what Jesus said that if you give it shall be given to you. One thing that must be realized that under
this covenant what one receives is based on what one gives. You therefore determine the amount of return
based on what you give. This is by far a
better promise than in the old covenant.
God placed the determination of how much he returns to you based on how
much you give.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
2 – Each one must do what he is
purposed in his heart to do. This is by
far a better tenet than under the old.
In the old covenant the determination was based on what God
commanded. Under the new and living way
it is based on what our hearts lead us to give.
Notice he specifically says that it is free of compulsion or grudgingly. God wants you to give from the heart not from
a law.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
3 – Through the next point he shows
that we are to give to those who are hurting and are in lack. This is very important because it was to
these people that the gospel speaks in particular.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
4 – This is the most important
element to these verses. Paul ends by
saying that giving in this way proves our obedience to the gospel of
Christ. Do you realize what he was saying? This type of giving is what the gospel of the
Kingdom requires. It must be:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Given<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">According to what you purpose in your heart<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Not according to compulsion<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">Directed toward those who lack<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Together giving in this way proves your
obedience to the gospel of the kingdom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Some have in their efforts to merge
the old covenant and the gospel of the kingdom, have gone so far as to say that
the tithe is the taxation system of this new kingdom. <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">No sir it is not.</span></b> God intends that under this system people
give without law and their giving should be <span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">generous and liberal</span> as a result of their changed
nature not because of a command.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Will you follow him, will you acknowledge his ways, and will you obey the
gospel of the kingdom?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-30976778103657441972012-03-08T10:59:00.004-05:002012-03-10T07:25:25.125-05:00The setting aside of the tutor, the OT, for the New and Living Way<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 26px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The discovery of electricity
revolutionized the existence of man on the planet. With it we now have the capacity to go farther
than was ever dreamed before its discovery.
It provides us with heat, cold, transport; it gives us the ability to
see through space and to communicate over vast distances. Electricity is by far one of the greatest discoveries
of mankind. However, this power would be
useless if we were unable to harness this energy and put it to use. It is through harnessing this energy that we are
able to produce all the wonders we now enjoy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Electricity is therefore a perfect
analogy to introduce this next installment. Your local power company provides your city
with the electricity that it needs to run all your appliances and tools that
are necessary for your daily activities.
Now the power company does not bring this power to us in a box or in a
paper bag does it? No, each of our homes
has a direct link to the source of the electricity – the power station. The
power station sends via wires and cables the power -- which in its raw form is
completely useless to us and in fact it is quite deadly. (Anyone doubting this can prove this statement
by using their finger to harness the power directly!) This power becomes useful to us as it is
channeled into our homes via outlets. It
is these outlets that provide us with a point of contact that we can use to
plug in our devices.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Here is where our use of power gets
tricky. The power is not the thing that
you really want. What you really want is
what the power can produce in your life.
For example to make a daiquiri you do not just need electricity but also
a blender. The blender, once connected
to the outlet then becomes a useful tool through which you can perform a
purpose. But what exactly causes the
blender to work? You have power,
yes. You have the blender, yes. But what is the most essential, often
overlooked, part of the equation? It is
the power cord that comes with every appliance, tool or electronic device. This often overlooked element is most
important for the simple fact that it turns the electricity into a useful state
from which we can fulfill our purpose.
Without the electrical cord the device will never work. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In keeping with our analogy; the
power becomes useful to us through the power cord that converts the electricity
to power our devices. The power cord
therefore is the conduit of the power.
But who determines what power cord to use on which device; the manufacturer
of course. But what if you the consumer
decided to cut the power cord from the device and connect to a power cord that
is not compatible with that particular device.
What would happen if you tried to connect your blender to the outlet
using a power cord that is designed for your mobile phone? It will not work. Why?
You have power, yes. You have the
device, yes. But what is the problem? The problem is the power cord. In this case
it would not provide sufficient power to the appliance and would result in the
device itself malfunctioning. But what does this all have to do with the Old
Testament? <b><i>Everything</i>.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>The power company represents the power of God that is available to us,
the device represents our lives and the power cord represents the covenant that
God uses to interact with us and provide us with his power in the earth.</b> You will come to see the importance of the covenant
(power cord) in the life of the believer, and you will understand how important
it is for us to connect to God with the <b><i>correct</i></b> power cord in order to gain
the desired results of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What was the other
gospel of the Galatians?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The Galatians had a problem. When Paul wrote to them he used some very
harsh words that were instrumental in declaring their conduct as heretical and
erroneous to the body of Christ. He peppered
his epistles with phrases like ‘<b><i>Oh foolish Galatians</i></b>’ and ‘<b><i>Who
had bewitched you</i></b>’. These are
indeed strong words from the apostle Paul that were used to target this
group. But why the strong language
brother Paul, why the harsh rhetoric? It
was because they had adopted another gospel that was completely different from
the one that Paul had preached to them.
Listen to what he says to them:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">I marvel
that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ <b>unto another gospel</b>: Which is not
another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of
Christ. </span>Galatians 1:6, 7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
They had adopted another gospel. Listen to his concern for the saints:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Ye did run
well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion
cometh not of him that calleth you.</span> Galatians 5:7, 8<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In this verse he says that whatever
this ‘other’ gospel was it was instrumental in <b><i>hindering </i></b>them from
obeying the truth. Do you realize what
this means? The gospel that they were
now listening and submitting to was now hindering them from obeying the
truth. To hinder means to obstruct or
get in the way of something. So whatever
this new gospel was it was obstructing their progress in the <i>true</i> gospel. He clearly says that such a persuasion <b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">does not</span></i></b> come from the
one (Christ) who calls them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>So what was the nature of the
other gospel?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This other gospel sought to please
men. Now before establishing what group
of men the apostle was talking of let us first prove that this is what he said:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">As we have
said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel
contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I
striving to please men?</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> If I were still
trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. </span>Galatians
1:9-10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Is there any example that can be
seen that would prove this new gospel in action? Yes there is, consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But when
Cephas came to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city>,
I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming
of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they
came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the
circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result
that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. <b>But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">truth of the gospel</span><span style="color: blue;">,</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> I said to Cephas in the presence of all</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not
like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?</span></b> Galatians 2:11-14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Did you catch that? Do you see what he said? These men were not acting in accordance with
the truth of the gospel. But in which
way did this occur ‘<span style="color: blue;">he began to withdraw and hold
himself aloof</span>’. Peter withdrew
himself from eating with the Gentiles.
Why was this? According with the
Law of Moses, the Jews were not to have any accord with the Gentiles. Consider Peter’s own words in the book of
Acts:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">He said to
them: "</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">You are well aware that it
is <u>against our law</u> for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him</span></b><span style="color: blue;">. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure
or unclean.</span> Acts <st1:time hour="10" minute="28" w:st="on">10:28</st1:time><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
What therefore caused this action
by Peter and others? <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">They for a brief moment had reverted to following the <u>Mosaic Law</u></span></b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For prior
to the coming of certain men from James…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
These were the Jewish
Christians. Peter withdrew himself in
order to please the Jewish brothers. Now
why did he do that? The answer to that question
will help us to realize what this other gospel was that the Galatians were
consuming.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Now back to or original thought,
can we prove that this new gospel was focused on pleasing men. Yes we can; we saw it in the above
verses. But just what type of men was
this new gospel aiming to please?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">But when I saw that they were not
straightforward about the truth of the gospel,</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> I said to Cephas in the presence of all, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">"If you, being a Jew,
live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that <u>you compel the
Gentiles to live like Jews?</u></span><u><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Were the Galatians the only ones
with this problem? No they were
not. Paul had the same problem in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ephesus</st1:place></st1:city>. Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">As I urged
you upon my departure for <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Macedonia</st1:place></st1:country-region>,
<b>remain on at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ephesus</st1:place></st1:city> so that you may instruct certain men
not to teach</b> </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">strange doctrines</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></b>1 Timothy 1:3<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Before we go on let us establish
what the men were supposed to be teaching:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But the goal
of our instruction </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">is love from a pure heart
and a good conscience and a sincere faith.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>1
Timothy 1:5<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So whatever these strange teachings
were they did not lead the ones being taught to love from a pure heart and a
good conscience and a sincere faith.
This doctrine was indeed strange.
Ok, Paul left Timothy in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ephesus</st1:place></st1:city>
to instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines. Now does he tell us what those <b><i>strange
</i></b>doctrines were?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For some men, <b>straying from these things</b>, <b>have turned aside to fruitless discussion</b>,
</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">wanting to be <u>teachers of the Law</u></span></b><span style="color: blue;">, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">even though they do not
understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">confident assertions</span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>1 Timothy 1:6-7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Did you see what this other gospel
was producing? These men that were in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ephesus</st1:place></st1:city> wanted to be
teachers of the Law. DO YOU SEE
THAT! And beside all this the apostle
says that they were <b><i>confident</i></b> in their assertions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This new gospel was a compulsion to
follow the Mosaic covenant. The new
gospel <b><i>compelled</i></b> the Gentiles to live as Jews! This was the nature of the new gospel, and this
is the thing that hindered them from obeying the truth. Well I ask you, do we have that problem
today. YES we do! This new gospel is alive and well and not
just in some sects of Christendom but in those who are blissfully unaware that
they too are following another gospel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Justification: What
does it mean?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Justification is defined as the act
of declaring righteous and just a particular thing. It follows through with the recognition of
the justifier deeming the justified righteousness. This concept can be seen in our court systems
today. Suppose a man is accused of some
crime. Throughout his case both sides of
the story is heard. After concluding
arguments the judge deliberates and comes back with a verdict of not
guilty. Under the law this verdict of
not guilty declares this individual cleared of all wrong doing in regards to
the charges made against him. This in
effect makes him righteous (in right alignment) with the law of the particular
society in which he was judged. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Notice in my definition of
justification it is impossible to be justified without being declared
righteous. The concept of righteousness
can therefore be intertwined with justification, because in order to be justified
one has be declared right. But this
introduces then the concept of righteousness.
Righteousness involves being rightly aligned. But the natural follow-up to that question is
<i>to what</i> is the person rightly
aligned. One cannot be righteous if there
are no rules to which you are aligned.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Back to God then; our desire as believers
is to be found just in his sight. This
justification is a continual process because it is developed as we continue to
be rightly aligned with what he has determined as right. One cannot, therefore, justify himself because
the terms of righteousness is beyond us and this privilege lies with God
alone. So what then is the righteousness
of God?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For I am not ashamed of
the <b>gospel of Christ</b>: for it is the
power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and
also to the Greek. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For therein is the
righteousness of God revealed</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> from faith to
faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. </span>Romans 1:16, 17<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The gospel and by extension the gospel
of the kingdom <b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">is</span></i></b> the
righteousness of God. This means that
the righteousness that God uses to justify us is <b><i>only</i></b> found in the gospel
of the kingdom. Please recall the
definition we have for the true gospel of the kingdom:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b>The Kingdom of God is a compilation of the
ideas, precepts and principles outlined and explicated by Jesus in the New
Testament; incorporated into the elements of an individual’s life resulting in
the shifting of their core belief system; impacting all areas of that person’s
attitudes, behaviors and relations toward their fellow man. Effectively creating a life submitted to God,
while providing a structure that ensures continuous prosperity in every aspect
of life.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is true gospel and is God’s
standard for life. And it is <b><i>only
through </i></b>our alignment with the gospel of the kingdom that we can find
righteousness in God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Where therefore is
righteousness obtained today?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Before we can answer this we must
address the statement of Jesus:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Think not
that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy,
but to fulfill.</span> Matthew 5:17<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Just what did Jesus mean when he
said this? He meant exactly what he
said! He came to fulfill the law i.e. he
came to satisfy the requirements of the law.
In him was the law complete. It
was through his perfection that he met its requirements, and in doing so he satisfied
the demands of God. The law required
that:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;">Man should die for disobeying it<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;">We should seek atonement for our sins<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Together Jesus fulfilled these acts
by being our substitution for sin and by atoning for our sins before God. This is why the scriptures tell us that our
faith should be in what Christ <b><i>has</i></b> done, and not by what we can
continue to do by following the law. The
Law itself is a collection of works, but salvation comes through faith and that
in Christ. The best way to describe this,
and it is by far not a perfect example, is by the body’s need for vitamins. We are told by our doctors that we should
take vitamins every day as a supplement to our diets. Now there are many types of vitamins that are
essential to the body’s operation. If we
are to be true to doctor’s orders we would be burdened by having to take many
tablets every day – one for vitamin c, one for vitamin e, the b-vitamins and a whole
host of other vitamins and minerals.
This is how the Law was; there were many requirements that were to be
complied with in order to gain righteousness.
But Jesus is like a <i>One-a-Day</i>
tablet. In these types of tablets all
the vitamins are concentrated into one simple tablet and by taking this one
tablet we no longer need to add other tablets (in fact if we were to do so that
would be considered and overdose and for our purposes that is called a hindrance
to the gospel).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
We can further understand Jesus’
words that he came to fulfill the Law by what he continued to say in his
discourse in Matthew chapter 5. Jesus in
this talk on the mount said something very interesting. In the verses that followed the ‘fulfillment
statement’ he would quote a particular law from the Law of Moses and interjected
the phrase ‘But I say unto you…’ This
phrase was interjected six times in Matthew when he was talking concerning the
Law. This is a very important
statement. What Jesus did in effect was
change the<b><i> nature</i></b> of the Law of Moses.
Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Ye have heard that it was
said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall
be in danger of the judgment: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But I say unto you</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause
shall be in danger of the judgment:</span>
Matthew 5:21-22a<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Ye have heard that it was
said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But I say unto you</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, That
whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her
already in his heart.</span> Matthew 5:27, 28<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">It hath been said,
Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But I say unto you</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, That
whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth
her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced
committeth adultery. </span>Matthew 5:31-32<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Again, ye have heard that
it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but
shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But I say
unto you,</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> Swear not at all; neither by
heaven; for it is God's throne: </span>Matthew 5:33-34<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Ye have heard that it hath
been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But I say unto you,</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> That
ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to
him the other also.</span> Matthew 5:38-39<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Ye have heard that it hath
been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But I say unto you</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, 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.</span>
Matthew 5:43-45<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you realize what is happening here? Jesus is quoting the Mosaic Law and then <b><i>altering</i></b>
its tenet. Under the Mosaic Law Jesus
said they were supposed to ‘Love their neighbors and hate their enemies’, but
under the gospel of the kingdom we are to ‘love our enemies’. Under the Mosaic Law one could be angry with
his brother and be perfectly in alignment with the law, but under the gospel of
the kingdom this was <b><i>not</i></b> allowed. Jesus was addressing the heart of man whereas
the Law only dealt with the outward behavior and never changed the man. Consider this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For what the law </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">could not do</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;">, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the
likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:</span> Romans 8:3<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
The law never addressed the internal changes; this
is what God really wanted -- change from the heart. In this way Jesus fulfills the Law in that he
supersedes it with a better law. The law
of life in Christ:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">law of the</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Spirit of life
in Christ Jesus</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> hath made me free from the law of sin and death.</span> Romans 8:2<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>How can persons gain
righteousness today?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For I am not ashamed of
the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">gospel of Christ</span></b><span style="color: blue;">: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">righteousness of God revealed</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live
by faith.</span> Romans 1:16-17<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But now
the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">righteousness of God <u>without</u> the law is
manifested</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, being witnessed by the law and
the prophets; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Even the righteousness of
God which is by faith of Jesus Christ </span></b><span style="color: blue;">unto
all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.</span> Romans
3:21-22<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For Christ
is the end of the law for righteousness</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> to
every one that believeth.</span> Romans 10:4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
What do all these verses have in
common? They all place righteousness
with God squarely at the feet of the gospel.
It is the gospel of the kingdom, that if we obey we will gain
righteousness with God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Can the tenets of the Law
of Moses justify us?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Another form of this question is: Can
we just use the ‘power cord’ of the Old Testament to act as a conduit for the
power of God to our lives today?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>What is the Law of Moses?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
That answer is simple enough and
can be declared in a similar fashion to our gospel statement:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b>The </b><b><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Law of Moses </span></u>is
a compilation of the ideas, precepts and principles outlined and explicated by </b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Moses </span>in the </b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">OLD</span> Testament; incorporated
into the elements of an individual’s life; impacting that person’s behaviors
and relations toward their fellow man. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The laws that were given through
Moses was God’s way of separating his people (the children of Israel) from the
world and providing them with a standard for which they would gain
righteousness with him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Can it justify us now?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Now this is a very important
question. Can the Law of Moses provide
us, the body of Christ, with the requirements necessary for righteousness? Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Knowing
that a man is </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">not justified</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ,
even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith
of Christ, and not by the works of the law: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">for by the
works of the law shall no flesh be justified.</span></b> Galatians 2:16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This passage shows us two things:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span><!--[endif]-->Whatever the works of the law is, it <b><i>cannot
</i></b>justify us<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span><!--[endif]-->The works of the law and faith in Jesus Christ are two
distinctly different things<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is important to know because
whatever is determined to be the works of the law cannot be the way that God
desires for our justification.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Brethren, my heart's
desire and prayer to God for <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>
is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of
God, but not according to knowledge. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For they
being ignorant of God's righteousness</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, <b>and going about to establish their own
righteousness</b>, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">have not submitted
themselves unto the righteousness of God</span></b><span style="color: blue;">. </span>Romans
10:1-3<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul is here addressing the Romans
in regards to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>. He says that they have a zeal for God but it
is not in accordance with knowledge. How
was this zeal for God expressed? It was
shown in their commitment to following the Law of Moses; consider what he says
of this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">For they being ignorant of God's righteousness</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, <b>and going about to
establish their own righteousness</b>, <b>have
not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul is saying that the Jews are
ignorant of God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own. How can this be, seeing that the Jews had the
Law of Moses and this Law was the standard of God’s righteousness? They knew and followed the law, how could they
be ignorant? Well it is evident in the
final statement of this verse:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">[they] have not submitted themselves unto the
righteousness of God</span></b><span style="color: blue;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Now this is important. Did they follow the Law of Moses? Were they zealous for God? Yes to all, but they were now without righteousness. How did this happen? Paul said they have not submitted unto the
righteousness of God; so what is this righteousness of God?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For I am
not ashamed of the </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">gospel of Christ</span></b><span style="color: blue;">: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one
that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For therein is the
righteousness of God revealed…</span><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There you have it; the
righteousness of God is now in the gospel of the kingdom, and can only be
applied to the lives of those who obey the gospel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">I do not frustrate the grace of God</span></b><span style="color: blue;">: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">for if righteousness come
by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.</span></b> Galatians 2:21<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Is the Law
then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For if a law had been given which was able to impart life,
then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></b>Galatians 3:20<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
These are poignant statements;
first he says that the belief that righteousness can come by the law is a
frustration to the grace of God.
Remember he says that it hinders them from obeying the truth, because
holding to one takes you from the other.
Then he asserts that if there was a law that could have given life then
righteousness would be based on law.
This is proof that the law could not make anyone righteousness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Consider the superiority of the New
and Living way to the law in regards to justification:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…and
through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.</span></b>
Acts <st1:time hour="13" minute="39" w:st="on">13:39</st1:time><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Look at what is said about the
inability of the law to justify as God intended. Paul says that the gospel of the kingdom
frees us from what…ALL THINGS. He
continues to say that the law did no such thing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
One more note on this section. Could it be construed by any stretch of the
imagination and interpretation that Paul preached that we should adhere to the
Law for righteousness?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And I,
brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then
is the offence of the cross ceased.</span> Galatians 5:11<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
He says to them that if he preached
circumcision, which was the Jews connection to the Mosaic covenant, why did he
still suffer persecution? He suffered
persecution because he spoke the cross of Christ which was incompatible with
the Old Testament covenant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">As many as
desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised;
only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.</span>
Galatians 6:12<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Here he says that those demanding
that you be circumcised only wanted to straddle the fence. They did not want to be persecuted by the
Jews so they compelled that believers be circumcised so they can glory in the
flesh!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Is the Law of Moses as a way to
righteousness obsolete?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
A covenant is a document that articulates benefits,
provisions, rules and penalties of an agreement. It clearly defines the rights and privileges
of the parties to the contract while delineating the punishments if the
agreement was ever to be broken.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
God has used covenants throughout the existence of
mankind. The first covenant was in the
garden between the human race, represented by Adam and Eve, and God. This covenant was prematurely terminated by
the humans. The next covenant was
between God and the Jewish people at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Sinai</st1:placename></st1:place>. This covenant was found wanting because it
could not produce the righteousness that God was demanding from humanity. So the last and final covenant was introduced
by Jesus in what we call the New Testament today. This satisfied the high requirements of God,
and at the same time it ensured that there were sufficient benefits to be had
by the humans. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
But today we have a problem. By examining these three covenants one thing
is completely obvious. When one covenant
was deemed null and void the provisions of that covenant were no longer
available, and any benefits now can only be had through the provisions of the
covenant that was enforced. When Adam
transgressed he could not hope to continue to receive the benefits under the
broken covenant. The conditions for
failure had been met, and therefore he could not hope to experience the benefits
again. Today in the modern church we too
seek a similar arrangement. The law
which embodies the old covenant given to Moses is filled with promises and benefits
to one’s compliance and obedience. From Exodus
to Malachi there are a host of benefits based on the old covenant. But God deemed this covenant to be ineffective:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For if that first covenant had been faultless, <b>then should no place have been sought for the second.</b></span><span style="color: blue;"> For finding fault with them, he saith, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a <u>new
covenant</u> </span></b><span style="color: blue;">with the house of Israel and
with the house of Judah: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Not according to the
covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of the land of Egypt;</span></b><span style="color: blue;">
because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the
Lord.</span> Hebrews 8:7-9<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
There are several important points to see here,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
1 – The first covenant was faulty. Why was this? It could not produce the righteousness that
God demanded. It did not change the
heart of man it just modified his outward behavior.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
2- God says that he sought a second covenant <b><i>because</i></b>
the first was faulty. God moved to a
second covenant because the first was faulty.
The first could not do what he wanted so he moved to another
covenant. How many ways can I say this one
thing! How many ways could God?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
3- God made a new covenant. Do you understand that? <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">God made a new covenant</span></b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
4 – This new covenant that God made was <b>NOT</b> in accordance to the covenant he
made with the fathers when he bought them out of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>. What covenant did he use when he came out of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Egypt</st1:place></st1:country-region>? Say it with me, <b>The Mosaic Covenant</b>. So what
God is saying is that he made a new covenant <i>not according</i> to the Mosaic Covenant with those who are following
Jesus. <b>THIS IS VERY SIGNIFICANT!!!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
So what this is saying is that a person is
righteous in the sight of God by just following the teachings of Jesus. Well now, isn’t that a kettle of fish and a
kick in the head. I know some reading
this may think they already know this but we shall see.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Hebrews continues with this line of thought:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">When He said, "A new
covenant," <b>He has made the first </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">obsolete</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> But whatever is
becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear. </span>Hebrews 8:13<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you know what obsolete means? <i>Dictionary.com</i>
and the <i>American Heritage Dictionary</i> define
it. It means, of a discarded or
outmoded type; out of date; to make obsolete by replacing with something newer
or better; antiquated; No longer in use.
Am I going too fast for anyone?
Do you see the definition of this word? Will you understand it? Let us move right along. You must realize
that this is a huge stumbling block for the church today, because in many
respects we are holding onto the tenets of the old covenant in the hopes of maintaining
righteousness with God. We even seek the
benefits and promises of the old covenant.
How can this be when God said that these are obsolete? Oh it gets even better:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Now if perfection was
through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received
the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to
the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of
Aaron?</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For when
the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs
to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a
tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests</span></b><span style="color: blue;">. And this is clearer still, if another priest arises
according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become such not on the basis
of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an
indestructible life. For it is attested of Him, "YOU ARE A PRIEST
FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK." </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former
commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing
perfect), <u>and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope,
through which we draw near to God.</u></span></b> Hebrews 7:11-19<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Again let us examine what these verses say,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
1 – Not only was the Law imperfect the Levitical
priesthood was imperfect. Well now, let
me hear from my modern day Levites. This
is important because oftentimes preachers of today liken their roles to the
Levites. God himself says their
priesthood was <b>NOT PERFECT</b> (please say
with loud booming voice).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
2 – Jesus arose according to <b><i>another</i></b> priesthood. Get that?
<b><i>Another</i></b><i> </i>priesthood. It will become clearer in the next point.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
3 – For when the priesthood is changed of <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">necessity</span></b> there is a change of law also. Did you know that? Before I began this study I didn’t. If the priesthood is changed then the law is
changed as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
4 – Here God raps the law again. He says that the commandment was set aside
because it was – get this now, his words not mine – WEAK and USELESS. Do you understand what that means? God calls his own covenant weak and
useless. You will see just why he does
so in a few minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
5 – Now here is the kicker. He says he brings in a BETTER hope through
which we draw nigh to God. God is saying
that the NEW covenant, <b><i>that has no resemblance to the tenets, rules
and order of the old covenant</i></b>, is what we <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">must</span></b> use to
draw nigh to God. Hello! Are you still there?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Therefore let me ask you a question. What do we hope
to gain when we remind God of the provisions he made in Deuteronomy? Realize this that by introducing the new he
made the old obsolete which means it has no effect. What we are doing is trying to find some
tenet under the old covenant and make it work under the new covenant. You are suffering from Covenant
Confusion. You cannot meld Deuteronomy
chapter 8 with Luke chapter 6. <b>You cannot have it both ways</b>. The old and the new are NOT interchangeable. They are from <b><i>two</i></b> different
dispensations. Look at what he says to
us:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as
much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on
better promises.</span></b> Hebrews 8:6<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Better covenant and better promises. Better than
what? The old covenant. Better promises than found where? The old covenant. Let me ask you, did the people of the old
covenant have our promises? NO!!! Then how is it that we can have their
promises under this new covenant. The
key to attaining these better promises is through righteousness. Righteousness or in right-standing with the
new covenant <b><i>not </i></b>the old.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
So why does God call the old covenant useless and
faulty? It was because it was only
suppose to be temporary:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…which is a symbol for the
present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot
make the worshiper perfect in conscience, since they relate only to food and
drink and various washings, regulations for the body </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">imposed until a time of reformation.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Hebrew 9:9, 10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Wherefore then serveth the law?</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> <b>It was added because
of transgressions</b>, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">till the seed should come
to whom the promise was made</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; and it was
ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.</span> Galatians 3:19<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
The law was <b>only</b>
temporary and was put in place to stem transgressions <b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">until</span></i></b> the time of reformation. When did this time of reformation begin? When Jesus uttered these words ‘Repent for
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> (The Gospel) is at hand’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Didn’t Paul observe the Law of
Moses?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This confusion arises because of
two instances in the scripture that if not read properly would lead us to believe
that Paul did indeed follow the law. The
first instance is found in Acts 21:20-24:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And when
they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, "You see,
brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have
believed, and they are all zealous for the Law; and they have been told about
you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake
Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to
the customs. "What, then, is to be done? They will certainly hear that you
have come. "Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are
under a vow; take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses
so that they may shave their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to
the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk
orderly, keeping the Law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The brothers wanted Paul to make an
outward show in the flesh to declare that he was walking in accordance with the
Law of Moses. So why did he comply
seeing that he himself had denounced it in his letters?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">For though I am free from all men</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I have made myself a slave
to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might
win Jews</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; <b><u>to those who are under the Law, as under the Law </u></b>though not
being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;</span>
1 Corinthians 9:19-20<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is the reason for his
compliance. By the way do you see that
little interjection in verse 20 he says ‘as under the Law though not being
myself under the Law’. If there was
still any question consider what he says in the very next verse:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">To the
Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like
one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those
under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law
<b>(though I am not free from God's law </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">but am under Christ's law</span><span style="color: blue;">)</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, so as to win those not having the law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This Law of Christ is the message
of the gospel of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Another instance where it seemed as
though Paul followed the Law was found in Acts 24:14:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But this I
confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the
God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the
prophets<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The context in which he says this
verse clears up any discrepancies:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Having therefore obtained
help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">saying none other things than those which the prophets and
Moses did say</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> should come: That Christ
should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead,
and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.</span> Acts
26:22-23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul says he worshipped God in the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">New Way</st1:address></st1:street> believing
all things that were written in the Law and the Prophets. On its face this may seem a directive to
follow the law, but as he continues his discourse we see how he qualifies this
statement. He says that he believed the<b><i> prophecies</i></b>
written by Moses and the prophets.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What then is the
purpose of the Law of Moses?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The Law of Moses has three purposes
relevant to the body of Christ for today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span><!--[endif]-->It was our tutor<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span><!--[endif]-->It is a symbol<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span><!--[endif]-->It was a shadow<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The Law the tutor<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Wherefore the law </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">was</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> our schoolmaster to
bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith
is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of
God by faith in Christ Jesus.</span>
Galatians 3:24-26<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
The law served a purpose as a school master. It was a temporary measure to lead us to the
way of God until faith was revealed in Jesus.
Now it is no longer required.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The Law the symbol<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Holy Spirit is
signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed
while the outer tabernacle is still standing, <b>which is a symbol</b> for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and
sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,</span>
Hebrews 9:8-9<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The Law the shadow<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For the law having a
shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never
with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the
comers thereunto perfect.</span> Hebrews 10:1<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
This passage shows that the law was a shadow of the
things to come and was not the substance which was found in Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>What then do we do with the Old Testament today?<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Am I advocating that we should only read the New
Testament scriptures and discard the reading of the Old Testament? NO! Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">All </span></b><span style="color: blue;">scripture is given
by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.</span> 2 Timothy 3:16,17<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
All the scripture has value! The trouble occurs when we try to determine
righteousness from a particular passage.
So what of the value for today:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
1 – The Old Testament displays the nature of
God. God does not change. He is as he has always been. Through proper understanding of the Old
Testament we can learn the very nature of God himself. We learn of his sovereignty,
his requirement for holiness; his justice and his wrath. We can see his care for his children and
learn of his deep understanding. In the Old
Testament we see how God protects those who obey him and we realize how the patriarchs
themselves had faith in God and how he rewarded that faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
2 – The Old Testament provides us with examples,
principles and guidelines. Contrary to
popular belief the entire Old Testament does not just speak of the laws of Moses.
In fact Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are filled with principles that tell us how
God works and why we should obey him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
3 – The books of the prophets provide us with
eschatological teachings that are essential for our understanding of the end of
time. No one can discount the importance
of Daniel’s vision or Ezekiel’s insights.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">What of those who would bring back
the tenets of the law for our obedience?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you
not listen to the law?</span></b> Galatians 4:21<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
The desire to follow the law has never really left
the church. The early church struggled with this concept and we today still
struggle with it. Of late however there
are some that have ramped up their adherence to the Mosaic Law and are seeking
to entangle the body of Christ again in this bondage. See the law is unique, in that, if one is to
adopt any part thereof then he is <b>obligated</b>
to obey the whole law. When Paul used
the term circumcision in the New Testament; he used this term interchangeably
with the concept of obeying the law, because circumcision was one’s connection
with the law. Look at what he says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">It was for
freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> Behold I, Paul, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">say to you that if you
receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And I testify again to
every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the
whole</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> Law.</span> Galatians 5:1-3<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Several things of importance here,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
1 – Paul calls the law a YOKE OF SLAVERY. Does anyone reading see that?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
2 – To those who want to follow the Law, Christ is
of NO BENEFIT TO THEM. What! Do you understand what this means? This is nothing to take lightly. Those of us who are seeking to have both
covenants, CHRIST IS OF NO BENEFIT TO YOU.
In fact in verse four in case you did not understand what he said he
says, ‘<b><span style="color: blue;">You have
been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; you have fallen from grace</span>’. Pretty harsh words
there Brother Paul. He says if you are
doing something other than what the gospel of the kingdom demands for
righteousness you are severed from Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
3 – If you take up one part of the Law you are<b><i>
obligated</i></b> to do all. Now this is
serious. There are some who want you to
observe certain festivals and rituals of the old covenant. God says, ‘oh yeah’. If you want to do that then you are OBLIGATED
to obey the ENTIRE law. Listen do not
play with this. Paul did not say this to
just say this; this is a very serious thing.
Want to hear more:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For as many as are of the
works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE
WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM."
</span>Galatians 3:10<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
You are cursed if you do any part of the law and
not the whole!! THIS INTRODUCES A VERY IMPORTANT CONCEPT. Do you realize what this verse is saying in
Galatians 3:10? This verse is saying in no uncertain terms that if you are
living under <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">ANY</span></b> part of the law and not the whole YOU
ARE CURSED. Do you see this? Those who
would take a tenet here and a tenet there and claim it or institute it in their
lives God says that you are living under a curse. Those who would teach any part of the law as
mandatory are shackling their listeners to a curse. The law is a total package and God says that
you cannot do one part and not do all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Is there any way that we can seek righteousness by
following the law in our lives? We shall
see!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul goes on to say:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But now that you have come
to know God, or rather to be known by God, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">how is it
that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which
you desire to be enslaved all over again? </span></b><span style="color: blue;">You
observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I
have labored over you in vain.</span> Galatians 4:9-11<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
He says we
desire to return back to weak and worthless elements. Remember who he is talking to – the Galatians
who had adopted another gospel based on the Law of Moses. He calls this enslavement! By the way, what were they doing exactly?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">You observe days and
months and seasons and years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Where are these found? These are requirements of the Law. Paul in disappointment says that perhaps he
has labored in vain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul talks a lot about this problem because he had
dealings with it first hand:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Some men came down from <st1:place w:st="on">Judea</st1:place> and began teaching the brethren, "</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, you cannot be saved."</span> Acts 15:1<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
These men were seeking to add to the gospel of the
kingdom by including the tenets of the Mosaic covenant. What was the apostles’ official response to
this madness?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…and they sent this letter
by them, "The apostles and the brethren who are elders, to the brethren in
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Antioch</st1:place></st1:city> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Syria</st1:place></st1:country-region> and <st1:place w:st="on">Cilicia</st1:place> who are from the Gentiles, greetings. "Since
we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have
disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls, it seemed good to us,
having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved
Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ. "Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will
also report the same things by word of mouth. </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">"For
it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden
than these essentials: that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and
from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep
yourselves free from such things, you will do well.</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;"> Farewell." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Well now.
Are the apostles seeking to deceive these people? They are giving them the way of righteousness
in the gospel of the kingdom. Well how
is it that there is no mention of recognizing the day of Atonement or
celebrating Rosh Hashanah or even of that other popular teaching in the church
today (Hint: It begins with a T)? My
goodness they sure left out a lot, probably they ran out pf parchment. Pretty expensive those days you know. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Remember what we said at the beginning:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For some men, <b>straying
from these things</b>, <b>have turned aside
to fruitless discussion</b>, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">wanting to be <u>teachers
of the Law</u></span></b><span style="color: blue;">, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">even though
they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which
they make </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">confident assertions</span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> </span>1 Timothy 1:6-7<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
To those who would bring us back under the Law of Moses,
remember it is not possible to adopt one aspect and not adopt the entirety of
the law. My question to you is what then
do we do with our errant children? Do
you know what the law <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">DEMANDS</span></b> that we do to them?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">"If any man has a <b>stubborn and rebellious</b> son who will
not obey his father or his mother, and when they chastise him, he will not even
listen to them, then </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">his father and mother
shall seize him,</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> and bring him out to the
elders of his city at the gateway of his hometown. "They shall say to the
elders of his city, 'This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious, he will not
obey us, he is a glutton and a drunkard.' <b>"Then
all the men of his city shall </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">stone </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 200%;">him</span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 200%;">to</span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 200%;">death</span><span style="color: blue;">;</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> so you shall remove the evil from your midst, and all <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region> will
hear of it and fear. </span>Deuteronomy 21:18-21<span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Any takers?
Well now, you sophisticated teachers with your brand new revelations of
what we should follow from the Old Testament, what is your answer here? You cannot do too much altering here now can
you? Notice what he does <b><i>not</i></b>
say. We cannot bring them before the
Lord in prayer, or fast for their salvation.
We are <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">OBLIGATED </span></b>to bring our disobedient children
before the elders to be <b><i>stoned.</i></b> How selective are we!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
One final note on those who would bring us back to following
the old covenant. The high priest was
essential in doing and receiving acts of righteousness under the old
covenant. If then we are to do these
acts following the Old Testament who then is our High Priest? Before you spout off the name <b>Jesus</b>, because the bible says that he
is our High Priest, recall for me please, does it really say that -- remember
back a few paragraphs:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And he says in another
place, "You are a priest forever, <b>in
the order of Melchizedek</b></span> Hebrews 5: 6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="sup"><span style="color: blue;">…</span></span><span style="color: blue;">and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal
salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in
the <b>order of Melchizedek. </b></span> Hebrews 5:9-11<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Now if perfection was
through the <b>Levitical</b> priesthood (for on the basis of it the people
received the Law), </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">what further need was
there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and <u>not
be designated according to the order of Aaron?</u></span></b><u><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Jesus is <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">not </span></b>a priest in the order
of the Levitical priesthood and so:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For when the <b>priesthood</b>
is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.</span> Hebrews
7:12<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
So I ask again who is representing those who would
use any tenet of the Mosaic Law for righteousness – <b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">who is representing
them before God</span></b>? I end this
section with this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">A little leaven leaveneth
the whole lump.</span> Galatians 5:9<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The Gospel of the Kingdom: The new
and living way<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Jesus came to bring us a new covenant. This new covenant was designed by God and it is
what he always wanted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">By a new and living way,
which he hath consecrated for us… </span>Hebrews 10:20a<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The two wills<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
There once was a man whose name was John
Cartwright. John had a wife and two
children that he cared for deeply. John
was a dedicated provider for his family and this dedication was shown by the
way he provided for his loved ones.
Through diligence John amassed a great fortune; by all accounts he was a
multi-millionaire. Around the time his
family was young -- his oldest child being 5 years of age – he decided to go
and draft up a will to protect his family in the event of his demise. He
tallied up all his assets, and it was determined that his assets at the time were
valued at 10 million dollars. He based his will on his current assets. The will divided the property and cash between
his wife and two children. That was done
and John continued to live life. He
continued for another 10 years, but by this time he had had two more children bringing
his brood to 4 and he had increased his fortune to 175 million dollars. He decides that it is now time to update his
will. He goes to the legal counsel to
update his will, but his lawyer tells him that he cannot simply update his will
but must have a new will to accommodate his new assets and children. The legal team goes to the task of writing a
new will for John. They eventually come
up with a document that satisfies John and he signs it. One month later John dies. With the funeral behind the family the will
is bought out to be read. My question to
you is which of John’s wills would his lawyer read? He would have to read the new will. Why?
It is because the old will became obsolete once John signed a new
will. In this scenario which is better
the old or the new? The new is better
because it had a greater fortune from which to share among the family. This crude example shows what happened in the
new covenant of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…so much the more also
Jesus has become the guarantee of a <b>better
covenant</b>.</span> Hebrew <st1:time hour="19" minute="22" w:st="on">7:22</st1:time><o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But now He has obtained a
more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a <b>better covenant</b>, which has been enacted
on better promises.</span> Hebrews 8:6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">FOR THIS IS THE COVENANT
THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THE HOUSE OF <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">ISRAEL</st1:place></st1:country-region> AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE
LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS INTO THEIR MINDS, AND I WILL WRITE THEM ON
THEIR HEARTS. AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY
PEOPLE. </span>Hebrews 8:10<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For this reason He is the
mediator of a <b>new covenant</b>, so that,
since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that
were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive
the promise of the eternal inheritance.</span>
Hebrews 9:15<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Seeing then that we have
such hope, we use great plainness of speech: And not as Moses, which put a veil
over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end
of that which is abolished: </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%;">But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the
same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done
away in Christ. </span><span style="color: blue;">But even unto this day, when
Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. Nevertheless when it shall turn to
the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where
the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face
beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image
from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.</span> 2 Corinthians
3:12-18<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But now we are delivered
from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in
newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.</span> Romans 7:6<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
The new covenant<b><i> is</i></b> the gospel of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>.
We seek after the old covenant because we do not understand the better
promises of the New Testament. It is through these promises that we have power
-- power over sin and power over Satan.
Through these promises we can once again gain dominion in life as we
reign with him and through him. Look at
what he says the gospel of the kingdom had the power to do:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">The Spirit of the Lord is
upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath
sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and
recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised</span> Luke 4:18<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
The new gospel:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><!--[endif]-->Has
the answer to spiritual and physical poverty<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><!--[endif]-->Heals
the broken hearted<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><!--[endif]-->Brings
freedom to those in captivity to sin<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span><!--[endif]-->Release
us from oppression <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Again you may say that I am not a follower of the
Law of Moses but I am a follower of this new gospel. If so then read with gusto the next
installment!<o:p></o:p></div>Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-41826728599503445052012-03-08T08:09:00.001-05:002012-03-08T08:09:22.915-05:00The denunciation of the Aberration that is the prosperity gospel<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
I write with concern this
installment on the reformation, because I know that this aspect of Christendom
carries with it the hopes and dreams of countless Christians. Many would not have trouble adopting my first
two installments but I admit for some this may seem an assault on the very core
of all that they believe and hold dear.
If this is you I make no apologies, because the truths of God’s word is
far more important that our sensibilities and emotions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
An aberration is something that
deviates from what is deemed normal or usual.
I classify the prosperity gospel as an aberration because it does just
that. There is no doubt that this
concept has indeed trekked far from what Jesus gave us in the gospel of the kingdom. In fact, through this writing you will come
to see that the prosperity gospel could be classified as another gospel with
all the bells and whistles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When I speak of the prosperity
gospel I speak as one who was caught up in the deep recesses of this
movement. For <u>many years</u> I sent, <b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">in faith</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">, </span></b>thousand of dollars to various ministries all promising to better
my financial state if only I sowed a seed.
I was not a fly-by-night adherent to this doctrine. I bought their teaching tapes, studied their
books and went to their conferences. I
wholeheartedly embraced the tenets of this faith, and I did all that was
required to see a manifestation of my faith.
So when I speak of this doctrine I speak from a position of
experience. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">What is the Prosperity
Gospel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
To understand the prosperity gospel
one must understand how human beings in general operate. We are indeed complex creatures and as such
our motives and methods of operation bear this out. When humans are oppressed for extended
periods of time we begin to resent that oppression. This is due to our nature; we all seek to be masters
of our own destiny and commanders of our own fate. This natural inclination drives us to rebel
against anyone or anything that we perceive as a hindrance to the expression of
our personal freedom. The problem is
that more often than not when we escape these entanglements we go from one
extreme to the next and often at light speeds.
The reason for this is that we want to put as much distance as possible
between us and the thing that oppressed us.
This is what gave rise to the saying ‘he went from one extreme to the
next’. Understanding this concept will
help you to see the true nature of the prosperity gospel and to understand why
it is so popular.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
For years a legacy of poverty has
been handed down through the body of Christ.
This legacy was effective in equating poverty with holiness. This was and is a hallmark concept of the
Catholic faith and for centuries after Christ this concept was held as the
oracle from God and this teaching has continued to this day. Even after the reformation with Martin Luther
these powerful concept remained with us.
This led Christians to eschew abundance and cling to a life of
impoverishment. This was the
oppression. In the early 20<sup>th</sup>
century, with the rise of Pentecostalism and Charismata, this began to
change. Christians were now awaking to
the concept that God wants his people to be rich and prosperous. This lit a fire that has raged on to this
day. But what we have today is the
extreme side of the poverty we once espoused.
We escaped the dregs of poverty like a bat out of hell; so much so that
where our ancestors once sought to be seen as righteous by what they lacked we
now seek to show our righteousness by our abundance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The tenets of the prosperity gospel
are few in that it can all be reduced to these concepts:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God wants you to be rich<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">God wants you to have the best of everything<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Together these fuel the minds of
the prosperity teachers and lead to the doctrines we have today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Before I am dismissed as an
antagonist to God’s people prospering let me say from the onset the true gospel
of the kingdom does agree with an infinitesimal portion of the prosperity teachings
about God’s blessing. But I contend that
what we have today is a sordid, perverted, distortion of what the true gospel
had in mind. This will all come to light
very shortly. Please read on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Flawed foundations<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">According to the grace of
God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the
foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he
buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid,
which is Jesus Christ.</span> (1 Corinthians 3:10, 11)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Foundations are very
important. They provide the basis for
our structures and metaphorically they form the basis of our belief systems. Each philosophical idea has its basis on
something. Each doctrine is rooted and
grounded in some thought. The prosperity
gospel is no different. The problem is
that the prosperity gospel has its footing on flawed foundations. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Money, Money, Money<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Regardless as to what is said and
how it is said the prosperity teachers have this concept at hand: ‘the body of
Christ needs money’. This building block
is faulty from the onset. Now I am not
some nitwit that believes that we should not have money. I contend, as I will explain, that money is
important but what the prosperity gospel does is push the quest to achieve
money to the extreme. In fact the gospel
has become <b><i>the way</i></b> to achieve financial breakthrough. I know what they say, ‘Oh it is about having
your family whole and your body whole’, but these are only thrown in to mask
the stench of monetary pursuit. Listen
to what Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But
realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">lovers of money</span><span style="color: blue;">, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents,
ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without
self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers
of pleasure rather than lovers of God, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">holding to a form of godliness</span><span style="color: blue;">, although they have denied its power; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The key phrase here is that Paul
recognized that there would be people that would become lovers of money. This phrase is a mouthful but it simply describes
men consumed by greed. The next phrase
is very telling in that it says that these men will be holding to a <b><i>form
of godliness</i></b>. This is important
because Paul says that it is just a form of godliness and not the real thing which
has power. But what is the true power of
godliness or what makes us act in a way that pleases God -- which is what godliness
is. The gospel of the kingdom <b><i>is</i></b>
the power of God and it leads us to live godly lives. The prosperity gospel denies that power
because it draws men deeper into the love of money, instead of the gospel of
the kingdom, which causes its adherents to overcome the vices listed in the passage
above.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Some of you may be wondering just what
all this has to do with some of our illustrious teachers today. Surely these verses cannot be talking about
them, and surely it must be talking of those who are outside the church. Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">I know that after my
departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">from among your own selves men will arise</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after
them. </span>(Acts <st1:time hour="20" minute="29" w:st="on">20:29</st1:time>,
30)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
A perversion is anything that
deviates from the truth. It is very
simple to determine perversion. All you have
to do is find the truth and compare it with what you are examining and if it
does not compare with the truth then it is a perversion.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The prosperity Gospel sounds
very much like the American Dream<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is another chink in the armor
of the prosperity doctrine. The
prosperity gospel sounds <b><i>exactly</i></b> like the American
Dream. The American Dream was a concept
that was developed to embody a single idea of what the pursuits of a typical
American should be. This concept is not
new, in fact the idea was around from the 1800s, but through time it became
totally focused on the materialistic aspects of life. Today it can be summed up in the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b>With hard work one can achieve all his hopes
and dreams regardless of the condition of his birth. The fruits of this success are exemplified by
an abundance of wealth further exemplified by ones possession of fine houses
and cars.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The concept of the American Dream has
become a totally self-centered, egotistical concept that drives us to live for
us alone and to seek out life’s pleasures.
Does this sound like any of the end-promises of the prosperity
gospel? Ask for what you want? Seek after your desire? What do I want God to
do for me? These concepts only pander to
our flesh and not to the purposes of God for our lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How did this happen? While they do not admit it, the truth is that
we have looked to the world to teach us what is good and what is acceptable. This leads to an unquenchable greed in the
body of Christ. These leaders have given
us concepts of what it means to be prosperous and having the abundant
life. The problem is these concepts are based
on westernized concepts of greed and excess.
Cultures all over the world have their own ideas of what it means to be
blessed and oftentimes it does not involve having a million dollars and a
private jet. To some of them it could
just mean having their children fed, clothed and safe. It is unjust for us to export our brand of
prosperity under the guise of the gospel to these otherwise contented people
and in so doing corrupt their concepts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>It is connected to the ebb and
flow of the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>
economy<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is one of the greatest
challenges with the prosperity gospel.
It would not appear to be so on its face, but consider when the
prosperity that is associated with this gospel began. It began in the 1980s during the beginning of
the prosperity years of the Reagan administration’s economic initiatives. From this time the American economy was for
the most part in an economic boom that has continued up until now. It was at this time that prosperity was about
and greed began to rule the day. But
also consider this; if this was a genuine move of God there would under no circumstances
be a connection or susceptibility to the contractions and corrections that
happen from time to time in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>
economy. Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Blessed is
the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. "For he
will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a
stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be
green, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">and it will not be anxious
in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit. </span></b>Jeremiah 17:7-8<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see that? It says that to the man that trusts in the
Lord when drought comes [corrections, contractions, slowdowns and recessions] <b>HE WOULD NOT KNOW IT</b>. In fact this verse declares that his
abundance would not cease. It is not
uncommon to hear that there was a slowdown in giving during times of economic
hardships, but this should not be since if this is a move from God it is
independent of the world’s fickle system.
God is not hoping that the stock market will go up, or that the price of
oil will be stabilized so that he would be able to continue to bless you. He is not hampered by this. So why then is there a slowdown in giving that
is in step with the American economic systems. For that matter why does it
affect the continued prosperity of the adherents to this gospel just as it
affects the people of the world? What seems applicable in this instance is the
saying ‘A rising tide lifts all boats’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Can you see therefore another
problem arising? If the prosperity
gospel is genuine then there should be a host of other success stories (based
on what the prosperity teachers deem as success) throughout the world. In particular the Developing and <st1:place w:st="on">Third World</st1:place> should be replete with abundance by now,
since it is these people that are so close to desperation that they have
latched onto this teaching so desperately.
By now they would have been able to turn around their whole economies
with the abundance that would have been coming to them. Places like <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Haiti</st1:place></st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sudan</st1:place></st1:country-region> or even
rural <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ethiopia</st1:place></st1:country-region>
would have turned on a dime. Is God
hampered by the natural resources of a nation or maybe even war, yes maybe God
cannot move because of a war-torn region?
Not the God of the bible, maybe there is some other god that is only for
a particular region or country.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>No sure method<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is also another flaw in the
foundation of the prosperity gospel.
There is no sure way agreed upon by all its proponents of how the
blessings of God are received. In fact
the only thing that all of them can agree on is that God wants you rich. This is evident by the fact that from time to
time there would arise some new catch-phrase to explain how one acquires this
blessing. It just keeps evolving so much
so that if the thinking person were to examine it, what you are taught now as ‘the
way’ would be obsolete in five years. It
is like the weather in some temperate climates ‘If you do not like the weather
just wait a few minutes’. Because there
is this abundant flow of ‘revelation’ the way to the blessing keeps
changing. Does this sound familiar to
you? Consider this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">These are
the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you
without fear, caring for themselves; <b>clouds
without water, </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">carried along by winds</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted.</span>
Jude 12<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see this? The prophet says that they are carried about
by winds. This is a strange place to put
that word ‘winds’ is it not? Why would
he describe them as being carried by winds?
Well it is because winds are by nature capricious as they continue to
change directions. Is this confirmed
anywhere else?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">As a
result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">carried about by every wind of doctrine,</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> <b><u>by the trickery
of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming.</u></b></span> Ephesians 4:14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Well now, what do we have
here? First we have to realize that
these influences in this verse comes from the within the body. These were deceptive elements <b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">in</span></i></b> the body seeking to
distort the scriptures. Ok, let us see how
he describes their actions. ‘Every wind
of doctrine.’ Well look at that, there
it is again. These tricksters will come
to the body to deceive us with a continually evolving and changing word that is
designed to fleece and confuse us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>It incites greed<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There is nothing that incites greed
in the body of Christ quite like the prosperity gospel. We now have a ‘godly’ way to pander to all
our feckless desires. Have you ever
noticed that we have a hard time today trying to determine how someone can
commit idolatry in our time since the worship of idols is passé? Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 10:14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Wherefore,
my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
And,<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Now the works of the flesh
are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lasciviousness, <b>Idolatry</b>,
witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies</span>
(Galatians <st1:time hour="17" minute="19" w:st="on">5:19</st1:time>, 20)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
, just do not seem to make sense so we cast them
off to an age gone by. But could there
still be idolatry today? Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Put to death, therefore,
whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust,
evil desires and greed, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">which is idolatry</span></b><span style="color: blue;">.</span> (Colossian 3:5)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see what he said? He equates greed with idolatry. So if you find greed in your life then you
have an idol.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The un-sovereign God and the all-knowing
Man<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is the greatest travesty to
the body of Christ in all of the flaws of this doctrine. The prosperity gospel
demotes God to a simple bellhop waiting for your commands, and it places man at
the center of the universe. Again they
would not overtly say this but it is classic prosperity doctrine <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you realize what it means to say
that God is sovereign? It means that he
does <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">whatever pleases him</span>,
<b><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">all the time</span></b>!
Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Remember the former things
of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like
me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things
that are not yet done, saying, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">My counsel shall stand,
and I will do all my pleasure</span></b><span style="color: blue;">:</span> (Isaiah
46:9-10)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Consider
the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made <b>crooked</b>?</span>
(Ecclesiastes 7:13)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Before you say to me that ‘it is
his will that I prosper and be wealthy therefore he will prosper me’ consider
that <b><i>you
are not that smart to know what you need</i></b>. You do not have sufficient information as to
what your life would need in the next minute! So how can God place seemingly limitless power
in your hands? Consider for a moment if
what the prosperity teachers taught was right.
God would give them whatever they wanted. In fact, God will give you <b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">anything</span></i></b> you ask
for. Are you serious? Do you know what you need? What
does God think of this?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">O LORD, I
know that the way of man is not in himself: </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps</span>.
(Jeremiah 10:23)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You think that God would leave it
up to you to determine what is best for you?
How ridiculous! Even those that
have been saved for many years who feel as though they are confident in knowing
the will of God for their lives would be lying if the said they did. Consider how James responds to this arrogance:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Go to now, ye that say,
Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and
buy and sell, and get gain: </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow</span><span style="color: blue;">. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth
for a little time, and then vanisheth away. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">For that ye
ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.</span></b>
(James 4:13-15)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
You are praying for a car and a
house, but how can you assume the will of God?
He may have you designated to leave for a mission trip to the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Netherlands</st1:place></st1:country-region> for
the next two years! How foolish we are
to feel that we can presume that our will is his will. God is not an American and he definitely does
not live by the American dream. We are
to be rebuked for this heresy and blasphemy! But indeed our frustrations and
unfulfilled wishes will do just that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
I will like to make one final note
on the sovereignty of God. Nebuchadnezzar,
you remember him – great king head of gold majesty. He had a problem with acknowledging God as sovereign. He too wanted to impose his will in the earth;
until God helped him realize he alone was sovereign by turning Nebuchadnezzar
into a goat! Do you know what the new
and improved Nebuchadnezzar had to say after he came to his senses?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">At the end of that time,
I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored.
Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.
His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to
generation. All the peoples of the earth
are regarded as nothing. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the
peoples of the earth.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> <b>No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you
done?" <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Watch yourselves!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Is it working?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is a pertinent question. While we must <b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">never</span></i></b><i> </i>use
our experiences to determine if God is in agreement with a thing, it would be hard-pressed
to deny some credence to the prosperity doctrine if we had some overwhelming
results. Well let us ask ourselves is it
working? Consider the fact that if one has money in this day and age it is
difficult to hide. In fact the psyche of
those who have bought into this doctrine would not allow them to keep such
things quiet. Well, where are these ‘bajillionaires’. Let us see, under the prosperity gospel the
minimum return on one’s giving is a 100 fold return. I say minimum because of late there are some
outrageous prophecies of ministers telling the gullible that they would receive
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">1000 times</span></b> as much as they gave! That aside let us stick with the conservative
figure of 100 fold return on seed sown; so this is how it works:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">You find some ministry that is preaching the true word
of God (which would be someone who believes in the prosperity gospel)<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">You submit, give, or yield up a sum of money to aid
them in their ‘work’<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Depending on the setting, you either shout out or
declare to the heavens what you want your seed to produce (which is
important because apparently if you do not label it God has no idea what
to use it for or even how to return it to you).<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">This person then prays over your seed very piously,
in a loud fire and brimstone type prayer for God to return your money to
you multiplied<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">You wait a while<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Then miraculously you receive through some unforeseen
way a sum of money that is supposed to represent a return on your seed
sown.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Did I get it all? Oh one more thing, you are then suppose to restart
the process all over again; this time with a bigger seed so as to increase your
harvest next time. So let us look at an
example to see how this thing would work:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
We give $100 that should return to
us <b><i>at
least</i></b> $10,000; let us sow the entire $10,000 we should then end up with
$1,000,000. So in a two step process,
just two steps mind you, <b><i>they</i></b> promise based on God’s word
that you can go from having a measly $100 to $1 million. At this point, you reason that you would take
this thing for all it is worth and you find some big time ministry and sow into
them the entire $1million. What should
be your return? The return would be $100,000,000 i.e. <b>one hundred million dollars</b>.
Now you say to yourself, I will do this one more time to watch God
work! I sow the entire amount, so what
is my new return? Well, that friend is
equal to $10 billion dollars!!! So count
the steps with me that is one, two, three, four, five – five steps. In sowing five steps we can all be multi-billionaires. Just five steps!! I have to emphasize this to show its
simplicity. There you have it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Now I question you dear reader has
this happened? Where is this
manifestation in the life of the typical believer? Okay maybe it is not in all cash, maybe it is
in a mixture of cash and property? Surely
this would not have been hidden from the <i>Forbes
100</i> which is a list of the world’s richest people. Consider this, if indeed it was working for these
ministers themselves they would have ceased to ask for more money. I mean this is the best system ever. This is my challenge to them:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Put yourselves on the level of the typical believer. We have no TV ministry on which to demand
funds of our listeners. We just have
typical jobs or small businesses. Ok on
this level prove the veracity of what you are saying. Without your elaborate support system you
should be a multi-billionaire in five easy steps.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
They are asking us to live by faith
and give to them but they are naturally receiving abundance because of the
system they have in place. This is no
miracle it is simple mechanics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When examining our lives for
results there will be those reading who will say but I gave and I received. Did you receive based on the level that was
promised? If so then there would be many
more million- no billionaires in the body of Christ. We Christians have this uncanny ability to attribute
actions to the last activity we performed.
So if we give today and we happen to receive something tomorrow we
assume that it is because of what we just gave.
This is faulty reasoning, because oftentimes the things that happen to
us are effects that may not be of the cause to which we ascribe it. Please do
not misunderstand me the 100 fold return promise has a scriptural basis, but I
will show that their reasoning and their interpretation of that scripture is
faulty.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Excuses, excuses,
excuses.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Regardless to what the diehard
believers of the prosperity gospel say, the results cannot be denied. If I give in accordance with their doctrine I
should at some point receive at least 100 times as much as I gave. And since the following scripture speaks to
us all:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">For God
shows no partiality</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> [undue favor or
unfairness; with Him one man is not different from another].</span> (Romans
2:11)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Then God will not do something for me
that he would not do for you. If he does
not show partiality then why aren’t these abundant blessings widespread among
the prosperity followers? The leaders of
this movement have of late had to answer these questions as well. This has led to a slew of excuses (of which
they do not admit that they are excuses) from these preachers. These excuses will just get weirder and weirder,
but because we are ‘people of faith’ we are often too credulous. Since they cannot blame God and they would
not even question their own doctrine. Who then is at fault for your lack of
manifestation? Well <b><i>you</i></b> of course! On one
recent occasion, I heard a preacher say the reason for your failure to receive
is because you sowed in a field that had weeds.
The weeds then entangle your seed and killed your fruit. I say to you there will be no end to the
imaginative concoctions for your failures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It is beneath them to consider that
maybe they indeed had erred in their beliefs and proclamations so you must foot
the bill for your failure to receive.
Either you are not giving into good soil or there is some step in the
formula you have missed; or maybe even it is some new revelation that God just
gave them in their sleep last night. I
in particular was aghast at one preacher.
I was once caught up deeply in this particular thing and I followed my
faith with action sending thousands of dollars in hopes that I would be
overwhelmed by the blessings they touted.
I did everything according to their proclamation. I spoke, I declared, I decreed, I confessed,
I gave , I sowed, I waited, I expected, I travailed. I followed their teachings. Back to this one preacher, for years he
preached that we are to owe no man anything but to love them. He talked about the importance of living debt
free and how we should be living on our giving.
I guess he finally had a revelation and after years of telling his listeners
to stay away from debt I heard him recant and he now says that debt is
okay. The concept behind what he was
saying was that:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>While you are waiting for God to manifest his blessing, it is okay to get
into debt. Why pay rent when you can pay
a mortgage on something you would eventually own.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
I was flabbergasted. Here is this man now saying something he
denounced for years and now conceding its validity. The thing is that for years I and others like
me believed him and stayed away from debt and paid rent hoping in God based on
his promises, and now he had the audacity to concede. Please do not feel that this writing is
therefore out of anger at these teachers.
No it is not, what happened is, as a result of this event I begin to
search the scriptures for myself and I sought the truth of God. My question to those who have ears to hear is
this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><i>What are they right now preaching
as God’s way that in time they will come to modify?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There is another aspect of these
excuses that is very sinister indeed.
Understand this; the prosperity teachers are supposedly now walking in
what they determine to be the blessing of God.
They are now experiencing the abundance that God is promising to the
body through the prosperity teaching.
The sinister part is that they are <b><i>just now</i></b> being given <b><i>NEW</i></b>
revelation from God in respect to why you are not receiving the abundance
yet. For the most part some of these
prosperity teachers have been living in this prosperity for ten, fifteen or
more years. How is it that they are just
now getting new revelation on what is causing it not to happen for you? This presupposes that they were able to
achieve this level of abundance years ago <b><i>without</i></b> this new revelation. How did this happen? They must be some super-elite
Christians. Did God allow them to miss a
few steps? If what they were saying was
true then we should all be progressing (prosperity teachers included) along on
the same level, since they would not have had the benefit of this new knowledge
until now, and therefore they could not have put it into practice until now. But no, they are there without the benefit of
the new revelation knowledge that they are now receiving to explain why you are
not there yet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">The misapplication of
scripture<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…and regard the patience
of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to
the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in
them of these things, in <b>which are some
things hard to understand</b>, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">which the untaught and unstable distort</span><span style="color: blue;">, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own
destruction. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">You therefore, beloved,
knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by
the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,</span></b>
(2Peter 3:15-17)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The majority of the apostles were
unlearned men. Even Jesus himself was a
carpenter without any formal training in the theological seminaries of his day. So how then were these men able to understand
the whole counsel of God and not be engulfed by error? There
are three things that are essential in understanding the word of God:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
1 - The Spirit of God must be present.
It is because they had the spirit of God in them that the spirit ensured that
what they said was in accordance with the way of God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
2 - Another point that I cannot
stress enough is the power and importance of context. When examining the scriptures we must
examine not just one verse but the entire context of the verse. If we do not, then we risk running afoul of
what the word of God says.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
3 - In addition to these the most
essential thing to escaping error is to first have a good and pure heart before
God. The gospel of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>
is only revealed to those who first have this quality. Consider this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But that
on the good ground are they, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">which in an honest and
good heart</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, having heard the word, keep it,
and bring forth fruit with patience.</span> (Luke 8:15)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is essential to experiencing
an error-free interpretation of the scriptures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So what of the scriptures touted by
the prosperity teachers to prove the veracity of what they teach? I will not examine all but only the more
popular ones because it is through these that most of the damage is done.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Ask in his name and receive it<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And whatsoever ye shall
ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If
ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. </span>(John 14:13, 14)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Ye have not chosen me, but
I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit,
and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father
in my name, he may give it you.</span> (John 15:16)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
There you have it you say! Doesn’t this prove that God will give us what
we want if we ask in Jesus’ name? <b>No Sir, It Does Not</b>! When reading scripture it is imperative that
we understand the whole counsel of God.
Since the word of God does not contradict then all scripture has to
interlock for the scriptures to be true.
Now, that said, is the above scripture the whole counsel of God
regarding making requests of God? No it
is not, for if that was the case the depravity of man would make God a partner
in sin. What does he say in his word?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And this is the confidence
that we have in him that, if we ask any thing </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">according</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> to his will</span><span style="color: blue;"> he heareth us:</span> (1 John
<st1:time hour="17" minute="14" w:st="on">5:14</st1:time>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">If </span></b><span style="color: blue;">you remain in
me and my words remain in you, <b>ask</b><b> whatever you wish, and it will
be given you. </b></span>(John
15:7)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
These verses together combined with the above
verses give the entire counsel of God on the matter. In fact the verse in 1 John <st1:time hour="17" minute="14" w:st="on">5:14</st1:time><b> <u>governs</u></b> all the above verses. The key is that Jesus promised to give you
anything you ask that is <b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">in accord</span></b> with his
will. <b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Not your will</span></b>,
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">His will!</span></b>
The scripture comes to light when we realize that the will of God for
each of us is different. Some of us God has
designated for one purpose and some he has designated for another. How can we say we will ask for anything
unless we know the purpose of God for our lives? One brother would need a large dining room
table because his purpose demands that he accommodates several people at dinner
time, another brother would need only a compact car because his purpose does
not require him to pick up anyone. In
fact with closer examination we see that truthfully he only hears us <b><i>when</i></b>
our prayers are consistent with what <b>HE</b>
wants. So in a nutshell:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>God will
only give you what you ask for when it is in accordance with what his <u>specific</u>
will is for your life. It is therefore
the <u>will of God</u> that governs your life!
And our prayers and request do not register to him if they are not in
accordance with HIS will for us.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
The will of God demanded that Paul’s life needed certain
things but the will of God called for different things for Peter. This therefore demanded that their request be
different. Paul could not say “Lord you
gave Peter a shiny new horse to get from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Jerusalem</st1:place></st1:city>
to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Damascus</st1:place></st1:city> so
Lord I want a shiny new horse”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Give and it shall be given to you<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">“Give</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> and it will be <b>give</b>n to you. A good measure, pressed
down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with
the measure you use, it will be measured to you."</span> (Luke 6:38)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Prosperity teachers tout this passage to confirm a
whole host of unrelated scriptures all leading you to give to their
ministries. But is this really what Jesus
was saying to his listeners? At the time
when Jesus was teaching this particular verse <b>there were no ministries</b>. To
what then was he talking? He was talking
about giving to the poor and indigent.
That was his primary focus. It
was them that needed to see and experience the goodness of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
This verse is also used for a more disturbing
purpose. It further deepens the
deception of this doctrine. Prosperity teachers
say that when you give to them according to this verse God will give back to
you a good measure. They say that the
manifestation of this could show up in an increase in sales in your business or
a salary increase on your job. <b>THI IS NOT SO!</b> They say this because they do not understand
the nature of giving. When someone gives
you something in order for it to be a gift <b><i>it cannot be because of something you did to
or for them</i></b>. Understand this,
when you have someone purchase something from your business did they <b><i>give</i></b>
you the money for the purchase? No, they
paid for your services or product. I assure you semantics this is not; please
bear with me. If you pay for something it
is <b><i>not
</i></b>a gift. If your boss gives you a
raise is that giving or is it compensation for working? When Jesus gave this promise he said, <span style="color: blue;">‘Give and it shall be given to you’.</span> Giving involves the yielding up of what you
have for no favors whatsoever from the persons to which you gave it. So this promise is not fulfilled through a
prosperous business or a job, but through some other person (the scripture says
men) giving something to you <b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">freely</span></b>. Could this scripture be fulfilled through winning
a settlement in a lawsuit? No sir that
is not giving, but it could be fulfilled by some individual walking up to you
who the Lord has touched to bless you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
So if we take away all the ways we thought we were
receiving a fulfillment of this scripture can the teachers of the prosperity
gospel stand? You see it is easy to
conclude that you received the fulfillment of this verse if after you give to some
ministry you get a bump in orders from a customer, but on closer examination
this could not be attributed to that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>If two agree<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">"Again, I tell you
that if two of you on earth agree
about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.</span>
(Matthew 18:19)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
This is like the first scripture we examined. This too is governed by the will of the
God. But because we feel inadequate due
to the flawed clergy system we feel that if we can get someone very spiritual
to agree with us that God will do whatever we want. No way, brother! The will of God will reign
supreme.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Speak it!<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Jesus answering saith
unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall
say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and
shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he
saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. </span>Mark
11:22-23 <span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Ok this is the biggest one of them all. This verse is used to justify creating one’s
own little world. With this verse we should
be able to go about creating the reality that we want unhindered by
anyone. You do not like your
circumstances? Well speak a word against
it and it will change. Do not like your
spouse, speak over him and he will change.
Oh yeah! Well let us just examine
their claims. What would be a handier
tool than to have the power to change the world with just your speech? But does it work. Some even claim that bad things happen to believers
because they speak negative things over their lives -- because you would have
whatever you say. So let us examine
this: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Who gives this promise? Jesus.
Ok, who then is responsible for ensuring that this promise is kept? Jesus.
So we are saying that if we speak negative words over our life then Jesus
therefore has<b> to make sure</b> that
these things happen to us. What! Are you
serious? If I say that I feel like I am
coming down with the flu according to the prevailing understanding, Jesus would
have to <b><i>cause</i></b> the flu to overcome me.
Now do not go and bring the devil into this. This is a promise by Jesus, the devil is nowhere
in this verse. Jesus is the one doing
it. Please do not be ridiculous! Why would God give his children a promise
that had the potential to destroy them?
If this verse meant what they said it meant we would all be dead! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
What does it really say and how do we activate this
verse:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Jesus answering saith
unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall
say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and
shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he
saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Therefore</span></u></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> I say unto
you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them,
and ye shall have them<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
You see that word ‘therefore’ it means that the
verse is not complete. He is not saying
you will have whatever you say he is saying that you would have whatever you
pray to God. Now when he introduces this,
the factor of the will of God kicks in and in comes back around to 1 John
again. So please understand the
scriptures in their entirety.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Thirty, sixty, one hundredfold<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Still other seed fell on
good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was
sown.</span> Matthew 13:8<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Abuse of this verse has been appalling. I am sure that God grieves over our misuse of
his word. Prosperity teachers have an
uncanny ability to make any scripture in the bible talk about money. This is because their minds are consumed with
the concept of blessings. Look at this verse. Look carefully at its context. How in the world could anyone construe this
passage to mean money is beyond me.
Maybe I am just unlearned, but what is this passage talking about:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">A farmer went out to sow
his seed…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Okay, well obviously Jesus was talking
metaphorically because he was speaking a parable. So every time I see the word seed in the
bible I am to assume that it is talking about money. Is this so? Let us ask Jesus:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Listen then to <b><u>what the parable of the sower means</u></b>:
When anyone hears </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">the message about the kingdom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see that?
The seed that Jesus was talking about here was the message of the
Kingdom which we now know to be the gospel.
In the book of Luke he clearly says that the seed <b><i>is</i></b> the word of God. So how did we get from a description of how
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> brings forth results in the life of a
believer to a cut in stone doctrine on how we receive blessings from God?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>The one hundred-fold blessing<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Jesus answered and
said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren,
or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake,
and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses,
and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions;
and in the world to come eternal life. </span>Mark 10:29-30 <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Understanding this verse is critical to the
blessings in the life of a believer. It
is a promise from Jesus to his followers that would ensure that they experience
the abundant life. Let us look at this
scripture to determine the claims of the prosperity teachers. First, this scripture is the bedrock for the
teaching of the hundredfold return. This
scripture is as true as any other in the bible.
So why is it not working for the average believer? I have already established that if indeed it
were, as the promise clearly says, we would be the financial powerhouse of the
earth. So what is wrong? The key to understanding this verse is in
understanding the true Gospel of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>. Look at what it says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Jesus answered and
said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren,
or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">for my sake, and the gospel's,</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see that?
Now if our understanding of one part of this equation is wrong but we
are adept at performing the other part would it still be successful? Jesus is saying that this verse is activated
when we give into the advancement of the true gospel of the kingdom, not any
old ministry but to our purpose (which should be in establishing the kingdom of
God -- which by the way is not synonymous with getting people rich) and our
personal righteousness in complying with his tenets.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Offerings<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
The seemingly benign concept of offerings has been
manipulated by today’s prosperity teachers in their effort to further engraft
this error into the faithful. They have plucked
from the Old Testament every scripture that relates to God commanding an
offering from the people, and used it today to justify a host of fleecing
gimmicks to extract money from the body.
The more devious of these teachings is the connections that they have
made to receiving almost anything from God to giving them money. To the point now that if you require healing
for your body or salvation for an errant loved one what are you to do? Sow a seed they bellow. On its face this may seem plausible but
consider its premise: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>If I want
God to heal my body or save my loved ones I should sow a seed. Now it is not just any seed but a significant
sum of money that would prove to God the seriousness of your faith.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Can you imagine this blasphemy from these fablers? I even heard one of them say that he was once
sick and when he came to himself he told his wife to get the checkbook and
write a check for everything they had to some ministry; this was done as a
point of contact of his faith to watch God work.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">For we have not followed
cunningly devised fables</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, when we made
known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were
eyewitnesses of his majesty.</span> 2 Peter 1:16<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
They would be quick to point out to you that ‘Oh
you are not buying a miracle but simply showing your faith to God’. Oh yeah?
This is rank and utterly disgraceful blasphemy. In this ‘faith’ transaction you are
exchanging the money for the healing or the salvation of a loved one. That is the bottom line. Now in regards to faith or salvation when did
Jesus EVER connect giving money to someone getting healed? For that matter when did the apostles? You know Peter had an excellent opportunity
to ask for money for a healing:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Then Peter said, <b>Silver</b>
and <b>gold</b> have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.</span> Acts 3:6<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Well now, let us see, this fellow was by the wayside
begging. Ok, now if he was any good at
begging by this time he would have already accumulated some money. The apostles would have been able to ask him
to sow a seed in faith to show God he really believes him for his healing. This man got up and walked on <b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">faith</span></b> alone. No money
no sowing. Yet these modern day false teachers
would have us believe through some wresting of the scripture that giving them
money is a point of contact for your faith so that God would heal you. The apostles did however encounter someone
who wanted to exchange money as a point of faith for a response from God. Let us see what they did:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And when Simon saw that <b>through laying on of the apostles' hands
the Holy Ghost was given</b></span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">, <u>he offered them money</u></span><span style="color: blue;">,
Saying, <b>Give me also this power, that on
whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.</b> But Peter said unto
him, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast
thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. </span></b><span style="color: blue;">Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart
is not right in the sight of God. </span>Acts 8:18-21<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Old Simon only had to wait until 21<sup>st</sup>
century and he would have been able to get the gift by sowing into the hands of
the MEN of God today. These deceivers
would have you believe that giving into their particular ministries is a
cure-all for all your problems. This is
not so! Jesus never once demanded from
anyone that they sow into his ministry before he healed their loved one or cast
out demons or anything else. But because
these men know nothing but greed and are greed driven money has become their
answer to solving all your problems -- and that given to them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">So what’s so wrong with preachers
prospering?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><i>Nothing and everything</i></b>. There is nothing wrong with preachers
prospering the problem is that they are the only ones doing so. And I contend that they are only doing so
because of an illegitimate clergy system.
God’s intention was never for a select group of people to be blessed and
the others struggle. They are not
Levites and they do not stand in this office!!
There is a model that God has given to the preachers to be an example of
the conduct they should exhibit in regards to the abundance that they
receive. That model is found in Paul.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul was a shining example for any ‘man of God’
today. His life was an example for
us. God set him on display for those who
would follow to emulate in their walk and conduct. Today we see that the conduct of Paul is in diametric
contrast to today’s prosperity teachers and their lifestyles. (Please remember that I am <b><i>not</i></b>
against the prosperity of the people of God just this blatant inequality) I
will talk later on the demonic concept of full time ministry, but suffice it
now to say that Paul knew of no such thing.
Consider his words:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">I have coveted no man's
silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know that </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">these hands</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> have
ministered unto my necessities, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">and</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things,
how that </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">so labouring ye ought to support the weak</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, </span>[Remember what I said in the passage about who we
should give to.]<span style="color: blue;"> and to remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.</span> Acts
33-35<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Oh no he didn’t!
Did he just say he worked! Oh,
maybe he did not have much to do; he probably only focused on one church. Let us ask him, Brother Paul were you only
able to work and support yourself <b><i>and</i></b> those who were with you because
you only had a single church to take care of:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Besides everything else</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, <b>I face daily the
pressure of my concern</b> </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">for all the churches</span><span style="color: blue;">.</span> 2
Corinthians 11:28<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Well now, Paul actually worked and I do not mean he
sat in his office and typed newsletters or church bulletins:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">There he met a Jew named <st1:place w:st="on">Aquila</st1:place>, a native of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Pontus</st1:place></st1:country-region>, who had recently come from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Italy</st1:place></st1:country-region> with his
wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city>. Paul went to see
them, <b>and because he was a tentmaker</b>
as they were, he stayed and <b>worked with
them</b>. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews
and Greeks. </span>Acts 18:2-4<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul had his own business that he worked in and he <b><i>still</i></b>
preached the gospel. Today we have preachers who ‘must protect the anointing’
(please say the previous statement in a deeply spiritual voice). Maybe Paul accepted big love offerings when
he came to preach the word of God:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And when I was present
with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to
me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I have kept myself from
being burdensome unto you</span><span style="color: blue;">, and so will I keep
myself. </span>2 Corinthians 11:9<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
You will not see this happening today. Love offering number 1, 2 and 3 all in the
name of the Lord! They will accept gifts
from those who sent them and from those to whom they are sent. Have you ever
wondered why God allowed this example to be the one we have today? It is because it is his ideal. I am sure there were examples back then of
the same things we have today but God exalted Paul because he had the right
attitude.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
God knew that there would come peddlers of his word
and he inspired the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And many shall follow
their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken
of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">make merchandise of you</span><span style="color: blue;">: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their
damnation slumbereth not. </span>2 Peter 2:2-4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Having a form of
godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort
are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins,
led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the
knowledge of the truth.</span> 2 Timothy 3:5-7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For we are not, like so
many, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">[like
hucksters making a trade of]</span><span style="color: blue;"> peddling God's
Word [</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">shortchanging
and adulterating the divine message</span><span style="color: blue;">]; but like
[men] of sincerity and the purest motive, as [commissioned and sent] by God, we
speak [His message] in Christ (the Messiah), in the [very] sight and presence
of God.</span> 2 Corinthians 2:17<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>What does
God really want for his people?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
As I stated before God <b><i>wants</i></b> his people to be
blessed, but we cannot allow the world to determine what being blessed is. We must not look to them for inspiration of
how to live the abundant life. What does
God want you to understand regarding wealth?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>1 - Your wealth is determined by your purpose<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
The following is an excerpt from my book the <i>Ideal Paradigm</i>:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<i>The things that money can bring and provide
for us indeed make life easier. It is
easier to get from point A to Z in a brand new Maybach rather than a broken
down old clunker. The trouble is when
they become our motivation and focus in life.
Our overarching life’s objective should be to fulfill our own personal
purpose in life. If this path of purpose
leads to a life replete with monetary abundance then that is fine, <b>but this should be determined only by our
purpose not an unchecked selfish ambition.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">There is no cookie cutter lifestyle</span>.</i></b><i> Life
does not work that way. When you were
born the mold was broken that is why we should all embrace uniqueness not
imitation. We are not all fated to be
mega rich even upon embracing the ideal paradigm. The measure of wealth that is available to
us, to any of us, is always in correlation to what we have been purposed. Not every business is to achieve worldwide
status and not every individual is fated to be world renowned. The flaws of our thinking lead us to believe
that everyone must be rich in order to enjoy life. The proliferation of this thought has spawned
greed and covetousness in our world. The truth of the matter is that our level
of financial wealth does not really measure true worth to the world. It just more often than not leads to lives
centered on ourselves; lives devoid of the concept that ‘you have a part to
play in the drama of life’. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .5in;">
<i>What good is an accumulation of money, and
why do we seek to acquire or hoard wealth?
Some would say that this would be the key to a successful and complete
life. Let us look to examine the validity of this statement. Most of the current generation has latched
onto a culture that is materialistic and greed driven, therefore their ambition
has led them to seek after financial wealth at any cost. My question to you is does this really bring
personal satisfaction? Oh yes you can
buy whatever you want, but what good is that.
After eighty years of a life of accumulation then what; you die. Now here enters the interesting part: Who has
really benefited from your existence.
Much of what we do in civilized countries has to do with securing a
legacy. This component is very powerful
and effective at helping us live our lives.
But who would care 100 years from now if during your life you were able
to accumulate 1 billion dollars? Flip
that same coin and let us say you use your wealth for the purpose of
discovering true wealth: uncovering potential and facilitating for its
development in people. You leave a
charitable organization or start a college.
This is true wealth and this has lasting worth.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Your wealth level is <b><i>determined</i></b> by what God
has for you to do. There is no arbitrary
status or figure we must all seek. The
knowledge of our purpose can only be had by obeying God and listening to his
leading.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>2- God uses lack<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
This is like foul language to prosperity
teachers. They refuse to concede that
your present circumstances may be in direct connection to the will of God; be
it a financial abundance or in lack.
Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">In the day of prosperity
be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">God </span></b><span style="color: blue;">also hath set the one over against the other, to the end
that man should find nothing after him.</span> Ecclesiastes 7:14<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you realize what this means? God says that he makes both the prosperity
and the adversity and it is for our good.
But emphasis should be made on <b>God;</b>
<b><i>he</i></b>
makes days of adversity! How pray tell
you say that God can use adverse financial circumstances to teach me
anything? Consider this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">I know both how to be
abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed
both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do
all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. </span>Philippians 4:12-13<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
We love to quote <span style="color: blue;">‘we can
do all things through Christ’</span> but how did Paul come to the point that he
could say this? Well the answer is in
the preceding verse, <span style="color: blue;">‘I know both how to be abased,
and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to
be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need’</span>. Paul learned that he can do all through
Christ <b><i>because</i></b> of the lack he suffered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
This is very important to know because for many
years I was so focused on trying to escape lack that I was missing the things
that God was teaching me. And guess what;
as long as you neglect his lessons the longer you stay in the situation. He does not give in and say ‘Well my child
isn’t getting the message so let me give him what he wants’. No sir, you will die in the wilderness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Seek ye first the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>
and his righteousness and <b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">all these things will be added to
you.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>3 - God wants you to use your money to be a
blessing to those around you<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
One of the ways to act in the kingdom is to
give. I am not talking about giving to
the prosperity gospel but giving to those who are around you. As you walk to the bank to pay your cable
bill to ensure that you can get your daily prosperity fix you will undoubtedly
pass many who are impoverished. You send
money to the rich you cannot touch and leave destitute the poor that you can
touch. We should be a blessing to those
around us not to those who use you to fulfill their every fantasy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Contentment: The mortal enemy of the
prosperity gospel<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Not that I speak in
respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be
content.</span> Philippians 4:11<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
The teaching of contentment while central to the
true gospel of the Kingdom it is marginalized by the prosperity teachers. This is because the teaching of contentment
goes against the greed that drives you to want more. You see the more you want the more you have
to give to get God to bless you; so in their system it is in their best interest
to have you desire more. If you were
content with what you had like Paul then we would not be consumed with the
greed that accompanies this teaching. Consider
the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And having food and
raiment let us </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">be therewith content</span></b><span style="color: blue;">. </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and
into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and
perdition. </span><span style="color: blue;">For the love of money is the root of
all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and
pierced themselves through with many sorrows. </span>1 Timothy 6:8-10 <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
When was the last time you ever heard one of these
preachers talk of being content. In fact
if Paul were to preach this today he would be considered to have a poverty
mindset. But there he is content in
whichever state he was. Look at what he
says next and notice what he did not say.
He says: <span style="color: blue;">But they that will be rich fall into
temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown
men in destruction and perdition.</span>
He says that they that have a desire to be rich. He could not say that they that are rich
because prosperity based on purpose is the way of the kingdom, but those who
lust after wealth will be destroyed pierced through with many sorrows. Is it not interesting that he is not talking
to the world in this passage but to the church?
How do we know this?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For the love of money is
the root of all evil: <b>which while some
coveted after, </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">they have erred from the
faith,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
These are Christians! Does anyone see that! Christians in love with
money. Please consider the pleas of
Hebrews:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Keep your lives free from
the love of money and be content with what you have,</span> Hebrews 13:5a<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
We are to be content in every circumstance, every
situation as we go through life. God
provides us with seasons. Each season
has a predetermined measure of supply depending on our compliance with our
purpose. The problem occurs when we do
not recognize this and reach for what we perceive to be a better state
exceeding the provisions of the current.
What we want to do is seek after the things and ignore our righteousness.
How do we do this? With debt of
course. And we do this and call it the
blessing of the Lord? When saddled with
the sorrows of payback we call on the name of the Lord for relief. If we are content with what we have today
then we will not regret what we have to payback tomorrow. No one wants to have to payback and maintain
what God has not given. God will bless
you but until he does do not live as though he already has.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
If this paper in anyway describes you I hope you
consider your ways and escape the trap of the prosperity doctrine. <b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Please I implore you repent and believe the gospel.</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-66381851352395371662012-03-06T07:10:00.000-05:002012-03-06T07:16:00.257-05:00The establishment of the primacy of righteousness in the life of the believer<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">And to you who are
troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with
his mighty angels, <b>In flaming fire
taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that <u>obey not</u> the gospel
of our Lord Jesus Christ</b>: Who shall be punished with aionios destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
I want to begin with this quote
from 2 Thessalonians because it places a particular importance on obedience to
the gospel. This should give any
Christian pause because of the penalty associated with a neglect of this verse
is quite severe. In our first installment
we examined what the church today calls the gospel and compared it to what
Jesus determined to be the actual gospel.
Sadly the two are not the same thing.
This is reason for concern; since God places so much emphasis on the
gospel and our obedience to it then it behooves us to get this concept right so
as to fulfill our obligation to him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
We established the gospel firstly
as the gospel of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>. We further defined it as the ideas,
principles and precepts, taught by Jesus; taking over the life of the individual
thus producing a person under the direct influence of heaven (God) on the
earth. Our understanding of this is
paramount because if we do not clearly understand what the gospel is then we
can have a false sense of security.
Consider if one believes that the gospel is a belief in the death burial
and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and or the born again experience (remember I
said these were essential truths but were NOT the actual gospel). What would happen if a person was to hold onto
such teachings, and he establishes his own safety by being in compliance with our
opening verse based on this distorted view of the gospel? His confidence would be badly misplaced
because his understanding of the gospel is erroneous. Sincerity you say is of utmost importance,
but one can be sincerely wrong and in such instances sincerity counts for
nothing!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
What does all of this have to do
with establishing the primacy of righteousness in the life of the
believer? It has everything to do with
it. You see once we understand the true
gospel of God then we can correctly go on to being obedient to it and that
obedience is called righteousness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">But seek ye first the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>
[The Gospel] and his </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">righteousness</span><span style="color: blue;">… </span></b>(Matthew 6:33a)<b><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Jesus, while speaking to the crowd,
instructed them to seek first the kingdom.
This ‘seeking first’ involves making the gospel of the kingdom your
primary goal in life. To understand it
should be your utmost quest; its pursuit and elucidation should be the
overarching theme of your life. Consider
a parable of Jesus: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Again, the
kingdom of heaven is like unto <b>treasure</b> hid in a field; the which when a
man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he
hath, and buyeth that field.</span> (Mathew 13:44)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Jesus is giving us one of his ideas
so that we can understand the importance of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>. He says when you find it; it is worth all
that you have, because if you could just get a hold of this one thing then all
your life will be right. This is the
mystery of righteousness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
We are commanded to seek first the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>; then Jesus says we are to seek
second the righteousness of God. But
what does that mean? To understand this
we must clarify just what is righteousness.
Righteousness is simply a state where one is rightly aligned or in right
standing in regard to a particular thing.
A perfect example can be seen in why we wear clothing. Everyday we go out of our homes into our
communities, but before we do we adorn ourselves with pieces of cloth -- some
less than others. Have you ever wondered
why, and no the answer is not to cover unsightly fat! We cover ourselves because our societal norms
<b>demand</b> it. Our western societies say that when out in
public one should be properly clothed; so in order to <b><i>comply</i></b> we cover
ourselves. This compliance is considered
righteousness. We are in right standing
with society if we clothe ourselves.
Take another example, what if you were to walk down the street on a hot
day and you came across a car with the keys in the ignition but unmanned. What if you jumped into the car turned on the
air-conditioning and proceeded on your merry way. What would that be called? Well according to society you would be
considered a thief because the car is not yours. You would not be in compliance with the rules
of society and would be considered a thief.
You, in essence, would be acting in an unrighteous manner. So it is with our obedience to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Jesus gave us ideas, principles and
precepts that he called the gospel of the kingdom. He expects our total obedience to this
gospel. When we obey the things that he
said we are called righteous; i.e. we are in compliance with what he says. When we do not do the things he says or are
not even interested in finding out what he says then we are considered
unrighteous. It is as simple as that! So our primary task should be to find out
what the gospel of the kingdom says and to seek to comply with its standards.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Why do we make such a
mess of life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Have you ever wondered why we humans,
Christians or not, make such messes of our lives? Teenage pregnancies, adulteries, broken
families, truce breakers, fornicators and that is just in the church! You would faint to consider the full
depravity of what takes place in the rest of the world. Why do we make such a mess of life? <b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I am talking primarily to Christians
who should know better? Those who are on
the outside are blind, but you who carry his name what is your excuse?</span></b>
It is because we make decisions based on our wisdom (on what we think is right)
that in doing so we destroy ourselves partaking in things Paul talks against in
Ephesians 5:3: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But
fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Consider the words of God to his <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">called out</span><b><i> </i></b>ones:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Even the
stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the
thrush observe the time of their migration. <b><i><u>But my people do not know the
requirements of the LORD</u></i></b>.</span> (Jeremiah 8:7)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Listen then to what he says of them
in verse 9:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">The wise
will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. <b><i><u>Since they have rejected the
word of the LORD,</u></i></b><u> <b><i>what kind of wisdom do they have?<o:p></o:p></i></b></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
God says since you rejected the
word of the Lord, and for our purpose that is the gospel of the kingdom, he asks
what kind of wisdom do you have. Well he
answers it in James 3:14-16:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But if ye have bitter
envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. <b><i><u>This
wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where
envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.<o:p></o:p></u></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Who was James talking to? Not some heathen or pagan, but to the church
is this discourse aimed. If you reject
the wisdom of God the wisdom of the world is what you have left. And what is this wisdom from God?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But by His
doing you are in Christ Jesus, </span><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">who became to us wisdom
from God</span></u></b><span style="color: blue;">…</span> (1Corinthians 1:30a)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
God sent us wisdom, he packaged it
in his Son, who spoke it for 3.5 years and called it the gospel of the
kingdom. If we obey this gospel, God
says that our lives would be fruitful and will bring Him praise and glory.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">What then are the
elements of righteousness?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If we are to be rightly aligned
with the gospel of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> then we must
understand what righteousness entails.
What then are the elements of righteousness? Righteousness has two components:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">Personal Modification<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;">A Commitment to Act<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Personal Modification<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
When I talk of personal
modification it involves rightly aligning one’s self to the tenets of the
gospel of the kingdom, and it pertains to correcting the way that you think and
operate; modifying your ways to conform to God’s way as outlined in the
gospel. To examine this we must
acknowledge the paradox of salvation: <b>Salvation
occurs in an instant, but is also an ongoing process.</b> Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">…praising
God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their
number daily those who were </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">being</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> <b>saved</b>.</span> (Acts <st1:time hour="14" minute="47" w:st="on">2:47</st1:time>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For the
message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who
are </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">being</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> <b>saved</b> it is the power of God.</span> (1 Corinthians 1:18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For we are
to God the aroma of Christ among those who are </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">being</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> <b>saved</b> and those who are perishing.</span> (2 Corinthians 2:15)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Salvation as described in these verses is depicted
as an ongoing process. 2 Corinthians 7:1
bears this out; Paul addressing our lifestyles said:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Having therefore these
promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the
flesh and spirit, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">perfecting</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> holiness in the fear
of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
No one can claim this happens in a
day, but all can say that this is an ongoing process that God has designed to
make us spotless before him. Peter says
that we achieve this state of spotlessness through diligence:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Wherefore,
beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">diligent</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and
blameless.</span> (2 Peter 3:14)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So this personal modification is
essential to the completion of our purification on the earth through the
washing of the word of the gospel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How then are we to be righteous? We
have to find out what the gospel of the kingdom says and then <b><i>DO</i></b>
what it says <b><i>ALL THE TIME</i></b>. Here are
some examples how the gospel is designed to modify are person:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And as ye
would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.</span> (Luke
6:31)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Therefore
all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to
them: for this is the law and the prophets.</span> (Matthew 7:12)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
What would happen if we did
this? What would happen if we were <b><i>always</i></b>
rightly aligned with these verses? Well, are you? If not then you are disobeying the gospel!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Consider these verses:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I</span><span style="color: blue;"> say unto you which hear, <b>Love your enemies,</b> <b>do good
to them which hate you</b>, <b>Bless them
that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.</b> And unto him
that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh
away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.</span> (Luke 6:27-29)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The gospel tell us to love, we are
to love <b>EVERYONE ALL THE TIME!</b> No exceptions! Are you doing this? If not then you are <b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">NOT</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span>righteous!<o:p></o:p></div>
Ok, maybe you are in compliance with the following:<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Ye have heard that it hath
been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: <b>But I say unto you</b>, That ye resist not evil: but <b>whosoever shall smite thee on thy right
cheek, turn to him the other also</b>. And if any man will sue thee at the law,
and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And <b>whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.</b> Give
to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou
away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and
hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, <b>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;</b> </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven</span></b><span style="color: blue;">: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good,
and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love
you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute
your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in
heaven is perfect.</span></b> (Matthew 5: 38-48)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Well now, how are you doing? Do you see yourself as a shining example of
this verse? Do not deceive yourself, he
knows who you are?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
These are just some of the examples
found in the gospel of the kingdom.
Righteousness is only found when we are in compliance with theses
tenets. He demands nothing less. That said you must know that his word is not
optional. If you are his then you are <b>required</b> to live as he did!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you know what it means to ‘deny
the Son’? Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For
certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked
out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into
licentiousness and </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">deny our only Master and
Lord, Jesus Christ.</span></b> Jude 4<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">If we
endure, we shall also reign with Him. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">If we deny
and disown and reject Him, He will also deny and disown and reject us.</span></b>
2 Timothy 2:12<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How do we deny the Son of God? We do so by our refusal to allow his words to
govern our lives. It is the gospel of
the kingdom which is comprised of guidelines and principles that should
determine our behaviors. When we
disallow these words to change us then we have denied him as these verses say.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">They profess
to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient
and worthless for any good deed.</span></b> Titus 1:16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see what this verse is
saying? He says that <b><i>by</i></b>
their deeds they deny him. Some would
think that denying God has to do with not standing up and being counted as a
Christian. Paul says no, it is when we
profess that we know him but deny him by continuing to live as we please. Rightly aligning yourself with the tenets of
the gospel of the kingdom is not only demanded it is required.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Excuses<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Ah excuses, I can hear them now:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">I am only human, born to make mistakes<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;">God understands<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Are you serious! Do you see what he
says at the end of the verses in Matthew 5?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in
heaven is perfect.</span></b><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
He expects us to be perfect
(whatever perfection entails) the same way our Father in heaven is perfect. And in regards to finding refuge behind evoking
the classic ‘God understands’ consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Be not
deceived; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">God is not mocked</span></b><span style="color: blue;">: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall
he also reap. </span>(Galatians 6:7)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
These excuses are common among the
body of Christ, because there is demonic thought that exists that declares that
it is not possible for us to live a sin free life. Unfortunately Satan has deceived us into thinking
that we will always fall and continue to stumble until we die. This is utter rubbish!!! If this were so would Jesus be able to tell
us be perfect as God is perfect? Or
consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But as </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">HE</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> which hath called you </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">is holy</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">so be ye holy in all manner of conversation</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Because it is written, Be
ye holy; for I am holy</span></b><span style="color: blue;">.</span> 1 Peter 1:15-16<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Become sober-minded as you
ought, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">and stop sinning</span></b><span style="color: blue;">; for some have no knowledge of God I speak this to your
shame.</span> 1 Corinthians 15:34<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Sin is <b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">always</span></b> a choice it is
never forced upon us, and neither do we fall into it. Every time we sin it is our choice. From the above verse we can see that God
expects us to live holy, and it is possible to live life without sin. Consider what Jesus said:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Afterward Jesus findeth
him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">sin</span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> no more</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, lest a worse thing come unto thee.</span> John 5:14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her,
Neither do I condemn thee</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">: go, and sin no more</span></b><span style="color: blue;">. </span>John 8:11<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see these verses? Jesus was addressing people who were
sinners. <b>THEY DID NOT HAVE THE HOLY SPIRIT.
</b>What does he say to them? <b><u>Go and sin no more</u></b>. Could Jesus tell them to go and do something
that was impossible for them to do? It
is therefore possible and expected that we do likewise.<b> Obey the gospel!<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>A Commitment to Act<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The second element to righteousness
involves our service to God. This is
often an overlooked part of righteousness because most of us think that we
stand right with God because we regularly attend a Sunday morning service or
when we hold some position in a church. <b>This is not so! </b>In fact you can go to a church service
for years on years and still not be righteous!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Why must we commit to action in
order to fulfill righteousness? It all
came about because of the command that Jesus gave to the church:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Jesus came and spake unto
them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. <b>Go ye therefore, and teach</b> all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you</span><span style="color: blue;">: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the
world.</span> (Matthew 28:18-20)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
We call this the great commission. I will talk later in another paper on how the
power of this verse has been lost, but let us now just examine our part in this
affair. Jesus expects all of us to
comply with this verse. Let us scrutinize
the key element here:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Teach</b> –
what does he want us to teach? He did not leave it up to our imagination to
figure it out. We are to teach
observance to all things that he commanded them. Well what did he command them? The gospel of the kingdom was his <b><i>only</i></b>
message. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
This tells us that we have a job to do regardless
of our station in life. When we think of
this verse today we instinctively think about going up to someone and telling them
about how Jesus died for our sins and how they can go to heaven by being born
again. By now I hope you see that this
is not the gospel, and that is in fact not what he is saying here. He is telling us to proclaim to the world a
new way of life. (In fact the early church was called the followers of the
Way!) This should be our message, for
this is what the world needs to know.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
But what of our responsibility? How pray tell am I to do what you are saying
without a backwards collar, a twenty pound bible and a pulpit? How ever shall we obey God?! We do it by finding out the purpose that he
has established for each of our lives, and we approach the world on this basis. I will address it in its fullness when I talk
of the illegitimacy of the clergy but consider for a moment: We have essentially cast off our individual
purposes and left it to the church. We
pay them to work for us! More on this
later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
How do we fulfill the purpose element of
righteousness? The answer is found <b><i>in</i></b>
the commission. Teach – teach them
what—all the things he commanded us. Each of us should have some way in which
we are doing this every day. The world
is in a mess and we Christians have the answers to that mess. Where is it?
In the gospel; that is why he says to you teach them what he commanded
you. Your purpose entails spreading the
gospel throughout your sphere of influence.
If that means opening a preschool or a computer technology store,
working in government or establishing a medical practice the
end should be to teach what he commanded.
Please do not misunderstand me.
This command is not satisfied with a ‘Jesus loves you’ bumper sticker or
an ‘I love Jesus’ pin. It requires that
we instruct those who are without about the true gospel of the kingdom. That is his plan and that is his way. Look at what he says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And he
gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some,
pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, <b>for the work of the ministry</b>…</span> (Ephesians 4:11-12a)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There you have it; God’s design is
to perfect his people for works of service.
What are these works of service?
To the person following the gospel and being obedient to it their life
will bring forth a good reputation that can not be denied. Quite frankly the gospel will cause you to
shine like a light bulb in this dark and dreary world:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Let</span><span style="color: blue;"> your light so shine
before men, that they may </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">see your</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">good works</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, and glorify your
Father which is in heaven. </span>(Matthew 5:16)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This is the work of the ministry
that we are prepared for. Our acts of
righteousness produce the good works that will in turn cause our light to shine
among men. Jesus is our example so let
us see how he handled his purpose:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">I have brought
you glory on the earth by completing the work you gave me to do</span> (John
17:4)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
How does one give glory to
God? Here is your answer. Jesus says you give glory to God by doing the
work that he gave you to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It never ceases to amaze me how
many people quote ‘<span style="color: blue;">well done thou good and faithful
servant</span>’ as they fantasize about hearing these wonderful words from
Jesus on their arrival into heaven. But
let us look at the passage in context:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">His lord
said unto him, Well done, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">good and faithful servant</span><span style="color: blue;">; </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">thou hast been faithful</span><span style="color: blue;"> over a few
things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy
lord.</span> (Matthew 25:23)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Did it occur to the pious that this
verse is pointing towards people who <b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">actually do the work that God has
given to them</span></b>? Not the work
some preacher or prophet tells you to do, but God. God does not hand out these words because you
said a prayer fifty years ago. For those
who think they can get by on this notion consider what he says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And that
servant, which knew <b>his</b> <b>lord's</b> <b>will</b>, and prepared not
himself, neither did according to <b>his</b> <b>will</b>, shall be beaten with
many stripes.</span> (Luke 12:47)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
It is incumbent upon us <b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">all</span></b> to find our own particular purpose for which he has called
us and act accordingly. <b>Attending church is not it!</b> That is not fulfilling his will! What happens when we walk in this element of
righteousness? Jesus tells us:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">… men will
see your good works and glorify God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Do you see that? These men who do not know God will come to
know God through your fulfillment of righteousness, both in your life and in
the purpose for which you have been called.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
I would like to make one final
observation on this section on the importance of finding and doing the purpose
(will) of God for your life. Consider
the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Not everyone
who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who
does the will of my Father who is in heaven. </span></b><span style="color: blue;">Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your
name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will
tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Away from
me, you evildoers!</span></b><span style="color: blue;">'</span> Matthew 7:21-23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This verse is a stunning wake-up
call to anyone who understands the word of God.
Look carefully at what it says to us.
He is addressing the judgment of the people of this world. Do you see what he says? <span style="color: blue;">Not everyone who
says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">but only he who does the
will of my Father</span><span style="color: blue;"> who is in heaven.</span> Please try to understand this verse. He is saying that your rejection into his
heavenly kingdom is based upon your compliance with the will of the Father here
in earth. This is a sobering thought
because for the most part people – so-called Christians – do not even give a
second thought to the will of the Father or doing it. They go along their merry way seeking out
their own lives and neglecting his call for them. To what does he say to them?<span style="color: blue;"> Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from
me, you evildoers!'</span> Well now, I
think that this is a bit serious don’t you?
He is proclaiming that he only knows those who do the will of the
Father!!! My advice to you is ‘<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">If you do not know you had better get to finding out</span></b>’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">To what do we look for
righteousness?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Our understanding of words is very
important. Words communicate our
thoughts and intentions. The problems we
face in communication occur because of our failure to understand the words that
are being said to us. This particular
concept of righteousness is no different.
What do we as believers today look to in order to satisfy our vague
ideas on righteousness?<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Regular church attendance<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Giving money to some church organization<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Singing and praising God<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
These, and concepts like them, are
all distortions of our misunderstanding of righteousness. God did not leave us in the dark for he has
shown us the things that will please him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Glorifying God: The way
to attain righteousness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The concept of righteousness is so
important that Jesus tied it directly to the gospel of the kingdom. But why does God want us to act
righteously? It is because in doing so
we bring glory to God. The word glory
means the true nature of a thing or what a thing is. Consider the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And the
LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou
hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. And he said, <b>I beseech thee, shew me thy glory</b></span>.
(Exodus 33:17,18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Moses here has found favor with God
so his request is for God to show him his glory. This is important to note because we feel
that glory has to do with singing and worshipping God, but from this passage
God shows us what it really is:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And he
said, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">I will
make all my goodness pass before thee</span><span style="color: blue;">, and <b>I will proclaim the name of the LORD before
thee</b>; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy
on whom I will shew mercy</span>. (Exodus 33:19)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There it is, God did not only define
what glory is but showed his glory to Moses.
And what was his glory (true nature revealed)? <b>His
glory is goodness</b>. Moses asks to see
God’s glory and God said I will show you my goodness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So what does this all have to do
with the believer? If you are to obey
the gospel we are then called to walk in righteousness. But what does this righteousness call us to
do?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">In whom
also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the
purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That
we should be </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">to the praise of his glory</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, who first trusted in Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There you have it we are called
through the inheritance given to us through the gospel to be the praise of <span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">his</span> glory. So in this light Matthew 5:16 makes more
sense:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">In the
same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds
and </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">praise</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> your
Father in heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
And in another place it is written:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">It was he
who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and
some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">works of service</span> (Ephesians
4:11,12a)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
These good deeds bring praise to
God from the people of the world but what exactly are the people of the world
seeing. If we live in accordance with
the gospel then they will see the good works inspired by the gospel that Jesus
brought to us. And Jesus said that if
you see him you see the father; so what we are displaying is the glory of God
which is called goodness. That is the end
result of our righteousness; to show the world the goodness of God through the
works of service that the gospel leads us to do. Let us see this expressed in another
passage. Paul in 2 Corinthians 9 was
preparing to accept financial aid that the church at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Corinth</st1:place></st1:city> was accumulating for their
impoverished brothers. Look at what he
says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">For the ministry of this
service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also
overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by
this ministry, </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the
gospel of Christ</span><span style="color: blue;"> and for the liberality of your
contribution to them and to all,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
What is interesting here is what
Paul tells them in the very next verse.
He shows them that their righteousness that is part and parcel with the
gospel brings forth fruit:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Now He who
supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your
seed for sowing and increase the </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">harvest of your righteousness</span><span style="color: blue;">;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Paul here tells them that their
righteousness in accordance with the gospel led them to give. What then happens to those who received the gift? Paul said they glorify God. They praise God on their behalf! Why, because the nature of God had been revealed
to them. And what is that nature? His goodness. And what is his plan to display
that nature in the earth?<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> It is
your obedience to your confession of the <u>gospel of Christ.</u></span><u><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Our world today is full of
corruption and a good deal of it is coming from the body of Christ. How can we hope to reach the world if we
ourselves do not obey his gospel? There
is no distinction in our midst. Divorces
amongst our leaders and the stench of greed permeate our very core. These are all things that obedience to the
gospel is supposed to prevent, but sadly because we do not walk righteously in
accordance with the gospel this filth has overtaken us. I admonish all of you, obey the gospel it is
the only thing that will purify us and keep us pure before God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The apostles gave this admonition
in one of their talks to the people:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">"Therefore having
overlooked the times of ignorance, <b>God
is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent,</b> because
He has fixed a day in which He will <b>judge
the world in righteousness</b> </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">through a Man whom He has
appointed</span></b><span style="color: blue;">, having furnished proof to all
men by raising Him from the dead." </span>Acts 17:30-31<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
They said that God calls everyone
to repent. Remember that repentance has
to do with changing your mind and subsequently your behavior. He calls us to repent, but why does he do
this? It is because he has set a day
when he will judge the world in righteousness.
Do you see the word righteousness?
He will judge the world in righteousness, but what is this righteousness
and on what basis does it come? It comes
through Jesus Christ the one who came with words of life that were designed to
cause us to live as God would have us live.
We all will stand before him and he will determine our worthiness not based
on what we achieved or how many people we preached to. No, he will determine it by comparing our
lives to Jesus’ life. To be qualified we
MUST walk as he walked in complete righteousness which is based on the gospel
of the kingdom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 200%;">Obey</span></u></b><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> the gospel of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>
and walk in his <u>righteousness</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-48817674888251719072012-03-03T07:07:00.001-05:002012-03-04T07:04:24.922-05:00Reformation Redux:The realization and recognition of the true gospel<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
In this paper we will examine the
first aspect of the Reformation Redux.
It is fitting to examine the Gospel at the onset because this teaching
was pivotal to the life of Jesus Christ.
One cannot speak of Jesus and not talk about the thing that consumed his
life. Jesus spoke for 3.5 years on this
subject, and in one instance speaking of the gospel he said <span style="color: blue;">“I was sent for this purpose”</span> (Luke 4:43b). So why should we focus on this particular
subject and why do we need reformation? The
truth of this message has been lost through the ages, and has been replaced
with another true but misplaced concept. This new distortion diverts the body
of Christ from the true meaning of the life of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
I must state from the onset that
Satan is the author of confusion, and Jesus calls him the father of lies. This means that he is the source of any kind
of lie that exists today. When we
examine a lie we only view it from the aspect of information that is untrue,
but this is only half true. When you
have the replacement of something true by something that is equally true but
out of place you have indeed encountered a lie.
For example let‘s say I invite you over for ice cold milk and warm
brownies. You are so taken by the flavor
of the brownies you ask me for the recipe.
Unknown to you the recipe has been cherished by my family for
generations and was always considered a prized secret. But because I do not want to refuse you I
write you a recipe that is altered from the secret original. Now will this altered recipe make you
brownies? Yes it would and probably some
very good ones. But is it the recipe that
you had requested? No. This then is in effect a lie, because I
passed something off as genuine when it was an alteration of the truth even
though it potentially makes a delicious brownie. This is the type of error that exits today in
regards to our teachings about the gospel.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Initially you may say well how much
harm can there be if one truth is replaced by another truth. The danger comes about when we examine Jesus’
words in regards to Satan:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">He was a murderer
from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth
in him. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Whenever he
speaks a lie; he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar and the father [source]
of lies. </span></b>(John 8:44b)<span style="color: blue;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If we have something that is not
true, or a truth that is misplaced then we have a lie. And if we have a lie then the source (father)
of that lie is the devil. This is the
problem, because the devil’s purpose is not to aid God’s people with revelation
but to confuse and distort the word of God with heresies and doctrines of
demons. A perfect example of this can be
seen in the temptation of Jesus. The
devil came to Jesus with a proposition from the word of God. On its face it seems plausible, but look
closely and consider the lie shining through his distorted logic:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Then the
devil took him into the holy city; and had him stand on the pinnacle of the
temple, and said to him, “If you are the son of god throw yourself down; for it
is written </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">‘He will give his angels
charge concerning you’, and ‘On their hands they will bear you up lest you
strike your foot against a stone.’” </span>(Matthew 4: 5, 6)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Is this a promise of God? Why yes, it is found in Psalms 91:11. Did the devil quote it accurately? Yes again, this is exactly the way that it
was written by the Psalmist. Then what
was the problem? We have a promise given
to the righteous by God, why did not Jesus take the opportunity to receive the
benefit of this promise. This would have
been an excellent way to showcase his faith in God. So why didn’t he? It is because a closer examination of this
verse shows that while it is rendered correctly it does not concur with the
devils request. The promise is that God
would perform this word <b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">if</span></i></b> the righteous were to <b><i>fall</i></b> or <b><i>trip</i></b>.
Satan’s request was for Jesus to JUMP! So
in this passage the word jump was transposed for the word fall or stumble. This is the way of the devil; his devices are
crafty and devious.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
The previous example is a perfect
illustration to what happened with the gospel that Jesus preached. Through time its true meaning was replaced,
not by a lie but with another truth. The
trouble is that the true gospel has now become lost to the body of Christ, and
as such we are found wanting in our understanding of the message of Jesus, and we
are at a loss for the benefits that he came to bring through our understanding
of his words. Through this replacement
the devil has doomed to confusion and frustration billions of Christians
through the ages. Our understanding of
the Gospel is very important because our obedience to God is directly tied to
how we handle his word. One cannot hope
to be obedient, no matter how sincere, if we follow an erroneous
instruction. We can grasp the importance
then of obedience to the truth by his final statement in Matthew:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Teach them to observe all that I commanded
you…</span></b> (Matthew 28:20)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
If we lose sight of just what
indeed he has commanded us we can never truly be in compliance with this
scripture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Just in case you still do not see
why it is so important to get this issue of the gospel correct consider what
Paul says will happen to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">And these will pay the penalty of eternal
destruction away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His Power,</span></b>
(1 Thessalonians 1:9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
I think the weight of the scripture
then warrants that we get the substance of the gospel right.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">The Transposition<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Transposition describes an event or
act where one thing is substituted for another. This I contend is what we have today in
regards to the gospel. To understand
this we must examine what we have today and we must come to see just what we
are indeed calling the gospel. Here are
a few questions to ponder:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;">What is the definition of the term Gospel?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;">What is the gospel message of the modern day church?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;">What is the basis of the teaching of the gospel as
accepted today?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;">Are there two gospels or just one?<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in;">Is the Gospel we preach today the same that Jesus
preached?<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
We will work through these
questions in our quest for truth and as a result the sure purpose of God will
stand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u>What is the definition of the term Gospel?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
This simple term ‘gospel’ comes
from the Greek word that means ‘a good message’. It was a term that meant good news. When one heard news that was considered
auspicious and delightful this was called gospel. From the onset it is clear that this term can
have a variety of applications. If you
go to the doctor and he tells you that you have a clean bill of health the
information is considered gospel. If
your boss calls you into his office and tells you that you are being promoted,
that is considered gospel. What if a police
officer knocks on your door and tells you that your son has been in a traffic
mishap, but he is fine, that is considered gospel. By the way in all these instances, the
doctor, the boss and the police officer would be considered an evangelist which
is simply the herald (bringer) of good news!
I used these examples to demystify the term gospel. In Christendom we have a way of mystifying
certain terms in an effort to add substance to what we say, and oftentimes this
process clouds the truth. The way that
the word gospel is used today one would think that it had originated from Jesus
and should only be uttered in religious contexts. This is not so. Gospel simply means good news and the persons
who bring this good news are evangelists, and it was used in many contexts
throughout the ages.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u>What is the gospel message of the modern day church?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
What then is our
modern-day answer to the question of what is the gospel that Jesus
preached? Ask any church leader or
learned Christian and you would get any one or combination of the following
explanations of what the gospel is:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">John <st1:time hour="15" minute="16" w:st="on">3:16</st1:time> – <span style="color: blue;">For God so loved the
world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believe on him
shall not perish but have everlasting life.</span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">John 3:3-7 - <span style="color: blue;">Jesus answered
and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born
again, he cannot see the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>. Nicodemus
saith unto him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the
second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered,
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of
the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again</span>.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">1 Corinthians 15:1-6 - <span style="color: blue;">Moreover,
brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which
also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved,
if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in
vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received,
how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he
was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the
scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After
that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the
greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. </span><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost
and born of a virgin. He freely laid down his life and was crucified under
Pontius Pilate. He was buried and rose again on the third day.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">The New Testament<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">The death burial and resurrection of
the Lord Jesus followed by his ascension<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">The life (person) of Jesus<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">We have been granted favor from God
through the forgiveness of sins<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">That Jesus Christ is the Messiah<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Is everything
that I have written here a statement of fact?
Yes indeed, all of these statements are bible-based. Is this the gospel
that Jesus preached? We shall see.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u>What is the basis of the teaching of the gospel as accepted today?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Can there be a
thread that wraps all of the teachings of the modern-day church on the gospel
together; one concept that connects them all?
Look at the aforementioned points and you can find it. Everything that we declare to be the gospel
emanates from this two-fold cord:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">The gospel is about Jesus <o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">It involves being born again<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Together these
form the basis of what we deem to be the gospel. For most, the crux of the gospel could be
found in Jesus’ discourse with Nicodemus and in particular the statement of
Jesus ‘You must be born again’. This is
our foundation stone for our understanding of the gospel, and it has become the
go-to verse for every so-called evangelist of today. In the effort to obey Jesus’ command to preach
the gospel we proclaim this verse as the basis of our sermons and spew out this
phrase incessantly. Would it surprise
you that this particular phrase (born gain) is only mentioned once in the
entire canon of scripture? Would it further
interest you to know that it was only uttered in a private conversation with
Nicodemus and never to the crowds that Jesus preached to daily? Oh it gets even better!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u>Are there two gospels or just one?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
This may seem an
absurd question but bear with me. Is
there more than one gospel in the context of Christianity? Any sane, learned and devoted Christian would
say most definitely not. Why? I am glad you asked, well it is because of Paul’s
admonition found in Galatians 1:8<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">But even though we or an angel from heaven should preach to
you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">let him be accursed</span></b><span style="color: blue;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
And in case you
did not hear him the first time he repeats it in the very next verse. Who do you think inspired Paul to write
this? In another place he declares that
all scripture is God-breathed or inspired.
Well then would Paul himself preach a gospel contrary to the one that he
received knowing this pronouncement? I
think not. So therefore we can confidently
conclude that the New Testament only declares <b><u>one</u></b> gospel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
It is
interesting to note that by the time of Paul’s writings Jesus had just been
dead and resurrected but a few decades, but Paul is here already having to
defend the purity of the gospel message in the early church. In fact he says that they had turned away
from the truth to a different gospel.
There was a distortion about, that turned the people away from the true
gospel to what they had now embraced.
Paul recognizes this as deadly, because the gospel was the central theme
of the life of Jesus and had to be preserved at all costs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u>Is the Gospel we preach today the same that Jesus preached?<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
NO!!! The Gospel we preach today is not the gospel
preached by Jesus or his apostles. The
truth of the gospel has been transposed by another truth, and the substance of
the gospel has been sidelined. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">What is the true gospel?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
What is the gospel
that Jesus preached? Let us begin by
looking at what Jesus did <b><i>not</i> </b>say was the gospel.<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%;"> </span>Please note that Jesus is the author of the gospel
and whatever it (the gospel) may be, in order for us to understand it all
things must be interpreted through the words he said. If it seems that
there is a contradiction at times in the scriptures I assure you there are
none. In regards to the gospel Jesus
came with the message; so the clarity of it lies with Jesus, and his words
should be the lens we use to see what his followers meant when they spoke. Therefore we must let scripture interpret
scripture. That said consider these few points:<br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">Jesus preached the gospel to the crowds
for three years and never once did he talk to them of his death, burial
and resurrection. <b>Yet he preached the gospel!</b><br />
<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">Jesus, coming down to the time when he
was to be crucified, told his <i>disciples
only</i> of his impending death and warned them not to tell anyone
yet. Matthew 16:21 <b><span style="color: blue;">From that time</span></b><span style="color: blue;">
Jesus began to <b>show His disciples</b>
that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and
chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third
day;</span> Mark 8: 31 <span style="color: blue;">And He began to teach them
that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders
and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days
rise again. </span> <b>(Keep
in mind that before then he had already sent them out to preach the gospel!)<br />
<br />
</b><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">The scriptures clearly said that when
he told them that he was to die and would be resurrected (a key tenet of
what the church claims as the gospel) they did not understand or believe
it. In fact Peter rebuked him.
Why? It was because this was
foreign to them they had not heard it before, <b>yet Jesus preached to them everyday before that the gospel.</b><br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">When Jesus talked about the gospel it
was always in reference to the Gospel <i>OF</i>
the Kingdom.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">Paul at the end of Acts (28:31) clearly
states that he preached the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> <b><i>and</i></b>
he taught concerning the Lord Jesus. To him they were two <i>different</i> things.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
These are just a few of the
inconsistencies that exist if one is to take the teachings of the church as....
gospel (pun intended).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
So what is the gospel as far as
Jesus is concerned? Jesus, whenever he
talked about the gospel he connected it to the phrase the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>. Remember what we said the word gospel
meant. It means good news; therefore
Jesus came to bring us good news. But
news by its very nature must be <i>about</i>
something. If someone comes up to you
and says I have good news for you your first inclination is to ask them what
the news is about. What if their answer
to you was ‘Oh it is about nothing its just good news’? This would not make much sense. Jesus came to bring us good news, and that
good news (gospel) was about The Kingdom of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Jesus
went about all <st1:place w:st="on">Galilee</st1:place>, teaching in their
synagogues, and </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">preaching the gospel of the kingdom </span></b>(Matthew 4:23a)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Jesus
went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and<b> </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">preaching
the gospel of the kingdom</span> </b>(Matthew 9:35a)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And this </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">gospel</span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> of the kingdom</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all
nations; and then shall the end come.<b> </b></span>(Matthew
24:14)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Now after
that John was put in prison, Jesus came into <st1:place w:st="on">Galilee</st1:place>,<b> </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">preaching
the gospel of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>,</span></b> (Mark <st1:time hour="13" minute="14" w:st="on">1:14</st1:time>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And
saying, The time is fulfilled, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">and the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> is at hand: repent
ye, and believe the gospel.</span></b>
(Mark <st1:time hour="13" minute="15" w:st="on">1:15</st1:time>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
So here we see that
the good news was about the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>, so whenever we see
the word gospel in the bible we must acknowledge that it is <b><i>about</i></b>
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>.
So now your question must be what then is the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b>Defining the Gospel of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> that Jesus preached</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<b>The Kingdom of God is a compilation of the
ideas, precepts and principles outlined and explicated by Jesus in the New
Testament; incorporated into the elements of an individual’s life resulting in
the shifting of their core belief system; impacting all areas of that person’s
attitudes, behaviors and relations toward their fellow man. Effectively creating a life submitted to God,
while providing a structure that ensures continuous prosperity in every aspect
of life.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Let us examine this
statement line by line to determine its veracity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<u>The <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> is the compilation of ideas:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Throughout his
teaching to us the phrase ‘the kingdom of God is like a…’ is repeatedly used to
introduce to us new ideas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Then said he, unto what is the </span><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">kingdom</span></b></st1:placetype><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></span></b></st1:place><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"> like</span></b><span style="color: blue;">? And whereunto shall I resemble it?</span> (Luke 13:18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">kingdom of heaven is likened</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> unto a man which sowed good seed in his field</span>
(Matthew <st1:time hour="13" minute="24" w:st="on">13:24</st1:time>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Therefore is </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">the kingdom of heaven likened</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> unto a certain king, which would take account of his
servants.</span> (Matthew 18:23)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Then shall </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">the kingdom of heaven be likened</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to
meet the bridegroom.</span> (Matthew 25:1)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And he said, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">whereunto shall we liken the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place></span></b><span style="color: blue;">? Or with what comparison shall we compare it?</span> (Mark <st1:time hour="16" minute="30" w:st="on">4:30</st1:time>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">And again he said, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">whereunto
shall I liken the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place></span></b><span style="color: blue;">?<b> </b></span>(Luke 13:20)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
These statements
show that through his teachings Jesus was introducing to us ideas about the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> to aid us in our understanding of
what it is and how we can relate to it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<u>Precepts:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Precepts are
rules intended to determine actions and conduct. Jesus’ first command to us is repent. The word ‘repent’ means to change the way you
think. Why was Jesus so concerned about
how we think? Your thoughts determine
your actions. The book of James bears
this out when he talks about how we come to sin (See James <st1:time hour="13" minute="14" w:st="on">1:14</st1:time>, 15).
So Jesus knew that sin begins in the mind of man (heart) and therefore
he brought rules and regulations that if we adopt would free us from the
wickedness that dominates the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is
in heaven is perfect</span></b><span style="color: blue;">.</span> (Matthew <st1:time hour="17" minute="48" w:st="on">5:48</st1:time>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Ye have heard that it was said of them of old
time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the
judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without
a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his
brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou
fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.</span></b> (Matthew 5:21, 22)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by
them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the
Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for
it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by
Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.</span></b> (Matthew 5:33-35)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
These precepts or rules are
designed to help you to change the way you think.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>Principles:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Principles are fundamental laws or
truths that can provide benefits to ones life.
So does the gospel of the kingdom speak of basic laws that provide
benefits to your life? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Give</span></b><b><span style="color: blue;">, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed
down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete
withal it shall be measured to you again.</span></b> (Luke 6:38)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it
out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy
members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is
profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy
whole body should be cast into hell. </span></b>(Matthew 5:29,30)<b><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Ask</span></b><b><span style="color: blue;">, and it shall be
given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you</span></b>
(Matthew 7:7)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of
mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which
built his house upon a rock</span></b> (Matthew <st1:time hour="19" minute="24" w:st="on">7:24</st1:time>)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
These principles and more like them
provide a firm foundation upon which we can build our lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<u>…incorporated into the elements
of an individual’s life resulting in the shifting of their core belief system;
impacting all areas of that person’s attitudes, behaviors and relations toward
their fellow man:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
There was some confusion among the disciples
and the people to whom Jesus spoke the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>. They were of the view that Jesus would bring
about this kingdom through a violent uprising against <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> (their current day oppressors). But that was not Jesus’ intention. Remember the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>
<b><i>is</i></b>
the gospel. He essentially was saying to
them here is a new way to live. This new
way would make them a part of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>. So on earth we would act just like we were in
heaven under the direct leading of God.
But the question was how to bring this about. Do we use armed conflict and set up a
physical kingdom in the earth. That was not
quite God’s plan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And when he was demanded
of the Pharisees, when the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> should come, he
answered them and said the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> cometh not with
observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! Or, lo there! For,<b> </b></span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">behold, the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> is within you. </span></b><span style="color: blue;">And he said unto the disciples, the days will come, when ye
shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.</span>
(Luke 17:20-22)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
God’s design was not to set up a
physical government in the earth but to have people living all over the earth obeying
the gospel of the kingdom and essentially living the way he intended. Together they would constitute the presence
of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of
<st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> on the earth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<u>Effectively
creating a life submitted to God, while providing a structure that ensures
continuous prosperity in every aspect of life. <o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
What then would
happen to such people who have been imbued with the gospel of the kingdom and
living thereby? The result would be a
change in the world! God wants to
connect with mankind. The conduct of
mankind was sinful. God needed to
correct man’s conduct so that he could once again find favor with God. Jesus came with a message that you can find
favor again with God by adopting the principles, precepts and ideas spoken by Jesus
in the New Testament. So now man has a
way to reconnect with God and commune and find favor with him. Wow, now <b><i>that</i> </b>is good news! This I declare to you is the gospel that
Jesus preached.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Under this
definition the following scriptures finally make sense:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">For the time is
come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us,
what shall the end be of them that obey
not the gospel of God?</span></b>
(1Peter <st1:time hour="16" minute="17" w:st="on">4:17</st1:time>)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God,
and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished
with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory
of his power; </span></b>(2 Thessalonians 1:8,9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">The Spirit of the
Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the <i>gospel</i> to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the
brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight
to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,</span></b> (Luke 4:18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
The gospel of
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> is not some one time act, but it is
a continuous dynamic that requires our <b><i>continual</i></b> obedience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b>What then are the benefits of the gospel?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Understanding
the truth of the gospel is paramount because one cannot hope to gain the benefits
of a thing without understanding the thing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">The Gospel is the power of God for
salvation: Paul says as much in
Romans 1:16. He continues, <span style="color: blue;">‘For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from
faith to faith’.</span> The gospel
reveals the righteousness of God as it declares what we must do to live in
his presence.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in;">It purifies us: <b><span style="color: blue;">In the body of his flesh through death, to present you
holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the
faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the
gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature
which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;</span></b>
(Colossians 1:22-23)<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">It brings us immortality: <b><span style="color: blue;">But is now
made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath
abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through
the gospel</span></b> (2
Timothy <st1:time hour="13" minute="10" w:st="on">1:10</st1:time>)<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in left 182.25pt;">It is the basis of a better
covenant. This gospel is the basis
for which we can now experience a better covenant based on better
promises. Through the gospel,
therefore, we can live life and life more abundantly.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">What about…?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b>“Ye must be born again”.</b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Does not one
have to be born again in order to receive salvation? The born again experience, while necessary to
the gospel, does not constitute the gospel.
Jesus himself tells us exactly what is the purpose of the born again
experience<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, <b><i>Except</i></b> a man be born again, he cannot <b><i>see</i></b> the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>.
(John 3:3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Did you see
that! Jesus distinctly separates the
gospel from the born again experience.
Does this make it insignificant, no, on the contrary this places the
born again experience as a precursor to<b><i> understanding</i></b> the gospel. What Jesus was saying was not that the born
again message was the gospel but that one must be born again in order to
understand the gospel. These are two distinct
concepts. <b>The transposition made the doorway to the house the actual house!</b> One cannot see the gospel if one is not born
again but the important thing is the gospel of the kingdom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b>Jesus himself<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
You may ask well
what about Jesus; isn’t the teaching about Jesus and his life the same as the
gospel? In essence aren’t Jesus and the
gospel one and the same? Consider the
following:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in
even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till
evening he explained and declared to them the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>
</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">AND</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> tried to
convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets.</span> Acts
28:23<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">And Paul dwelt two whole
years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching
the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>, </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">AND</span></b><span style="color: blue;"> teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ,
with all confidence, no man forbidding him.</span> Acts 28:30-31<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">But when
they believed Philip preaching the good news about the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>
</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">AND </span></b><span style="color: blue;">the name
of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.</span> Acts <st1:time hour="8" minute="12" w:st="on">8:12</st1:time><span style="color: blue;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
These verses are
very important. It is essential to know
that the words that comprise these verses are not arbitrary, and as such each
are important to our understanding of the gospel. Notice the place of the word ‘<b><i>and</i></b>’
in these instances. The reason why Luke
described these scenes in this way was because he wanted to show clearly that
the gospel of the kingdom of God and the message of Jesus were two completely
different concepts. This is written in
such a way that it would have been possible for Paul to speak about the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> (the gospel) and not mention Jesus,
and at the same time he could have talked about Jesus and not mention the
gospel of the Kingdom. (Please do not misinterpret
what I am saying; it was Jesus who came to enact and initiate the gospel of the
kingdom, and as such he is its author.
It just must be clear that the gospel and Jesus are two distinct
teachings.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b>The disciples’ teachings and preaching in the
book of Acts<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Acts has many
occasions where the disciples after the day of Pentecost preached to the
people. Most of the sermons were about
Jesus. Can we use this as proof to say
that the gospel is indeed about the death, burial and resurrection of
Jesus? No we can not! In the book of Acts the disciples talked a
great deal about Jesus because their primary target throughout this book was
the Jews. What they were in effect
trying to do was prove to them that Jesus was indeed the Christ. This is an important fact to know because if
one does not come to this realization then the words of Christ i.e. the gospel
would have been just like any other leader’s words that go the way of
obscurity. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
They also had to
prove Jesus was Christ because to the Jewish mind Christ was the one to bring
deliverance from their oppression in the world.
If the disciples could prove this then they could easily show that the words
of Jesus (the gospel of the kingdom) were indeed the way to escape their
oppression. They knew that the Messiah
would bring the promise of God through Jeremiah:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">Behold, the days come,
saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and
with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their
fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land
of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them,
saith the LORD:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
This new
covenant embodies the gospel and is the establishment of a <i>New and Living</i> way talked about in the epistles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
The book of Acts
also shows that the disciples had an understanding of what the gospel of the
kingdom was all about. Do you remember
their question to Jesus before his ascension?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: blue;">So when they had come
together, they were asking Him, saying, "</span><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Lord, is it
at this time You are restoring the kingdom to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>?" </span></b><span style="color: blue;">He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or
epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive
power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses
both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part
of the earth." Acts 1:6-8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
They were
looking for this <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> to be initiated by
Jesus taking some leadership role, but Jesus had a different way to institute
his kingdom. The error of their thought
was in HOW he would do it, not in the substance of what he would do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b>1 Corinthians 15<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
You may ask
doesn’t Paul explicitly say that the gospel is the death burial and
resurrection of Jesus Christ? Let us
examine the text to determine what Paul said:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I
preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which
also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye
have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also
received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And
that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the
scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he
was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part
remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. </span></b>(1 Corinthians
15:1-6)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
There you say,
doesn’t this blow your theory out of the water?
Well what exactly did he say?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Moreover,
brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also
ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep
in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Well that is all
in line with what I am saying the problem that most overlook is the very next
statement:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">For I delivered
unto you first of all…</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
This statement
shows that he is not yet about to tell you what the gospel he preached was, but
what he is about to tell you is what he said <b><i>before</i></b> he spoke to them
the gospel. The verse that follows is
simply Paul taking many words to say what Jesus said in one sentence in John 3:3
First one must be born again <b><i>then </i></b>one can see the gospel. Paul does not introduce the gospel until
verse 24:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Then cometh the end, when he shall have
delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down
all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all
enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
He says ‘then
comes’ the end when he will deliver the kingdom to God. What kingdom? The gospel that had taken root
in his followers on earth who are now living out the things (ideas, precepts,
principles) he had said. <b><u>This is the gospel!!!<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
It is incumbent
upon us to understand the true gospel of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>. Why is it so important for us to get the true
message of the gospel correct? The
reason is that Jesus made a very important declaration at the end of his
ministry that requires our understanding:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<span style="color: blue;">"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the
whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and </span><b><i><span style="color: blue; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">then</span></i></b><span style="color: blue;"> the
end will come.</span> Matthew 24:14<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; tab-stops: 182.25pt;">
Do you see this
statement? This is the lynchpin to the
return of Jesus to the earth. He is
giving specific instructions on what <b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">has</span></i></b> to happen <b><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">before</span></i></b> he returns.
In other words he is saying that he will not return <b><i>until</i></b> THE <b><u>GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM</u> </b>IS
PREACHED TO THE WHOLE WORLD. Do you
understand therefore the importance of the message we carry. Do you see the importance of getting it
right? He did not say that he is waiting
for us to go and tell the world about him.
He very<b><i> specifically</i></b> says that he wants the world to hear his message
on the gospel of the kingdom. That is
the message we need to carry, and that is the message that the world needs to
here.<o:p></o:p></div>Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-63105755845318779562012-01-24T09:43:00.001-05:002012-01-24T09:46:33.719-05:00Discerning between good and evil.<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The goal
of the Christian life is maturity. We are given gifts from God for the sole
purpose of bringing us to the point of maturity:</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ephesians
4:11-13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And He
gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some
as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of
service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the
unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a MATURE man, to
the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But how do we know when we have
indeed matured:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hebrews
5:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But
solid food is for the mature, who<b> BECAUSE</b>
of practice have their <b>SENSES TRAINED</b>
to <b>DISCERN</b> good and evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mature Christians
therefore are those who have had their senses trained to discern <b>GOOD AND EVIL</b>. Does this sound
familiar? Consider this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Genesis
2:9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Out of
the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight
and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the
tree of the knowledge of GOOD and EVIL.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What <i>really</i> happened in the Garden of Eden?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A
fundamental misunderstanding of what actually took place in the Garden of Eden
has spawned a host of errors in the church today. Since this is the beginning we must grasp
fully the ramifications of Adam’s actions; for in doing so our understanding of
the bible will increase exponentially. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The scriptures
tell us that Adam and Eve ate a fruit from a tree, but not just any tree but
from a tree that they were specifically told not to eat. Most people see what
Adam did as<b> a</b> <b>fault, a fall, the damnation of all mankind</b>. But was it really? Adam's
disobedience was <b>ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY</b>.
Without this act of disobedience God's plan <b>COULD NOT PROCEED</b>! What <i>really</i>
happened was that Adam activated the process necessary for mankind to achieve
MATURITY. Now I know that there are those who believe that God could have
achieved his purpose for mankind apart from this act, but consider this if Adam
had proceeded without touching the tree then <b>HE WOULD HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD OR EVIL</b>! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Realize
that God instructing Adam not to eat the fruit MADE eating the fruit sin. This sin was necessary because it changed the
fundamental make up of man. After the
act man developed an affinity to sin.
You may not see this as a good thing, but know that without this
affinity to sin the man COULD NOT EVENTUALLY MATURE. It is the act of OVERCOMING sin that creates
maturity, and if there is NOTHING to overcome then maturity is not
realized. Consider Jesus’ parable of the
sower:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Luke
8:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And that
which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and
are <b>choked </b>with <b>cares and riches and pleasures of this life</b>, and bring no fruit to perfection
(maturity). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This
group does not bring forth fruit BECAUSE they did not OVERCOME sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adam's
act introduced the KNOWLEDGE of good and evil to mankind, BUT it did not grant
us the ability to<b> DISTINGUISH</b> the
difference between good and evil. This is the problem in the world today;
humankind generally CANNOT distinguish between what is good and what is evil.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wisdom is the principal thing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The book
of Hebrews tells us that maturity could only be achieved when we can have our
senses trained to discern between good and evil, and the tree in the midst of
the Garden of Eden was the 'tree of the knowledge<b><i> of</i></b> good and evil'.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The
ability to discern between good and evil can only be imparted by Wisdom. Some
think that wisdom is knowledge applied. This simplified definition does not
adequately define the concept of wisdom. Wisdom is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Knowing what works and what would
bring assuredly the desire you hope for. Wisdom is therefore a precipitated
knowledge that is free of uncertainty.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Consider
this:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1
Corinthians 1:30a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But by
His doing you are in <b>Christ Jesus</b>,
who became to us <b>wisdom from God</b>,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jesus
was wisdom from God incarnate:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1
Corinthians 2:6-7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yet we
do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age
nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom
in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our
glory;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And again
we see it in the parable of the sower:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Luke
8:15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But that
on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard
the <b>word</b> (JESUS), keep it, and bring
forth fruit with patience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This
wisdom from God came in the form of Christ. While on earth he spoke words that
tell us how to live. These words COMPLETELY identify the difference between
what is good and what is evil. We become mature when we HEAR THE WORD, KEEP THE
WORD, and BRING FORTH FRUIT FROM THE WORD.
At this point we are able to distinguish BETWEEN good and evil. This
knowledge is based upon the wisdom of God that came in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">If you cannot
distinguish between what is good and what is evil then you are <b>NOT</b> mature. What is good and what is
evil is simply what God calls good and evil, and this wisdom was granted us in
the word of God via Jesus. He did not leave it up to our understanding or our
sentiments because what is acceptable has a way of becoming diluted with each
generation, but what is true DOES NOT CHANGE</span>Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-7416700328544414602011-12-07T11:24:00.000-05:002011-12-07T11:24:26.650-05:00Free Will's Requiem <br />
Free will is a human concept the purports that God gave mankind a free and unencumbered will upon his creation. The teaching claims that man has the capacity to FREELY choose. I have proved the preposterousness of this heresy in many of my writings, and I wish to further show the error of this concept.<br />
<br />
Consider the Jews. These were a people chosen by God out of many nations. They were given a covenant that was not given to ANY other nation. It is important to realize this, because the covenant that the Jews had was between them and God. It was not OPEN to any of the other nations. The covenant outlined a list of things that God was requiring of them. Embedded in this list was a plethora of promises and a host of curses. In order for the Jews to experience UTOPIA all they needed to do was OBEY THE LAW. Do you understand this? This is key to revealing the error of free will. The Jews only needed to obey the words of the covenant and their lives would have been HEAVEN ON EARTH. All their physical needs would have been met and they would have wanted for NOTHING. Why did the Jews NOT exercise their supposed FREE WILL to access this option? It is because their will was NOT free! And I thank God that they DID NOT OBEY; you will agree in a bit!<br />
<br />
EVERY man born into the world is a SLAVE! A slave has NO ability to exercise his own will but by nature is UNDER the will of another. We are not born free but rather we are born slaves to sin:<br />
<br />
Psalms 51:5<br />
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,And in sin my mother conceived me.<br />
<br />
Psalms 58:3<br />
The wicked are estranged from the womb; These who speak lies go astray from birth.<br />
<br />
Genesis 8:21b<br />
“I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is EVIL FROM HIS YOUTH; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done.<br />
<br />
The Jews were no different from you or me. The day before the received the covenant they were slaves to sin and the day after they received the covenant the were STILL slaves to sin! The covenant DID NOT CORRECT THEIR SINFUL DISPOSITION. But this is all besides the point because if mankind, inclusive of the Jews, had the capacity to choose freely then why do they ALL invariably choose darkness rather than light.<br />
<br />
Consider what would have happened if the Jews had chosen by their supposed free will to OBEY God. What would that mean for you GENTILES that were NOT God's chosen people:<br />
<br />
Hebrews 8:7<br />
For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second.<br />
<br />
DID YOU READ THAT??? If the the Jews had somehow been able to exercise their 'free' will and had chosen to obey God the scripture says that 'THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO OCCASION SOUGHT FOR A SECOND' covenant. Where would that lead us who were not of the physical lineage of Abraham? We would to this day be HOPELESS. This was all part of God's plan because we read in the very next verse:<br />
<br />
Hebrews 8:8<br />
For finding fault with them, He says,“ Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, When I will effect A new covenant With the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;<br />
<br />
In which way did God find fault with THEM (the Jews)? It was in their INABILITY to keep the covenant. They had NO capacity to obey the Law because they were SLAVES to sin. It was THIS that made the second covenant necessary.<br />
<br />
Okay now we have a New Covenant, but can we choose by some free will to obey God even in this new covenant?<br />
<br />
Philippians 2:13<br />
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.<br />
<br />
It is God that is doing the willing in you AND the doing. This is the reason why the Israelites were UNABLE to obey the law. God was NOT in them. The Law was an EXTERNAL stimuli that had NO POWER of the internal condition of mankind which was INCLINED to sin. Now that we are in a new covenant does he now tell us to use OUR FREE WILL to live rightly? The new covenant has God now working IN us both to will and to do his good pleasure. What is this good pleasure:<br />
<br />
Jude 1:24<br />
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,<br />
<br />
His good pleasure is to make us stand in the presence of his glory. What is required for this to happen? We MUST keep from stumbling AND be blameless. But consider, WHO IS IT THAT KEEPS YOU FROM STUMBLING? God, NOT free will. Well can our free will cause us to stand blamelessly? Of course not:<br />
<br />
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24<br />
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. <br />
<br />
It is GOD who does the sanctifying, NOT OUR FREE WILL!!! He confirms this in the VERY next verse:<br />
<br />
...Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.<br />
<br />
Listen to this. IT IS GOD WHO BRINGS IT TO PASS NOT US OR A MYTHICAL FREE WILL!!!!<br />
<br />
So, since we can't even use free will to freely will ourselves to NOT sin what good is it to lay claim to this BLASPHEMOUS and DEMONIC concept? We do well to heed this warning:<br />
<br />
Colossians 2:8<br />
See to it that no one takes you captive through PHILOSOPHY and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, RATHER than according to Christ.Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-27429702948924369262011-11-21T11:27:00.000-05:002011-11-21T11:27:40.977-05:00The MEDIOCRE Jesus...of ChristianityThe word mediocre is defined as:<br />
<br />
<b>Of only ordinary or moderate quality; neither good nor bad; BARELY adequate.</b><br />
<br />
We use this word to describe the efforts of those who do not apply themselves to a task at hand. We use this word to describe our children's efforts when they bring home report cards laden with C's. But could this word also be applied to a more celestial figure, namely Jesus?<br />
<br />
How do we know if something is mediocre? A label of mediocrity can only be applied when a purpose/task is defined. Therefore, if the leadership of the CEO of a company produces break-even results for the fiscal year and profitability was the task then we can label the CEO as mediocre. So what does this have to do with Jesus?<br />
<br />
<b>What was Jesus' purpose?</b><br />
Why was Jesus born? For what reason was Jesus sent? What was Jesus' purpose?:<br />
<br />
1 John 3:8b<br />
The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.<br />
<br />
Here we have the clearly defined purpose of Jesus. This is the reason for his coming. The reason was 'to destroy the works of the devil'. But what does that mean? We can only know if Jesus is fulfilling the task if we understand the task. So what does it mean to destroy the works of the devil? The word destroy here is the Greek word 'luo' and it means to 'to reverse the result of tying by untying - to untie, to loosen'. Okay now we have clarity; so Jesus' reason for coming to earth was to REVERSE THE EFFECTS of the devil. So when did Satan begin to have an effect over mankind? It began in the garden and it was at the point of the fall of man that Satan began his work.<br />
<br />
<b>What does the work of Satan produce in mankind?</b><br />
We can see the effects of evil all around us. Murder, hypocrisy, fornication, and every other thing that God regards as sin. The results of this effect is shown in the bible:<br />
<br />
1 John 5:19<br />
We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.<br />
<br />
Ephesians 2:2<br />
...in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.<br />
<br />
2 Timothy 2:26<br />
...and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.<br />
<br />
Revelation 12:9<br />
And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.<br />
<br />
From these verse we can confirm that the works of the devil are:<br />
Corrupting the whole world<br />
Working in the sons of disobedience<br />
Captivating mankind to do his will<br />
Deceiving the whole world<br />
<br />
From these we can further deduce that this is the cause of the condition of our world today. Now we can precipitate a definition for the works of the devil:<br />
<br />
<b>The devil works in mankind holding them captive and deceiving them, thus binding them to corruption and rendering them disobedient.</b><br />
<br />
This is the work of Satan.<br />
<br />
<b>Is Jesus fulfilling his purpose?</b><br />
If the purpose of Jesus is to UNDO the effects of the devil, I ask you, honestly, is he effective at that task? Consider that by Christianity's measurement there are BILLIONS of souls in hell RIGHT NOW.. Why are they there? Well they are there because they are unsaved. So if there are billions unsaved and Jesus' purpose was to undo the effects of the devil that MUST mean that he is mediocre. But we have a problem, consider:<br />
<br />
Isaiah 55:11<br />
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.<br />
<br />
God is speaking here and he is saying something important. Who is the WORD OF GOD?:<br />
<br />
John 1:14<br />
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.<br />
<br />
The word of God IS Jesus. Okay, so what does God say about this Word?:<br />
<br />
'It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.'<br />
<br />
Okay, so what is the desire of God? To UNDO ALL (not SOME but all) that the devil has done. What has the devil done to mankind? He 'holds them captive, deceiving them, thus binding them to corruption and rendering them disobedient'. My question to you is, do any die in this bound up state? Yes, billions do. So what does that mean? It means either Jesus is mediocre (only ABLE to save a few) or that there is work yet to be accomplished in the future.<br />
<br />
<b>Yeah, but...</b><br />
I can hear it now, the fervent cries of free will! Okay consider this analogy. You go to the store to purchase a toaster. You do this because you want toasted bread. You unbox the toaster, plug it in and begin to toast. Question, why do you use a toaster to do this? Because a toaster IS SUPPOSE TO TOAST BREAD! That is its PURPOSE. Now imagine if you will this brand new toaster begins toasting, and out of ten slices of bread the toaster ONLY toasts four slices. What do you do? Do you take the six slices of bread back to the bakery and say 'Mr. Baker sir, this here bread don't toast'? That would be ridiculous because you would KNOW that that CAPACITY to toast bread was NOT IN THE BREAD ITSELF. That capacity is ONLY found in the toaster. If we applied our ideas of salvation to the bread we think that the toasting process had SOMETHING to do with the bread. When in fact:<br />
<br />
Ephesians 2:8<br />
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;<br />
<br />
The grace is from GOD and the faith is from JESUS. And to further deny you ANY part in this process he says:<br />
<br />
Ephesians 2:9<br />
...not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.<br />
<br />
This 'not a result of works' includes your so called 'acceptance' of him. The work of Jesus is to 'toast' every man. Consider:<br />
<br />
Mark 9:49<br />
“For everyone will be salted with fire.<br />
<br />
So will Jesus be successful in his work of UNDOING all the works of the devil? We have these witnesses:<br />
<br />
1 Timothy 4:10<br />
For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.<br />
<br />
A greater witness is this:<br />
<br />
1 John 4:14<br />
We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.<br />
<br />
And since the Word of God 'will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it', <b>I DARE TO BELIEVE THAT JESUS WILL SAVE THE WHOLE WORLD!!!!</b>Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-73913688046594184162011-11-16T09:06:00.000-05:002011-11-16T09:06:32.099-05:00The Sheol ContradictionThe word hell is used 31 times in the King James version of the Old Testament. Each one of those times the word hell is translated from the Hebrew word Sheol. The problem is that there should be some correlation between the number of times that hell is used and the number of times Sheol is present. The word Sheol shows up in the Old Testament a total of 65 times. Okay here is the issue, if Sheol is translated hell then how do we have hell 31 times but Sheol 65 times. Shouldn't there be a closer reconciliation?<br />
<br />
Let us at this time define the meaning of the word Sheol. Sheol is defined as: a place to which people descend at death, a grave. This is cause for concern. Consider how the word was used at its first mention in the bible:<br />
<br />
Genesis 37:35<br />
Then all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. And he said, “Surely I will go down to Sheol in mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him.<br />
<br />
This passage is talking about the time when Jacob thought that he had lost his son. It tells us that Jacob lamented that he will go down to Sheol in mourning. What is more interesting is that the King James version translates Sheol in this instance as grave and herein is the contradiction. Research will show that the word Sheol is translated hell in some instances and grave in others; but does this even make sense? Look at the definition of the word grave:<br />
<br />
A place where a dead body is buried. It is essentially a hole in the ground where a dead body is buried<br />
<br />
Okay let's get a definition of the word hell:<br />
<br />
A place of everlasting fiery punishment in the afterlife<br />
<br />
Now there are instances where a word can have more than one meaning, but can ANYONE tell me how ONE word can mean a hole in the ground AND AT THE SAME TIME mean a place of fire and burning and punishment no end!!!! Are these concepts even interchangeable? The first person to tell me that these things are ONLY understood in the spirit will get a VIRTUAL SLAP!!! Consider:<br />
<br />
Where is John Smith? He died and we buried him. (Grave)<br />
<br />
Where is John Smith? He died and he is burning forever in a fiery hell hole. (Hell)<br />
<br />
One question, was there a shortage of words that necessitated the Hebrews to cause the word Sheol to do double duty? How would they EVER be able to communicate? How would they ever know to what the other person was referring; heaven help us if it was written down and used in a sentence because a whole council would have to be called just to interpret!<br />
<br />
The King James interpreters ran up against this problem pretty early on as they now had a dilemma. If Sheol is to be translated as hell (a place of everlasting burning) then how could it be used in connection with the righteous of the Old Testament:<br />
<br />
2 Samuel 22:6<br />
The cords of Sheol/HELL surrounded me (David); The snares of death confronted me.<br />
<br />
Here is a funny one:<br />
<br />
1 Kings 2:6<br />
So act according to your wisdom, and do not let his gray hair go down to Sheol in peace.<br />
<br />
According to this verse it is possible to go down to HELL in PEACE. Seriously?<br />
<br />
Oh and don't forget Job:<br />
<br />
Job 14:13<br />
“Oh that You would hide me in Sheol/HELL, That You would conceal me until Your wrath returns to You, That You would set a limit for me and remember me!<br />
<br />
How bad was Job's trials that he BEGGED God to send him to a place of everlasting burning and torment! DOES THIS EVEN MAKE SENSE??? Job's plea was, Oh God I am in a bad place now but I beg you to send me to an even worse place. Not only that but it appears that you could escape hell:<br />
<br />
Psalms 86:13<br />
For Your lovingkindness toward me is great, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol/HELL.<br />
<br />
I guess this isn't strange since Jonah went there for three days:<br />
<br />
Jonah 2:2<br />
...and he said, “I called out of my distress to the Lord, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol/HELL; You heard my voice.<br />
<br />
So which is it? Can we finally put to rest this contradiction? Is Sheol a place of everlasting fiery punishment or is it the grave?<br />
<br />
<b>How would they know?</b><br />
If Sheol was a place of everlasting torment how would the Hebrews come to know this? THINK ABOUT IT. There is no account where some Hebrew had a near death experience and came back and said 'hey you guys, that Sheol, let me tell ya that place is no joke'. Seriously, how would they know? Since this is a place that wicked people supposedly went to after death how would the know? The only way for them to know is for God to tell them. Well, did God EVER DESCRIBE Sheol as a place of torment? Where did God ever clue the Hebrews into the fact that Sheol is a place of fiery torment? Remember that this word was first used in the bible by Jacob, but when was it first used by God?<br />
<br />
Isaiah 5:14<br />
Therefore Sheol has enlarged its throat and opened its mouth without measure; And Jerusalem’s splendor, her multitude, her din of revelry and the jubilant within her, descend into it.<br />
<br />
Okay this is ridiculous. This is the first time that God utters the word Sheol. He used it in connection with Jerusalem's splendor. Now this is important; can we deduce from the way that God uses this word that he is talking about some fiery place filled with burning wicked? On top of this he WAITS THOUSANDS OF YEARS AFTER THE FALL OF MAN TO EVEN MENTION THE WORD! It would be a matter of great importance for man to know that when he dies in his sin that he would go to a fiery hell hole forever dontcha think? Wouldn't God WANT TO WARN people of their fate? Or does he say upon death when he is casting them into fire 'oh did I forget to mention that you are going to be tormented here for EVER and EVER.<br />
<br />
The concept of hell is NOT articulated by God or ANY of his prophets in the Old Testament. So how did the translators come to substitue Sheol in some places for the word hell? The world knew what a grave was, they had been digging them since the fall of man. It would require knowledge BEYOND what could be seen in the natural to grant an understanding of hell. The Hebrews, by the time God used the word, had been using it for thousands of years. To them it meant a hole in the ground to put the dead, nothing more. It is used THROUGHOUT the Old Testament to mean just that; you can prove this by just substituting the King James usage of hell in the Old Testament for grave and IT MAKES SENSE EVERY TIME.<br />
<br />
<b>What is the wages/ punishment for sin?</b><br />
In my post 'The mystery of the second death' I show clearly God's ultimate punishment for sin. He NEVER told Adam that the punishment for sin would be an eternity in a fiery pit. God said that the punishment for sin is the cessation of life. That's IT; the price for sinning is DEATH. The translators who translated the word Sheol to hell will have much to answer for on the day in which God will judge the world and so will the purveyors of this teaching.<br />
<br />
(PLEASE DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND ME, God will further judge the wicked when he submits them to the second death. This second death is where the wicked will undergo God's obedience program (see my post on The purpose of the Lake of Fire))<br />
<br />
<b>What are the implications of this understanding?</b><br />
If Sheol can ONLY mean the grave then we have been duped. We have been conveying to the world the idea that God punishes sin with an eternity of burning, and we have been using Sheol as a vehicle to do it.<br />
<br />
<b>But doesn't the New Testament talk about hell?</b><br />
Let me ask you a question. Jesus shows up on the scene about four thousand years after the fall of man. By this time MILLIONS of people have died. Could he at this time introduce to mankind a fresh new idea of how God punishes sin? At some point he would have to say to the crowd 'Oh by the way, we didn't get to mention this earlier but when you die you don't REALLY die but you go to a fiery pit where you burn forever'. WHAT, YOUR JUST TELLING US THIS NOW!!!!! Remember that to them Sheol was the grave, could Jesus now come on the scene and CHANGE this definition?<br />
<br />
True to form the translators continued their destructive tactics in their work in the New Testament, but we can now see their error. Since we now know Sheol to be the grave can we use this information to offer clarity in the New Testament? <br />
<br />
Acts 2:27<br />
...Because You will not abandon my soul to Hell, Nor allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.<br />
<br />
Oh you translators, this passage of scripture is taken from the book of Psalms and there the word Sheol is used. In the New Testament where it is written in Greek the word is Hades. Based on this then we can conclude that whenever the New Testament mentions Hades it is synonymous with the Hebrew word Sheol. Now just how many times is the word Hades used in the New Testament? Ten times; and do you know that the KJV rendered the word HADES as HELL each of these times?<br />
<br />
See what is happening here is that there was and effort to transmit a doctrine and not a translation. This is important to know because in doing so we have LOST a great understanding. Consider:<br />
<br />
Matthew 16:18<br />
I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hell will not overpower it.<br />
<br />
Upon reading this most Christians have fanciful ideas of Satan seeking to overcome the church with the gates of hell. What is lost here is Jesus telling the church that the gates of HADES/SHEOL/GRAVE will not be able to overpower his church. This was no rallying cry to beat back the forces of the devil, but it was a reassurance that death will not be a PERMANENT STATE for the church. It was a promise that the power of God will rob the grave of its power over the saints by RESURRECTION.<br />
<br />
We also lose an essential understanding here:<br />
<br />
Revelation 20:14<br />
Then death and Hell were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.<br />
<br />
Again Christians have ideas of God taking up hell, filled with the wicked, and throwing it into a supposedly bigger fire. But if you understand that HADES=SHEOL=GRAVE you realize that this is a wonderful picture of God bringing an END to death.<br />
<br />
When you understand the equation HADES=SHEOL=GRAVE you can come to see just how specific the word of God is. Consider:<br />
<br />
Revelation 20:13<br />
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds.<br />
<br />
Has everyone who has ever died on the earth buried in the earth? No, because some people died at sea. Therefore the scripture says that the sea gives up its dead and Hades which is the grave which is a HOLE IN THE GROUND gave up its dead.<br />
<br />
It is based on the fact that HADES=SHEOL=GRAVE that we can finally conclude that the story that Jesus gave of the rich man and Lazarus was indeed a PARABLE. This is evident because to the hearers of this story they knew immediately that Sheol meant the grave and since one is dead in a grave one could not LITERALLY lift up ones eyes and see anything! (see my post 'You shall not surely die...')<br />
<br />
God inspired the use of the word Hades to be synonymous with Sheol, because he wanted New Testament followers to understand them to mean the same thing. The only word left that the translators translate as hell is the word Gehenna (Oh what a versatile word HELL is). In my paper 'The mystery of the second death' I tried to show where Jesus' use of the concept of Gehenna is in fact the book of Revelations Lake of Fire. In my post 'The purpose of the Lake of Fire' I prove where the lake of fire is the place where ALL the enemies of God are MADE TO BE OBEDIENT TO CHRIST.<br />
<br />
<b>I am made to wonder about this doctrine of hell when I consider the following:<br />
<br />
2 Thessalonians 2:11-12<br />
For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.</b>Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-71226523762715092912011-11-12T06:50:00.001-05:002011-11-12T07:08:19.174-05:00Laying up treasures.The parable that Jesus gives in Luke 12 is most awesome in that it DIRECTLY confronts the wisdom of the world and a destructive heresy adopted by the church. The parable is of a rich man who was able to amass a considerable amount of wealth. The parable addresses what the man does with the wealth:<br />
<br />
Luke 12:16<br />
16 And He told them a parable, saying, The land of a rich man was very productive.<br />
<br />
Nothing wrong here is there? In fact it was God who had blessed the land of the man so that it could bring forth a great harvest.<br />
<br />
Luke 12:17-18<br />
17 And he began reasoning to himself, saying, What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops? 18 Then he said, This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.<br />
<br />
These verses completely describes the wisdom of this world and the church has adopted these concepts as 'wisdom'. In response to an abundance of wealth the man initiated a retirement plan. Note that he was NOT a profligate, but one who introduced a REASONED response that ANY PERSON WOULD CONSIDER RESPONSIBLE. He was preparing for the future. Well isn't that what we are supposed to do? Isn't this wisdom? Aren't we suppose to save and invest for when we are not able to work?<br />
<br />
Luke 12:19<br />
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.<br />
<br />
According to our wisdom, and yes this IS the wisdom that has been adopted by much of the church, the state of the man in verse nineteen is EXACTLY the goal we aspire too. This is NOTHING MORE THAN A REASONABLE RETIREMENT PLAN. In fact this is what passes as sensible. This is what makes God's statement all the more troubling:<br />
<br />
Luke 12:20<br />
20 But God said to him, You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?<br />
<br />
God calls this man a fool! He calls a man that is doing what is called wisdom a fool. But WHY?:<br />
<br />
Luke 12:21<br />
21 So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.<br />
<br />
Jesus CONDEMNS the actions of this man because the man was not being what he calls 'rich toward God'. All the efforts of this man was summed up by Jesus as wanting. He had a plan that he acted on, he was not a profligate, he save responsibly ; all things that we accept as wisdom. God calls FOOLISH!!! What is more flabbergasting is that in this verse Jesus says that storing up treasures is not the same thing as being rich toward God. Now what follows in the very next verse is what God calls wisdom:<br />
<br />
Luke 12:22-23<br />
<br />
22 And He said to His disciples, For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.<br />
<br />
THIS IS INSANE TO OUR UNDERSTANDING! Jesus just castigated a SOLID RESPONSIBLE case of financial planning calling it FOOLISH and he counters with the above verses. Jesus tells us NOT to worry about our lives. So EVERYTHING that this man did by responsibly securing for his future was what Jesus would determine WORRY. I tremble as I contemplate these words because this is saying that our ideas on how we should order our financial steps are an affront to God. In fact what Jesus is advocating here is a carefree lifestyle where we do not do the things that are determined as good sense and we adopt this lifestyle that he calls 'rich towards God' and does not involve storing up and saving for the future. What about my children's college tuition? Shouldn't I store up for this? Or what about retirement? What about my future? Jesus does not console us in our insecurities but goes on to talk about ravens and lilies and concludes by saying:<br />
<br />
Luke 12:28<br />
28 But if God so clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you? You men of little faith!<br />
<br />
God calls a life where NOTHING is secure and NOTHING is paid for in advance and NOTHING is responsibly prepared a life of faith. So how are we SUPPOSED to acquire all the things we need:<br />
<br />
Luke 12:29-31<br />
29 And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying. 30 For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek; but your Father knows that you need these things. 31 But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.<br />
<br />
He tells us to NOT be responsible as the world understands in fact he calls that worrying. He tells us to cast that all aside and seek his kingdom and somehow all the other things will be added to us. WOW, now isn't that a kick in the head!!!! That requires FAITH. Now I see why Jesus asks the question:<br />
<br />
When the Son of man comes will he find faith on the earth?<br />
<br />
Can you live like this? Can you live irresponsibly? I invite you to walk on the side of faith because after all:<br />
<br />
Whatever is NOT of faith is sin. Roman 14:23<br />
<br />
Jesus continues:<br />
<br />
Luke 12:32<br />
32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.<br />
<br />
The reason he says to you not to be afraid is because the life that he just described would cause you to fear because one would only have faith in a God that he could not see in order to live a life of promise. But now comes the hard part. How does one acquire a life that is rich toward God:<br />
<br />
Luke 12:33<br />
<br />
33 Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys.Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-85576641860404149722011-11-08T08:25:00.004-05:002011-11-12T06:58:58.117-05:00The Mystery of the Second DeathWhat is God's ultimate punishment? In the mind of God what was the highest form of punishment that he could devise against mankind for sin? Christians the world over imagine an eternity in the fires of hell to be God's highest form of punishment. This is blasphemy! God is not a sadist; he does not find pleasure in torture NOR does it satisfy him. What does God regard as the greatest punishment for sin? Consider:<br />
<br />
Genesis 2:17<br />
...but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely DIE.”<br />
<br />
Here we see God explaining to Adam the consequences for sin. The answer to the question of God's ultimate punishment is DEATH. It is confirmed by Paul:<br />
<br />
Romans 6:23<br />
For the wages of sin is DEATH...<br />
<br />
Romans 1:32<br />
...and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are WORTHY OF DEATH, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.<br />
<br />
Romans 6:20-21<br />
For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? FOR THE OUTCOME OF THOSE THINGS IS DEATH.<br />
<br />
So, we see that the highest form of punishment that God meets out to all mankind is death, or said another way the cessation of life. (My post titled 'You shall not surely die...' gives a clear understanding of the effects of death on the human being. In it I show that dead means dead). An understanding of how God punishes with death is essential for grasping the mystery of the 'second death' spoken of in the book of Revelation.<br />
<br />
<b>What happens after death?</b><br />
The scriptures say what happens after death:<br />
<br />
Hebrews 9:27<br />
...And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,<br />
<br />
Christians assume that judgment takes place immediately after you die, but what does the word of God say:<br />
<br />
Acts 17:31<br />
Because he hath appointed A DAY, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained...<br />
<br />
God tells us that he has appointed a day when he will judge the world. Judgment does not happen on the day you die but on the 'appointed day in which he will judge the world'. At the time of judgment what happens?<br />
<br />
John 5:28-29<br />
Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.<br />
<br />
Now, on the day that the wicked are resurrected we see that they are judged. Where does the judgement of God lead them?<br />
<br />
Revelation 20:14-15<br />
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if ANYONE'S NAME was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the LAKE OF FIRE.<br />
<br />
So where does the judgment of God lead them? TO DIE AGAIN of course; this is why it is called the SECOND DEATH.<br />
<br />
<b>What specifically is the lake of fire?</b><br />
The Lake of Fire is the wrath of God fueled by his anger (It is important that you read my post on 'The purpose of the Lake of Fire' to get a seamless understanding here) , consider:<br />
<br />
Romans 2:5<br />
...But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,<br />
<br />
Ephesians 5:6<br />
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.<br />
<br />
Colossians 3:5-6<br />
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things 'sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience<br />
<br />
These verses show that the wrath of God is for the sons of disobedience; the bible also classifies them as 'the wicked'. This wrath is experienced in connection with judgment.<br />
<br />
<b>The wrath of God has different effects on different types of people.</b><br />
This is a strange statement because most people think God an equal opportunity destroyer. But consider that the scriptures make a clear distinction regarding the wicked. All the wicked find their place in the Lake of Fire, but they experience it differently. For the purpose of this post let us offer a classification of the wicked:<br />
Wicked 1.0<br />
Wicked 2.0<br />
The wicked 1.0 is your run of the mill unsaved, unredeemed, unbeliever from all of antiquity up until the time of the beast. The Wicked 2.0 is all those who 'worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand'.<br />
<br />
<b>Why was it necessary to use the word 'alive'?</b><br />
<br />
Revelation 19:20<br />
And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown ALIVE into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.<br />
<br />
If all who experience this lake of fire are alive when they are cast into it then why is it necessary to distinguish that the beast and false prophet were cast in ALIVE?<br />
<br />
Revelation 20:10<br />
...and the Devil, who is leading them astray, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where [are] the beast and the false prophet, and they shall be tormented day and night -- to the ages of the ages.<br />
<br />
Where is it EVER written that ALL the people who are wicked are:<br />
1- alive in the fire and brimstone<br />
2- are tormented<br />
<br />
<b>The smoke of WHOSE torment ascended up for ages of ages?</b><br />
<br />
Revelation 20:14-15<br />
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.<br />
<br />
Revelation 21:8<br />
But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”<br />
<br />
What is the state of those who are thrown into the lake of fire? Are the alive or are they DEAD? Consider Jesus' words:<br />
<br />
John 15:6<br />
If anyone DOES NOT ABIDE in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and DRIES UP; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.<br />
<br />
This drying up is death. This branch is DEAD when it enters the fire to be burned.<br />
<br />
Matthew 3:10<br />
The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.<br />
<br />
Matthew 7:19<br />
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.<br />
<br />
What happens when you cut down a tree? It dies.<br />
<br />
Who is ALIVE when they are cast into the Lake of Fire?<br />
<br />
1- the beast<br />
2- the false prophet<br />
3- Satan<br />
4- those who take the mark of the beast and worship his image<br />
<br />
Revelation 14:9-11<br />
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascends up to ages of ages: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.<br />
<br />
The church upon reading this assumes that this is ALL the wicked. This is a VERY SPECIFIC GROUP OF PEOPLE! These people receive the WRATH OF GOD WITHOUT MIXTURE! THEY ARE ALIVE in the Lake of fire. Consider the use of the words 'without mixture'. This phrase denotes a CONCENTRATION of wrath. If wrath was only experienced in ONE FORM why would it be necessary to specify 'without mixture'?<br />
<br />
THE SECOND DEATH (lake of fire) KILLS THE WICKED 1.0. They enter it DEAD. They are DEAD as the power of God's judgement SALTS them with fire. These are then made alive in Christ since there impurities will be burnt away. Those in the four categories listed above will get the FULL MEASURE OF THE WRATH OF GOD WITHOUT MIXTURE.<br />
<br />
<b>What is the end result of all these things?</b><br />
<br />
Zephaniah 3:8-9<br />
“Therefore wait for Me,” declares the Lord, “For the day when I rise up as a witness. Indeed, My decision is to gather nations, To assemble kingdoms, To pour out on them My INDIGNATION, All My BURNING ANGER; For all the earth will be devoured By the FIRE of My zeal. “For THEN I will give to the peoples purified lips, That ALL OF THEM may call on the name of the Lord, To serve Him shoulder to shoulder.Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-3339219179155224592011-11-04T13:15:00.002-04:002011-11-12T06:19:52.156-05:00The Poison that is Pastoral MinistryHave you ever wondered how a function (notice I said function and NOT office--more on this later) that is listed in the New Testament all of TWO times has become the dominant face of Christian work? The pastor has become the centerpiece of the body of Christ, but is this even scriptural? Consider this:<br />
<br />
<i>A man says that he has heard from God and has received a calling to 'ministry'. He then gathers a people unto himself. He becomes the repository of God's word to the people. He speaks to God on behalf of the people and to the people on behalf of God. He baptizes you, performs marriages and funerals. He becomes an apostle, a prophet, an evangelist and a healer. He eventually becomes quintessential; the 'be all and end all'.</i><br />
<br />
One question. WHERE IS THE BIBLICAL PRECEDENCE FOR THIS? What if someone came to you and said that God has called them to a rocking ministry? You would be puzzled as you ask them just what is a rocking ministry? They tell you that a rocking ministry is where you walk up to an unbeliever and quietly rock back and forth, and the unbeliever would come to know Christ in this way. You would at least search the scriptures to see if there is any basis for a rocking ministry, wouldn't you? My point is that the scriptures are our point of reference for our lives, and should be the foundation of ALL our beliefs. That said there is no precedence for pastoral ministry as we have come to know it.<br />
<br />
<b>Functions not offices</b><br />
A function for our purposes is defined as a role distinguished by a particular activity. An office is defined as a position of authority. The difference between the two is that one is concerned with action and the other is concerned with position. <br />
<br />
God was particular in collectively comparing those born of God to a body. This is important to know; because the body though composed of different parts all the parts have FUNCTIONS. The clergy has taken on the role of OFFICES which is diametrically opposed to how a body works. Your liver functions WITHIN the body. This act of 'functioning within' is important in that it is DEPENDENT on OTHER functions to preform its function. This therefore creates INTERRELATIONSHIP and INTERDEPENDENCY within the body. The clergy acts as an OFFICE in that activities, people and works flow TO IT. The clergy/office system sets itself as the FOCAL POINT. The body has no focal point but ONE, and that is the head which is represented by Christ and not some pastor.<br />
<br />
<b>Temporary in function</b><br />
Consider this:<br />
<br />
Ephesians 4:11-16<br />
...And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, <br />
<br />
The apostles: these functioned to establish the oracles of God. They were the foundation of the church. The apostles were purposed at establishing the accepted doctrine of the church. They gave the word of God to us. Their purpose was temporary, because once a foundation is set it DOES NOT CHANGE.<br />
<br />
The prophet: his function is to provide the believer with a word of edification, exhortation and comfort. They were gifted by God to tell of the future. Their function is to, at the discretion of God, give us useful glimpses of the future to aid us in our lives. Their purpose is expressed intermittently and is by nature temporary.<br />
<br />
The evangelist: his function was to go about spreading the good news of the gospel of God. They were gifted as they were able to lead persons to Christ through their preaching. After the person has been born of God he no longer is in need of the evangelist. Therefore his purpose is also temporary in the life of the believer.<br />
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The pastor/teacher: his purpose was to teach the people of God so that they can take all that the prophet, apostles and evangelist have shown them. They were to teach the ELEMENTARY truths of God. This teaching is to bring the person to the POINT OF MATURITY where they no longer are in need of milk. Their purpose was TEMPORARY.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>By now you should have been...</b><br />
<br />
Hebrews 5:12<br />
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.<br />
<br />
The clergy system corrupts your development since it hinders and stops your maturity. A tree needs fertilizer while it is young, but as it matures the RESULT OF MATURITY is that it comes to a point where the tree is now able to absorb nutrients from the soil on its own. If cultivated correctly the tree now finds itself firmly anchored to the soil, and because of this deep relationship it is able to gain access to nutrients. This is important because it is no longer dependent on an external source (a farmer) for its continued growth but now is TOTALLY DEPENDENT ON THE SOIL. (Just as a side note, when the tree matures it switches the source of its dependency.) The clergy system ENSURES that you never arrive at this point, because you are always dependent on them to feed you. They have in effect usurped the relationship between God and his people.<br />
<br />
<b>The nature of solid food</b><br />
<br />
Hebrews 5:13-14<br />
For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.<br />
<br />
When someone is mature enough to eat solid food that person is no longer dependent on SOMEONE ELSE to feed them. Babies are always in need of assistance in the way of feeding, because they are not mature. But when you mature to being able to eat solid food it is around that time when you become able to find and prepare your food yourself.<br />
<br />
Milk comes from the breast of your mother. It has in it the necessary nutrients that helps your body to grow. It is suppose to bring your body to a point where YOU NO LONGER NEED IT. The mother in this case uses the milk to bring you to a point where YOU NO LONGER NEED HER, but where you become able to EAT SOLID FOOD. The thing though is that solid food DOES NOT COME OUT OF THE MOTHER'S BREAST. In this same way the function of the pastor can ONLY BRING YOU TO A POINT WHERE YOU ARE MATURE AND AT THAT POINT ONLY GOD CAN FEED YOU.<br />
<br />
<b>Remember the purpose</b><br />
It is easy to forget that the pastor/teacher had a VERY distinct purpose, and it is a SHARED purpose that was accomplished in conjunction with all the other functions. What is that purpose?:<br />
<br />
Ephesians 4:11-16<br />
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, <br />
<br />
Here we see that each of these functions were linked together, because TOGETHER they have ONE purpose and that is :<br />
<br />
...for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; UNTIL we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. <br />
<br />
Now what would be the RESULT of the accomplishment of this shared purpose:<br />
<br />
...As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;<br />
<br />
Do you see what was suppose to be the result of SUCCESSFUL functioning? Let me ask you, since the word of God says that this would be the result of the fulfillment of this shared purpose DO YOU SEE THIS ANYWHERE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST? The clergy system has produced NOTHING BUT children tossed here and there and easily tricked by schemes of men. But hold on there are more results:<br />
<br />
...but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.<br />
<br />
Love? You mean to tell me that LOVE was supposed to be a result? WHERE? In addition, we were to 'grow up in all aspects into him who is head, even Christ'. Well monkey foot ARE YOU SERIOUS! How can this be when EVERY so called ministry under the sun thinks itself GOD's true one and only. <br />
<br />
The point is that it is OBVIOUS that this clergy system FAILS us. It has NO basis in truth and is therefore ILLEGITIMATE. The functions described by Paul in Ephesians can find no place in our churches today. I have no doubt that God is restoring his established and sanctioned order and those whom he has called will see his light.Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-85843296134623243432011-11-03T12:31:00.001-04:002011-11-12T06:20:35.288-05:00The last nail in the coffin of FREE WILL.<b><br />
The REALITY: Man is a puppet<br />
The PROBLEM: He cannot see the strings<br />
The DELUSION: I am the master of my fate; the captain of my soul</b><br />
<br />
The doctrine of free will is THE MOST destructive doctrine held by the church today. The doctrine goes something like this:<br />
<br />
<i>When God made man he put in him the ability to freely choose. This free will is what allows man to come to God or to refuse him.</i><br />
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This doctrine and variations of it has permeated the church, and has become the lynchpin for a host of heresies that in and of themselves CANNOT stand without it.<br />
<br />
<b>Can a person choose?</b><br />
This is a valid question because if we are to lay to rest the teaching of free will this glaring reality must be addressed. The question 'can a person choose' is a good one, but it does not offer proof of free will. Yes, a person can choose; but the real question is 'Is a person FREE to choose'. As Christians we often see the world in black and white. To us there are those who are of God and those who are not. Let us examine the unbeliever.<br />
<br />
<b>Is the unbeliever free to choose?</b><br />
We see the unbeliever as a reprobate CHOOSING to live a life of sin and refusing God. What does the bible say of him:<br />
<br />
Psalms 51:5<br />
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.<br />
<br />
Psalms 58:3<br />
The wicked are estranged from the womb; These who speak lies go astray from birth.<br />
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Here we have the BIBLICAL description of EVERY human EVER born. We are born NOT with a clean slate, but rather we are all born with a propensity to sin. Notice that the scripture does not tell us that we come to CHOOSE sin but that we are BORN sinners. Now since we are born this way what does this birth produce:<br />
<br />
Ephesians 2:3<br />
Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.<br />
<br />
Paul tells us that unbelievers 'live in the lust of the flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind'. Why is this? It is because they are 'BY NATURE CHILDREN OF WRATH'. Do you see that? Let me pose a question 'Are these people operating by their own will?'. Let the word of God answer:<br />
<br />
2 Timothy 2:26<br />
...and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.<br />
<br />
Do you see the condition of EVERY man born into the world. They are ALL being HELD CAPTIVE BY THE DEVIL TO DO HIS WILL. They are not performing their OWN will as the doctrine of free will purports. The bible says that they are in the SNARE of the devil. The word snare means trap. If you are in a trap ARE YOU FREE? Not only are they in a trap but they are being held captive to perform the WILL OF THE DEVIL. Do you see any freedom here? Whose will are they performing, their own or the devil's?<br />
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As you continue to grasp at the brittle threads of free will you may say 'well, they can escape at any time the want'. Oh really? The following verses tell us how they got into the trap in the first place and why:<br />
<br />
Romans 11:32<br />
For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all.<br />
<br />
Galatians 3:22<br />
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.<br />
<br />
I have written before in the post 'Why do sinners sin' that the unbeliever can no more stop sinning than a blind man can avoid a ditch. God is the ONLY ONE who can set the sinner free from the captivity of Satan; NOT some FREE WILL. Consider:<br />
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2 Timothy 2:25<br />
...with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, IF PERHAPS GOD may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,<br />
<br />
<b>But surely the Christian has free will doesn't he?</b><br />
You may still want to cling to the heresy of free will by concluding that the Christian has free will since he is of God. NO HE DOES NOT. Consider this scripture:<br />
<br />
Philippians 2:13<br />
...for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.<br />
<br />
Solomon understood this:<br />
<br />
1 Kings 8:57-58<br />
May the Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers; may He not leave us or forsake us, that He may incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, which He commanded our fathers.<br />
<br />
It is God doing then inclining! The Christian has been led to believe that it is he that is choosing to obey God by his own free will. Consider:<br />
<br />
1 Peter 1:3<br />
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has CAUSED us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,<br />
<br />
<b>We are all slaves.</b><br />
The New Testament uses the Greek word 'Doulos'. This word is translated as 'slave' in english. This is an important description because it helps us to understand how man operates. The word translated as slave means 'ONE WHO HAS NO WILL OF HIS OWN AND IS UNDER COMPLETE CONTROL OF ANOTHER'. Since this is the case we can see how the doctrine of free will can finally be defeated by the following:<br />
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Romans 6:15-22<br />
What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey –whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? <br />
<br />
Remember that this 'offering' of ourselves to sin occurs at CONCEPTION. Let us continue:<br />
<br />
...But thanks be to God that, though you USED to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. <br />
<br />
Remember this obedience occurs BY GOD's WILL. Continue:<br />
<br />
...You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.<br />
<br />
The Christian now is a slave, that is WITHOUT HIS OWN WILL, to righteousness. Notice that the condition of slavery does NOT cease; we simply move from one master to another. He continues:<br />
<br />
...I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever- increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. <br />
<br />
Did you see that? Sinners are FREE FROM THE CONTROL OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Go on:<br />
<br />
...What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.<br />
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There it is, the one born of God is himself a SLAVE to God. No free will here. In fact Paul takes it further in telling us thatWE ARE OWNED:<br />
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1 Corinthians 6:20<br />
For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.<br />
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I pray that God will grant you understanding as you too come to see that indeed we are ALWAYS slaves.Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-32851707284719419352011-10-28T08:59:00.002-04:002011-11-12T06:21:22.039-05:00Do you really ACCEPT Jesus as Lord?The Christian's clarion call to the world is 'Accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior'. The word accept means: To take or receive with approval or favor, to agree or to consent to. You will come to see that the use of the word 'accept' has become the basis of misunderstanding of how salvation really works.<br />
<br />
Most Chrisitians have the following viewpoint of God: <br />
<br />
<i>God sent his son, Jesus, with a message that if the world would receive it they would be saved from destruction. All day long God has his arms stretched out longing for people to respond favorably to this message of life.</i><br />
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The greatest problem with this line of thought is that the responsibility is placed on the unbeliever, and all he need do is ACCEPT Jesus and he will be saved. This is nonsense, because the scriptures paint a very different picture of salvation. Consider:<br />
<br />
Acts 13:48<br />
When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many AS HAD BEEN APPOINTED to eternal life believed.<br />
<br />
The word 'accept' denotes a choice of the accepter. If you ask me to accept something that must mean that I have a choice in the matter. But is salvation a CHOICE?<br />
<br />
John 1:12-13<br />
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.<br />
<br />
John tells us here that those who come to God DO NOT do so by THEIR OWN will but by THE WILL OF GOD. In order to continue on to understanding you must come to see this verse as a GOVERNING principle when dealing with salvation. We are born of God NOT BY OUR WILL but BECAUSE of God's will. We see this again in Galatians:<br />
<br />
Galatians 1:4<br />
...who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the WILL OF OUR GOD and Father,<br />
<br />
Again, acceptance denotes the will of the accepter. But salvation is not based on our choice. Consider<br />
<br />
Ephesians 1:4-5<br />
...just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,<br />
<br />
Here we see God doing the choosing AND the predestination. The problem is that when most Christians read this they assume that God does this by his foreknowledge. This is ridiculous because we just read in John where it states that salvation is based on an act of the will of God. <br />
<br />
Ephesians 1:11<br />
...also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,<br />
<br />
Again this act of predestination was ACCORDING to his PURPOSE. Just as a side bar let me try and explain predestination. God wants to build a fence so he FIRST makes a hammer. When the time comes when the job requires the use of a hammer he selects that hammer. The hammer DOES NOT accept him. The hammer was MADE FOR THIS PURPOSE. Consider:<br />
<br />
2 Timothy 1:9<br />
...who did save us, and did call with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, that was given to us in Christ Jesus, before the times of the ages,<br />
<br />
Ephesians 2:10<br />
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.<br />
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What were the tools used to BRING us to God? Grace and faith, consider:<br />
<br />
Ephesians 2:8<br />
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;<br />
<br />
Acceptance? Not hardly! The grace was GOD's and the faith used was GOD's gift.<br />
<br />
Colossians 3:12<br />
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;<br />
<br />
Again the choice was God's.<br />
<br />
Listen to Paul's description of his salvation:<br />
<br />
Galatians 1:15-16<br />
But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles...<br />
<br />
Look at this; God set him apart, God called him through his grace, WHEN IT PLEASED GOD he revealed his son in him. Wow this is amazing. NONE of these things that established the salvation of Paul had ANYTHING to do with him but EVERYTHING to do with God.<br />
<br />
1 Thessalonians 1:4<br />
...knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you;<br />
<br />
God's choice and NOT your acceptance.<br />
<br />
2 Thessalonians 2:13<br />
But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.<br />
<br />
This verse again shows that our salvation is BASED NOT ON the foreknowledge of God but the CHOICE OF GOD. So we must conclude that salvation is NOT based on our ACCEPTANCE but on GOD's choice.<br />
<br />
What about whosoever believeth?<br />
Let us look at the most famous verse of the entire bible:<br />
<br />
John 3:16<br />
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.<br />
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Ahhhhhh you say does not this verse denote us choosing and accepting God. Nahhhhhhh it doesn't. There are several 'whosoever believeth' verses throughout the New Testament but does that tell us HOW we are saved or does it allow us to IDENTIFY who is being saved? When we see the phrase 'whoever believes' this is an identification, because we see that belief comes about by faith and we saw earlier that the FAITH THROUGH WHICH WE BELEIEVE IS OF GOD. This therefore is a way of DETERMINING who is born of God. It is like having a bunch of fruit trees in your yard and not knowing which of them is a Mango tree. So I come to you and say 'the tree that produces a mango fruit is a mango tree'. In the same way whosoever believes IS born of God<br />
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<b>So do we ACCEPT God into our lives? No, but he CHOOSES us into his. The fallacy that we 'accept Jesus' bears exposing because Christians the world over harbor the SILLY notion that unbelievers RESIST God. We are born of God BY HIS WILL and NO ONE can resist his will.</b>Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-48347510730453295622011-10-18T15:43:00.003-04:002011-11-12T06:31:06.403-05:00Why do CHRISTIANS sin?How is it that Christians continue to sin? Aren't we suppose to be different from those in the world who can't help themselves? Is it even possible to stop sinning? God understands doesn't he? After all I am only human, a sinner saved by grace, right?These questions are all applicable to the body of Christ. I have, as I am sure you have, wrestled with the reality of sin. This post will address these issues and shed light on the road to our maturity.<br />
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What do you understand by the terms 'Saved', and 'Born of God'? Most Christians would not see ANY difference between the two, and in fact they would have no problem with using these terms interchangeably. They would be wrong, because these two concepts are completely different.<br />
<br />
Are you saved?<br />
Christians use this opening line when 'witnessing' their faith to an unbeliever. It too represents a way of gauging the individuals current spiritual state. But does it really? The word 'saved' is listed over 50 times in the King James Version of the New Testament. The problem is that to our understanding the word 'saved' is an event. This simple misconception of the term has led us to believe that a person can be 'saved' in an instant. But is this true? Consider Jesus' use of this term:<br />
<br />
Matthew 10:22<br />
You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.<br />
<br />
Matthew 24:13<br />
But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.<br />
<br />
These two instances where Jesus uses the word 'saved' denote a PROCESS and not an event. This is confirmed by the Apostles' use of the word. Consider:<br />
<br />
Luke 13:23<br />
And someone said to Him, “Lord, are there just a few who are BEING saved?”<br />
<br />
Acts 2:47b<br />
...and the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 1:18<br />
For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.<br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 2:15<br />
For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;<br />
<br />
It is clear that the word used here represents a process. But a process of what? The word translated 'saved' in these instances means to 'make whole, to heal and to make well'. This helps our understanding, because it causes us to to see that 'being saved' is the process whereby God makes us whole by healing us and making us well. So to the question 'Are you saved' the more accurate answer from a Christian is 'No, but I am BEING saved'.<br />
<br />
So what does it mean to be Born of God?<br />
This is where we have an instantaneous event. Consider:<br />
<br />
John 1:12-13<br />
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who WERE born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.<br />
<br />
1 Peter 1:23<br />
...for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.<br />
<br />
1 John 3:9<br />
No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.<br />
<br />
1 John 5:1<br />
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him.<br />
<br />
1 John 5:4<br />
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world —our faith.<br />
<br />
It is clear from the use of the words 'were born', 'have been born' and 'is born' that to be 'Born of God' happens immediately. The correlation that exist between 'born of God' and 'being saved' is that ONE INITIATES THE PROCESS OF THE OTHER. When one is born of God you automatically begin the process of being saved.<br />
<br />
Consider Babies.<br />
God used the analogy of birth because it aids us in our understanding of this process. Being born of God is not unlike being born a natural baby. What separates a baby from an adult? You may answer, time of course. Not really, what separates a baby from adulthood is IGNORANCE. Adults can talk but babies cannot because of ignorance. Adults can understand but babies cannot because of ignorance. Adults can walk but babies cannot because of ignorance. Does a baby have a tongue, yes they do but they are ignorant of speech. Do they have feet, yes they do but their leg muscles are ignorant of how to get them to move properly. Growth in the life of a baby is in effect the SHEDDING OF IGNORANCE. Consider:<br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 2:11<br />
...so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.<br />
<br />
1 Timothy 1:13<br />
...even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;<br />
<br />
1 Peter 1:14<br />
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,<br />
<br />
As a baby struggles with ignorance to mature we too as Christians born of God must overcome ignorance (which is the process of being saved ). Like the baby you too have all the capacity to overcome ignorance by the very fact that you were born. But where is this ignorance? Consider:<br />
<br />
James 1:14<br />
14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.<br />
<br />
This 'each one' is not just talking about sinners but EACH ONE. This is the condition of every man. Being born of God DOES NOT remove the lusts from your heart, but rather it is the 'being saved' process that does this. Therefore EACH human, Christian or not, has resident in them lusts. These lusts are different form individual to individual and their combinations are as varied as humans are. One may have lusts toward peadophilia, and murder. Another may have lust to fornication and hateful speech. Regardless of the orientation what is common is that all have these lusts. What makes the person born of God unique is this; they have the capacity through the initiation of the 'being saved' process to overcome these lusts. So why do Christians sin?<br />
<br />
James 1:14-15<br />
But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.<br />
<br />
Here is the process of the development of sin. From this we learn that Christians sin because of their connection with their OWN lusts. The work of God in our lives during the BEING SAVED process is to sever the ties between 'us and the lusts'. This is where Satan is so important. Since God does not tempt anyone to sin he sends Satan to do this. As we renew our minds through the word of God this powerful link between 'us and the lusts' becomes weaker and weaker. <br />
<br />
Most Christians see sin as an ever present reality and they do not believe that they are even able to overcome it. But what does God tell us:<br />
<br />
Romans 6:11-12<br />
Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,<br />
<br />
Paul says consider yourself dead to sin. This is important because the 'being saved' process is suppose to bring about the first death to the Christian. For us the first death we experience is death to sin, and it simply means that we NO LONGER RESPOND TO THE IMPULSES OF SIN. <br />
<br />
Many Christians mark the beginning of their experience with some prayer they repeated way back when. This is flawed. How de we KNOW that we have been born of God and have begun the being saved process?<br />
<br />
1 John 2:3-6<br />
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.<br />
<br />
1 John 3:9<br />
No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.<br />
<br />
These two passages declare to us how we can KNOW that we have entered the process of sanctification:<br />
Do you keep the WORDS of Jesus?<br />
Do you walk in WAYS of Jesus?<br />
Do you continue in or practice sin?<br />
<br />
These three questions are the acid test of our faith. Overcoming sin is no pie in the sky state but a REQUIREMENT from God, because it is at this point that we become HOLY UNTO THE LORD. In fact the being saved process has an end result and that is holiness, and holiness is essential because:<br />
<br />
Hebrews 12:14<br />
...without holiness no one will see the Lord.<br />
<br />
This is why we are told to PERFECT holiness:<br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 7:1<br />
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.<br />
<br />
The end result of the entire process of being born of God to being saved to holiness is this:<br />
<br />
Ephesians 4:13b<br />
... to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.<br />
<br />
Therefore I encourage you:<br />
<br />
Colossians 1:10<br />
...so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;<br />
<br />
ARE YOU MEASURING UP?Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-19009979327638549022011-10-17T10:06:00.001-04:002011-11-12T06:47:27.910-05:00Knowing GodI have debunked the biblical use of the word 'eternal' in my post 'The Myth of Eternal'. There I proved that the use of this word in most English versions DISTORTS the truth of the scriptures. In fact using the word 'eternal' has robbed us of the truth, in that, it has led us to a critical misunderstanding of a fundamental concept throughout the bible. If I were to ask MOST Christians the question 'What is eternal life' they may answer, 'living with Jesus in complete bliss forever in heaven'. The reason why they would answer this way is because of the word 'eternal'. By the way that answer, or ANY variation of it, is COMPLETELY wrong.<br />
<br />
I proved that the word 'eternal' in the Greek scriptures is translated from the word AION which DOES NOT MEAN eternal but an indefinite period of time that has a beginning and an end. Since this is so we can see that the scriptures hold no promise of eternal life but 'AGE-ABIDING life. What does this have to do with the original question? Everything, because 'ETERNAL' life has NOTHING to do with time! So what would be the correct answer to the question 'What is eternal life'. Consider:<br />
<br />
John 17:3<br />
3 This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.<br />
<br />
Jesus gives us the answer. 'ETERNAL' life is not about living forever but about knowing GOD. It is because of the error of 'eternal' that we have lost out on the most overarching promise of Jesus. The word eternal here is the word AION; so it actually renders this verse:<br />
<br />
John 17:3<br />
3 and this is the life age- during, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and him whom Thou didst send -- Jesus Christ;<br />
<br />
Now this is where we have something beautiful. We have Jesus DEFINING a concept that is used by him and the apostles throughout the New Testament. What's is the definition of 'ETERNAL' (Age-Long) life?<br />
<br />
<b>Eternal life is the process whereby one comes to know the TRUE God and Jesus Christ.</b><br />
<br />
I ask you, does Jesus' definition of this life have ANYTHING to do with time?<br />
<br />
Now that we have a true definition of the conept of the life that Jesus was describing throughout his ministry we can now get a better understanding of the scriptures. Whenever we see in a typical bible translation the words 'Eternal Life' we can substitute it for phrase 'knowing the true God and his son Jesus'. Let us see:<br />
<br />
John 3:16<br />
16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have 'KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUE GOD AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST'.<br />
<br />
Mark 10:30<br />
30 but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, 'KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUE GOD AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST'.<br />
<br />
Acts 13:48<br />
48 When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to 'COMING INTO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUE GOD AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST' believed.<br />
<br />
Romans 6:22-23<br />
22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUE GOD AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is KNOWING THE TRUE GOD AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST in Christ Jesus our Lord.<br />
<br />
To some this may be a disappointment because it has nothing to do with getting wings and eating heavenly grapes. What I am saying sounds a whole lot like school! You mean to tell me that I am going through all this trouble on earth to die and go back to school! Give me back my grapes.<br />
<br />
When you understand the concept of the life that Jesus promised us you come to realize that this knowledge actually does something to you. Consider:<br />
<br />
2 Peter 1:2-4<br />
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.<br />
<br />
From these verses we see that through this knowledge of God we will:<br />
Have grace and peace multiplied to us<br />
Have everything pertaining to life and godliness<br />
Have precious and magnificent promises<br />
Be partakers in the divine nature<br />
<br />
The process of knowing God begins right now in this age, but it is not fulfilled in this age, consider:<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 13:12<br />
12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.<br />
<br />
When we enter the next age it is then that we would be able to come into the full knowledge of God.<br />
<br />
So what will this knowledge of God create in us?<br />
<br />
...seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature<br />
<br />
This true knowledge cause us to be able to share in, become a partner with, the divine nature.<br />
<br />
1 John 3:2<br />
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.<br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 3:18<br />
18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.<br />
<br />
We will come to know fully his Love, wisdom, power, goodness, faithfulness.<br />
<br />
Another aspect often overlooked in knowing God is that sin was an essential element in our coming to know him in his fulness. Adam's sin was ESSENTIAL in that it brought man to a state where he could some day completely know God. Sin, essential? Yes, because without sin how could we EVER have come to know the MERCY of God. What is mercy? Consider:<br />
<br />
Psalms 103:10<br />
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.<br />
<br />
That is mercy. Mercy is such an important part of God's character that he would go to extreme measures JUST TO SHOW IT. Consider:<br />
<br />
Romans 11:32<br />
32 For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. <br />
<br />
The shutting up of all in disobedience was an action INITIATED BY GOD for the SOLE purpose of DISPLAYING HIS MERCY. Mercy was not a side product of the fall but an intricate part of the nature of God. Thank God for a disobedient Adam.<br />
<br />
The whole purpose for our existence is for God to bring sons into the knowledge of their Father and their elder brother. The human race is on a remarkable journey indeed. We are coming to a place where we will finally Know God, and THIS IS LIFE.Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-3407810233834659582011-10-13T13:10:00.003-04:002011-11-12T06:57:47.464-05:00The purpose of the Lake of FireThe Lake of Fire is mentioned only in the book of Revelation. Ask any Christian and their imaginations will come alive with ideas about the Lake of Fire. But what exactly is this Lake of Fire or more importantly what is it's purpose? Consider:<br />
<br />
Revelation 19:20<br />
20 And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone.<br />
<br />
Okay, we see here that the Beast and false prophet are cast into this lake of fire. What else do we know:<br />
<br />
Revelation 20:10<br />
10 and the Devil, who is leading them astray, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where [are] the beast and the false prophet, and they shall be tormented day and night -- to the ages of the ages.<br />
<br />
Here we see that the devil will be thrown into this lake of fire. What else:<br />
<br />
Revelation 21:8<br />
8 But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”<br />
<br />
Revelation 20:15<br />
15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.<br />
<br />
From these two verses we can see that ANYONE (HUMANS) not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. What else:<br />
<br />
Revelation 20:14<br />
14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.<br />
<br />
There you have it; ALL the verses that mention the Lake of Fire. I left Revelation 20:14 until last because it gives us a link to understanding what this lake of fire is and its purpose. John saw where DEATH was cast into the lake of fire. This is important to know because another writer talks about death as well. Consider:<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 15:25-26<br />
25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death.<br />
<br />
Paul tells us that Christ must reign until God has put ALL his enemies under his feet. Paul then goes on to say that the LAST enemy will be death. Paul makes sure to say the 'LAST' enemy because there are other enemies that will be abolished. Who are the other enemies? John lists them in Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 21:8 and 21:15 (see above). Altogether the enemies of God are those who REMAIN disobedient in this age. These enemies of God are all to be abolished as Paul says. So how does God abolish death? John tells us how; God abolishes death by casting it into the Lake of Fire. Now here is where the purpose of Lake of Fire is revealed.<br />
<br />
John says that Death along with the enemies of God will be cast into the Lake of Fire, Paul says that death and the enemies of God will be abolished. But what does abolish mean?<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 15:25-27<br />
25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death. 27 For HE has put all things in SUBJECTION under His feet.<br />
<br />
Paul tells us that the enemies of God will be abolished BY being SUBJECTED under the feet of Christ. Okay, let's look at this:<br />
<br />
John says ALL the enemies of God will be cast into the Lake of Fire.<br />
<br />
Paul says ALL the enemies of God will be put in subjection under Christ's feet.<br />
<br />
Therefore, we MUST conclude that the 'Lake of Fire' and 'Subjection under the feet of Christ' has to be the SAME thing. So how do we find out what is the purpose of the Lake of Fire? We discover its purpose when we understand the meaning of the word 'SUBJECT'. The word subject in this passage is the Greek word 'hupotasso', and this word means, 'TO BRING UNDER CONTROL AND TO MAKE OBEDIENT'. Now we can see the purpose of the lake of fire:<br />
<br />
The Lake of Fire is a process used by God to bring ALL His enemies under control thus MAKING them obedient to Christ.<br />
<br />
It is AT this point when ALL the enemies of God, that is, everyone not written into the book of life because of DISOBEDIENCE will be MADE OBEDIENT. <br />
<br />
Those chosen by God are made obedient NOW, but later ALL will be made obedient. (See post 'Everyone will be salted by Fire')Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-68921614593912700162011-10-06T09:00:00.004-04:002011-11-12T06:33:07.174-05:00You shall not surely die...The title statement is the first recorded lie in the bible, and indeed in all of creation. It was uttered by a serpent in the garden and it was directed towards Eve. Not only was this the first lie, but it remains the most ENDURING lie of all time. I say that it endures because this particular lie is the most pervasive lie today. What makes it even more heinous is that this lie now parades itself as a THEOLOGICAL TRUTH.<br />
<br />
Well we know what happened, Eve and Adam ate the fruit and just as true as God spoke it death entered the world. I think we can all agree that we have been dying ever since. But what exactly is death? Death was first mentioned by God as punishment for disobeying him. Death literally means the cessation of life or lifelessness. In essence life IS what death IS NOT.<br />
<br />
The prevailing Christian thought on death is that at the moment you die, that is your body dies, the 'real' you travels to some other place. If you have been righteous in life you are welcomed into heaven, and if you have been unrighteous in life then you will be cast into a bad bad place. But is it true? Let us look at some problems with this view:<br />
<br />
1- The Christian teaching on death assumes that when you die you continue to live. This is based on, depending on who you talk to, presumptions that your body is not you and the real you lives inside of your body. The big problem with this, IF IT WERE TRUE, is that that would mean upon birth in this life you would have IMMORTALITY. Immortality means being unable to die. Think about it, if you die but the real you continues to live then that means that YOU HAVE NEVER EXPEREICED DEATH. That would also mean that you are IMMORTAL. What would be the point of God's punishment for Adam's disobedience? What does the bible say about this?<br />
<br />
1 Timothy 6:16<br />
16 (GOD) who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.<br />
<br />
Paul tells us that God is the ONLY one who possesses immortality, no one else possesses it YET. In fact Paul tells us that we will, IN THE FUTURE, be GIVEN immortality.<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 15:51-54<br />
51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.<br />
<br />
It is NOWHERE written that this process takes place upon ones death. IN FACT PAUL CLEARLY SAYS THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AT THE LAST TRUMPET.<br />
<br />
2-Jesus NEVER taught this. In fact Jesus confirms that when you die you are in fact DEAD, not alive somewhere else but DEAD. Consider these words:<br />
<br />
John 14:3<br />
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.<br />
<br />
This one is a doozy! Jesus is comforting his disciples by telling them he is going to prepare a place for them. Now Christians teach that upon death we go to heaven to be with the Lord. How can this be when in the above verse he says:<br />
<br />
...I will come again, and receive you unto myself; THAT WHERE I AM, THERE YE MAY BE ALSO.<br />
<br />
Does anyone see the contradiction here? If when you die you go to be with Jesus in heaven how is it that he tells you that he 'will come again to RECEIVE you unto myself'. But they teach that you are already in heaven with Jesus! Then he continues, 'that where I am THERE YE may be also'. Wow! This being with Jesus DOES NOT EVEN HAPPEN UNTIL AFTER HE RETURNS! <br />
<br />
Jesus even goes further when he says the following:<br />
<br />
John 5:28-29<br />
28 Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.<br />
<br />
Do you see this? Let's ask Jesus some questions:<br />
Christian teacher: Mr. Jesus, Sir, where are dead christians right now? In heaven right?<br />
Jesus: No they are in their graves<br />
Christian teacher: but we teach that when you return christians who have died will come back with you because they are already in heaven with you.<br />
Jesus: No, upon my return the dead will hear my voice FROM WITHIN THEIR TOMBS<br />
Christian teacher: errr.... Jesus we don't teach that.<br />
Jesus: well guess which one of us is right.<br />
<br />
3-The concept of resurrection is negated if we CONTINUE to live upon death. Just think about it. The word resurrect means to RESTORE TO LIFE. Why would we need to be resurrected of we are not dead. But beyond that consider how the bible uses the term:<br />
<br />
Luke 20:35-36<br />
35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.<br />
<br />
Do we REALLY read the bible? JESUS tells us here those who are resurrected FROM THE DEAD cannot die ANYMORE. Why would he say this if they were living with him in heaven? Why would he say that if they were NEVER REALLY DEAD? Additionally, Christians today believe that when you die we will be translated into our spiritual bodies, but Jesus says that we will only be EQUAL to the angels AFTER THE RESURRECTION. Paul tells us as much:<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 15:44<br />
44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. <br />
<br />
Why do we continue to teach error even in the presence of CLEAR truth?<br />
<br />
1 Thessalonians 4:16<br />
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.<br />
<br />
Who is it that will rise first? And what will they be raised to do? The very next verse tells us that they will 'MEET the Lord in the air, AND SO SHALL WE EVER BE WITH THE LORD'. THIS IS THE POINT WHEN THE DEAD WILL FIRST meet Jesus. If you think that's mind-blowing, guess what. PAUL IS STILL DEAD AND HE HASN'T MET THE LORD YET, neither has ANY OTHER Christian who has died.<br />
<br />
Where did this teaching come from?<br />
<br />
To those who believe the prevailing Christian thought on death, this teaching comes from the same verse you have been probably shouting at you computer since you started reading this post. The verse is:<br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 5:8<br />
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.<br />
<br />
Ahhh, you say, doesn't this verse tell us that if we are absent from the body we will be present with the Lord. Let us examine this. To what does Jesus and Paul liken death?<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 15:51<br />
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep...<br />
<br />
John 11:11<br />
11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 11:30<br />
30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.<br />
<br />
I believe that the comparison of death to sleep was divinely inspired by God to convey to us an understanding of death. Most people when they go to sleep at night they wake at morning. If you are a sound sleeper like most you can go to sleep at 10 pm and awake at 6am. Here is the marvel of sleep, 8 HOURS WOULD HAVE PASSED AND YOU WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AWARE OF ANY OF THEM. Your last memory would be of you falling asleep and then presto you are awake. This is EXACTLY how death is. For the believer they die (fall asleep) and their NEXT conscious thought is hearing the voice of Jesus FROM THEIR TOMBS. They would NOT BE AWARE OF ONE SECOND of any length of time that might have passed. So Paul is correct in his assertion that ABSENT FROM THE BODY he will be PRESENT WITH THE LORD. After all we have these witnesses:<br />
<br />
Ecclesiastes 9:5<br />
5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing...<br />
<br />
And<br />
<br />
Psalms 6:5<br />
5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee:<br />
<br />
The summation of the matter is that when you die you are DEAD. You are not somewhere else with wings or looking down from some great cloud. You are DEAD. Death makes you dead.Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-50848972041230378352011-10-03T16:07:00.001-04:002011-11-12T06:48:05.250-05:00The myth of Eternal.Eternal is defined as 'having no beginning and no end; lasting forever; always existing'.<br />
<br />
Our understanding of the word eternal is paramount in our understanding of God. The word eternal occurs 45 times in the New Testament of the King James version of the bible. The word is used to reference many things that are considered important, we have:<br />
<br />
Eternal life<br />
Eternal punishment<br />
Eternal damnation<br />
Eternal power<br />
Eternal weight of glory<br />
Eternal unseen<br />
Eternal building in the heavens<br />
Eternal purpose<br />
Eternal king<br />
Eternal glory<br />
Eternal salvation<br />
Eternal judgment <br />
Eternal redemption <br />
Eternal spirit<br />
Eternal inheritance<br />
Eternal fire<br />
<br />
At issue is NOT the word eternal, because this word identifies a concept that serves an essential purpose in understanding in the English language. What is at issue is it's use by the translators of the bible. Contrary to popular belief the bible was not written in English. EVERY version of the bible we have today is a TRANSLATION. This is important to know, because in studying the bible one must realize that in order to have the BEST understanding we must get as close to the ORIGINAL source language as possible. The importance of this is most profound in our reading of the KING JAMES version because this version is A TRANSLATION OF A TRANSLATION OF THE ORIGINAL TEXT. That said let us examine the issue at hand.<br />
<br />
If something is ETERNAL it CANNOT have a beginning. Revisiting the definition of the word eternal as 'having no beginning and no ending' some things become immediately apparent. By nature of the concept of eternal anything that is eternal MUST HAVE ALWAYS BEEN. So something CANNOT be eternal if it had not ALREADY been occurring for ALL eternity. Therefore, an eternal state CANNOT be entered. One must have ALWAYS been, in order for one to inhabit the ETERNAL. Eternity, and it's alter ego forever, can ONLY be attributed to God. By it's very nature the concept of eternal in its application to anything created, is FLAWED.<br />
<br />
Let us look at the word eternal in the scriptures and let us ask the hard question. Does its usage make sense?<br />
<br />
2 Corinthians 5:1<br />
For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.<br />
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This verse can be connected to the statement of Jesus:<br />
John 14:2<br />
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.<br />
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By the definition of 'eternal' Paul's statement here makes no sense. If this building from God is 'eternal in the heavens' then how could Jesus have said I go to prepare a place. By the very definition of eternal IT MUST HAVE ALWAYS BEEN. So Paul is telling us that there is a building for us THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN, yet Jesus tells us that he is GOING to prepare a place. How can he GO AND PREPARE something that ALWAYS WAS?<br />
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Ephesians 3:11<br />
11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,<br />
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Now what was this eternal purpose? The answer is in the preceding verse:<br />
<br />
Ephesians 3:10<br />
10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.<br />
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Now since this is the stated 'eternal' purpose does it make sense using the definition of the word eternal? There will come a time when the manifold wisdom of God will be known by everybody. Once it becomes known to everyone will this purpose continue OR will it be accomplished?<br />
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Let us consider Jesus' use of the word eternal. Consider the most famous of all:<br />
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John 3:16<br />
16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.<br />
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Christians today see this as the greatest of all promises. Jesus is telling us that if we believe in him we will have eternal life. But I ask you, DOES THIS MAKE SENSE? How can we be given a life that NEVER BEGINS AND NEVER ENDS. Think about this, one cannot be GIVEN eternal life. Eternal means no beginning and no ending; this makes no sense, because at some point your 'eternal' life will BEGIN. If this word was correct then that would mean that YOU ALWAYS WERE, and that would ALSO mean that you can carry the grandiose title,<br />
<br />
'he who was, and is and is to come'.<br />
<br />
Let us look at this verse again using the definition of eternal:<br />
...that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have a life that has NEVER begun and will never end.<br />
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HOW CAN THIS BE SINCE THERE WAS A TIME WHEN YOU WERE NOT!!!!<br />
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Here again, consider a question asked of Jesus:<br />
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Matthew 19:16<br />
16 And someone came to Him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?<br />
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The rich ruler asked the question because he KNEW that this life that he was seeking was something that he did not yet have. If he already had it he would not ask how to obtain it. Understanding that he asks how to obtain it mean that it was something that could be acquired, but eternal life has no beginning. Again we see the word 'eternal' making no sense. In using the word eternal this is what he asked Jesus:<br />
Teacher what good thing must I do to obtain a life that never began and never ends. If he did not already have this life then upon acquiring the life THAT IS WHEN IT WILL BEGIN.<br />
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Let us examine Jesus' use of the word in regards to judgment:<br />
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Matthew 25:46<br />
46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.<br />
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Can you see the immediate problems with this verse? Here Jesus is telling the goats of his parable that they will suffer ETERNAL PUNISHMENT. How can this be? Eternal means having no beginning and no ending, so how can they be promised a punishment to which they ARE NOT YET EXPERIENCING. For this interpretation to be correct there would have to have NEVER been a time when they were NOT suffering punishment.<br />
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Something is terribly wrong with the use of the word eternal in these bible translations. So what is the problem? Remember I said that the King James is a translation of a translation? In each of these cases where eternal is used, and many more besides, the word is translated from the Greek word AIONIOS or AION to the LATIN word AETERNUM to the ENGLISH word ETERNAL. Here is the trouble. The translators translated AION (the noun) and AIONIOS (the adjective) as the English word ETERNAL. This was INCORRECT since we can see that the use of the word DOES NOT make any sense in the contexts that it is used. An AION is defined as AN INDEFINITE FIXED PERIOD OF TIME. While time in the period is indefinite it DOES NOT MEAN having no beginning and no ending. Therefore, we can easily conclude that AION cannot be interchangeable with eternal because a word cannot simultaneously be 'a fixed period of time' AND AT THE SAME TIME MEAN 'having no beginning and no ending'. Consider these sentences:<br />
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How long has Bob been hitting John with that stick? For an age.<br />
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How long has Bob been hitting John with that stick? Eternally.<br />
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Do these sentences mean the same thing? In one sentence Bob at SOME point BEGAN to hit John with the stick. In the other sentence THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A TIME WHEN BOB WAS NOT HITTING JOHN WITH THE STICK. This simple example proves that AION (age) cannot be interchangeable with ETERNAL.<br />
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Let us look at a verse with the new understanding of the TRUE word AION:<br />
<br />
...that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have a life AIONION (AGE ABIDING, AGE LASTING)<br />
<br />
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But you say isn't God eternal?<br />
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Yes he is and Paul uses ANOTHER word to describe him:<br />
<br />
Romans 1:20<br />
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.<br />
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Now this is very interesting, Paul describes God by saying he has ETERNAL power and divine nature. On it's surface one can make the case that since it is used in connection with God it cannot mean that God has power only for an age (AION). This is where the translators were inconsistent, because the word translated 'eternal' in this verse is the word AIDIOS and it DOES MEAN ETERNAL in the english sense and is ONLY used in the bible TWICE and both times it is used in connection with God and his power.<br />
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It is therefore clear that the translation of the word AION to ETERNAL is erroneous since it makes no sense to our proper understanding of the word of God. The summation of all of this is that and ETERNAL life can NEVER begin.Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-78140232855083585792011-09-26T08:59:00.002-04:002011-11-12T06:49:16.509-05:00God hides in the distortions.The distortion is necessary; only those given to concentration can drown out the noise. God has caused all the distortions that exist in the world to arise to make himself all the more difficult to find. Distortions arise in many forms; different religions, differing points of views within religions, ignorance, heresies, hate, starvation, evil, darkness, the theory of evolution, varying bible interpretations, hell--all these distortions are intended to hide the one true God. This is not the work of satan, he is a tool. Consider these verses: Matthew 13:44 44 The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God i.e. The gospel he came to preached is like treasure HIDDEN in a field. This is important for us to grasp, because he did not say that it was treasure lying out in the open for then it would be obvious to all. No, he tells us that the kingdom of God is HIDDEN. Matthew 7:14 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. We see similar sentiments being expressed here by Jesus where he again describes the way to righteousness as being difficult to find. Matthew 11:25-26 25 At that time Jesus said, I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. 26 Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. This preceding verse is astounding because it tells us that God hides life-changing information from certain people, and reveals it to other people. If that weren't enough Jesus then declares that this action is WELL PLEASING to God. Luke 19:42 42 saying, If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. Here we see that there is information that if Israel had it would have secured it's peace, but it was hidden from them. By whom was it hidden? We just saw that it is God doing the hiding. 1 Corinthians 2:7 7 but we speak Gods wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; Here again we see God hiding things. This time it is wisdom, but not only does he hide it he also PREDESTINED that it would only be found by some. Yes, God hides the truth of his word, he hides the kingdom, he hides wisdom, he hides essential information, he hides his true nature. In fact God further stacks the deck by doing the following: Romans 11:8 8 just as it is written, God gave them A spirit of stupor, Eyes to see not and ears to hear not, Down to this very day. But why does God do this, why would he hide himself amongst the distortions? This is necessary because without distortions his brightness and glory would be obvious to all. What he has done is made it difficult to find him so that ONLY those to whom it is given would be able to discern him when we search for him with all our hearts. It is the search that purifies us, and as we become purified we see him all the more clearer. In fact we begin to see him as he is, his true self--LOVE. To those who wonder about in hopelessness and darkness they will come to know him as MERCY. Matthew 13:16 16 But blessed are your eyes, because they see; and your ears, because they hear.Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-88320226196687677952011-09-11T12:17:00.002-04:002011-11-12T06:48:56.988-05:00God doesn't mark on the curve.Acts 17:31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead. The expression 'marking on the curve' is a phrase used in the education field. It is accurately defined on Wikipedia as: Grades are awarded based on performance relative to all other individuals rather than performance relative to an absolute standard. It is a common attitude in the church for Christians to observe the behavior of other Christians and justify their shortcomings because of the shortcomings of others they deem more spiritual. We may observe a noted pastor undergoing a divorce and we surmise that if he, being as close to God as I am SURE he is, is going through a divorce then I can't be faulted for divorcing my wife. We conclude that this christian thing is too hard. What happens is we begin to act based on the conduct of others and not as the word of God instructs. This attitude leads us to live our lives based on the behaviors of others. BUT THEY ARE NOT OUR STANDARD! Consider the above verse. God says that he will judge us BY Jesus Christ. Upon a fundamental examination of the verse that is a horrifying notion. God is literally telling you that he will judge you BY Jesus, this means that Jesus is the standard for us ALL. How does God determine if we are fit? What he will NOT do is say 'well I know it was a bit much to ask for you guys to give up sinning'. No, but what he will do is look at Jesus and then he will look at us. My question to you is will you measure up? We usually harbor the notion that Jesus was this perfect being that we TRY to obey. But what does God say to us: 1 John 2:6 ... the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. This is indeed a tall order. God expects us to walk, live in obedience to holiness, JUST LIKE JESUS! This is the death knell to our corrupted consciences because we think such a task UNATTAINABLE while we live on this earth. This verse is telling us that WE CANNOT CLAIM TO ABIDE IN HIM UNLESS WE WALK IN THE SAME MANNER THAT HE WALKED. Oh but it gets better: Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Now lest you get bogged down in debate over what this word 'perfect' means let us examine this verse from a different aspect. The main idea behind this verse is not the word perfect, but rather it is the words 'as your Father'. Whatever perfect means it is not as important as understanding that we must be JUST LIKE OUR FATHER. Jesus therefore is expecting that those who name the name of Christ would be JUST like their Father. We therefore cannot look to men as a standard, our standard is GOD. Take this test: Do you love your enemies? Do you bless those who curse you? Do you give to the poor? Do you put the needs of others BEFORE your own needs? Do you deny yourself and take up your cross and follow him? Do you receive the kingdom of God as a little child? Are you great? If so did you become so by being the servant of all? Do you forgive? Do you pray FOR those who abuse you? Do you turn the other cheek? Do you lend HOPING for nothing in return? Do you consider yourself a member of the family of God? Consider this: Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, AND DO IT. God doesn't mark on the curve, and for those called by God we have the ACHIEVABLE task of being like Christ and walking in the manner he walked. Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759085108159648672.post-70406904949659567002011-08-13T10:45:00.001-04:002011-11-12T06:48:33.360-05:00Why do sinners sin?To Christians the world is divided into two groups of people; the righteous and the sinners. Christians see it as their duty to convert the world by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. We see a world full of sinners steeped in sin. But has anyone ever thought to ask the question, 'Why do sinners sin'. I know the story of the fall of Adam comes to mind but the word of God sheds some interesting light on the question of sin.<br />
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Why do sinners sin?<br />
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Romans 5:18a<br />
So then as through one transgression there resulted condemnation to all men, <br />
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Romans 5:19a<br />
For as through the one mans disobedience the many were MADE sinners,<br />
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Paul is literally telling you that you are a sinner because you were BORN THAT WAY. There was no point at which you CHOSE to be a sinner. SIN IS NOT A CHOICE FOR THE SINNER. Consider:<br />
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2 Corinthians 4:3-4<br />
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.<br />
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Here Paul tells us that the unbelievingly (this included EVERYONE at some point) are BLINDED by Satan. This is interesting because the sinner here is OBVIOUSLY a victim of his condition. Asking the sinner to stop sinning is therefore like demanding that a blind man see light. But let us see what else is stated:<br />
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2 Corinthians 3:14-16<br />
But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But TO THIS DAY whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.<br />
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Here Paul is describing the state of the Jews. He says that their hearts were hardened and it remains so to this day. What else does the word say about the condition of the sinner:<br />
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Ephesians 4:18<br />
... being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;<br />
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Alright we know that the heart of the sinner is hardened. What else:<br />
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Romans 8:7<br />
...because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,<br />
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Did you read that? Paul says that the sinner (remember that he is BORN this way) is NOT EVEN ABLE TO SUBJECT HIMSELF TO THE LAW OF GOD.<br />
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1 Corinthians 2:14<br />
But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.<br />
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God tells us that a natural man CANNOT understand the things of the spirit. We think that if they would just be attentive during an alter call then they would understand, but God says NO.<br />
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How did they get this way?<br />
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Remember a few verse back when we read about the Jews being veiled? Here we see WHY:<br />
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Romans 11:25<br />
For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in;<br />
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God here tells us that he hardened the hearts of the Jews for a particular reason. You ask, well doesn't the sinner harden his OWN heart and in this way he is the cause of his own condition? My answer to you is a question. If God locks you in a box can you some how get out?<br />
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Romans 11:32<br />
For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.<br />
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This word bound is the Greek word sugkleiō which means to 'enclose in a net'. Here we see that GOD imprisons the WHOLE of mankind to disobedience. See it here again:<br />
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Galatians 3:22<br />
But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.<br />
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We can therefore conclude from these things that a sinner can no more stop sinning than a blind man can avoid a ditch!<br />
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Can a sinner turn to God by his own power?<br />
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This is a pertinent question because since sinners are bound to sin can the sinner turn to God on his own? Consider:<br />
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2 Corinthians 4:6-7<br />
For God, who said, Light shall shine out of darkness, is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;<br />
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Hello, these verses tell us that it is GOD who turns the sinner and NOT the sinner himself, Here again:<br />
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Colossians 1:21-22<br />
And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—<br />
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Do you see the activity of the sinner ANYWHERE in the above verse? God is doing the reconciling and HE is the one presenting you holy and blameless and beyond reproach.<br />
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John 6:44<br />
No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.<br />
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Jesus is saying here that NO ONE, again, NO ONE can come to him(Jesus) UNLESS God draws him. Not the sinner's will but GOD's will.<br />
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John 6:45<br />
It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Everyone who has heard and learned FROM the Father, comes to Me.<br />
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Again we see that only those who has learned FROM the Father comes to Jesus. It is the Father's choice and NOT the sinner.<br />
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2 Timothy 2:25<br />
...with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,<br />
<br />
IF PERHAPS, wow!!!! Again it is God who turns the sinner and NOT the sinner himself. This is confirmed by:<br />
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Acts 16:14<br />
A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the LORD OPENED HER HEART TO RESPOND to the things spoken by Paul.<br />
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Who opened her heart? God. Do you believe this:<br />
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Acts 13:48<br />
When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been APPOINTED to eternal life believed.<br />
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Have you ever wondered why salvation is called a gift, it is because it is given BY God.<br />
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But why would God subject the sinner to sin?<br />
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Romans 9:18-23<br />
So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires. You will say to me then, Why does He still find fault? For who resists His will? On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, Why did you make me like this, will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,<br />
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GOD SUPPLIES HIS OWN EXPLANATION.Bertram Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12058652237097671744noreply@blogger.com0